Home Sweet Home

Virginia, we love Virginia!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Lord, we have arrived home safely!!
What great friends we have that have blessed us with necessities, diapers,diapers, more diapers etc.!We do appreciate the thoughtfulness and excitement that you all share with us. We're thrilled that baby Hope is just as special to all of you, too!
If you would like to visit us we do ask that you call ahead so we can share Hope's visiting hours with you...we want to make sure she is well rested and ready to welcome you!

"Longabergerville"

Our baby Hope was born in the heart of "Longabergerville" home of the famous basket company. Therefore, we thought it appropriate to film her first official photo shoot in a Longaberger picnic basket. We returned to the park where we spent time with her birth family the night before she was born and Aunt Jane snapped a load of pictures. She is one beautiful baby and the answer to ten years worth of petitions and prayers. Prayers from two hearts that had almost grown wearyof asking for a child, yet knew our dream would one day come true.
We are eternally grateful for this gift and know although undeserving we have a God who hears, cares and answers accordingly! To Him be all the glory...He alone did this!!!!!!!!!!

All Dolled Up

Princess Hope Victoria is ready for her photo shoot. MaMa and PaPa Nicely sent her this pretty pink dress and she is all dolled up. I love it!!!

We pray that she will be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the out.....we daily ask God to draw her to Himself and fill her with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self control.

Daddy Thinks He Has A New Hunt'N Partner

The night before last I put a bag of dirty diapers in the outside dumpster, the next morning our friend Steve found a dead raccoon in the dumpster!
She knows how to kill'em already!!!
We thought that was hilarious as that was the only bag of trash in the dumpster!!! LOL!!!!
Hope is feeling so well today, she woke up as her usual self...bright eyed and ready to kick. She gets her arms and legs moving so fast she tires herself out within the hour!
I'm sure you all well know that we are valuing our time together here away from all our other responsibilities. The paperwork is out of our hands so God will have to take care of it! Our prayers have not gone unheard, God has directed each step of the way and we know we're at another point of being patient and waiting on Him. Its a reminder of Psalms 62:5 "Rest, O my soul in God alone, for my Hope comes from Him". Love to you all!!!!!!

Reeuuuniiittteeeddd....and it feels sooo good!!!!!!!!!

We've had a sweet time today. Hope can't seem to get enough of her Daddy, the more he talks to her the more she tries to talk back. She is realizing that she can make noise with her mouth and gets better at it each day.It's precious to watch!
Yesterday Hope's eye became runny and I thought it was the normal infant blocked tear duck. However this morning it was red and we thought it needed the Doctor's attention. So we took her in to the Doctor that saw her in the hospital, he's also an Adotpive Dad. She actually weighed 9lbs 4oz, so the home scale was a bit off. Although her weight was less than we thought her length has gone up to 21 3/4 inches. She may be quite tall. The runny eye revealed that she is in the beginning stages of an ear infection. Being that she is a good eater she's had quite the pressure on her ears. So he gave her some meds and eye drops and she's feeling better already.
We've prayed that God would teach us how to care for her and that we would be sensitive to her health needs. So we thought it was pretty cool that He allowed us to see her need for care through her eyes and she did not get to a miserable state and leave us wondering as to what was wrong. Thankful!!!
No word today from Virginia, hopefully tomorrow will be our day to head home. We so want to share our little big blessing with our family and friends back home!!!
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!

"She's Still So Beautiful"

"She's still so beautiful"!! Daddy is here and arrived around 9:45 p.m. Thank you Jesus for safe travels to Romania and back to Ohio!
One endearing thought I regularly share with Rick is, "in your arms is where I love to be", I trust that Hope will always feel the same way and will never get enough of being in her Daddy's arms!

"Surprise" Happy 70th Birthday PaPa Nicely

PaPa Nicely, we knew about your party all along and weren't we so good not to tell the secret. We're sorry to have missed the party but expect you enjoyed sharing all of Hope's pictures with friends and family. We love you and were fortunant to celebrate you on your actual birthday while here in OH.

