This is Henry’s phrase for “I Love You.” It began in January and I can’t get enough of it.

He says it when he is eating, when we are laying on the floor with Candy Land between us, when I kiss a boo boo, on a picnic, at bath time, bed time, and many things in between.

He knows it. He might not understand it, but he does know it…….

HENRY IS LOVED!

Last week he added a new word with his “I Lu Mu.” The word is, “WHY?“

“Why, I lu mu, Mama?”

I have been thinking a lot about this “why” part.

Possibly, Henry can’t figure out this new trust he has found in us. What a miracle that he even trusts us a tiny wee bit and he is giving back the love that he feels.

It is a new place for him in his precious 6 years of life. Perhaps if he could form more words they would say, “What is this feeling I have for you and Daddy?” “Why can I trust you like I do?” “How is it that when I pitch a tantrum you still receive me?” “How is that after YOU are impatient with me or another sibling I still know you love me?”

Looking back, I remember praying over how to be closer to Henry? (maybe in the late fall) My sister in law asked how to pray specifically and I shared this prayer of wanting to “bond better” request with her.

It occurred to me in January that I should beckon Henry to sit with me more. Connecting as I would if he had been with me since birth. Rocking him more and holding him close.

He didn’t want to at first/ bucking away- not wanting to miss out on any activity going on around him but I kept at it. And sure enough the day that he relinquished and rested on me as I rocked him was the very day he gave me kisses on my cheek and it was his first unprompted, “I Lu Mu.”

I am so thankful for books on adoption and bonding, real life examples that I have through close adoptive mamas, AND most importantly the Holy Spirit to guide me as I am charting new territory each day as a mom to not only our adopted children but these spunky, uniquely made, SEVEN children entrusted to our care.

Heaven knows I COULD NOT DO IT ALONE!!

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“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things.” John 14:26

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Friends, what do you need “help” with today? Ask the Helper (the Holy Spirit) and stand amazed at all He is able to help with. If He can help me, I am absolutely certain He can help you.

Much love to each of you!

Xoxo

Catherine