And just like that, it’s 2026!
Goodness, hello, hello, friends! I have missed spending time with you here each day.
I hope you are having a WONDERFUL start to your year.
I always love taking time away with my family each year, but I am ALWAYS so happy to be back here online with you too. I truly, truly, truly think about you guys constantly when I’m away.
Any time I think of something funny or random or watch a show or eat something yummy or whatever, I think about how I need to share it with my online friends. I’m truly so grateful that you’re staring a new year with me again today. Thank you.
I have A BIG year planned for us in 2026. I think I said this last year, but I’m saying it again…I don’t think I’ve ever been THIS EXCITED to go back to work. My notes page in my phone and my notepad at my desk are FILLED with ideas, thoughts, prompts and topics of conversation for us to explore this year. I’m excited about all of the blog content, and I’m excited about all of the vacations I get to work on too…I am just really filled with joy to go to work today. And I don’t get to do that without YOU. So, thank you.
Today, I am putting my annual “question box” on Instagram for your input on this year’s blog content. I do this every year, and I promise you, it’s those notes in particular that I refer back to over and over and over again as I plan my blog content. Please please leave your comments on IG today. That is the BEST place to leave me ideas as I’ll screenshot them and save them to a folder to review all year long. Thank you in advance.
Okay, we arrived home yesterday afternoon from our trip to Germany and Poland. GOODNESS GRACIOUS, we had such a special time. Andrew and I both agreed that this was the very best trip we’ve ever taken. I have so much to share coming up.
In the meantime, it’s A VERY SPECIAL POST in blog world.
You guys, on Sunday…
…we celebrated ELEVEN YEARS WITH OUR ASHBY LONDON!
Eleven amazing years.
Goodness, we love our girl so much.
These last twelve months have been a huge year for this kiddo.
In August, Ashby started a new school.
She had gone to the same elementary school and was with the same kiddos in middle school since kindergarten. As much as she loved her friends (and still does!), she saw the future and really wanted to be a Lovejoy Leopard too. She started 7th grade at a (new to her) middle school in Lucas and has THRIVED.
Ashby immediately jumped into a brand new (to her) sport…cross country…
…she became a part of the yearbook staff and instantly had a ton of new friends.
This was also the year that Ashby became the official “reader” in our family. You guys think I read a lot of books? This girl reads circles around me. On an average week, Ashby easily reads two books. Any time she has a free moment, she has a book in her hands.
I love so many things about my sweet Ashby…
…I love that she is always surrounded by friends. From McKinney to Lucas to Nantucket, she has so many genuine friend groups.
I love that Ashby is so brave. She’ll try weird foods. She’ll ride any ride. She’ll confidently (and respectfully) speak to adults. She’ll try a new sport. She”ll take public transportation. She’s the one both of her sisters get if they need a bug squished. She’s just bold and unafraid.
Ashby is the one both Andrew and Smith ask “who won ‘that game’ last night” because she has such a passion for sports that she always knows. Ashby watches everything from baseball to football to basketball to soccer at both the college and pro levels. She can remember players’ names and stats, scores and all of the nuanced details about such a wide variety of teams. She’s also that girl…
…that loves to get coffee with me and go to the farmers market. She loves a good Sephora haul and is always studying her Bible. This girl is diverse and yet passionate about so many things.
Ashby London Shull has changed our lives. Everything about her has changed us. We are so grateful the Lord made us a forever family. It has been the most amazing eleven years with our sweet girl.
Adoption is messy and complicated and born from loss…but adoption makes forever families. Adoption is BEAUTIFUL. If God has it on your heart, lean in! Your kiddo needs you to be brave and bold and lean in. Adoption is absolutely amazing.
Now, if you want to catch some other posts about Ashby and/or adoption, make sure you check out these too:
THE DAY WE MET ASHBY
OUR ADOPTION PROCESS WITH ASHBY
POST-ADOPTION, SIX MONTHS
ASHBY’S GOTCHA DAY {1ST ANNIVERSARY}
MY ADOPTION PACKING LIST
I am so happy to be back with you today! Thank you so much for allowing me this time off with my family. Who’s ready to dive into 2026 with me?! I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Welcome back! And happy gotcha day!! Can’t wait for the new year!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Ashleigh Scott says
Happy New Year and welcome back!! And happy 11 years with sweet Ashby! My niece (Rosslyn) was her High School cross country buddy in the Fall and said she was the absolute sweetest!! Love that she has found so many awesome interests already.