Hope and I have litterally slept most of today! She is doing so well and eating every 3 hours, having her wake time, then she likes to nap. During wake time she is very alert and is noticing patterns which she concentrates on. I do break the Baby Wise advice and snuggle her before she goes down. I believe with adopted children its a bit different as she is now learning my voice and heartbeat. Ive noticed she likes to be close and she loves to snuggle before falling quickly to sleep. I want her to feel safe at the sound of my voice so we are snuggling to our hearts content.

Daddy arrived home safely last night from Romania, if all goes well he plans to drive out here after church tomorrow. Please keep praying that we receive our clearance soon and can head home to VA as a family.

O Be Careful Little Feet Where You Go.....

I was told our package left for VA today through overnight mail! Therefore, part of us is Virginia bound. Please pray that it ends up in the right hands and they move us quickly. God is always so good to us and I know we can continue to petition Him for the paperwork details, He does care for the smallest request that are big to us.
My sweet Hope Victoria gets prettier by the hour. When I was staring at her last night I couldnt help but want to pray over her. Then I sang...O be careful little hands what you touch, O be careful little feet where you go for the Father up above is watching down on you, O be careful little one what you do". My heart wants to protect her, guard her and be a faithful shepherd of her heart. I pray each day that God would teach us how to do this. What an incredible sense of responsibility we now feel!
She then fell asleep as I sang to her and held her close. Then, she woke up all smiles at 1:30 and 4:30. Not bad!!!??? She ate and went right back to sleep. Thank you for the advice thats been coming in!
The Baby Wise books are the best, I actually have book one with me and am reviewing it as time allows (I have your copies LN)!

I May Be Bringing Home a Toddler

Our little Princess weighed in at exactly 10 lbs yesterday! She does not play when it comes to eating. She woke up last night everey 2 hours to eat. Im not sure why because the two nights before she woke up evey four hours to eat.

The Adotpion Agency called yesterday to say we would be fortunant if our package left OH today. They are backed up with many cases ahead of us. We've prayed and trusted thus far and will continue to.

Im sure we will not be home when Rick arrives because the ICPC office is closed for the weekend. Looks like we will continue to rest in OH. My friend Jane is taking wonderful care of us. She is a fabulous cook, we're safe and Hope and I have a beautiful room to share. We're so thankful for Jane and Steve, their hospitality and love for baby Hope.

As you see in the picture Hope has a silly look'n binky in her mouth that the hospital gave her. It doesnt really match her outfit but its OK if she has it once in a while. She actually just prefers to cuddle most of the time while falling asleep but occasionally she likes it. She would rather have her fingers but hasnt gotten past scratching her face so when Im holding her I give her her fingers for comfort, if she is in her bed or chair I have to put her gloves on.

We love you all and continue to covet your prayers during this process, I miss Rick terribly and can't wait to have him here soon!

Hope Is 1 Week Old Today

Today, our little Princess is 1 week old. Her features continue to change, however her bold blue eyes have remained. Her hair is a strawberry blond and quite fine. She has a cute little button nose and lips that are full and very

distinguished.Hope is a good eater and looks as though she is adding another chin. Hope is very alert and loves to be sang to. When I lay her down to sleep and she's not quite out yet, she wines just a bit to let me know that she wants to be snuggled. It takes about five minutes of snuggle time and she's out cold.

The more I look at her, the more I love her. The more I serve her the more I love being her Mommy. Those hours in the night don't seem so difficult when I know its her that Im waking up to. When its me that she quiets for and its me she's looking for as I speak in the room the more I know she is depending on me and recognizing me as her Mommy.

A Daughter of the Most High King

See those little neck rolls, thats the sweet meat that I love to kiss on!!! Her daddy is going to eat her up!

Our placement visit went well today. I can call tomorrow at close of business for an update. I am trusting and praying that the staff in the placement office will work fast for us so we can leave by Thursday! Please continue to pray with us on this issue!

I do need to send my in-laws home on Thursday if it is not going to happen before the weekend. They are running out of their medicines and other necessities. In the event they leave, my dad or Rick will come and get us when we have clearance to go home.

God is so good to allow me time away with Hope, time to take in her every move and expression. She is one beautiful princess, I pray each day that she will be honorable on her path to the castle and she will live as a daughter of the most high King!

