Two years ago today, we met and became a forever family with this precious girl…
Ashby, 2016
Today is Ashby’s Gotcha Day…but let’s be real, we didn’t “get her” on that day, she “got” all of us. She completely captured our hearts and we have been her’s ever since.
I’m about to get all emotional and weepy talking about his precious girl…because she has changed my life more than almost anyone I’ve ever known.
Ashby, 2015
I prayed and prayed about adopting a child years before it ever came to fruition. I was excited and scared all at the same time. I vividly remember being in the living room with Andrew one night before we left for China and telling him how nervous I was. What if this kiddo hated us? What if she didn’t want anything to do with being in our family? What if she changed us all…but for the worse? I was confident that the Lord was telling us to go and get this child, but I was nervous too. There were so many unknowns. But I can honestly say that the moment they brought this girl into the room (screaming and crying) and handed her to me, I felt the same way I did when they handed Smith and Kensington to me for the first time (they were screaming and crying too 😉 ). She just felt like mine in my arms. Like she belonged there.
Ashby, about three weeks after we adopted her in January 2015.
I have learned from all of my kids. They are all so different and have taught me so many things…but none of them has taught me tenacity, strength and courage more than this sweet girl. Every single day, I am amazed by Ashby. She has limitations…things I probably won’t ever be able to say here…but she has them and yet, you would never know. She must say the phrase “I’ll do it myself” at least 20 times a day because I’m always trying to accommodate her and help…but she wants to do it herself. Most of the time, she cannot use her right hand at all, so instead, she’s figured out ways to work around it (typically, it’s by using her teeth as a second hand). She is not going to be held back by her disability, she is going to figure it out on her own.
January 4, 2015 and then again on January 4, 2016
Ashby has been undergoing procedures every month since the end of July and yet, always has a smile on her face. I am worn down, weary and exhausted by it all…but she is upbeat and resilient. She has so much fight and courage inside of her.
Top picture, January 4, 2015 and bottom picture, January 4, 2016
December 29, 2016
Ashby loves her daddy…but it is crystal clear that she’s a mommy’s girl. She is at my hip all.day.long. She is so cuddly, so sweet, she hardly ever gets into trouble at all (I mean…I really can’t think of a single time when she’s really gotten into trouble!) and she’s very loyal. She loves anything and everything Barbie (Barbie’s camper is her favorite toy from Santa), she loves for me to read her books, she loves to color (having to do it with her non-dominant hand and doing SO WELL!), she loves riding her bike and watching any sort of Disney princess movie. She and Smith play together every day when he gets home from school…they’re such peas in a pod, but she idolizes Kensington and wants to do whatever she’s doing. When it came down to writing our letters to Santa, she waited until Kensington was finished and then asked Smith to just copy K’s letter for her and sign her name. If her sister likes it, she thinks she’ll like it too. She has really taken to being a big sister as well. She wants to sit next to Madeley at every meal and “help”. She wants to show Madeley everything (how to ride a bike, how to play with dolls, how to play the matching game, etc). Adding Madeley to our family has been a very positive experience for Ashby.
If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, she says a doctor for kids and a mommy. I mean…how much does that melt your heart?
This year, she started dance and loves it! She is going to be limited on what physical activities she can participate in…but dance has been a huge blessing. I’m hopeful that she’ll be able to do it for a long time.
And I couldn’t do an Ashby post without mentioning this guy right here. Ashby’s best friend is Bowen…and I will be forever thankful for him. Bowen is so sweet and gentle to her, he challenges her, he humors her, he makes her laugh, he loves on her, he teaches her…he is the yin to her yang. I can’t imagine an Ashby without a Bowen.
