The only two left laughing

Well, all the paperwork is mostly behind us. It's kinda like that period where you wife's morning sickness is gone. The immediate pain of things is not as apparent, at least to me, and the reality of being a Dad starts to settle in. So, I thought I would take some space on this here blog to share exactly how that aforementioned reality has been affecting me. 

I remember with my boys, I thought about what they would look like and what it would be like to finally have them home. I often pictured myself on my back porch smoking a pipe, playing guitar while the boys went crazy playing in the back yard. (Writing that seems a bit weird, but you know, it's a CS Lewis/Stevie Ray/my Dad kinda of thought.) Either way, the point is that I caught myself thinking frequently about being with them. And, it's happening again. 

Unless it's my wife, when I see other women, especially of mixed race, I'm thinking of Ruthie - thinking about what she'll look and sound like. Here's a random thought I've had lately: I'm looking forward to being an old man, God willing, and having my daughter in my life. Maria and Ruthie will be the only two left laughing at my jokes when I'm too old to remember how dumb they are. I'm looking forward to Daddy Dates. I'm not gonna let some hipster punk be the first to take her out. Daddy will set the standard of how she is to be loved and cared for. On a similar note, I'm looking forward to buying more guns. I guess I'm going to need them. I'm protective enough of my sons, how much more for my daughter? Answer: .357 Magnum; just sayin'. 

Mostly, I just want her here. To bring her up in the instruction of the Lord with the example of Maria is the best scenario I could imagine. They'll be the only two left laughing, and I can't wait. 

Jordan and Jessica- Future Mr. and Mrs!

Last weekend my sister and I had the pleasure of photographing Jordan and Jessica, a newly-engaged couple.  We shot at the bride-to-be's current home in Chester and it was beautiful!  Cotton fields, wooden fences and a rusted-building- my kind of shoot!  Jessica and Jordan I pray the Lord's beautiful face shine upon you both as you prepare for your wedding and many, many years of happy marriage!  Here are my favorites from the day.

It's always a good feeling when someone is laughing on the very first picture!

This cotton field was dangerous but BEAUTIFUL!

Love this one!

I didn't really have any trouble getting these two to smooch...

Love the sweet expressions in this one

For some reason this one reminds me of the TWILIGHT series...

These two are seriously hard core

Maybe not THAT hard core ;)

And one close shot of the BLING!

Jordan and Jessica, thank you guys so much for letting us take your engagement pics!  And thanks for your support to bring our baby girl home.  Readers, stay tuned for pic I took of my parents and my sweet assistant and her hubby!

Much love and gratitude for all your prayers and support,
Maria

A new friendship. A new partnership in the gospel.

Hello! 

It has been an excitingly busy few weeks in the Ferguson household!  A week ago Monday our social worker came for her final visit, during which she interviewed our boys and asked us a few additional questions.  Then by the middle of the week our home study was typed and ready for the adoption agency to review and APPROVE!  We are officially homestudy approved J!  In a week Niles and I will go to the adoption agency to meet the director in person and give her our adoption portfolio (which is also done and ready to go- woot! woot!).  Then we are officially paper pregnant and just waiting for the Lord to bring us our Ruthc.  It’s hard to believe how much the Lord has accomplished in these last few months.  A task that in moments felt too daunting to ever complete is now coming to a close thanks to his grace.   The Lord has graciously given us the patience and endurance we’ve needed to get to this point and we want to praise His name!

The LORD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him!
Exodus 15:2

We also want to share some more exciting news!  Niles and I have been connected with a Jesus-loving crafter/blogger that has a heart for adoption!  Her name is Vanessa and I’m so grateful to call her a new friend and supporter. Vanessa blogs and crafts and gives part of her proceeds to families that are adopting!  What a beautiful idea, right?

On her site, Designs By Sessa, Vanessa says:  “I know that the reason why I blog & create isn't for myself or even YOU, sweet reader! It is to make Jesus known and to let the love of Christ be shown to those that are really in need! Mainly it has been through families adopting a child, but as time goes on, I hope to support and raise awareness for other Christian ministries, as well!”

We are blessed to be one of Vanessa’s newest DBS families.  Today she featured us on her blog-Meet the Fergusons.  Vanessa is exceptionally talented and I want to encourage you to visit her shop- her crafts would make beautiful and personal Christmas gifts! 

Vanessa, we are ever so grateful for partnership in both prayer and fundraising and we pray that the Lord continues to bless you and your business!

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” -Philippians 1:3-6

Much love and blessings to you all! –Maria

PS- Vanessa is also partnering with dear friends of ours, The Carrolls, as they work to bring home a sibling group from Ethiopia!  Check out their DBS Family post.

Haynes Family Favorites

Hello!  I'd love to introduce you to another lovely family- meet the Haynes family (and extended family!)  Mandy and Chris are two of the MOST amazing children's ministry teachers at our church and sweet friends.  I had the pleasure of photographing them and their extended family last weekend.  On a side note- this ENTIRE family has been blessed with some of the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen!  Thank you Haynes family for a great shoot!  Here are my favorites from the day-

Meet the Haynes Family!

Ok, I was serious about a family with AMAZING eyes... check this out

She's so beautiful she could be a doll!

sweet cousins

I think this one is my favorite from the whole day...

More sweet cousin love!

And a silly one to close.  Thank you again guys!  It was a pleasure!

Franey Family Favorites!

Meet the Franey's! 

I have been photographing these friends since David was snug in his mommy's tummy!  After a little warming-up-to-the-camera time I was able to coax out a smile or two from the kiddos!  Luckily this gorgeous crew doesn't even need to smile to look great!  I hope you enjoy these- they're my favorites from the day.

HILARIOUS!

A beautiful mama, both inside and out.

Is little David sweating, you might ask?  Nope.  He just thought it would be much more fun to throw rocks into a water filled horse trough than pose for pictures :).

This sweet girl will be baptized this Sunday! 

 

Love you guys a ton!

Coming soon... Haynes family shoot and MY PARENTS!  



Shelton Family Favorites

Things have been exciting and busy lately!  After a successful home-visit last weekend I've done another 4 shoots!  In an effort to get the previews out quickly for each family I'll make my intros brief and I'll probably post fewer that I have in the past. Thank you all for your continued support!  Ruthie will be home in no time :).

I had the pleasure of photographing one of my sweet friends and her family this weekend.  I had a blast trying to get 3 hilariously active boys to sit still and smile on cue :).  Below are my favorites from the day.  I hope you enjoy them!

Meet the Sheltons!

 I love you guys!  Thanks, as always, for all your love and support!