A Note for Daddy

Daddy,
I did it, I really did it!!!!!! Mommy fed me 4oz at bedtime and I slept from 12-4:30 am in my bassinet, all by myself. Then I woke up and ate another 4oz, Mommy changed a full diaper, I mean full and I slept another 4 hours in my bassinet!
Mommy was very proud of me cause that meant she got to sleep,too!!!!!!!!!!
She told me to save these late night cuddle times for you cause your the night owl and won't mind staying up with me!
I need your hugs and kisses!
Princess Hope Victoria

Prayer Request

Today, our Report was turned in to the State. We now wait for the clearance to leave Ohio and arrive home in VA. This could take 7-10 days, please pray that it is a speedy process so we can be there to welcome Daddy home from Romania.

Hope and I have our first placement visit tomorrow through the Adoption Agency, they will come to us to discuss details.

Baby Hope is growing and is eating up to 4oz every 3 hours or so. She is not small by any means and has already outgrown the newborn clothes given to her by my twin nieces.

She is changing everyday and enjoying being snuggled by MaMa & PaPa Nicely, we all have a hard time putting her down. She does have her days and nights a bit mixed up and likes to have awake time from 11pm-2am. Any tips on how to reverse this would be much appreciated.

The time Im having with her is precious, especially after her morning nap. I love to watch her wake up and and give those dreamy smiles that show off her dimple. I take this time to kiss all over her heavenly silk skin and talk close so she is more familiar with my voice each day.

We are blessed to have her in our lives and do not take this priceless gift for granted!!!!!!!!!

P.S.

Our yard work was taken caare of, thank you!

Immediate Needs

Dear Family
Thank you for the calls, emails and heartfelt concern.
We need continuous prayer. My in-laws, Hope and I are still in Ohio. We cannot leave until we have clearance from Ohio and clearance from VA to bring Hope home.
Naturally, we really want to be home when Rick arrives on Friday. However we are at another crossroad that God is not surprised by. We are praying and trusting His hand.
We covet your prayers and petitions on behalf of the adoption process and paperwork to be done speedily.
Other than that, if anyone likes to cut grass and do yard work, our home really has not had the attention this summer with Rick being gone so much. Anything is appreicated!
Love to all!

Daddy These Are for You to Awe Over

Gotcha Day

On July 19,2008 the news was delievered to us that Hope Victoria would be our little girl. This is the day we left the hospital with Grandma and Grandpa Nicely. Hope is a very contented baby and how wonderful it is that we were blessed with a child that loves to cuddle like we do.
I was talking to Hope on Day 2 of her life and was able to see her first smile that shows off the dimple in her right cheek! SWEET!!!!!!!!!!

God is so good to have restored to us what we have deeply desired. He chose to do this on July 19, 2008. It was not by chance that it happened on this day....on July 19,2005 we received the news that Gabriel would be leaving us and on July 19,2008 we received news that Hope would be staying in our care. Thats a sermon in the making!

It also happens to be a very special day within our family as July 19th was my MaMa & PaPa's wedding Anniversary!!!

Mommy & Daddy Never Sounded So Sweet

"Today,we've become a family, not because we share the same genes but because we share love for one another"!
Our birth mother has selflessly signed the paperwork and placed her baby girl into our care. I am flooded with gratefulness, a heavy heart for our birth mom and a deep love for a baby girl that I could not love more if I had birthed her myself.
Thank you Jesus for a birth mom that chose life, took beautiful care of herself during pregnancy and was obedient to what you have laid on her heart.
We are eternally grateful for the greatest gift we've received during our married life.

Love Transcends Many Artificial Boundaries

Based on Ephesians 1:5-9 God has adopted us as His own children. Through Jesus' sacrifice, He has brought us into His family and made us heirs along with Jesus (Romans 8). In Roman law adopted children had the same rights as biological children. God created adoption and we believe its truly a miracle, a sacred exchange not taken lightly on either side.
Tomorrow we "expect and truly desire" to adopt Hope Victoria into our family. By choice we will become a family, first in our hearts then in reality.
We covet your prayers for the birth family and for us as the adoptive family as our hearts are each heavy, just in different ways.
If the Lord so chooses to place Hope into our care it will be one of the most incredible days of our married lives, we're spending that day miles apart but we'll be forever bonded as a family.
"The concept of family does not rest solely on biology, love transcends many artificial boundaries and however parenthood comes to you its truly a miracle".

