Friends, it’s 2021!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I seriously missed you guys!!! I thought of this little community many times each day over the last two weeks. I truly miss this time with you each day. I’m super pumped that I’m back with you today because we’re celebrating one of the greatest things ever…
…it’s the SIXTH ANNIVERSARY of becoming a family with Ashby London!
I know so many of you were here six years ago with us as we made that trip to China and met this precious girl…isn’t crazy how fast six years has gone by?!
I feel like it was yesterday…but then, I also have a really hard time remembering life without Miss Ashby. Just Andrew, Smith and Kensington? Life doesn’t even sound right if Ashby isn’t in it.
Ashby fills our house with so much joy. Every single day, she’s upbeat, happy, positive and confident. No matter what challenges come her way, she keeps moving forward and handles them with a sense of peace and purpose that can only come from divine intervention.
This last year, so many things have happened and changed in Ashby’s life. It’s been a hard year, a complicated year, a scary year, but she’s handled it with such grace (especially for a 7/8 year old!!!).
Among other things that were hard for our girl, Ashby had two surgeries last year (fewer than normal), but the last one was so complicated and the recovery very brutal. We’re currently 3 months post-op, but she’s still in pain and living with reduced mobility in her elbow, wrist and fingers. We’re working through it, but it’s so hard because she’s old enough to realize several things: First, no matter how painful this surgery is and how long it takes to recover from it, it does not “fix” her problem. A lot of us have surgeries that are brutal but we know that it’s a means to an end…for Ashby, it has a purpose (to keep her healthy and safe and preserve her limb as long as possible), but she doesn’t get the peace/satisfaction of seeing the results she wants to see (to no longer have the problem). Secondly, she knows this is a life-long thing…have a painful surgery, live through the painful post-op, do it again…forever. We’ve spent a lot of time this year (and with the help of some amazing professionals) working through these realities with Ashby because her mental well-being is just as important as her physical one. So many of you tell me that you pray for Ashby every day (something that leaves me quite speechless), so this would be our prayer request for this year…just pray for her as she processes this reality. We can’t change the situation, we can only learn how to live in it peacefully.
Ashby is so tiny, but she is SO MIGHTY! I live in awe of her each and every day. I also live in awe of a God who would see this baby in China and know she belonged with a family in America. How crazy cool is that?!
Ashby, you are spunky, you are funny, you are silly, you love jewelry, lip gloss, and purses, but you also love climbing trees, playing soccer, shooting Nerf guns, and you are obsessed with dogs. OBSESSED. When you grow up, you say you want to be a veterinarian.
I typically wouldn’t consider myself a “hover mother”, but I certainly hover over Ashby. Smith told me this fall that I had to stop worrying about her. He said “Mom, when you drop us off every morning and we walk down the hall to our classrooms, Ashby is like a celebrity. Every teacher and kid that walks by says hi to her. She’s so popular and has so many friends.”. Ha! For the big 5th grader on campus to think that about his little 2nd grade sister made my heart happy. I love that she’s known for having “so many friends”.
Six years ago, we waited in that little office in Xi’an, China for them to bring me a 2 year old girl whom we had never met, but already loved. When they walked in and handed me that sweet little girl (crying her eyes out and holding a banana), I instantly felt like she was mine…the exact same way I felt when Andrew handed me Kensington or Smith for the first time. That was my baby. Forever.
I cannot imagine what the Shull family would look like if we didn’t have Ashby London.
Is there someone missing from your family right now? If adoption is on your heart, it’s there for a reason. Is your kiddo just waiting for you to be brave enough to take that first step and begin the process? Adoption is complicated and messy and born out of brokenness, but friends, it’s also filled with love, joy, hope, hugs, snuggles, and so much happiness.
Adoption is amazing.
Ashby Shull is amazing.
I’m incredibly blessed to be her mama.
Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby! You certainly “got” my heart six years ago today.