Two years ago, I walked into a room and sat down anticipating the arrival of my newest little girl. A child found abandoned around 10 days old who had lived in an orphanage for 2½ years. I didn’t know how she would react to us, how she would engage with us, how she would fit into our family…and now, 24 months later, it’s safe to say, she is the perfect fit. We cannot imagine life without Ashby London Shull. She knows this is her special day. We’ve been talking about it and counting down for a few weeks now. She knows that her mommy in China couldn’t keep her but loved her so much that she wanted her to have a forever family and that today, we celebrate the fact that we are a forever family. Ashby changed my life. She changed all of our lives. Because of Ashby and how precious she is, it made it so easy for us to adopt again…which is why we are now so blessed with sweet Madeley. Adoption isn’t easy. It’s long, it’s expensive, it’s complicated, it’s born from loss, it’s full of grief and sadness…but it is also so beautiful, so special and so amazing. I’m so glad that I didn’t say no when God called us to adopt. I’m so glad I didn’t let my fears overtake me. I cannot imagine life without sweet Ashby. Today, we celebrate two years of being a forever family. xo
To see more about our journey to adopt Ashby, see below:
Ashby’s Gotcha Day {First Anniversary}
Meeting Ashby for the first time: HERE
All of our China travel posts: HERE
Leslie Z. says
Happy 2nd Gotcha Day, Shulls! You are all so lucky to have such a magnificent child in your lives. Now to redo my make up because I’m weeping like a baby. Hearts are so full today. <3
http://Www.withlovefromgablog.blogspot.com
Bailey Bryant says
Your adoption posts are my absolute favorite. I think it’s safe to say sweet Ashby has touched many hearts!
Shelly says
Such beautiful words. I don’t even know Ashby and I can feel joy in every picture you post. She’s a lovely little girl. God Bless.
Jenny says
What a sweet post! Ashby is a lucky little gal indeed!
~Jenny
http://www.introvertsguidetosobriety.com/motherhood/2017-goals/
ALYSSA Lindquist says
So beautiful! I am crying as I read your post. Happy Gotcha Day!
Stephanie Zapata says
Love your adoption posts! I have 2 adopted “babies”-one that’s 14 (born in Russia) and one that’s almost 12 (born in Guatemala. They made me a mama when I didn’t think I could have babies biologically and I’m forever grateful to their birth mothers-I’ve been able to have contact with both of them. I now have 4 biological children as well but Sam and Kate taught me so very much about being a mama and what true love is. Love your blog and your heart. ❤
Gentry says
Well I’m crying in my coffee this morning after reading this! It is so clear that Ashby was always supposed to be your daughter – and how amazing that God arranged it all perfectly! Happy gotcha day!!
Erika Slaughter says
All the happy tears this morning! So many thoughts.
1. Ashby is the toughest little cookie I know.
2. She is full of joy. It’s hard to not be happy when you’re hanging with her.
3. It’s easy to forget that your gain was someone else’s loss. I’m thankful for your heart. ❤️
4. How did Bowen survive those first two years of life solo?
Happy Happy Gotcha Day to Miss Ashby! We love you sweet girl! XO
Beth says
Happy Gotcha Day to sweet Ashly! Who could read that without crying?! What a great blessing she is to your family and you are to make her a part of your forever family!
Lindsay says
I do appreciate you being open about the health challenges Ashby faces. For that, thank you! I’m sure many readers like me, face various health challenges with our children and seeing you AND Ashby handle hurdles with beauty and grace gives me strength. It’s the ole– if they can do this, so can we mentality. Strength in numbers. Similarly, I think your raw honesty about adoption has also probably inspired more people than you know. Again, thank you Shay.
Kimm says
How lucky that she has you and you have her.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Gotcha Day is such a cute name! I’m so happy you found each other!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Laura M says
I love this post!!! I live in China and always love to hear when children can find their forever homes!
emily @ a little bit of emily says
It’s amazing to see the difference in the pictures from when you first got her to now. You can just tell how much she has blossomed – it’s been so fun following along her journey!!
Amy Smith says
What a blessing that sweet girl is to your family & what a blessing you all are to her! Happy gotcha day! What an amazing journey!
Whitney Pegram says
Love these pots so much! Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby!!
Katie S.. says
I just love this so much! What an inspiration you are, being the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior. Hearing Him speaking to you, and even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, you went forward. I cannot tell you or thank you enough for how your adoption testimony has changed my life, Shay! So thankful to have stumbled across this blog ????????????????
Sheaffer Sims says
Miss Ashby has impacted so many lives. She radiates JOY, and brings joy to all who know her. And her courage and tenacity are what HEROES are made of! Love that girl!
Karla says
I feel your momma’s heart for your daughter and it’s beautiful.
Lacy Byrd says
This is the sweetest! Thanks for sharing Ashly’s adoption with us!
Sarah says
Beautiful post! I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say this – but Ashby has been a blessing to all of us, too 🙂 Thank you for sharing her and your story. I’ve loved seeing God work in your lives.
Meagan Ruse says
What a special day❤️ Ashby is the most joyful person I’ve ever met! Thank you for sharing her with us! She is so loved and adored!
