CREATED for CARE!!!!!!

Oh wow Oh wow!  Cannot wait for January!

I am super duper excited to be going to this year's Created for Care Retreat!  I signed up for last year's retreat... but got the call soon after that we had a baby!  :)  Great joy in bringing home my first child... but was a little sad that I had to sell my spot to the retreat.  So... this year... I am there!

I cannot wait to meet so many of my bloggin' friends and even those whom I've grown to know on a deeper, spiritual level!  God has been good and blessed me with an incredible group of women!  I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you!

Leave a comment if you'll be there!  Looking forward to a an amazing time with other adoptive mommas and mommas-to-be!

Until then... Brantley

Week in Review

Ahhh... is it really Friday???  I'm so excited for yet another weekend off to enjoy with my family!  We have lots planned for the weekend - but I won't bore you with the details.  I will share with you some pics from this week though!  Many more where these came from... but I have a little one ALL over the place that I must entertain!  :)  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Can you find me???

Also... for those of you who asked about larger sizes for the V4V t-shirts... we can get larger sizes!  In the shop we have listed sizes small, medium, large and x-large.  We can definitely get larger sizes if needed!  So, send us an email through the contact section of our website if you're in need of a larger size!

Until then... Brantley

Adoption Spotlight- The Braniff's!

Hi everyone!  I have been so eager to give back in the adoption community, especially after bringing home our sweet bundle of happiness!  :)

A month or so ago, Angela Braniff found me on facebook and we've been in touch since.  Recently, Richard and I have been praying of ways we can help out someone else who is adopting.  But not just anyone, someone we barely know.  You see, we're grateful for ALL who helped, but were especially moved by those who reached out so generously to help us when they didn't even know us.

So.... meet the Braniff's!

You can click HERE to read their story and why God is calling them to adopt their next child from Ethiopia!  

Also... our photography business has been blessed in more ways than one.  About 3 years ago, I made a commitment to use our business to glorify Him, and not just myself.  I vowed that I would use it in ways that might benefit others, and not just bring in lots of money for ourselves.

So... with the help of YOU, our talents and a whole lot of fun - we're offering 45 mini sessions for $125!  $75 from each session booked during the month of July will go straight to the Braniff's to support them in their journey and to help bring home their baby from Ethiopia!

If you're in the Columbia, South Carolina area and are interested... please join with us to help support them!  We want to be overwhelmed with sessions, so we can blow their socks off!

To learn more about our work... go to www.AllDressedUpPhotography.com

We're so excited to watch and see what God continues to do for this family!  Please join with us by praying for them and their journey, and pray that He will be glorified in everything!  

Until then... Brantley

A little History

The past few days I have been thinking about the beginning.  The beginning, meaning when we signed our initial paperwork and took that leap of faith.  I think many thought we were crazy, especially knowing we didn't have the funds to pay for an adoption.  I've spoken about this many many times on this blog.  But God tugged and He tugged hard.  I knew this was where He wanted us and I knew that He would work out all of the details.  Although the plan was still a little unclear, and I worried a LOT wandering how on earth we would raise almost $18,000... I tried my hardest to trust in His plan.

In the end... in just over 6 months... He provided ALL of our funds, leaving us to pay around $2,000 at the end.  God IS Good!  He is faithful and He does provide.  In the beginning, I remember praying so hard for God to use our story to touch others.  I prayed that He would be uplifted and glorified throughout our journey and even after placement.  I believe He was.  Unfortunately though, I feel as though I have fallen off the wagon since bringing Katherine Grace home.  I became less passionate, annoyed with emails, discouraged with my blog and truthfully... unmotivated!  This was not what I ever imagined.  