To see all of my posts on our adoptions, please scroll and click below…
Madeley’s Post Adoption: 4 Years
Madeley’s Post Adoption: 3 Years
Madeley’s Post Adoption: 2.5 Years
Madeley’s Gotcha Day {2nd Anniversary}
Madeley’s Post Adoption: Month 21
Madeley Post Adoption: Month 18
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’s Gotcha Day {5 Year Anniversary}
Ashby’s Post Adoption: 4.5 Years
Ashby’s Gotcha Day {4 Year Anniversary}
Ashby’s Post Adoption: 3.5 Years
Ashby Gotcha Day {Third Anniversary}
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
Susan Jeffries says
I remember that day so well!! We had applied fro adoption in China after a failed adoption here in the US. We had just learned that it would take around 7 years. At our age, we felt that it was not going to work for us. So I have really enjoyed watching your girls grow and thrive(: We ended up adopting English Labradors, so God was good to us too(: Enjoy your day!
Kristen Thompson says
Aww she seems like the sweetest! She is and will remain to be in my prayers! Wow has it been six years already? I started reading your blog when you were adopting Ashby and have been reading every day since! You and Andrew have done so much for all of your children and are such great models of parenthood! I enjoy watching your family grow through the years on this happy space!!
Elspeth says
Happy gotcha day Ashby!! Also welcome back shay!! We missed you!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Amy Heinl says
Happy Gotcha Day Ashby….I can’t imagine her being anywhere else but with you. She constantly amazes me and her amazing strength and faith will move mountains. I pray for her daily that she always feels strengthened and protected knowing God holds her safely in His loving arms. Enjoy your special day Ashby. We are so glad you are part of our world.
Jennifer Goodwin says
I’m not sure why this had me in tears this morning, but it did. What a mighty little warrior girl and what a blessing Ashby is to many. I can’t even imagine the big plans God has for her! Thank you for always sharing in your life with us. I’m glad you’re back! I hope y’all had a wonderful holiday together.
Kathryn Self says
Happy Gotcha Day Ashby! I remember this day well, yep, I’ve been a reader for a long time ?
I missed you over your time off – so glad you are back!!!! Praying blessings over you and yours in 2021
xo- Kathryn
Nicole DiDonato says
How beautiful!! Happy Gotcha Day Ashby!! What a blessing it is that you share your family with us, so we can pray for them and love them from afar.
Shanna says
This post makes me cry…sweet sweet Ashby. She brings joy everywhere she goes and brings a TON of joy to the Thompson 7 (including pops and nana)! Love her so! And I’ve missed you…glad you’re home!
Cherry says
Shay, thank you for sharing your specific prayer request for sweet Ashby. I will hold it in my heart’s prayers that she will be able to process the reality of her surgeries and that you all will be able to live in it peacefully. I pray for continued strength and determination. I pray for sweet moments of love, laughter and smiles to warm her heart! And her mama’s heart! BE ENCOURAGED dear Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for praying. xo
Dana says
Aww…I was so happy to remember that you’re back today!! It seemed like more than 2 weeks! It’s also so sweet to look back on the day you got Ashby. I can’t remember the details, I just recall you saying you went to get “Ashby,” right? Maybe there was a backpack? It was such a fun surprise! Either way, she’s a celebrity in more than just her school, our kids love her too and we don’t even know her! It really is amazing to see how God puts families together. Praying for you all this morning! ?
Alysha O says
Happy gotcha day! I remember tearing up reading your post after you adopted her and I felt just as emotional reading this post. What a sweet girl. Saying a prayer for her this morning.
Corinne Topalis says
How has it been 6 years! God is so good! Ashby will do big things in this life, I just know it!
Kala says
What a sweet post! Happy Gotcha Day to Ashby and your family! Also welcome back, I’ve missed seeing your posts ?
Erika Slaughter says
What a BIG day in your house!! I cannot believe it’s been six years!! Ashby Shull, we love you sweet girl and are so thankful for your life! Praying for her to feel that peace that passes all understanding more than ever in 2021! Happy, Happy Gotcha Day, Shull Family!
Rachel Shafer says
Happy Gotcha Day Ashby! You are one sweet, brave and beautiful girl!
Melanie M says
Ashby is on my daily prayer list. Thanks for the update!
Mix and Match Mama says
You just have no idea how much this means to me. God bless YOU, Melanie!!!