Kiley says
So so beautifully written! She is truly a blessing. Happy gotcha day, Ashby!!
Narci says
Oh, Ashby! We are so thankful that your mama and daddy followed the call to adopt! We love you so very much!! Xoxo
Melissa says
Precious! Your adoption posts are always my favorites because you speak of it all with such honesty and grace. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us!
Jackie says
And I’m crying. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet girls G day!
Raven Jones says
So many tears for such a sweet post!! Happy Gotcha Day! Such a perfect story of being immensely blessed by following God’s calling!
Karen says
Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby!! It has been such a joy to watch you adapt to your forever family and see how you approach each day with fun & courage! We are awaiting our exit interview for our sweet girl, 2 years in..your posts always keep me encouraged, Shay! Thank you for sharing with us❤️
Brooke Richardson says
Oh Ashby, you are so loved!!! So adored!!! You have inspired me as well. Your story has played a part in our story to bring home a little one from China and I’m sure we are not the only ones! You are changing lives sweet girl and I’m honored to know you! All of the Richardson 5, and soon to be 6 love you so much!!!
heidi says
I love this so much. I remember that day so well I was checking IG every 5 minutes to see a post there is no doubt in my mind that she was meant to come to you. #familiesareforever
Happy days!!!
Olivia says
I hardly ever comment on blogs, but this blog post and your life have such an impact in not only me but everyone who reads your blog. This sweet girl has touched so many lives and you can tell from all of your friends commenting. I am so happy that you followed this calling and have now two beautiful girls that needed your family. Thank you for opening up your life and sharing.. it has touched so many in so many ways.
XoXo
Kim Nations says
So beautifully written.. Happy Gotcha Day Ashby! Your such a special family to do this..
patricia says
This post really resonated with me. Both of our grandkids are adopted through the foster child program here in the USA. And both of our daughters in law have dealt with their own life long orthopedic disabilities growing up.
We’re lucky to have all of them in our lives.
Elyse says
This post brought tears to my eyes. I am not married and don’t have any kids, but your story has truly touched my heart and made me think about one day, down the road, adopting as well. God Bless that little girl!! 🙂
Danielle Rigg says
What an amazing journey you all have taken and it is just the beginning. You have changed her world for the better
two years ago but she has changed your life in many ways she may never know. You have such big hearts full of love and your children’s smiles show it! Blessings to you and your family. Happy Gottcha Day! Thank you for sharing your family stories with us, you help & inspire us with every story!
Kelly says
Beautifully written, Shay. Thank you so much for sharing your adoption journey of Ashby and now, Madeley. So much joy. But not without it’s struggles and challenges. Yet, you portray it all in such a real way that we can see that the blessings triumph through the hard times. Happy Gotcha Day to Ashby and the rest of your sweet family!
Paula says
All the tears of joy this morning! I love these updates! I love personal growth stories in the Lord! I do hope you write a book on this subject!
Susan says
Happy Gotcha Day! What a blessing you are to your daughter and family. A book you might enjoiy..ALong Way Home..it was the book that the movie “Lion” was based on. https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Home-Memoir/dp/0425276198
Nichole says
Happy Gotcha Day to you and Ashby! It has been a blessing watching her grow and thrive. Such a sweet tribute!
Brittany Hensley says
Happy Gotcha Day, sweet girl! This post got me right in the feelings, & now I’m crying tears of joy. What a blessing!!
Tessa Mullins says
As a woman who has felt the calling to adopt someday, it is such a blessing to read your posts. Your encouraging words warm my heart, and most importantly, give me reassurance that this is the path that I will take someday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for obeying the Lord and following your heart.
Angie says
I love your posts on adoption, it is because of your story that I have been talking about and praying about adoption with my future spouse. You can see the love and joy in Ashby’s face, you are her family for sure. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your life with us! I don’t know if I would be considering adoption if I hadn’t followed your story so closely!
Paige E says
I love this post. May God bless you and your precious family. I pray all four of your gifts get to know Jesus as their Savior like their mama. What a sweet sweet story of redemption!
mary says
I am crying reading this. so sweet! Ashby is my spirit animal! I have loved following your journey with her, it is such an inspiration to others.
