Well, Day 6 was yesterday but I’m not getting around to blogging it until this morning.
Today…is the day we adopt Ashby London.
Today.
Right now, it’s 9:30 a.m. and we don’t leave to meet Ashby until 3:30 p.m….so, it’s going to be the day of waiting around the hotel room. I’ve waited 18 months, so I guess I can wait another few hours. She will be worth the wait :).
Before I get to the pics from yesterday, I want to mention one thing. Today is going to be one of the happiest days of my life but this day is coming at a price…my happiest day is the result of another mother’s saddest day.
Ashby was found in a basket in front of a hospital. They estimate she was 10 days old but we really don’t know how old she was.
She was found in a basket.
Some sweet mother carried this baby to term (in a country where they strongly encourage late term abortion), delivered her and then cared for her for many days before placing her in a basket in a location where she knew she would be found by medical professionals. I cannot imagine that this wasn’t the worst day of her life. She could have aborted her, she could have discarded her upon delivery but she didn’t. She kept her a few days, most likely nursed her, held her and loved on her before putting her somewhere where she knew she would be found.
Maybe she couldn’t keep Ashby because she was a second child?
Maybe she couldn’t keep Ashby because she was a girl?
Maybe she couldn’t keep Ashby because she has a deformation?
Who knows why she couldn’t keep Ashby? In a perfect world, all birth mothers would be able to keep their babies…but this is not a perfect world. My joy is a result of some other mother’s sorrow. I will forever be grateful for this woman who gave birth to my daughter. We will raise Ashby to have the highest respect for her birth mother. We are honored that out of this situation, God has selected us to raise this precious girl. We cannot wait to meet her later today.
Yesterday, the Shull four set out on our last day together as a family of four. After almost exactly five years together, we will be four no more. On our last day as four, we headed to the Great Wall of China…
Here we are with our hot cocoa heading up in the shuttle bus to the top where you catch a gondola to the actual wall. This was our coldest day yet!
Inside our gondola heading up to the wall! I have been in many a gondola in my life but none as steep as this one!
It was such a gorgeous view heading up to the wall :).
And here we are…on the Great Wall of China. I’m not going to lie…it was truly impressive. I felt like when I saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa for the first time…you know it’s leaning, you’ve seen a million of pictures of it leaning but when you actually stand there and see it, you’re like “dang, that thing is leaning!”. Same feeling with the Wall. I’ve seen a million pictures of it before but to actually stand there and see it…it kind of took my breath away. It’s phenomenal.
We walked a little distance of the wall, climbed in two of the towers, Smith pretended to shoot arrows off the side…such a wonderful way to spend our day.
After this, we drove an hour and a half to the airport and waited for our flight to Ashby’s city. It was a two hour flight and then an hour drive to our new hotel. When we arrived, it was 8:30 at night. Kensington was passed out asleep in the third row of the van and we had to kind of drag her out and plop her body into our umbrella stroller. Smith was crying really loudly that he had to potty and was refusing to walk. I was pulling a suitcase and carrying 5 of our carry on bags, so I had no free hands to get him to move, so I was kind of kicking nudging him with my foot to move through the hotel lobby. One kid looked drugged in the stroller and one kid was being kicked nudged through the lobby. I’m sure those people were like, “yeah, they need a third kid.”.
Whew! Okay…we’re waiting until it’s time to leave to get Ashby!! Next post, lots of Ashby pictures :).
XOXO
Click here to see Day 7.
Kathleen says
Can't wait to see pictures! Lots of prayers!
ccuCostaRica2010 says
Really beautiful words to describe this monumental day. Thrilled for this story only God could write for your family. Lots of love and prayers.
Kristin Baetz says
Beyond excited for you and your family! God is so good!!
Anonymous says
So excited to see pictures of Ashby! Thank you for sharing a little more of the story of Ashby's past. Can't wait to hear more about her!
Laurie Willmann says
What a lucky little girl to be added into your loving family!
Anonymous says
I have been following your journey….tears came as I read this. God bless your new stage of like as a family of five. I think she will have a really great family!