Thankfully.... God has sent some beautiful encouragement and reminders my way these past few weeks.  He has reminded me that He is far from finished with our story and continues to use it daily!  I received a phone call from a friend the other day.  She has spoken with me a few times already, but recently decided to move forward with their adoption journey!  I was in tears listening to her and hearing her fears, excitement and just her story.  It reminded me once again on why I created this blog.  In many ways it was my outlet and my way to express my emotions during our waiting, as well as document the many phases of our adoption journey.  But in the end it became so much more to me.  It became a place where I wore my heart on my sleeves, I shared real emotions... raw ones.  Ones that were hard to put into words.. but they were REAL and that was what I wanted so desperately to convey.  I wanted to share the ups and downs of this scary, yet so rewarding journey.  I wanted people to understand the reality of adoption and how God loves and cares of the orphans.

I am so passionate about orphans and even more about adoption.  I truly believe this was where God has led our family and praise Him for laying it so heavily on our hearts!  I thank Him for USING me... of all people, little ole, crazy emotional, ME!  I feel incredibly honored to be where I am.

So... with all of that being said... if you feel God tugging at your heart and you're scared in any way... please trust Him!  Allow Him to use you in ways you could never dream possible.  Allow Him to write your story for you and take you down the path He wants you to be on.  I promise... His is WAY BETTER THAN YOUR OWN!

Until then... Brantley

the Blog

Lately I have been thinking... a LOT!  You see, I haven't been slacking on the blog, instead I've been avoiding it.  I love this blog, and this blog has brought about a lot of encouragement for myself, but also to our readers.  Our adoption stirred some hearts and we received many emails from some readers who has pushed away at the thought of starting their own journey... but after reading ours... decided to follow the path God was pulling them down.  We've received countless emails of awesome praises and encouragement.  And THIS encourages me.  However, we've also received a lot of emails lately with discouraging words and inappropriate questions.  Although we're VERY open about our adoption, and especially our journey, there are quite a few things that we believe should be left to our daughter.  After all.... this is about her... this journey is hers, and her story is hers to have to tell when she is ready to.

I understand that the lack of knowledge and even the understanding of adoption is misconstrued.  Its sad, but so many think they understand adoption - but they don't.  My opinion and belief on the matter is that unless you've walked this same path - you don't understand.  My wish however, with this blog, has been to encourage and to educate those.  Unfortunately, I feel as though I'm failing.  

The emails we've received have asked a lot of personal questions.  Questions about her birthmother, personal situations within the adoption (which some we share, others are NOT relevant), as well as questions on race.  Although we're not ashamed about any of the above, we do NOT feel as though any of that is relevant.  We're very passionate, and hope to adopt again in the future.  Our hopes are also to continue spreading the word about God's love for the orphans, and our own personal calling.  We also want to continue to educate people on adoption.  Teach them what is hurtful to most, what is inappropriate, and what the process is like (at least for domestic adoption).  Right now though, I am taking a break from the emails.  I am not upset, because I knew going into this that questions who arise & rude comments would be made (and will continue to be made).  Now I am simply at a place where I am trying to figure things out and what direction I want to take the blog.

Sorry for the lack of updates... we will hopefully get caught up on some pics from this last month soon!  

Until then... Brantley

Adoption Spotlight: Baby A

Some sweet friends, Gray and Leigh are adopting and recently got their referral for a sweet 4 1/2 year old boy from Ethiopia!  We are BEYOND excited for them right now!!!  As exciting as this is... it is also extremely overwhelming because they still have quite a bit to raise before bringing this sweet boy home!  I remember the emotions we felt as we trusted on Him for provision.  But I also remember the feeling deep inside me wandering how on earth this would all come together.  But... His plan is so mighty and He provided in ways I can never explain!  So.... please please pray about helping this family bring their child home!  You can check out the link below to see SOME of what their offering to raise more funds.

Leigh's BLOG!

This is one of the wreaths I just bought (photo borrowed from Leigh's blog).  Now go SHOP!  :)

Again, we're super excited for them and continue to pray and they sit and wait on God's perfect timing!

Until then... Brantley

thankful for GOOD health and INSURANCE!