Ashleigh
Diane Moore says
Happy 2026. You have been missed!
What a wonderful post celebrating Ashby 🎉🎉🎉
May God continue to bless her and your whole family through her.
Dawn Timmons says
Welcome Back and Happy Ashby Gotcha Day! Wow! 11 years! That’s amazing! I am excited to see how God will continue to use you and your family to shine His Light for others. Thank you for your blog. Keep on keepin’ on! We are here for all the fun content you have in store. Have a great day celebrating your sweet Ashby!
Jami Romano says
I love this so much! I have loved every moment of Ashby’s journey, and I’m so grateful that you choose to share it with all of us ◡̈ xo
Ashley | Make Life Marvelous says
Happy New Year, Shay! It sounds like you all had an incredible holiday/trip, can’t wait to hear all about it and excited for 2026 here on your blog! Happy Gotcha Day to sweet Ashby!!
Sheaffer Sims says
ASHBY!!!!! WE ALL LOVE YOU AND THINK YOU ARE AN AMAZING!!!!
Amanda Wilson says
Wahoo! Happy New Year! I’m excited to spend 2026 with you and learn and grow and laugh and all the things. I really needed this uplifting Ashby post today and yesterday was a doozy of getting back to work and all the things.
Melissa Terry says
Every year there’s a line from your gotcha day posts that gets me…today it was “your kiddo needs you to be brave.” Thank you for echoing the hearts of so many fellow adoptive mamas and for encouraging us all these years. Happy Gotcha Day to your whole family!
Erika Slaughter says
She’s growing into the most beautiful lady right before our eyes. We love that girl of yours so very much!
Alysa says
I loved loved loved getting to know “teenager Ashby” better from this post! Thank you for sharing. What an amazing young girl!
Kelly Sites says
Hooray- welcome back. Happy New Year. I’m so so excited for all you have to share in 2026. I’ll be here reading along. PS- I spent several days in Krakow on my way in to Ukraine for work a two years ago. Such a lovely place. I remembered the city center from your pictures. Great little basement coffee shops.
SS says
Happy Gotcha Day! Like I tell our sweet neighbor who “we got” from China as well .. we are so glad your family Gotcha and shared you with us. We are so thankful to be a part of our neighbor’s life and Ashby Thank You for allowing your family to continue to share your adventures here in tht blog world.
We would love to hear what you are reading. We have a kiddo that loves to read as well.
Christin says
Happy gotcha day Ashby!
Lisa N says
Welcome back! When your dad simply said “she is my hero” in a comment on a post about her years ago I knew she was something special. They all are, but that said tons. I miss the little interviews you used to do with them each year on their birthdays, it kind of gives us an update of their lives at each age. Would love to see that again.
Hope says
Ashby sounds like an all around girl who finds fun and joy in any situation. Im raising my 10 yr old ro be able to fit in anywhere and to be comfortable to sit any table. I have a reader too, what books does Ashby read?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh, she reads anything and everything. I need to do an updated list, but I did share some of her favorites from the summer in this post: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2025/08/shays-friday-faves-08-08-25/
Laci says
Ashby seems like a wonderful girl!
Paula Hobbs says
What a wonderful 1st post of 2026!! Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby!! You shine bright like a diamond and I’m so thankful to have been a part of this sweet community since day one of you and your forever family. I know God has big plans for you and I can’t wait to watch them unfold. Happy New Year to the Shull Family!!!
Michelle Paradice says
Happy 2026! I don’t know why, but every year these Gotcha Day posts always make me cry. Ashby sounds like an incredible young lady and I am honored that you are sharing her journey with all of us. I have been following you since before you mentioned her, so this post just really warms my heart. What a well rounded young lady you have raised.