Loni "The Healthie Foodie" says
Shay you have a wonderful family. Looking forward to seeing sweet baby girl Ashby London.
Erin and Josh says
Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Happy happy day!
Paula says
So many tears of joy for your family! The sacrifice for sweet Ashby to have a warm, loving & Godly home. By no accident & all divine! I am overjoyed!
Many many many blessings, Shull 5!
Leslie says
God bless your family and sweet Ashby!
amoveableme.com says
Oh my goodness, I am just so excited for you guys!!!! The beginning of your post made me cry, it is such a wonderful thing happening because of something so sad. I know God knew how much you would love little Ashby, and HIs plan is so good.
Can't wait for the next post!!!
Barbara Williams says
So happy for your family! I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
E says
Best wishes as you meet your new daughter! There are so many emotions–for all involved, but it is a beautiful way to grow a family!! Enjoy the ride and cherish each new moment.
Abby Brooks says
I am so beyond overjoyed for y'all!!! Your hearts are so consumed with God's love and it is just such a light for God's Kingdom. I don't even know y'all and I just wanna cry tears of joy. God is doing marvelous things. AHH just a few more hours!!!! Gooo Shull family of five!!! Gooooo JESUS!!!
Sa-Rawr! says
This is so exciting! I've been waiting all day for your post!!
Natasha B. says
Shedding tears of joy for you and your family. Having been through adopting a child myself, I know exactly how you, Andrew & your children will feel as you meet your perfect new addition to your family for the first time. It is overwhelming the amount of love you will have for the child you will forever care for as your own. You & Andrew are a blessing from God to take Ashby into your home. She will have you two to thank when she looks back on her life and sees how she graduated from preschool, had her first boyfriend, meets the love of her life, & has babies of her own one day. You will be the reason, and for that, I am forever thankful for your decision to adopt this child to give her a life she never would have dreamed of having. I pray that you all have a smooth transition into becoming a family of 5 and that Ashby's heart is ready to leave her home to go to her permanent home with her family that loves her more than she could ever imagine. Hugs to you, Shulls!
Anonymous says
I can only imagine your excitementt. Good luck and can't wait to see the Pictures!
Jan Fisher
JenB says
I'm horrible at commenting but I've been reading a while now. Congratulations!! Can't wait to see pics!
Kelly Jo says
I have been following your blog for quite a while now. I rarely comment since my work email is connected to Google, but I just wanted to send a heartful thank you to your family for adopting an orphan. I often wonder about my own birth mother and the moment she left me. Praying all goes well as you become a family of 5.
Anonymous says
So so so excited! !
–Lysa
Baylee says
IM EXCITED! Enjoy your family of 5 today!
Little Pink Rose says
Praying!!!! I don't even know you but I feel as though I do right now. We're both mothers who were called to adoption and given the greatest gift ever. Praying for all of you.
Natalie Martino says
Hi Shay! I wanted to let you know how much you have inspired my life. My husband and I have been feeling God's tug on our hearys about adoption and have been praying lots about our future with that possibility!! I found you through your brother and the Bachelor. I know God placed him on that show for him to be a witness for God. Your entire family has been such a great witness for the Lord. You are all in my prayers as you bring Ashby home!! Kensington, Smith and Ashby are so lucky to have you as their mother!! Thank you for being such an inspiration!!
Sarah says
Praying that your meeting and the following months of Ashby's intergration into your family go smoothly!
Bethany says
So, so very excited for you guys! I remember that anticipation like it was yesterday, and you're right- worth the wait in every way! Praying for you…many hugs from one adoptive Mama to another! =)
Anonymous says
Praying, praying and praying for you all! May God cover you with his peace.
KH in Seattle.
Caty Roberts says
Praying for your sweet family!!!!!
Whitney Smith says
Your words brought tears to my eyes; you always think of the joy of adoption and never what the birth mom may be going through. Your perspective is admirable. This day is yours! Get that precious baby!
Whitney
Charity says
I'm going to have a hard time sleeping tonight, just being SO SO excited for y'all!!!!!!
Can't wait to see pics of the new Shull party of 5!