Elyse Hitscherich says
She is so brave. Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby! Been following along with your fam since before you went to get her and it’s amazing to see her flourish! <3
Tanya says
Ashby has so many friends at school – and out here in blog world too! Happy New Year to you and your sweet family. I sure missed your blog posts each day!
Ella Williams says
How sweet!! I could not even imagine what you and your family go through to help Ashby’s limb!! Ashby must be so strong!! I’ll be praying for her!!
Lauren Gottesman says
I remember that day that you met Ashby so well!! Has she seen the video of you meeting for the first time? I would love to know what she thinks about it!
Sonia says
Love this post, love you, and love Ashby! Praying for understanding, miracle movements, and continued joy!!
Robin Pruitt says
What a beautiful post! And of course I’m in tears! Happy Gotcha Day Ashby!
Angela Shields says
I just love Ashby and your whole sweet family. I will pray for Ashby. God is writing an incredible story through His little warrior.
I am SO glad you’re back. I’ve missed your blog so much. It’s an escape for inspiration for me daily. I was giddy this morning that you had a new post. ?
Sarah says
Keeping your sweet girl in our prayers. Happy Ashby Day!
Brandi Greer says
Happy Gotcha Day to your sweet Ashby!! I always enjoy these posts. This coming October I sat in that very office on that very couch when we adopted our little girl 7 years ago. Thank you for sharing your adoption stories!! ❤️❤️
Elizabeth Kelly says
Happy Gotcha Day to your sweet girl! Me and my co-worker were anxiously awaiting the newest post 6 years ago as we followed your story. And yes, yes, YES- adoption is amazing. If it’s on your heart, be brave and take one step to see where it leads and what may be next!
Kathy says
What a wonderful day for your family to celebrate at the beginning of a new year–Happy 2021! It is amazing how quickly the past 6 years has gone by. I appreciate you sharing the good times and the struggles, and I will continue to pray for Ashby’s sweet spirit to remain strong and positive. I love what Smith shared with you about Ashby having so many friends and being ‘popular’! I can totally see that, as she has the most beautiful, contagious smile. 🙂
Victoria says
It’s so nice to hear that she’s thriving. I have a chronic condition which includes pain, fatigue and a host of other things. I was recommended a book called The Happiness Trap at the residential pain clinic I attended last year. I don’t think Ashby would read it all through herself, but you may find it a useful resource to support her. It describes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic illnesses and chronic pain.
It is incredibly difficult to know that your illness will never go away, and that how it affects you can change minute to minute, let alone year to year. Obviously follow the advice of your medical team but you may want to consider support groups, membership of organisations etc so Ashby can speak to people who have experiences similar to her. It doesn’t need to be someone with the same illness.
However much your family and friends support you, there are some things that they will never understand because they never experience them. Even in my 40s I still end up in conversations with friends or medical professionals where it suddenly becomes clear that stuff I thought was normal is not normal at all. My osteopath said a couple of weeks ago that it is strange to have a client who can describe the exact spot and type of pain anywhere on my body so that she immediately knows how to fix it. I thought everyone could do that!
I share this story in case it gives you any insight into how Ashby may feel sometimes.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much! God blessed me today by your story and comment. I am so thankful you took the time to share this with me!!!
Victoria says
I’ve realised that for different reasons this could apply to Kensington too.
I can see how much you support your family and I think it is important to recognise that you can’t take it away for them. ACT therapy is partly about excepting what is and going from there. I know myself when trying to support others that you want to make it all better and make cheery comments to jolly someone along and however lovingly this is meant, to the person who is ill this can sound like “I don’t believe you”, or “stop letting the illness control you”.
I’m not religious and I don’t know how you approach conversations about illness and prayer with your family so I say in a completely non-judgmental, open way that you may want to think about how you balance accepting an illness whilst also talking about the power of prayer.
I’m still learning to say “this is hard”, to accept that it is hard (either living with my illness or one particular thing) because then I’m not wasting energy trying to pretend it isn’t hard. Nor wasting energy trying to make other people feel better about my illness. And with chronic illness you need all the energy you can get!