Rick called around 10:25am, it was 5:25pm in Romania, they are safe. He misses us!
He wants pictures everyday, so these are from this morning during her awake time at 7am. We prayed together, we sang and had a good talk about how pretty baby Hope is. Notice her full length body shot, she is 20 1/2 inches long and weighed 8lbs 1oz yesterday! Hope is a thumb sucker and a two finger sucker, however she needs gloves as she scratches her pretty face. Rick started her off on a binky the first day since we had to take her fingers away.
Our birth mothers husband texted me this morning to let me know they had a good time of prayer this morning and Judy is doing good. God is so good. Please continue to ask for God to comfort her and give her peace for her selfless gift of baby Hope.

Enjoying the Moments

We slept well last night and woke up in time to see Rick off for Romania at 4 a.m. Hope woke up at 3:30 a.m. ready to eat, change and go right back to sleep, she repeated that pattern later at 7:00 a.m.
At noon I held tightly as I said good-bye to Judy, Hope's birth mom. The English language could never describe the gratefulness that Rick and I are having for this priceless gift. Yet, we are compassionate that Judy is experiencing that same amount of emotion yet painfully. God has surrounded Judy with a host of friends that are encouraging her and loving her through this time, that in itself is an answer to prayer.
Many have stopped by to meet Hope and us, her possible adoptive parents. I say possible since we are still in the midst of the 72 hours and respect that time for our birth mother.
Hope was taken to the nursery last night for her belly rubin test and a Hepatitis B shot. Today, they took her again for blood work. The nurse commented on her lungs and what good shape they are in.The Doctors continue to reassure us that she looks great and her scores are perfect.
The above picture is similar to Hope's hospital picture, the blanket behind her is the blanket my MaMa had made for me as a baby.
Fortunately Hope has been very contented for the last 24 hours. She is very alert and gives me her attention during awake time. Her skin is a beautiful color, yesterday she gave me a darling smile that showed off the dimple on her right cheek. She likes to cuddle, so this morning I sang praises of thanksgiving for her life...all the while holding her close and enjoying the moments.

Happy Birthday Hope Victoria

Hope Victoria was born today at 1:10 p.m. weighing 8lbs 5oz, she is 20 1/2 inches long.
Rick and I have been with her since scrub time, where we were first introduced to one of the highest octives known to man.
The birth mom and her husband are doing well and have shared that they are at peace moving forward with the adoption, however the state will not allow any paperwork to be signed until the 72 hours is up on Saturday.
Needless to say we are elated with joy and overwhelmed at God's Amazing Grace.
We continue to covet your prayers as we journey through the next 62 hours. Rick will be leaving at 4am to head to Dulles for the Romania trip. My in-laws arrived today and will remain here with me until we head home next week. The state requires that we stay for a clearance that will hopefully be obtained by Wednesday.
Ps 62:5 is where we were given Hope's name and her daddy wanted a middle name that of a Princess. I wanted something strong and successful...thus Hope Victoria....the expectancy of something truly desired. Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!

A song in our hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!

This past Sunday morning, I was being a a very emotional woman and thought of not attending Sunday Services as I was thinking more about Rick not being able to stay with me in Ohio. As I began to think of not going, the Spirit quickly reminded me, "that's exactly what Satan would joy in." I refused to allow him to win. I confessed my selfish heart, went to church and this song deeply ministered to my heart. I realized that this Journey was given to God....He commands our destiny and our Hope is found in Christ Alone. Whether Rick is standing next to me or he's across the world he can't protect me more than Christ can.
Please listen, contemplate the words and allow it to minister to you, too!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo
In a few moments we leave for Ohio!!!!!!!

"Thank You" Will Never Seem Like Enough

Thank you Sweet Jane, for being outwardly focused. Thank you for baring a burden with us in 2005 and continually lifting us before the throne. Thank you for remembering that our hearts desire was to have a child to call our own. Thank you for calling Rick on that sun shiney day in March of 2008 and asking the question that so many have, yet we had no peace until we heard from you. Thank you for the call informing us of this Baby Girl, she is one precious reason you were sent to Ohio! Thank you sweet Jane, we are grateful for your obedient heart!