Sarah Witowski says
Oh wow, Shay. God bless you and your family. I can't even put into words how this post makes me feel, I have reread it many times and can't stop crying. I have a 2 month old and 2 other littles 4 and under and I can't stop thinking of them in this situation. I love how positive you are and how strong your faith is. Ashby is truly blessed to be your daughter. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Praying for you all and can't wait till your next post!!!
Ruth Poat says
Dearest Andrew ,Shay,Kensington and Smith….congratulations. My heart is bursting with joy for you!!
Ps Shay I love how you keep things real ….and I can just imagine how hard it was trying to juggle luggage and the kids at the hotel…..don't we all have those moments!!!
klmoore23 says
Your family is SO special and this moment was chosen by God for you guys. I"m so very excited for this day to finally have arrived. Even though you may not know the reason of why Ashby was abandoned, God does, and he knows exactly why she is to be placed into your family. Can't wait to see the pictures tomorrow! God bless your new family! xoxo
Sandra Litcher says
I can't wait for pictures!! I have been checking instagram for pictures! I realize that I don't know you guys personally, but I am just so happy and excited for you!! Enjoy your new baby 🙂
Nej says
I have been following your blog for a while (Bachelor fan, here!), and have never commented. Today (tonight), though, I wanted to comment and let you know that I am praying for you and your family! What a journey you have been on with getting Ashby! And what an amazing blessing she will be to your family AND a blessing you will be to her. I know it won't always be easy or pretty… and it's ok. God's will is messy sometimes. 🙂
Thank you so much for letting us in and allowing us to join you so intimately on your journey. Enjoy every moment. All the hugs, squeals, fun and even awkwardness. This is exactly where you are supposed to be. Can't wait to hear all about Miss Ashby!
In Christ,
Jen (I sign it b/c it comes up as Nej on my blogger account!! haha)
Anonymous says
I am so happy for you! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful time!!!
CaitCoak says
So much love and prayers are sent your way today from my daughter and I. We prayed before bed for you and your family and that today is a wonderful day. I can not wait to see your happy family of five. Have a wonderful day.
Xx.
arayne says
I've been following every step of your journey and am so excited to watch the next chapter unfold. Sending all the best to your family of five.
Casey says
Shay, I love your blog. Truly an sizing thing you are doing. We are praying for you on the most exciting day of your life! Or one of them 🙂 You'll be the best mom of 3!! Makes things way more exciting 🙂 XXOO
Dani {Adventures of a Pharm Girl} says
Praying for you friend! So happy God chose y'all for this platform. It is truly amazing
xoxox
Raegan Allen says
Could not be happier for your family. Prayers being said for your sweet Ashby. How blessed she is to be a Shull. Can't wait to see pics!
Anonymous says
Shay, it amazes me that you remember your blog family here as you share… It is so fun to take the journey with you in a sense. Thanks for taking us along the ride. Over the moon for your family and what tomorrow/today means!! Thanks for sharing… Even the nudging part!!!
Karen I.
blessedmama says
So very happy for you all! What a huge blessing!! I can't wait to see your family of five and all the love that will be spread around. God is excellent and what a joy it is to watch His plan unfold.
Jennifer Goodwin says
I have been praying for your family, and the things you asked us to pray for. God speed! I can't wait to see Ashby pictures!
Anonymous says
What a beautiful post. Congratulations.
Anonymous says
Can't wait to see pictures of the Shull 5!
Cindy says
I am sitting here reading your latest blog post at 11:00pm Saturday night and have tears in my eyes. Your story of Ashby touched my heart. Felt bad for you and Andrew having to lug all the luggage and kids to the new hotel. Just get some rest before you leave to meet Ashby. I hope the transition goes well. I love all the photos you posted of China. I hope that the rest of your trip you get to visit more places before heading back home.
Elizabeth says
Shay, I am so happy for your family right now. I am also incredibly humbled by what you said about Ashby's birth mother. I would have never thought about the situation from that point of view. Thank you for sharing and forcing me to look at life from someone else's shoes.
I cannot wait to see pictures of your new angel!
