Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Cooper Rylands

Friends,
We are so excited to finally share here that we are adopting again.

 






(I know, it seems like we do that a lot around here...)
But, we are so excited about this little guy!

Introducing...
Cooper Rylands  

Cooper will turn 9 years old at the end of May. 
  (So, yes, it has finally happened!- The Rylands will have to take the slow route to China this time and wait in line like everyone else!)
Help us Lord! :-)

But, 
HOW?????WHAT???AGAIN???

On April 23, I was visiting a few adoption blogs and saw this precious boy being advocated for on a blogger friend's page.
You can read the post here.  "Matthew", as he was named for purposes of advocacy is mentioned here along with two other sweeties who still need families. 
Much like my other two boys, he literally hit me in the heart.  BAM!
An older picture, but how CUTE is he???
What was so strange about this one was that I was NOT looking for another child. 

Now, in my line of work, I see lots of PRECIOUS children who are waiting for parents.  And I often share their sweet faces with my hubby who enjoys hearing their stories and occasionally comments on how cute they are...

but this one, this was different. On this night, I showed him this little treasure and he took notice. Not a passing notice, but actually stopped what he was doing and read the blog post. He read about this boy with interest.  
The next day, he happened to be talking to one of his grown daughters and I heard him talking about this child. (Read: ears perked up!)  I heard him tell her what a doll he was and how she might consider adoption one day.  When their conversation was over, he asked me to email her a picture of him.  (Hmmm..)

Well, I prepared the email and then asked, "Is there anything you want me to add or shall I just send the picture?"  His response was, "Sure. Tell her that he would make a great middle child." (for her)  
That's when I knew.  
Right there in that moment, I knew that I couldn't write those words because he wasn't her child. (Not that she isn't an amazing mom, but...) 

He was my child.  

But, how could that be?  I wasn't looking for another child. I have three unbelievable blessings already and...

Oh yeah, God. 
One thing I can say is that, in my experience with adoption, God has never taken the subtle route with us.  Maybe we are too hard headed for that! LOL  
With each and every one of our adoptions, God has made His choice for our family crystal clear!  I hear from families all the time that they know they are meant to adopt, but have no idea which child God has in mind for them, or which country or ???.  
Sorry, can't relate.  Each one of our children came to us suddenly and with absolute certainty. And I have to say, I am glad of that.  

So, it is with the utmost joy that we prepare for our 4th son.  Let the craziness begin! (again)

God also knows that I need INFORMATION...so, he arranged to have two other families travel to his orphanage recently who would be able to send me pictures and video!
Here he is ya'll!
Watch Video Here:

Once again, we dive full speed ahead into home studies and medical clearances and...and...and...

And, lest you think that Tom and I are the only ones on board with this new plan....


We found these shirts recently and Colin insisted that we get one for Cooper too, so we had to pull them out for the family photo shoot. The boys were real troopers that night despite the swarm of mosquitoes that plagued us...

We are becoming quite the ball team
and can't wait till we can fill that last seat of the dining table!

For the record, Tom insists that he is burning the table leaf! LOL

20 comments:

Yvette said...

Heehee I soooo know what you are going through! Home from China in Dec the last and I mean last thing I thought we would be doing is going back . . . and for a baby (ok he turned 2 on mother's day but still!)

http://bringinghomeholland.blogspot.com/2012/04/here-we-grow-again.html

LOVE the pics!

mikbro said...

I remember seeing this little guy on someone's blog as well. He is such a cutie!!! I am really excited for you guys and of course for Cooper. He is coming home to a wonderful family :)

Sharon said...

Tom may be burning the table leaf but don't forget I told you that Marty can build anything. Let me know when you need that new table leaf! LOL

Congratulations...AGAIN!!

Love ya!

Rylands family said...

Sharon,

You made me laugh out loud with that one! Yes, I will keep in mind that your hubby is as talented as you! Tom even joked that he was going to sell tickets to the bon fire as a fundraiser! LOL

Love you and thanks again for such a wonderful blog-over!

Angie

Kelly said...

I'm so very excited for you guys! Cooper is such a sweetie! I love what God is doing with your family. :)

Annie said...

OK travel buddy, let's get this party started!!! LOL! the blog looks amazing!!!!

dajmommy said...

Oh, he is handsome and just looks like he belongs in your family! I am excited for you guys. You never know who you'll run into in China...the list of those adopting again just keeps on growing. It might even be inspiring others. ;) (Subtle hint for prayers over here!) Love your adorable family of boys...and their blessed Mama!

dajmommy said...

Congrats on your new son! He looks like a beautiful fit into your family. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Cooper is absolutely adorable.

Carmen from Hong Kong

Elizabeth said...

What great pictures! Particularly the "rabbit ears" one!

Lisa said...

Congratulations!

Lori @ Five of My Own said...

the last picture did me in. My heart could burst knowing he is already so loved.

And Cooper is a perfect name-he is absolutley a Cooper!

Sherri said...

Oh Angie! You are such an inspiration! Keep us posted. Cooper is darling...those eyes just shine!

Olivia said...

Angie I have goosebumps! What a beautiful surprise and a wonderful call from God. This is so amazing!

Diane said...

How absolutely wonderful!!!!

And just for the record, from a mom of many, don't burn the table leaf!

Our family is richer for each blessing!!! :)

The Stein Family said...

This is amazing guys! Your family is precious. God's blessings to you and all your sons. :-) Laura

The Stein Family said...

This is amazing! What a precious boy. God's blessings to you and all your sons. :-) Laura

Lisa said...

Congratulations!!! He is adorable!!!

Rebecca said...

He is just precious! That video was the sweetest thing ever. What a treasure!!! I'm so glad to see that your boys have adjusted so beautifully with your family. It's inspiring. We too are adopting "older" and hear so many hard stories. It's nice to hear a good one every once in a while:)
Blessings,
Rebecca

Rylands family said...

Thanks Rebecca! There are a lot of hard stories circulating, but there are so many great older child adoption stories too! I hope that my boys can inspire others to pray about older child adoption. I cannot fathom what my boys' lives would be like had we not brought them into our family. For that matter, I can't imagine what our lives would be like without them! Angie