Yes, you read right... this momma is praising Him for provision.  Thankfully we both work and because of Richard's job... are blessed with some amazing insurance.  Today... we received this in the mail from Katherine Grace's hospital stay earlier this month.

That number reads $5,909.00 in case you can't see it clearly enough!  After paying our final balance to our agency less than a month ago... we're not quite able to pay such a bill.  So... we're VERY thankful insurance will be covering the majority of it.  :)

AND.... we're PRAISING our sweet sweet Jesus for a healthy baby girl!!!  Yes... she received a "good bill of health" yesterday at the pediatrician.  This is the first time in over 3 weeks!  We're sooo thankful for that!  What are you thankful for today???

Until then... Brantley

A {LOT} of Valentine's Day treats!

What an AWESOME day today already is!  Soooo much to share and soooo much exciting news on this beautiful Valentine's Day!!!

First things first... the blog has a NEW look that I am beyond excited about!  I worked away at changing it up and making it more cheerful and well, "us"!  Soo.... what do you think?

Secondly, I'm so excited about our sweet little treats for Valentine's Day this year!  We have so much to be thankful for, one being our sweet little Valentine, Katherine Grace!  Yeah, I know... cheesy (but sooo true)!  We wanted to do something fun for her 1st Valentine's Day and for our friends of course.  So... here is what we came up with!  By the way... my little lady is 6 Weeks Old today!  :)

Yummy!  Good ole tasty treats that everyone will L-O-V-E!  (I hope!)

Third.... a sweet friend that I have gotten to know in blog world is Lauren!  She is in VA, but a wonderful gal and beautiful passion for orphans!  Today... it is official and she has her baby boy in her arms (in Ethiopia)!!!  Here they are...

I couldn't be more thrilled for them as they enjoy this memorable day with their baby boy, Tucker!  Oh how I have prayed for this precious family for many months and finally see this sweet boys face and the great big smile of Lauren's!  How beautiful!  Congrats you guys!

And last, but not least!  My baby girl is 6 WEEKS OLD TODAY!!!!  Happy Valentine's Day to my little Valentine!  Oh how I love you more and more as each day passes!  :)  Here are her 6 week/Valentine  pic(s)!  Enjoy!

Can you tell someone is super excited its Valentine's Day?!!!

Loving her.  Now if only I can get her to take a little nap this morning so this momma can get some things accomplished!  haha

Until then... Happy Valentine's Day everyone.... Brantley

Playdates!

Miss Katherine Grace had a little playdate this afternoon.  Miss Ella came over to "play" for a few.  :)  Ella is just two days older than Katherine Grace.  

Our little lady is growing leaps and bounds!  She has long past grown out of her clothes (mainly because of length!).  Its crazy how long she is getting!  Poor thing... wearing her little high waters!  :(  Momma is going to have to fix that!  ;)  

Until then... Brantley

Our Indescribable Gotcha Day!!!

Finally, we have our "Gotcha Day Video" ready!  I am so happy with the end result, although discouraged at the same time.  Even though pictures are my thing since we're photographers, I have grown to love the video aspect as well.  We purchased a video flip just before we got "the call" and we're so excited to document the many stages (meeting her for the 1st time, coming home with her, etc)... and unfortunately, that completely slipped our minds.  So... there is only one small video clip in our video at the very end.  Which... totally makes my day every time I see it!!!  :)

So... without anymore waiting... here is our story!

I want to thank my sweet sweet friend, Brooke Turner for capturing our day so perfectly!  She is a dear friend and photographer, whom I've grown so close to over the past year or so.  She wasn't able to be there the day we met her for the 1st time, but our social worker did manage to grab a few shots of us holding her.  But... she was there for the actual "Gotcha Day" which makes me even happier!  She met us at the hospital just after we signed the final paperwork with our social worker.  I am in awe of our pictures, and the emotions it brings back.  We cried for hours after looking through them, and reliving every moment again.  So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your time, your energy and the personal touch you put into every image you took.