Peyton says
Congrats Shay! So happy for yall! #shullpartyoffive 😉
Anonymous says
It is so inspiring that you're not only adopting a baby from China but you're truly listening to God and living in His word. God is so incredibly good and is blessing Ashby so greatly by giving her you as a mother. Thank you for sharing this journey and making others, including myself, aware of Gods word and intentions. Because of you and your family, I hope to adopt someday. I hope to give a little baby a home. I hope to help God's children. Prayers for your family and I can't wait to see sweet Ashby.
Jen says
Best of luck on your special day, Shay!!! So happy for you and your family. 🙂
Taylor says
I have never commented before, but I just wanted to say that my BFF and I have never been more excited for one of your posts! To see God moving in such a big way for your family is just wonderful. We are looking forward to reading what's to come… I'm sure it won't be a seamless transition, but He will be right with you all the whole way!
The Trombly's says
What an amazing journey! Thanks for sharing this with us. Continuing to pray for your sweet family of FIVE! <3
Hannah Elizabeth says
It's so crazy that you can read about someone on their blog and begin to feel like you know the person. I always love reading your posts and have loved to read about your process of adopting. I know I don't actually know you but I am so excited for your family getting Ashby! It's so cool to see God's goodness in others lives, even if it's on blogs you read about people you've never met. 🙂 Blessings to your family!!
Lana says
Oh my goodness – I don't even know your sweet family but the anticipation is killing me :)! I can't imagine how you all feel. Can't wait to see pictures of your new daughter!!!!
Michelle says
So very excited for you and your growing family! Can't wait to see pics of her and for her to see how much she is loved already by so many!!
Debbie says
Can't wait for pictures of Ashby. Praying all goes well!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Cue the ugly cry 🙂 But it's here! It's here! The day is HERE! I'm ecstatic for your family. And prayers for Ashby's birth mom today as well – what an incredible thing she did. Love y'all!
Anne-Marie Martire says
Reading your initial lines was really heartwarming to my soul , to see such consideration, gratefulness, admiration and love for Ashby's birth Mom speaks soo highly of your kind and warm heart…for THIS and all you do and are Shay I will say that I truly have the highest respect and love for you as for your entire family!!…May our dear Father bless you ALL (Now Party of 5) everyday of your precious live. Blessings from above ???
Molly Middleton says
Well it looks like i'm the only one who stalks your blog at all random hours 😉 Haha. Y'all look like you're having fun soaking in the last few minutes of just you 4. Cannot wait to see all these Shull 5 pictures. It won't feel real because we've been waiting to see them so long!!
Angela Pino says
I am so excited for you, Shay! My parents went along with my cousins when they got their second baby from China and they said the hand off of the children is one of the most amazing things.
Ashby's back story is so heartbreaking. One of my cousins was left on the doorstep of a home for the elderly. It's sad to think there is no way to track down the women who birthed them to learn more about their family history, why they were given up and to thank them. It takes special people to adopt a child and sweet little Ashby has no idea how lucky she is! I can't wait to see pictures of her! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Continued love and prayers! xox
Mandy says
I'm so excited that you've been blogging as you're on this journey to bring Ashby home! Prayers for you all. Can't wait to see the next post!
Brittany Medland says
What an incredibly touching story. You are such an inspiration to me! And yes; a third child is exactly what you need! Yaaay to 1359450 pictures of Ashby!
Anonymous says
Absolutely thrilled for you! I can't imagine how excited you are. I wish yall a smooth adoption and hope everything goes well 🙂 I can't wait to see Ashby!
Anonymous says
Happy Day! I believe that you are answering all the hopes that Ashby's birth mother must have had for her when she left her in that basket. I pray that somehow God lets her birth mother know that Ashby is now with a loving mother and family and will want for nothing. Rejoice in your day!
Jaren says
I was a little nervous when I woke up this am and saw no post, but I knew y'all had a big day yesterday with the biggest and happiest to come. You've got me crying on this one! Thinking and praying for you all and can't wait to see pictures!!!!!