Kathy L says
Beautiful post! I have really enjoyed watching your family grow through adoption, and knowing the joy that Ashby and Madeley bring to everyone. Ashby is certainly one tough cookie. 🙂
April Parrish says
You are pulling at my heart strings!!! Beautiful post that brought me to tears! Praying for Ashby and knowing that anything is possible with God!
Thanks for sharing!
Suzyh says
Touched and tearful reading this post. She is precious beyond words!! Happy Gotcha day to that sweet girl…and to her forever family!
Lesley McFarland says
Happy Happy Gotcha Day Shull Family!! It’s been so fun to watch this little one. She was meant to be a Shull.
Beth Dickinson says
What a beautiful post! My 2 daughters are also adopted from China – now 19 (adopted 17 years ago) and 16 (adopted 15 years ago) so I love to read your stories. They bring back so many wonderful memories for me too. You are so blessed!
Maria D. says
Happy 2nd Gotcha Day! This is such a beautiful post and it just brought tears to my eyes. I hope you all have a great day!
Jenny says
Thank you for sharing sweet Ashby with all of us! Her sweet smile is contagious!
Heather S says
Happy 2nd Gotcha Day to the #Shull6 ! What a beautifully written post. It is obvious you all have blessed Ashbys life as much as she has blessed all of yours.
Meg says
Just amazing ❤
Angela Ellingson says
Such a precious girl and beautiful story. I will continue to pray for pain relief, endurance, and healing for sweet Ashby. <3
janet says
Happy Gotcha Day! Hard to believe it has been two years. I believe she was truly born to be with your family. Enjoy watching her and all of the children grow and come into their own personalities.
Alissa says
Absolutely love this post. 🙂
Courtney says
Happy Gotcha Day! Thank you for sharing her story, your story. Your raw feelings and experiences are truly an inspiration to many. What a blessing sweet Ashby is, and that adoption is!
Courtney
http://www.greywoodmama.com
Grace says
Although I heard from you through your brother Sean (huge bachelor fan here), I have enjoyed following your blog/Instagram the past months so much! I always look forward to all your posts about your family and love love hearing how both Ashby and Madeley have adapted and become part of your family. You even inspired me to start my own blog this 2017! I hope you all have another wonderful year and I will continue to check out your blog daily!
Audrey says
Happy Gotcha Day to the Shull family! It’s been such a treat to watch your family blossom and thank you for sharing it with your online community here. I have a child with medical needs also and it’s so encouraging knowing that other families are walking similar, yet very unique roads. I have 4 kiddos also (all boys) and I love seeing the grace and flexibility with which you lead your family.
Kristin says
Shay! You make me ball my eyes out every time! Wishing you all a happy gotcha day 🙂
Melanie says
I absolutely loved these posts!!!! They just make me so so happy.
What a blessing you have in Ashby and she in you all.
Alicia F says
Happy Gotcha Day! So thankful that you share in this beautiful journey!
Eunice says
Que the tears!! What a sweet girl. I’m so glad she came into your life when she did and that she has been such a blessing to you. What an amazing story and I can’t wait to see how God uses her in the future!
My hubby and I have long talked about adopting. We were blessed with the birth of my daughter through IVF, a surprise natural pregnancy and then my son was born via frozen embryo from our IVF. We are at the point of being unsure of when or how to proceed with adoption but we feel as though our family is not yet done. I suppose we just need to “take the next step”, whatever that may be!
Kelly McNellis says
Your post is so sweet and full of love. It made me cry in all of the best ways. God bless your family…happy gotcha day!!!
Allison says
Such an amazing story and transformation!! Happy Gotcha Day! Her story has impacted so many families and encouraged so many to start this amazing adoption journey. I’m not sure we’d have our son in our lives without you sharing Ashby’s story, so thank you! 🙂
Also, I was watching a documentary today on Netflix called “Find Me” that is all about China adoption, and I’m pretty sure Ashby’s orphanage was featured on it in Xi’an! They talked about a “little sisters” foster program within the building, and it reminded me so much of your visit to her orphanage. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a watch! Enjoy the day celebrating!
Ruth says
I love these posts! Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby. Adoption is amazing and so is your family, Shay.
Jackie says
Hi Shay! I know I’ve emailed you about dresses and Hunter boots (lol) and as much as I love your fashion posts, I adore the posts about Ashby and Madeley the most!! I hope you enjoy the day today with your family so very much and you’ve definitely opened my eyes to adoption. Happy Gotcha Day to Miss Ashby!! 🙂
Karen Ward says
Oh…happy tears! I love seeing all your kids but Ashby? Well, she is just a little light. Pretty certain God has BIG plans for this little girl. Happy Gotcha Day, sweet Ashby!!