Karah Stracener says
Welcome back and Happy New Year!! I look forward to reading all that you have to share in 2026. Happy Belated Gotcha Day to your sweet Ashby. WOW she sounds like an amazing kid and I know yall are so proud. Thank you for sharing her with us here on the internet.
Elizabeth S says
Wow! Time has certainly flown by. I do remember you going to get Ashby. Can’t believe that has been 11 years, I had no idea I had been following you that long…that is why I speak of you to others as if we are best friends for real and neighbors. Your whole family inspires me.
Laura Holmes says
Happy Gotcha Day to sweet Ashby! And Happy New Year! Looking forward to your content this year.
Ellen says
Ashby is lovely! Wishing you all a happy 2026!
Sue Jones says
Happy New Year Shay! I love hearing about Ashby! She is precious! If you are looking for a great movie I highly recommend Song Sung Blue. It’s about a cover band that does Neil Diamond songs. I couldn’t help but think of you and your love for the Boston Red Sox and the singing of Sweet Caroline at their games. I really think you would love the movie and the music. I can’t wait to hear about Germany and Poland!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you for the rec! I love Neil Diamond! I need to check this out!
kristen says
Happy New Year, Shay and Happy Gotcha Day to Ashby! I’ve been reading your blog since well before you brought her home – time is marching on! As a fellow adoptive mama I love how you share about and encourage adoption!
Katie Hahn says
Welcome back! Can’t wait to read about your latest adventures! Happy GOTCHA day to Ashby, thank you for sharing her light and joy with all of us!
Monica Baker says
It’s hard to believe I have been following you since before Ashby joined your family. I had to go back and look at the post again just to relive it. You have a beautiful family.
Debbie E says
What a beautiful post about your beautiful daughter, Ashby. She seems like a wonderful young woman, and I’m so glad that you found each other.
Alison says
Happy New Year, Shay! What a beautiful, blessing of a girl. It speaks volumes when so many people gravitate towards her. 💖 I love that you celebrate her gotcha day and fully embrace what she brings to your family. I was adopted (from Korea) as a baby, and I sure wish my parents had the same love and joy for adoption that you and Andrew have. It is so special!
Robyn says
Happy Gotcha Day to the Shull family. What a remarkable girl you have.
And, welcome home!
Michelle Etheridge says
Wow. I cannot believe it has been 11 years! I have been around since the beginning and it has been amazing watching her bloom!
Bev says
Happy New Year! So glad you are back! She is a great gift from God!
Lori says
Happy New Year! Glad you are back! What fun celebrating your beautiful daughter!
Heather says
Welcome back and Happy Gotcha Day to Miss Ashby and the Shull family!! 🩷🎊🎉
Maddie says
Happy Gotcha Day, Ashby! It has been so fun to watch her grow over the years on your blog!
Debbie Hibbert says
This is my favorite Ashby Adoption Update ever … and I’ve been here for all eleven! I love reading about this beautiful young lady, what an inspiration she is. Thank you, Shay, for sharing her with all of us!
Katerina says
Happy Gotcha Day! I have been following you since you adopted Ashby and it’s always so fun to get updates on how she’s doing. She is growing up to a very intelligent and a lovable young lady. As one of her fans, I’m curious to know and wanted to ask if you can share what she wants to be when she grows up or her future ambitions. Will be fun to see how that changes every couple of years and what path she takes. I have a feeling she’ll do something that helps others.
Sending love and happy new year to you and your sweet family!
Margaret says
Wow where does the time go?! Ashby is such a blessing to you and your family and to your readers as well. She has been thru a lot in her little life and has shown true grit paired with grace and positivity. I loved this newest update on her. She sounds very smart, determined, and a girl who is filled with purpose. I remember all the posts on her surgeries and doctors appointments and I am assuming she has turned a corner and has less heath issues. So happy for all of you! God is great! Ps can Ashby come here and smash my spiders 🙂
Andre Conrad says
Happy Gotcha Day Ashby! Thank you so much for allowing your mom to share a bit of your story with us. It is what inspired my family to adopt our sons. We are so very thankful to you all 🩷