We are also thankful for those people God puts in our lives that love Him and stand for what is right. People that speak the truth in love and give wise counsel in even the toughest situations. We have observed this in one particular friend, a friend that we only met face to face a few weeks ago, her name is Lisa. Lisa has been a liaison, a friend and encourager to our birth mom and a blessing to us. We love Lisa and know when we need an answer she is there to intervene and share truth with us. We are thankful for this Christian woman who has devoted her life to working with women in crisis pregnancy situations. She has been a woman of Peace to us and we are forever thankful for her calling in life and the role she has played in this adoption.

Rest, O my Soul

That same word "Trust" in Psalms 62:5 also means "Rest", O my Soul, in God alone. We're praying and asking the Lord to help us rest in these last few days as we wait on Him and the birth mother's decision. I often feel my heart wanting to be restless, fearful in some ways until I recall this journey and what God has taught us...then I rest.
Today is the day we had "truly desired' the birth mom to deliver. That way the 72 hours will have passed before Rick must leave for Romania. She did loose her plug a couple days ago, however we have not received the call yet!!
Thank you for your continued prayers and concern, we do appreciate them.

Rick Arrived Home Safely from Chicago!!!

Rick arrived home from Chicago today around 4pm. I'm so happy he is home and we're together. I have hoped and ask the Lord to allow us to experience this together. However, if that does not happen, my cousin says "You can put your big girl panties on and do this without him if you have to" and she is right. If the end result is bringing our little girl home then I won't mind, but in my heart of hearts I don't want him to miss this and I know he doesn't want to either.
He is scheduled to leave for Romania on Thursday, July 17th! Pray for the team and all those they will be serving. They'll be staying in an orphanage!
Im on the edge of my seat in excitement and still a bit cautious, hmmmm!

Jehovah Jireh'...Our Provider

We received another answer to prayer today; we will not incur any medical fees for the birth mom as her insurance will be caring for her needs. Thank you Jesus for being Jehovah Jireh'...our Provider!!!!!!!!!
One of the other request that Rick and I started praying about months ago was my job situation. I need to work right now so I was going to look for something where I could work from home. Rick encouraged me to give the guys I currently work for the chance to offer me something that would allow me to be home!
In my heart thats what I wanted, I just didnt think in Real Estate that I could. So I presented it to them before vacation. Then while on vacation they let me know that they would do whatever they could do to keep me and would allow me to work from home. I'm ecstatic that God intervenes in peoples heart before we even ask Him to!! Its amazing!!!!!!!!

Please Pray

Dear Friends
God has answered many prayers and grown us tremendoulsy in our walk as we have waited on Him to lead each step of the way in this adoption opportunity. We trust Him, if we bring this little girl home or not, we'll still serve Him.
As we get down to the due date, which could be any day now we covet your prayers.
Please pray that our birth mom will be protected from the enemy, pray that God would continue to give her peace and she would make the final decision that He has lead her to.
Pray for her to be surrounded by those who will encourage her and love her. Pray that her husband will know how to listen and meet those needs that women have during post partum.
Surrendered,
Rick & Michelle

"No Way We Will Wait"

