home SWEET away-from-home

God didn't forget any details when it came to Emma's adoption story...He even worked out our room and board while we are out-of-state!  :)  And, this isn't just any "room and board"--we have been showered with hospitality and privileged to spend our time in Missouri with Dave's Aunt Avis & Uncle Randy.  We couldn't believe it when we found out Emma would be born so close to Randy and Avis!  And, to make this story even more incredible, both Avis and Randy worked at the hospital where Emma was born in St. Joseph.

We have loved our time with Randy and Avis...this is such a unique opportunity for us to truly get to know each other instead of just seeing each other every few years at Thanksgiving.

Randy and Avis were so excited to show us "the nursery" when my mom, Emma, and I arrived at their home last Wednesday night.  "The nursery" is what they call the master bedroom, where they have been so gracious to allow us to stay.  They had purchased this balloon for Emma and set up a "bed" for her.  There was even a bouquet of pink flowers on the dresser!

Emma is well-loved by her Uncle Randy and Aunt Avis!

One of our favorite times together is dinner!  We've had so much fun sharing stories.

(Emma is usually our centerpiece.)  :)

We can't talk enough about how much Randy & Avis have spoiled us!  They have made scrumptious meals for us, done our laundry whenever we leave the house, and truly have made us feel at home.  And, they even know how much I love coffee, since there's been a fresh pot of coffee every morning!  :)  More than that, Randy and Avis were at the hospital with us last week and prayed with us for Emma's adoption.  God definitely provided more than we could have ever asked or imagined when He gave us an adoption match so close to family.  We are so thankful!

David and I have so enjoyed this sweet time of bonding with Emma.  We love snuggling with sweet Emma and haven't let her out of our arms for too long (as evidenced by Dave in this picture).  :)

We've also spent our time catching up on phone calls and catching up on sleep.  :)  We've Skyped with Dave's parents, Dave's grandparents in Iowa, and Isaac in Texas!  Oh, how we miss our little boy!  But, we know that he is having a blast back at home.  My mom, my friend Corrie, and our aunt Bernie have been so sweet to take care of Isaac for the past two weeks!  They have all sent us picture after picture of what Isaac's up to throughout each day, which we have loved.

This is one of the many cute pictures of Isaac from the past week--Corrie posted this picture of Isaac and Landrie on Facebook.  And, you have to check out this adorable post Corrie wrote about Isaac's time at their house--it is so sweet!