And lastly, thank you to everyone who has followed our journey!  Your prayers, support, encouragement and love have meant more to us than you will ever know!  I cannot express how much love we feel towards each of you.  This journey has been hard, exciting, joyful, and rewarding in more ways than one.  But I can honestly say, I would do this all over again to have learned the things we learned, and to hold this sweet baby girl in our arms.  We love her so much and are forever grateful to everyone for your support!  Enjoy!!!

Until then... Brantley, Richard and Katherine Grace

Mommy Time....

This morning was sweet... Katherine Grace and I got some sweet mommy & daughter time!  There was some beautiful sunlight beaming through the windows this morning... so Richard snapped a few quick shots of us.  I LOVE them!  Definitely ones I will treasure!

Last night was great.... much better than the first night home.  She slept from 9:00pm until 2:00am!!!  That was amazing!  Then again in between all of her other feedings.  This morning she was a little fussy... but I will gladly take getting sleep at night!  :)  Loving our time with her!  Will be posting our "Gotcha Day Video" soon!  Can't wait to get that finished!

Until then.... Brantley

She Melts My Heart!

This little lady is melting my heart by the minute.  Now don't get me wrong... this little angelic face sure knows how to scream and keep you on pins and needles at night (which she did... ALL night long).  But... today she has won me over all over again!  I am so in love with this beautiful creation God blessed us with.  I cannot begin to express how happy we are!  Although I'm extremely tired and about to fall over dead typing this post... I'm so full of emotion looking at her that I can't stop smiling.  

Thankfully, daddy has been able to take off work and spend some quality time with us all as we bond.

Her first feeding with mommy!

I love her sooo much!  Sorry for the lack of pictures... promise more to come soon.  We're just trying to soak in every minute of her!  :)

Until then... Brantley 

Beautiful....

Words cannot possibly the express the emotions from this past year and our journey to bring our baby home.  God has blessed us beyond anything else imaginable!  We started with just under $2,000 in our own pockets for our adoption, and have since been blessed with over $16,000 in just 8 months!  God is good.  He has placed the right people in our lives at all the right times.  He has given us an incredible support and group of amazing momma's also adopting!  He has given us comfort during the times when I just felt like giving up on this.  He has given us joy.  There have been moments of pure fear... but yet again... God is good.  He has blessed us!

The First day we met:  January 4, 2011 at 11:00am.

Katherine Grace with Mommy!

Katherine Grace with Daddy!

Bringing our sweet bundle of joy home to her FOREVER home with us!

And on this day, January 5, 2011... we officially welcome the most beautiful blessing ever into our lives, and into our home... forever!  Meet Katherine Grace!  We trusted even when it was hard.  But He gave us hard and His faithfulness is beyond surpassing!

The story:

One December 30, 2010, after a very hard month in December, we got the call we had prayed for!  So many tears were shed, prayers were prayed and God was faithful!  We felt like we were loosing hope, but God's hands were all over us, and all over this journey - our story.  He molded us and we became broken.  We fell to our knees and finally, surrendered it ALL to Him.  Again... He is good!  After moments of desperation, feelings of loneliness and emptiness... He showered us with blessings!  Our sweet baby girl was born on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 6:06am, weighing in at 7lbs 4oz and 20" long.  We got the call from our social worker on Monday afternoon letting us she was here and doing well.  Unfortunately though, after a hard labor and delivery from her birthmother, we were not able to meet her until Tuesday morning.  So... on Tuesday at 11am... we met the most beautiful baby girl... and her name is Katherine Grace!  God is good!

So.... thank you yet again for all of your prayers and support!  Trust me... TONS of pics to come soon!  :)

Until then... Brantley, Richard AND Katherine Grace!