Queen Bee says
I've been following your blog for a long, long time. Ashby is one very lucky little girl – she hit the jackpot! Thank you for posting so we can watch you adopt from afar…
Blessings to the Shull 5!
sarah mcclanahan says
So so excited for y'all to see sweet Ashby!!! Been praying for y'all!!
Brooke Lee says
What an incredible story! Ashby is so lucky to have such a loving home. Can't wait for the moment you meet her…praying for you all! Xoxo
Ryan and Carrie says
Shay!! We cannot wait to see those precious pictures of your newest little! I cannot wait to see the complete Shull family!
Cassie Boyd says
My heart is bursting at the seams for your family. Can't wait to see pictures of your sweet Ashby. God Bless you Shull family!
Erika Slaughter says
Hahahahaha!!!! You know that's what everyone was thinking!!! 🙂
Marty says
I have been praying for you and will continue. I'm so excited to see the pictures of you all with her! How kind of you to remember Ashby's birth mother on your very happy day. Your words about her…well, they just show you are wise beyond your years. 🙂
Cami says
As the mother of two adopted children, I appreciate your love and respect of Ashby's birthmother. What a beautiful and selfless gift. Prayers for easy/peaceful waiting and a joyous introduction to Schull #5.
Rachel Goes says
Oh. My. Gosh!! It is ASHBY time!!! Praying and sending you all of my love!! Xoxoxo
Lauren D says
Best wishes to your family!
mmejones says
Praying for these next hours as
You get to finally meet and hold ashby!!! God is good!!!
Lauren says
Cant wait to meet via blog land your little girl and hear all about her! I have loved following your trip and am praying for yall as you become a family of 5! Congrats!
The Jacobs Family says
Praying for a joy-filled day! What a lucky little girl!
Anonymous says
Just like Moses-she will have an amazing testimony!!
Anonymous says
This post touched my heart so much. Full of prayers for your family of five tonight.
Kristin's Chronicles says
Can't wait to see pictures! Praying for y'all!!
Wehbey Crew Momma says
What a beautiful post! I was crying while reading your feelings on adopting your sweet baby girl. I had to read it to my husband and he said he had much respect for you as you lifted up her mother and are showing such appreciation and respect for her. What a well rounded, loved and healthy girl you will raise by showing such love and kindness! Praying for you and your family as you meet Ashby and so looking forward to your pictures!
Unknown says
I am so excited for you guys! My heart breaks for her birth mother. I have never thought about it from that perspective so thank you for sharing that. I will hug all my babies a little tighter tonight and thank God that I can have them here with me! Ashby is such a lucky girl to be going to your family! I cannot imagine waiting all day to be able to go get her! Best of luck to you guys, you will be the cutest family of 5 ever!
Angela Ellingson says
You had me crying at the beginning with your beautiful words and Ashby's story, then you had me crying at the end from laughing so hard. Love you! Seriously sooooo excited for you all!
Anonymous says
Wow!! So excited for you all and can't wait to see the pictures 🙂 Enjoy the day!
Amber says
It's 3:37 am and in GA and I HAD to check for an update! 🙂 what an amazing post and an exciting day!!! I can't imagine you're excitement! Praying for a smooth transition! Can't wait to see pics!
Anonymous says
Midnight here in CA. Crying over your beautiful words and the honor you are giving the original Mother. You are a wonderful wise woman. Praying for all 5 of you right now. Praising The Lord for this day!!!
Andrea says
Shull Family, I am so overjoyed for you! Ashby is such a blessing! We are adoptive parents as well and to read your post regarding her birthmother and the love and respect you have for her, as well as knowing your joy comes at another Mother's expense, hits home for me too. Our sons birth and adoption was our dream come true but watching his birthmother cry and give her child to us was also one of the hardest things we have ever been through. Enjoy every second as your family of five! God is so good!!!
Julie and Richard says
Hi Shay, I was just praying for you all back here in Houston. I am a long time blog reader and I have enjoyed following along on your journey to get Ashby. I can't wait to see photos of that precious little girl.
Julie H.