This past Monday we were presented with the question, "If I make it to the 16th, do you want us to call you the day before so you can be here that morning or would you want to wait until after she if born for us to call you?"
My heart fell as Rick and I had previously discussed this and we thought that it would be best to wait until the 72 hours had taken place.
Here we are being confronted with another opportunity, another faith step. So, were we going to walk away from the opportunity to protect our hearts or would we kick ourselves later that we were invited and missed out on everything. Sure its a difficult decision as we all know the birth mom has the right to choose to parent this baby girl and may do so.
Rick and I talked and I wanted to immediately respond from a former fearful broken heart and say "no way we will wait".
My husband, in the way only my husband can with his wisdom and discernment said..."if this will make it easier for her to place the baby in our care and this is what the birth mom is most comfortable with then I think we should be there." I'm now thinking, I was hoping you would say that cause I didn't know how.
In the beginning of all this, I promised God I would follow Rick every step of the way. Therefore whatever God directed Him to do I would support. Most would not believe when we women do things as God created in the first place, it makes life much easier. Rick was designed to lead me and I have not always followed as I should. This time, I am and God has answered, directed, provided and given us insight as to what He desires...through Rick.
So, on Monday night we said we would take the next 24 hours to pray and then talk about it again on Tuesday.
Remember the last word God gave us about opportunities and those we have are more important than those we wish we had?
We decided that we have this opportunity, we will continue to trust in God alone for our hearts desire and be a part of this opportunity.
So we wrote:
Dear Counselor,
Rick and I have talked and prayed about the opportunity that our birth mom has offered.
We would love to be a part of the birth. We do not want to miss out on anything with our little girl.
Please inform the birth mom that we would like to be there. We would appreciate a call as she has first notice of going into labor or the day and time she is being induced, if
time allows us to get in the car and be there we will be.
We belive that God has given her clear signs and direction that adoption placement is the best thing for this child
So, we trust, in God alone that He will lead her to this choice.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Lovingly,
Michelle & Rick Nicely

May My Faith Outweigh My Fear

"Im praying that your faith will outweigh your fear" was the prayer of a dear friend today as I began to be emotional at the thought of Rick not being around when our baby girl is born. He's currently in Chicago and will return on Saturday morning the 12th. Five days later he leaves for Romania. I have prayed and told God that I would really love for us to be together and that is the desire of my heart. I trust Him to work this all out as He has done with so many other details.

The birth mom is to be induced on July 16, 2008. We did have a small glimmer of Hope today as the birth mom had another Dr's appointment. However they decided not to induce and send her home. We thought it would be so cool to have her born tomorrow, July 9, 2008 which is Gabriel's 3rd birthday. The Lord knows when this baby girl will be here and we trust that His plan is perfect, trustworthy and comforting.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths." Im praying that Rick and I will follow the path as God lays out His perfect plan!

Meeting the Birth Mom and Her Husband

Anxiously we arrived at the church of a friend who has been meeting with the birth mom and encouraging her on a weekly basis.
We went in, made a cup of coffee and were very much at peace to be where we were, waiting for our time with this couple.
There really wasn't any one topic of conversation. We talked about our lives and where we live, a little bit about our families and details concerning the birth of this baby girl. The baby girl that that Rick and I long to lavish our love on and the same little girl that this birth mom loves and under any other circumstance would have no doubts in parenting.
We shared why we were there and what word we heard from the Lord that lead us to visit Ohio.
It was evident that both the birth mom and her husband had not made a final decision whether to place the baby or parent the baby. Rick and I know not to look for signs or evidence of anything. We are well aware that birth moms make their decisions when the child is born. Although they may contemplate adoption they cannot make a clear decision until the child arrives.
In my heart of hearts I was extremely happy that we went and met this family. Under any other circumstance they are people we would enjoy having as friends and hope in years to come we can go back to Ohio and be a blessing to if they so choose for Rick and I to adopt this baby girl.

Our 1st Trip to Ohio

Earlier in the week we discussed the possibility of going to Ohio to meet with the birth mom and her husband. We knew if we made the trip it owuld have to be this weekend.
My heart was so heavy in wanting to and not wanting to. Rick was at camp so we discussed a few things over the phone and decided we would pray, seek God's face over the next twenty four hours then we would talk again.
I was scared to do this. I knew however that the birth mom would not make a decison unless she had met us. I decided to open my Bible and I clearly ask God to speak to my heart. I opened to the story of Mordecai since he had adopted Esther, I thought there may be some life lessons in there...and sure 'nough there was. My study Bible gave a lesson from Mordecai's life that states, "the opportunites you have now are more important than the ones you wish you had". I looked up to heaven and said you're right Lord, this is a great opprotunity to meet and encourage her.
Rick arrived home from camp on Friday at 2pm, I finished my work day with several closings and we headed to Ohio. We had a great time in the car talking for three straight hours about our week apart. ..then we he/we slept on and off the other four and a half hours.
At 2:30 a.m we arrived in "Longabergerville" where our friends welcomed us and provided a beautiful place to lay our heads.