Blessed and Encouraged

This morning I am truly blessed for the friends and friendships I have.  I am extremely blessed for those friends who have prayed with me, for me and encouraged me along this difficult journey!  God has placed people in my life during just the right times.  This past week has been very hard for both Richard and I.  Struggling to hear God, struggling to find peace and even more so struggling to find joy in all of this.  Satan has tried so hard to steal that joy, and he's come a little too close for comfort this past week.  But God has been faithful and He is good.  He has given me the comfort I've needed to get through each passing day.  He has given my friends the words to pray, and the right encouragement to give... and for that I am extremely blessed.

I've said it time and time again... this journey is hard, but so worth every minute of it.  This past week was by far my lowest.  At this time, I won't go into details... but it has been harder than any of the weeks prior.  My emotions have taken over, and a series of things took place that brought me to my knees.  I have been broken and I feel at a place where God has wanted me all along.  He has brought me to a place of complete surrender.  A place where I thought I've been all along, but really, I haven't.  He has been so good to me.  I've never cried so many tears in my life (I feel confident enough to say that).  I went into this journey knowing that this was the plan God had for us, and I still believe that without a doubt in my mind.   I knew this would be hard, and emotional, but deep down inside, never really knew until I got to where I am now.  God never said life was easy, He never promised it wouldn't be hard either.  He called us to this life, and this is the life I have vowed to live.

I have been condemned for the honesty and candidness on this blog.  I have also been thanked for my complete candidness on this blog.  But to be honest, this blog is 100% real, and all about this journey and giving God all of the praise and all of the glory!  Some say I tell a little too much, and talk a little too negative about the hard times we experience.  But in all truth... If I all I ever talk about are the "good times", then Christianity as a whole would be a big lie.  Being a Christ follower is the hardest commitment there is.  And I am soooo proud to be standing here committed to serving and following Him!  (sorry for the rant... just had to make that clear!)

So... that is where I am.  I'm not saying any of these things to get pity, because I don't want it!  I am saying these things to make it very clear what this journey is all about.  He has brought me through so much in the past year and 1/2.  So many make comments like, oh its only been 7 months, and only 2 of those have been the "wait time".  Well yes, you're right... 7 months since we "officially" began this journey.  But my heart has been here MUCH longer than just these 7 months.  God is teaching and molding me daily.  I have no clue what this next year will bring, but I'm so excited to see what He's going to teach me!  Although this time has been hard, I'm trying so hard to trust His plan in full.  My friend recently told me, "often just before the dawn, it is the darkest".  I'm praying that is true.  :)

Until then... Brantley

Wishing you a Christ Centered Christmas!

Richard and I both want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!  I know many of my readers are waiting on their baby, and some this is their first Christmas with theirs.  And some of you are not adopting, but simply following our journey.  No matter who you are, pray for those who are in this transition phase.  Because we all know the holidays can bring out the loneliness in those who are still waiting on something. Richard and I are so blessed and we trust our baby is out there.  We don't know when that time will come, but we're praying for our baby and birthmother daily.

Will you join me in praying for all of those who are anxiously awaiting that day.  Pray for comfort during these next few days as we celebrate the ultimate birth of our Savior!  After all... He is the reason for this season!  Pray for peace for all of the families, and joy for those who will be celebrating with their little ones for the first time!  Oh what a blessing that will be for them!  Some encouragement for those waiting (including us)... our day is coming... soon!

Until then... From our family to yours - Merry Christmas!

Praying for a Christmas Miracle!

My heart has been so heavy, for so long now.  My Christmas wish has been for our baby to be in our arms, to love on and to hold close.  Oh how I want to meet our baby so badly!  I am anxious, restless, completely exhausted... but trusting in His plan!  I know our baby is out there and one day, hopefully soon, we will meet!  So... for this year, I'm praying for my Christmas Miracle!

Please join with me this week to pray for our baby and the birthmom who is carrying him or her right now!  I think of them daily and cannot begin to imagine the feelings and emotions she is feeling.  Richard and I wish you all the very best Christmas with your families!  We look forward to spending ours with family.  In fact... everyone is coming to our house!  Yikes!  ;)  That reminds me... I have quite a bit of cleaning to do.