Jenna says
Many, many, many blessings to you and your sweet family!! God had a special plan for Ashby's life. Praying that these next couple days of transition go very smoothly!! Xo
Keith and Brittany says
Sooooo excited for you guys! I have two cousins from China. One was found on the railroad tracks and one about a block away from the hospital. It's so incredibly special!!!! Cannot wait to see pictures. Illbe praying for your family as you become a family of 5. So amazing!!
missphysicianassistant says
Prayers for a sweet day and a peaceful transition! May God's blessings and love be ever-present on you all!
Sandra from Norway says
So excited for you and your family 🙂 I love following you (all the way from Norway actually!). Best of luck! Can´t wait to hear more about little Ashby.
Jules says
Wishing you all the very best on this wonderful day. Praying for you all today and in the weeks and months ahead. Your comments about ashbys birth mother made me cry, I know you will give your little girl a loving home and bring her up to honour her dual Chinese and American heritage. Lots of love.
Jessica says
Rejoicing with your family on this amazing day!
Andrea says
I literally had chills as I just read your post and can't stop thinking about your sweet family on the other side of the world right now! Congratulations on becoming a mommy of 3 today!!! Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring so many to live by faith. The respect and love you have for Ashby's birth mother is so admirable.
Anonymous says
I cannot imagine a greater act of love than that done by Ashby's birth mother. Your awareness of that will be such a blessing to all your children. God bless you.
Anonymous says
Hi Shay, I have been reading your blog for years in Australia and I never comment but I just want to say I think you and your family are amazing and that little girl is so blessed to be raised by such wonderful and kind people. What a great life she will have with you all. Can't wait to see more pictures of Ashby xx
Becky says
As an adoptive mom, I will never doubt the love that my son's birth mom had for him. Like each birth, each adoption story is different. Like Ashby, he too was special needs – fetal alcohol syndrome. Blessings as you meet the child that grew into your heart today!
sarah c says
Yay! FINALLY! I am soooooooooooo happy for your precious beautiful family . Thank you for inviting us along in your journey and sharing your ups and downs . Thanks for the fresh perspective on the birth mother … I never really thought about that! Time to bring that cutie home! Congrats!!!!!
Kathy Olson says
I can't wait to read your next post:)
The Yarbrough's says
I woke up during the night thinking about ya'll. I'm sooo excited about ya'll getting Ashby. I hope everything goes well. I can't wait to see pictures. I know your counting down the hours. This girl is sooo blessed. I can't wait to continue following your families journey.
Chic Coastal Living says
I'm crying over here! Beautiful how you will remember Ashby's mother. She is the blessed little girl and I pray for all of you to have a lovely life together, full of hope. God bless you! The Lord is with you always! XOXO, Desiree
Allison F says
Omg. I checked your blog one last time last night before crashing at 11 pm and this was up. Wow, just wow. Her story. And yalls hotel arrival is hysterical. Congratulations to yall – I saw the pic on IG. She is beautiful!!! Many prayers for Shull 5!!!
Stephanie Barnes says
God bless you, you're family, and the sweet little one you are fixing to hold! Can't wait to see pics of your new daughter 🙂
maureen says
Oh, my heavens! I am on pins and needles, this is soooo exciting!
I have 6 adopted children, and you are so right, with your joy and happiness there is such sorrow and gratefulness to their First Mom/Parents. But God has a plan, and your Ashby was truly meant to be in your family.
God bless you all, can't hardly wait for the pictures!!
The View From Here says
What a beautiful post about ashbys birth mom . I often wonder about our Maggie's birth mom too . She was found on the side of the road on china on the day she was born . Mos likely due to her ear deformity . I can not imagine the grief she felt and wish she could see how beautiful and sweet her little girl is today . I am praying for y'all and so happy that the day is finally here ! Many blessings on your journey !
Jeanette Garofola says
Beautifully said Shay! I saw the Ashby picture on Instagram! I'm so happy for all of you!
Andrew Keyser says
I laughed and cried as I read this blog. Ashby could not be coming to a better family!!!! As a Mom of 3, I can remember plenty of nudging times!!! It's crazy but so much fun!!!