Email me if you wanted to talk more and google Spoon Theory if you haven’t heard of it. It’s a really useful way to explain some aspects of chronic illness to people. As an example, Kensington and Ashby both use ‘spoons’ every day to keep themselves alert to danger (gluten or falls) that other people never have to use energy worrying about.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy gotcha day to Ashby! And happy new year, Shay! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Bailey Guillaume says
I have followed you since Sean was on the Bachelor (actually, since cute little Kensington was on the bachelor at your mom’s house). I remember you sharing your adoption story all those years ago. I was in college at the time, but even then I thought adoption may be the only option for my (now) husband and I. Well, I’m now in my third trimester awaiting our son, but your story still resonates with me. I planted a seed back then with my husband hoping one day we would be able to give love and a life to a child through adoption. Just know, your testimony is still so powerful to me. I still hope to adopt one day and I love your updates because it truly shows the way God has used your family.
Thanks for sharing!
Danna F says
Best start of the week and new year is reading about sweet Ashby! What a courageous, beautiful girl. Prayers and hugs from me. Happy Gotcha Day Ashby and Shulls!
Rosie says
Pregnant mama over her in a total mess of tears watching that first video of you holding Ashby 6 years ago ❤️? Also, this made me realize I’ve probably been following your blog for about 8 years! ? Thanks for sharing motherhood with all of us. I grew up in McKinney and always feel like this blog gives me a piece of home and some great ideas for my family meals, travel and activities!
Holly Sandkamp says
Happy Gotcha Day!!!! I’ve been reading your blog since the time of you anticipating going to China to get your girl and have loved following since. Prayers for Ashby and all of you. Keep the pics and book reviews coming ?
Sheaffer Sims says
Sweet Ashby is such an incredible blessing to all of us. And I love that she’s a celebrity when walking down the hall. The girl deserves some serious respect. 🙂
Robin says
Happy Gotcha day to Ashby the Great! I remember reading the updates, and was so excited to see beautiful Ashby’s journey home! This post also made me tear up-as I also pray for Ashby and think of her often. She is a strong warrior ! I’m thankful she ended up living her best life with the Shull family ! Xo
Dana says
Happy Gotcha Day to Ashby and your entire family! Ashby is so adorable and so brave and an inspiration to all! So so happy you are back…it seemed so much longer than 2 weeks! I felt like I haven’t seen one of my besties for 2 weeks…I missed seeing you on social media! Hope you had a great holiday and time with your sweet family!
Shawna @ Lunchbox Babies says
I always love these posts! Praying for sweet Ashby this morning. Praying as she faces her reality, and can’t wait to see how God uses her in His mighty plan! Love your sweet family, and thank you for always sharing. XO
Sandra Rosellini says
Happy Gotcha Day Ashby! I think you got all of our hearts with that first picture of your Momma cradling you in her arms! ?
sandi says
Five or six years ago, I found your blog because of your book recommendations. I hung around because of your cute family, your beliefs and the good food. Crazy how this internet thing can connect people from around the globe. Happy Gotcha Day!
Karah Stracener says
I will certainly keep sweet Ashby in my prayers this year. I remember when you posted about yall finally getting to go to China to see her. My my how much she has grown. She just exudes joy in her pictures.
Jennifer Sawyer says
It takes alot for me to get teary eyed, but reading the comment about her walking down the halls in school made me BIG TIME teary eyed! What a sweet doll she truly is!
Tracy Doubts says
Praying bold prayers for Ashby, the entire Shull family and Ashby’s healthcare team! Happy gotcha day Ashby!
Dawn Patten says
I still cry every time I see gotcha day photos. It brings me back to my daughter’s gotcha day, almost 16 years ago. All the feels and wonderful times. Enjoy.
Heather Palmer says
That video you posted on Instagram of when they handed you Ashby and she was crying and little Kensington trying to comfort her. I remember this 6 years ago and how excited I was for your family. She is such a beautiful little lady!
Debbie Dunbar says
I’ve been praying everyday for Ashby and your family! I will be even more specific in my prayers this year! Glad you are back!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!! You really have no idea how much that means to me!
Mitzi Hutcheson says
Such a sweet post and story about a beautiful and sweet girl! Y’all are indeed blessed!
