This week, we celebrate 18 months with Madeley James! It’s so hard to believe that in only a year and a half, this girl…
…on her first full day with us in China has turned into this girl…
…the absolute LIGHT of our house!
The other day, I told Andrew how sometimes it takes my breath away that we even have Madeley.
…we prayed and prayed and waited and and waited before making the decision to adopt Ashby, but we just knew right away that we were supposed to adopt again and really, jumped in with both feet without giving it a ton more thought. It just happened!
This girl just RADIATES JOY non-stop. She is so happy, cheerful, upbeat, funny and smart. She has all five of us wrapped around her little finger.
Right now, Miss Madeley is doing fantastic! Her language is progressing really well. We are still working on articulation (which as we know, is a long road), but she says so many BIG words every single day. Her world revolves around these three things right now: Peppa Pig, applesauce and Hungry, Hungry Hippo. Seriously, those are her favorite things…and she is OBSESSED. I think Andrew and I are both savoring this three year old thing. We know how quickly they go from three to almost ten…so, we’re soaking in every little moment of having a three year old in our house.
Madeley started dance in January and LOVES it! She loves going, loves showing us what she learns and cannot wait until her first recital. She also loves school too! She has the most precious preschool teachers this year, and every time I drop her off, she is happy to be there.
Guys, I say this every time, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart, if you are considering adoption, DO IT! My sweet girls have changed our lives. I cannot imagine our family without them. What if your kiddo is waiting for you?
If you have adopted in the past, are in the process or prayerfully considering it, don’t forget that you can join my Adoption Face Book Group HERE. It has been such a positive place for the adoption community and daily, I am blessed when I read the posts. We would love to have you join!
So, a little Madeley for your Monday.
Adoption is amazing, y’all. It really changes everything. xo
To see some other post adoption posts, just look below…
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 15
Madeley’s Gotcha Day {1st Anniversary}
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 11
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 10
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 9
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 8
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 7
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 6
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 5
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 4
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 3
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 2
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 1
Meeting Madeley for the first time: HERE
All of our China travel posts: HERE
To see more about our journey to adopt Ashby, see below:
Ashby Post Adoption: 2.5 Years
Ashby’s Gotcha Day {Second Anniversary}
Ashby’s Gotcha Day {First Anniversary}
Meeting Ashby for the first time: HERE
All of our China travel posts: HERE
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Madeley is sure lucky to have you – and you’re sure lucky to have her. She’s such a perfect fit for your family! 🙂 ❤️
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Erika Slaughter says
Happy 18 Months Madeley Moo!!! She’s somehow managed to wrap not only you five but most of the Slaughters around her little finger as well. #shesgotskills
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
She is the cutest!!! I am so glad you are such an advocate for adoption!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Sheaffer Sims says
Yep, I’m wrapped as well! This girl is pure sunshine, and I love her so much!
Narci Dreffs says
Adoption IS amazing! What a blessing she has been over the past 18 months! Madeley is pure joy and just as sweet! We love you, Madeley!
kathy says
What expressions! I love seeing her face. I will be so interested to see if the Lord has your family adopt more:) It is so awesome that you are spreading the good news of adoption to so many families.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Aw she seems like such a bright light! The awareness you bring to adoption is amazing Shay!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Polly says
That is awesome. Thank you for being so open and sharing. Your little girl and family with us. May God bless you beyond measure. .
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
That darling girl brings me joy just seeing her face!!!
Alexis deZayas says
A Madeley post was just what my Monday needed! Love reading about your sweet girl!
Elspeth Mizner says
She is the cutest! It’s amazing to read how much she has changed in 18 months. She’s a special little lady
Elspeth Mizner says
She is the cutest! It’s amazing to read how much she has changed in 18 months. She’s a special little lady. Have a great Monday Shay!
Laci says
Madeley is just the cutest thing!
Rebecca @ Every Piece Fits says
Children are such a joy and yet each one has an individual personality that shines through. Your story and children are inspiring and make me look forward to the day that I’ll share in that journey. Thanks for sharing an update on your precious Madeley.
XO
Angela Ellingson says
She is such a cutie! I just want to squeeze her!
Yvonne says
Thank you for sharing her with us. What would you say is the hardest thing about adoption?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, the waiting for me was really hard…especially after we were matched and I saw their little faces but couldn’t bring them home. Post-adoption, we haven’t had any attachment issues, but I know that’s really hard for many. I don’t know what the future holds…perhaps one day, other things will be really hard about it, but right now, it’s been such a blessing.
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
That smile lights up any room and always puts one on my face when I see her too!! Between that smile and her boss walk, I just melt. She will do big things!!! xo (PS-Your cup is ready. haha) That Inspired Chick
Christine says
Her smile is so beautiful! You can see the joy and light in her!
And I can totally relate to the jumping-in with adoption #2. We adopted our daughter from China in October 2016. We recently started the process to adopt again (being told it would be at least 2 years before we were matched), and LAST WEEK we saw the picture of our daughter! We are going to try to go through the paperwork at lightning speed to get her home ASAP! 🙂
Thanks to you for your adoption posts. They have been SUCH an encouragement to me! 🙂 Hugs from one China mom to another! 🙂
Sandy Manning says
She is such a little doll and quite the spitfire! It is really fun to see her progress which does seem to have been lightning speed!
Connie Warner says
I think her nickname should be ‘Sunshine’, because she definitely Lights up the room! So glad y’all have such a Sweet family— it’s just about the Best thing there is!?
Kristy Best says
Shay, thank you so much for all that you share with regards to adoption and for starting the adoption Facebook group. It helped me to connect with other families in the same process and timing as our family and I’ve made special friends who will be adopting little ones who currently play with our baby girl overseas. We are in country meeting our sweet girl right now and it’s hands down one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Our daughter is absolutely precious and I can already tell she’s going to be a light and a joy for our family and I’m so thankful we listened to God’s call on our hearts. All that you have shared about Ashby and Madeley helped to solidify that calling for us so thank you!
Gabrielle Storey says
OMGGGGG I am obsessed with her!! She is SO dang cute!!! God blessed your family so well!
Erin Port says
So thankful you started the adoption group! It has been so encouraging as we walk through this season!!! xoxo ERIN
Detroit Duchess says
I love these posts! She is just the sweetest. How can you ever have a bad day with that little smiling face around all the time? Thank you for sharing her journey with us!
AdoptionLife.org says
Adoption is truly beautiful. We love your blog posts and absolutely admire you and your family!