Danielle Morman says
Wow! What an incredible post. I am truly praying for y'all from the deepest part if my heart. I can't wait for your next post to finally get to see the Shull. 5 and sweet little Ashby. I am 6 months pregnant with my first baby by the grace of God and I couldn't imagine Ashby birth mother having to do what she did. But Ashby will be beyond blessed for you all to be her permanent family and if her mother knew where she was going I am so sure she would be thrilled. The best part is Ashby will have a wonderful relationship with God because of the life your family lives. Congrats Shay, I'll be pray little heart out! I know I will need a box on Kleenex for your next post!
shellybell says
Have followed for a while, love everything! Especially a new baby girl! Blessings 🙂
sajero2 says
So exciting! Best wishes today!
Christy says
What a breath taking view of the Great Wall of China. I'm so excited for the Shull family and can't wait to see pictures of Ashby. What a special day for you and the family.
Jenny Perez says
What an exciting day for all of you!!! By now you have finally met your precious Ashby, your heart must be so full. I will continue to hold you in my prayers as you make your transition into a family of five. May God guide through this transition. Can't wait to see pictures of Ashby!!
Andie R. says
Good luck today!! Im a total stranger to you, but I love your blog and I cannot wait to see what is in store for your sweet family. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you! Praying for you and Ashby!!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
So so precious.. As I choked back the tears, I love love the realness of your blog. I think we all feel like we are your friends irl, so we All just thrilled that Ashby is where her heavenly.father needs her to be. You are.aamazing!
Anonymous says
Such a beautiful inspiration! Love love love reading your blogs!
– Myra from Southern California
Jill says
I can't wait to see pics of your new precious girl! I loved the first part of this post, Shay. Your realness and kindness toward Ashby's birth mother really touched my heart. While the Lord has blessed your family with Ashby, no doubt He has blessed her with your family as well.
Tessa says
I teared up when I saw your InstaGram picture of your three sweet babies and I cried when I read this post. Bless you and your family, Shay! Safe travels home as a family of 5!
Queen In Between says
Lots of prayers for you guys today! What a sweet posts.
Mathis Style says
Praying for your family of FIVE!
Lindsay D. says
I just saw the picture of Ashby on Instagram!! I don't even know you, but shed a few tears of joy for you guys!! I'm so happy for you!! I cannot wait to see more pictures of your loving family!!
This was a wonderful post regarding Ashby's birth mother and the respect you have for her!! God Bless her birth mother and God Bless you!!
Rebecca says
Wow, thank you for sharing. So amazing. I am thrilled for you all.
Jane @ anothermommablog.blogspot.com says
Thanks for sharing your journey. Best wishes to you and your family.
Jessie Mae says
I love your description of Ashby's mother and how she must have loved her sweet baby. As a new mommy myself it brings tears to my eyes. Lots of love and prayers. Thank you for sharing your story.
Esther Ra says
This post made me tear. Blessings and prayers for your beautiful family. Ashby is one lucky little girl! Prayers for her birth mom as well. Thank you for so generously sharing your beautiful testimony!
Jeanie says
Can't wait! I never get around to reading your blog this early (California time), but thought maybe, just maybe, you'd have her by now. I hope and pray everything goes smoothly for all of you.
I can't help but think of how much Ashby's birth mother must have loved her to give her away after approximately ten days, hoping for a better life for her, and to ensure she was left where she'd be safe and get good care. What a sacrifice!
tpatters5 says
I am so glad you decided to share this journey on your blog. I really enjoy witnessing your transition to a family of five. You are blessed and I am so happy to be able to have a window into your new world.
Dana Vissage says
So, so happy for you all!! God is so good!!!
Anonymous says
WOW! So excited for you and your family. Ashby is a lucky little girl. Lots of love and prayers sent from Canada. xo
Anonymous says
You should write an adoption book… I know there are millions already, but you write in such a relatable way… And you can include Andrews hesitation at first, the delay in getting her, your positive view towards ashby's birth mother… I think people would love it (especially ashby when she is old enough!)
Kristi Livingston says
I have followed your blog for awhile, but today I have to post. I experienced the same emotions as I waited for my son in a hotel room. I have a picture from my window where my husband and I kept looking thinking we could make time move faster. February will mark 10 years since we brought him home. Congratulations as you become a family of five.
