The Big Sister turns 15!

WOW! I remember today, 15 years ago like it was yesterday. Taylor was our first born. We named her Taylor from the moment the stick turned pink. It was Taylor whether she was a boy or a girl. She was actually named after a Taylor guitar. A brand of guitar we could not afford at the time. Fortunately for Wayne I liked the name. It's fun to go back and remember all of her "firsts." She has come so far. From a wee little baby to a beautiful young lady. We could not be more proud of her. She is truly a blessing to each of our lives. She is full of compassion and love for the least of these. It was Taylor who began talking about adoption a few years ago. She would mention how she would love to adopt a little China baby and name her Tatum. She would even draw pictures of her. She was inspired by the ministry of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman of Shohannah's Hope. Little did she know we would answer the call to adopt ourselves. Only it would not be a little China girl but a handsome little boy with Down syndrome from Ukraine. She was thrilled with the thought of adopting a child but she really did have her heart set on a little sister. We began the process of adopting Marcus Labor Day weekend (Sept.08). She was so supportive the entire time. She worked hard to help bring her little brother home. We had an enormous garage sale that she worked tirelessly at and she told everyone we knew and others we didn't that we were rescuing a little boy who needed a Forever Family. Her excitement was and still is contagious. I will always remember her excitement when we were told there was a little girl 4 years old, with Ds, living in the same orphanage as Marcus who also need a home. Macey would become the little sister she always wanted. Therefore we named that little girl Macey Tatum. Tatum means, brings joy. Macey has truly brought us all a lot of joy. Macey and Taylor have a sweet sisterly bond. I think it's because she cherishes her and knows that God truly answered a life long prayer to bring her a little sister through adoption. Taylor continues to work tirelessly to help care for her little brothers and sister. It is a work of heart to her. I hardly ever have to ask her to help before she has already jumped in. I know it's because she feels she is giving to the Lord when she cares for her siblings. I do appreciate all of her help and even more so her unselfish attitude as we have had to all adjust to doubling the size of our family. I know how much she serves and I love to give back to her. We enjoy our time together getting a pedicure or shopping just the two of us. I thank God for Taylor and the beautiful young lady inside and out that she has become. Today, February 4th and all weekend long we celebrate the birth of our first born.