Have hope.

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." -Christopher Reeve

In all of the heartache and loss that our family has lived through, nothing has ever made us lose all hope. We have always known that if we keep trying, our family will continue to grow. Miles' birth has always been proof of that.

The day that we returned home from a failed adoption in Maryland, we got a phone call. A couple in our home state was interested in meeting us to see if we were the right family to adopt their baby girl. In those moments, the timing seemed less than ideal. We were still coming off of the losses (both financially and emotionally) that had so recently been experienced, but we knew that we had to move forward despite the hesitations.

"Hope shines brightest in the darkest moments."

Matthew and I decided to meet up with the couple, and open ourselves up to another experience, good or bad. After all, we've survived it all. We picked a time and place and stepped forward.

We have had amazing visits and conversations with this couple. They have brought so much hope and faith back into our lives and have already taught us so much about love, selflessness and strength. And they have chosen US to love and raise their baby girl.

Yesterday we had the amazing experience of attending a 3D ultrasound with the couple. After the loss of Poppy it was so reassuring to see the baby moving and healthy. Sam got to feel baby sister kick and Matthew and I got a glimpse into a life we pray becomes ours.

Are we scared at the possibility of being heartbroken again? Yes. But worrying and being afraid keeps us from feeling the amazing emotions of excitement, love and appreciation that should be felt when expecting something so very special.

So, we are conquering our fears and diving headfirst into another adoption plan with so much joy and anticipation it's enveloping us.

While fear is inevitable, hope will win out as we wait for our precious daughter to join our family. Expected at the end of July, she will have two amazing big brothers to protect her, a mommy and daddy that have been through hell and back to bring her home, and two incredible birth parents who have put her above all else as they search for the best possible life for her. That is love. That is faith. That is selflessness. That is adoption.

And this is the path we have chosen to walk with hope, not fear.