Anonymous says
wow… thanks so much for sharing more about ashby past…. it really brings the whole story to another level… god created her for your family! wow..
also thanks for your honesty about the hard times and great times traveling to get her! I LOVE how REAL you arel
may God bless you all
Faith Orlando says
Loved the end of this post the most!! LOL…
Enjoy today!! So happy for you all!!
Anonymous says
So excited for your family. It takes a very special person to do what you are doing. She is very lucky to part of your family!
Dina
Lauren H. says
Your journey has been truly inspiring, Shay! Ashby will be such a loved little girl. Can't wait to read more about your new family of 5!
Melissa says
Thank you for sharing this amazing journey with all of us. God bless!
kimm atwood says
So happy for you guys
Morgan says
Your words about adopting Ashby and her birth mother…brought me to tears. She is so blessed to have you all as her new family. She will be so loved. Congratulations!
Rachael Hurley says
Congratulations to you and your family!!!
Jeremy says
So excited for you!! Big blog hugs and prayers!
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
Such a WONDERFUL day! I saw a picture you posted earlier on IG and all I can see is, congratulations! You are such a wonderful family and Ashby is one lucky, lucky girl. I never really realized what you wrote about in your first couple of paragraphs, but it's true. Ashby was loved from day 1 by her birth mother and now she is lucky enough to be loved for the rest of her life by you all. Lots of love and prayers for you all!
C Mae says
I have been a long time follower, and never comment much but I am now 🙂 I am so excited for your post tomorrow, I can't wait to read about you meeting your daughter! God Bless you Shull Family!
Jen R says
wow!! I can't even imagine being put into that mama's position!! Big prayers for you and your growing family!!
☼ Jen
A Splash of Life Blog
The Yarbrough's says
Did you get her? Did you get her?!?!?!?! :)'
Tamara H says
I am so touched and inspired by your faith on this journey. Your steadfastness that this is the right thing for your family is beautiful. I look forward to hearing more about your new little angel and seeing her face in a pic!
Anonymous says
Lucky you!!! God is giving you a new blessing in your life!!!
Courtney says
so many tears upon reading your post. it was so sad to read what the birth mother must have done and felt. i couldn't imagine. so thankful that the Lord placed Ashby into your lives. She will be greatly blessed.
Barbara Ann says
We tell our girls that the day they were abandoned is the day that they were left to be found. Our girls are now 10 and 12 years old and they have many more questions about their life in China. We look at the photobooks of our time in China as well as special items we brought home. Get a newspaper copy in Chinese of the day Ashby is officially adopted, a picture of her holding her chinese passport when it is issued by the Police dept, grocery wrappers,an imprinted napkin from the hotel you stayed at, anything that ties in with the pictures you take. Buy a postcard in her home province and write a message to Ashby and mail it to your home address. Post offices have wonderful hard cover stamp books for sale – get one from the year she was born. Have a seamstress come to your hotel and make a special keepsake dress made of nice quality silk. Buy a wall hanging and have an artist personally sign her chinese name. Pick out something to buy that reprsents her province (buy pearls in Guangzhou if you didn't in Beijing). Get a stone etching made of the children in Guangzhou and a painted snuff bottle of her chinese zodiac sign. These are suggestions of little things that will have a special meaning to Ashby 10 years later. It's a happy dream come true time but also an exhausting time so make sure to take care of your own health while you are in China. Extending heartfelt congratulations on the celebration of your forever family day!
Anonymous says
Shay, it's an interesting world we live in that I (and so many others) feel connected to you and your sweet family through a blog. I guess it's almost like pen pals except you don't know anything about us. Anyway, I just want to thank you for allowing us , your readers, to share in your life! And I love how real and down to earth you are in this post! I can just see myself in your shoes with the tired kids!! So funny! Love you!
shelly says
I'm so happy for you and your family. Your photos bring back memories of adopting our daughter. Praying for a smooth transition for Ashby becoming a Shull. It won't be easy, for her or for the four of you, but I promise you that it is so worth it!