Liz Thorson says
Shay, what a dear, sweet loving post in honor of your precious Ashby! I am so glad she is a Shull. Here’s to less pain and hopefully the return of some of the mobility she lost with the last surgery. Ashby’s sweet, funny, gentle and yet strong soul and mind are inspirational! She IS one very special girl!
Shevonne Latter says
Welcome Back !
Ashby is the Most Beautiful Girl so Brave and So Courageous- I just Love Smiths’ share that is Awesome and one way for your Mama heart to relax
Wishing Ashby and You All a wonderful celebration day You are all so Blessed to be in each other’s lives ✨??????✨
Adrienne says
Happy Gotcha Day Ashby. You are such a beautiful girl inside and out, and stronger than most.
Karen says
Congratulations to all of you! 6 years?! I’ve been following you, Shay, since then! I was bawling at your IG stories today! Beautiful moments in China many years ago!
Jessica S says
Shay,
I remember stalking your blog and Instagram on this day so well! I can’t believe it has been 6 years! Ashby is a blessing to so many. I hope she is having the happiest day celebrating the day she became a Shull! Continued prayers for her sweet soul. Also, your words today…”We can’t change the situation, we can only learn how to live in it peacefully” stopped me in my tracks. This is such a powerful statement and one that I want to carry with me into the New Year as we face challenges that arise. Thank you for sharing your heart and your family each and every day! I missed you over the break and am so happy you are back!
Julie says
Such a touching and powerful story that I never seem to tire of reading about! Teary-eyed once again reading this and seeing the sweet pics. Ashby is an amazing girl and an inspiration to me. I have prayed for her and will continue to! She deserves lots of love and many prayers. I also pray this year will be an easier one for your family❤️
Allison Ledford says
Ashby gave me the push to pursue adoption and now I have Kate home from China 4 years and Jack for two years. Happy Gotcha Day sweet Ashby! You are an inspiration.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness! Allison!! That literally made my day!!! God bless YOU for having the faith to step out and adopt your sweet Kate!!
Kacy M says
What a sweet occasion! I remember like it was just yesterday that y’all adopted her! What a blessing. ❤️
Sally Ratcliff says
Oh my goodness!! I was fine until Smith gave you that advice! I lost it!! ? Love that “she’s a celebrity” and “every teacher & kid say hi to her.” As a teacher that made my heart so happy!! What a sweet brother Smith is. Continued prayers for Ashby. I’ve been here since K & S were super young & I’m not going anywhere! This post made my night! ?
Lindsay D. says
Happy Anniversary, Ashby & Shull Family!! It seems weird to say, but so true, that a child I have never met has made such an impact in my life. She is a beautiful young lady that radiates light!! Thank you for sharing her with us!!
Jodi says
Hi Shay! Is there a reason they won’t amputate now? Wouldn’t that solve a lot of the issues?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, she is only 8, so we’re hoping with medical advances as she gets older, maybe she can keep it. Her life would be hard with only one arm (non-dominant at that), so we’re doing everything we can to protect it.
Kristen says
I started following you sometime before you got Ashby! It’s been amazing to watch her “grow up” with your family! She is such an inspiration and I love following along with her journey! ❤️
Miya Thalmann says
Happy Gotcha Day to Ashby and your family! I enjoyed reading about how you are celebrating and the traditions your family has. Adoption is amazing and even more that you have pictures and videos to look back on.
During 2020 was my 28th gotcha day! My family and I call it “Coming Home Day” as I was adopted from China as well. It’s always so special and continues to be year after year. I’m happy to hear you celebrate it big!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww!! This made me smile!!!!! Thank you for sharing!!
Katie Ingram says
Happy Gotcha Day to Ashby and your family! Welcome back, I’ve missed seeing your posts!
Jen says
Happy Gotcha day to your family! You’ve def. inspired our family. We started the adoption journey 3 years ago and have been waiting for our match for over 2 years now (we are adopting from the Philippines) and things have also slowed b/c of Covid. As we wait patiently (or try to) I love listening to your stories about your family and sweet Ashby.
Deena says
I can’t believe it’s been 6 years! I remember it so clearly when you brought sweet Ashby home. I’ve had a soft spot for her ever since and she’s been in my prayers for a long time. I can see why she’s so popular at school because her light really shines in photos and when you talk about her.