Deanna says
Thank you for sharing you heart and your beautiful family! Happy 2nd Gotcha Day!
Leanne says
from a 2 time adoptive mama herself… thank you… it reminds me what a privilege that God has extended to me… to be an instrument of redemption…. what a sweet read…
Kim Harmon Nations says
Just wanted to saw I’m so excited I saw on Amazon your new book For crock pot recipes. Didn’t realize you had that book coming out. Missed that post. Love your recipes and share them with my coworkers. They are so easy and you have the ingredients in your pantry. They are all delicious. Thanks for sharing them.
Michelle says
My daughter, Sophia, is celebrating her Gotcha Day today too! Twelve years though! The words in your post sum up how I feel about my daughter as well. So blessed to be her mom. ❤️️
Annie Trotter says
What a sweet post. I love
Annie says
What a sweet post. I love reading about your sweet Ashby. Also, I’m not sure if she is making it through the night yet but thought I might share out potty training story. We have 3 little ones and the two youngest woke up dry by the age of two. However, my oldest had accidents until he was 9.
When he was 6, we were a little concerned (and tired of buying pull ups!!) so we took him to the doctor and they evaluated his diet and drinking habits. They gave us some recommended diet changes and also a prescription for some medicine (can’t remember the name). The medicine wasn’t very effective and the diet changes reduced the amount of wetness but did not eliminate it.
We then realized that he sleeps like a zombie. He is so hard to wake up. I don’t think he was being lazy at all, I think he was just sound asleep. So, we got some sort of alarm that would wake him at the first hint of anything wet. Well, that was awful because it was so darn loud and woke the entire house up. We tossed it instantly.
Ultimately, we realized that his body just wasn’t developed yet to send the appropriate signals to his brain to wake him. So, I sound some wonderful night time underwear that has an insert (like a big maxi pad) in it. It was a life saver when he outgrew the pull-ups. Over time, he would have more and more dry nights in a row. And when his body matured, he stopped wetting altogether. He is 10 now and has been dry for about a year. Yay!
Not sure if any of this info will help you but thought I would share just in case. God bless!
Maureen C. says
So much love to Ashby and your family! Moved to tears, thank you for this beautiful post!
Jaren says
I can’t believe it’s been 2 years!! She is an inspiration to me as well. I always love reading your sweet words on adoption! I’m so happy for you guys!!
Lindsay Dunagan says
Happy Tears!! Her smile blesses me!! 🙂
Susan says
Really enjoy hearing all about sweet Ashby and Madely – you are all so blessed to have one another!
Heather Newman says
Tears!!!! Happy Gotcha Day Ashby and all the Shulls! How blessed you have all been❤️ What a beautiful and touching post.
Desiree | Beautifully Seaside says
Happy day indeed! May the Lord continue to strengthen her and heal her! Love her smile! XOXOXO
Emily Lukose says
Love, love, love this post Shay! I can’t thank you enough for sharing yours and Ashby’s story with us; you both are touching so many lives! Always wishing great things for sweet Ashby and your family. Bless her heart for wanting to be a doctor!!! Even though I don’t know her, I’m sure that girl can do anything she sets her mind to and will continue changing lives wherever she goes! 🙂
Jeanie says
Tried to leave a comment and got an error message. I just wanted to say what a wonderful tribute this is to Ashby and how confident she looks in the first photo.
Leslie says
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! God has used your family so mightily, not just to provide a home for these beautiful girls but to encourage other mommas and families too!
I’ve been following for a long time – I’ve been wondering how Ashbys language development, preschool journey, etc are progressing. Also, with Madeley as she gets older. I know you’ve posted that y’all have chosen not to continue with Mandarin, would like to know how the girls are doing with all things developmentally. Thanks for having the courage to share so openly, you’ve been more help to others than you could possibly know.
Mayra says
I anticipate with an eager heart the day Ashby will be able to read these posts and comments to learn all about her becoming a Shull and pretty much look back at an autobiography of her life, play by play. ???????????? We all celebrate you, Ashby! #KudosShulls #ittakesavillage #KudosLowestoo ????????
Holly Hopkins says
I can’t believe it is two years!!! What blessing it has been to beable to watch this process. You have a beautiful family!