But for now... I pray for my little one!  Until then... Brantley

Sweet Sweet Tears

The past two night have been restless for me.  Yesterday, I woke up sometime around 2 or 3am, and "day dreamed" about you and the sweet day when we will meet!  I never fell back asleep because I couldn't get you off my mind.  And oh how yesterday was such a LONG day!  This morning (Sun), I woke up at 5:00am on the dot.  I woke up in tears... the sweetest tears I've cried!  I dreamed I was there when you were born.  I dreamed about holding you in my arms for the first time and oh how real that moment felt!  I woke up with my face wet, and sweet tears flowing from my eyes.  Sigh.... how I wish that moment was really happening and not just a dream!  It was beautiful and gives me such comfort knowing my day will come, and such a beautiful reminder of how precious that day will be.  I can't wait!

Until then... we're praying for you daily and the woman who is carrying you right now.  I can only imagine what must be going through her mind knowing she will be letting you go.  

Brantley

Created to Care

I am anxiously awaiting February's retreat in GA!  This is going to be a wonderful retreat for mommas and mommas-to-be!  (specifically adoption mommas) I'm also so eager to meet so many of the women who's blogs I've been reading for many months now.  Its going to be awesome time of fellowship, and excitement!

They have been awesome in helping to keep the costs at a low low rate!  Its only costing $100 for women to attend this retreat!  In an effort to help make up for the expenses, they are asking for your help!  

Click HERE to read more about it & to purchase a t-shirt that will benefit this retreat!

The funds raised will go to support the retreat in February!  Thanks from ALL the momma's for your support!

Until then... Brantley

Pray. Pray. Pray.

Please take a moment to pray for my sweet friend, Lauren's little boy, Tucker.  He is still in Ethiopia and they are scheduled to fly out in January to meet him for the first time.  Then, again in February to bring this precious child home with them.  He NEEDS your prayers though.  This sweet family needs them too!  They have had such an emotional journey thus far, and now their baby is sick.  He's not doing so well, although better than before.  Please pray for his growth, his strength so he can come home and be in the arms of his mommy and daddy!

He's in our prayers!  Will you please take a moment to say a little prayer for him too!
Until then, Brantley

A New Day...

Well... today, like most is a new day.  But, I am trying to start today off on a positive note!  :)  This past year has been a whirlwind to say the least.  We've celebrated 3 wonderful years of marriage, made new friends, started our adoption journey, followed some other wonderful people on theirs, welcomed some new members to our families and been blessed along the way.

I feel even more blessed that I have been able to watch the journey of so many other wonderful people!  I watched as Andrea and her family brought that sweet little bundle, Isaac home from Ethiopia!  I have had the pleasure of following my sweet new friend Lauren and her husband throughout their journey.  And recently got to share in the excitement of their news that Tucker has been matched with them!  Now we're awaiting the beautiful day when they will meet face to face.  I have watched my sweet friend's Leigh and Gray through their many ups and downs as they pray and seek God's plan to bring their little ones home.  And oh my, what a beautiful journey they have all been.  Just recently... they received their numbers and are now counting down the days when they will meet!  This is just the beginning and some of the few that I have been able to follow!  In February, I look forward to meeting all of these sweet new friends of mine at the Created to Care Retreat for mommas!

And although some days are bittersweet that we're still sitting here praying and waiting to meet our little one... I rejoice in the comfort of knowing that our day will soon come.  And the best part of all... I have so many awesome families who will be right there cheering us on the same way!  I cannot wait!

And now... for a little teaser from my precious niece's 1 Year Session (Oh that is sooo hard to believe!).

Everyone says she looks just like me!  I'll take that as a compliment... because most days I just want to eat her up!  She's my sweetie pie and I love her to pieces!

Until then... Brantley