Saturday July 27, 2013

On Saturday July 27th we celebrated our little warrior's first birthday and what an amazing day it was. The one thing that we had absolutely no control over, the weather, was absolutely perfect, all thanks to God. When we consider the fact that the week before her birthday was one of the longest and hottest heat waves on record and the days leading up to her party were non-stop rain, it is clear that only God could deliver a warm, but not humid summer day that featured a gentle breeze and lots of sun. Thank you Jesus.

Beyond the weather the birthday/miracle celebration was a day marked by the 3 f's; fun with family and friends. We were blessed to have folks come from Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusettes, in addition to all of the local nutmegers that were in attendance. The decor and design were coordinated and assembled by my godsiter and co-owner of Tolentino Sisters Event Planning, Laticia Tolentino. She did a great job of designing a theme and creating a number of orignial centerpeices and decorative features. The food was catered by our friend, Yadira Reyes, who did an amazing job, for those of your who missed it I just have three words for you; blueberry barbeque sauce, its as amazing as it sounds. Yadira has just opend her business, Home Cooked. Yadi's food was complimented by Titi Meri's world famous arroz con pollo. Gracias Titi. The catering was only matched by the incredible cake made by Ella's madrina Jessie. Ella's cake was nothing short of a masterpiece, it might be better described as a work of art. Jessica is also starting her own business, Cakes by Jess.  We are fortunate to have so many incredibly talented and gifted people in our lives.

We want to say thank you so much to everyone that was in attendance and to those of you that were unable to make it, but called or sent a card or gift. Thank you for the toys, clothes, gift cards, cash, thoughts, prayers and most of all your presence. We continue to say that all of the support and kindness our daughter has recieved and continues to recieve is why she has surpassed all expectations. We celebrate Ella's life and amazing progress as we also celebrate our increadible circle of friends and family that are full of faith.

Thanks, we love you all.

Ella's Eats Cake

We wanted to share some pics with you from Ella's bday celebration at home yesterday. 

Happy Birthday Ariella Christina Botts

Six months ago we were told you would probably not make it to see this day. Three months ago you had experts admitting they were wrong. Three weeks ago you started eating with your mouth and taking your first steps. One year ago your mother and I put our eyes on you for the first time and knew we were blessed more than we deserved. A year from now only God knows how much more you will bless and enrich our lives. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA! FELIZ CUMPLEANOS ARIELLA!

Nos milagro especial

Wednesday July 17, 2013

With only a week before Ariella's victory celebration,aka, her first birthday party, we have been working hard to put together an event worthy of our miracle warrior. In typical Botts fashion we can't help but say thank you in advance to three key contributors that are helping to make Ella's first birthday party a hit. Madrina Jessie our baker, cousin Ticia our decorator and Yadira our cateror, thank you so much for everything you have already done and for what you are yet to do.

Being this close to Ariella's first birthday means we had to have another round of follow-ups with her specialists. To say that all of Ariella's doctors are pleased with her development doesn't quite capture how impressed they are at our conqueror's progress.  Each of her doctors were so impressed by her range of movement and versatility that in some cases they forgot they needed to examine her. In particular her neurologist once again reiterated how the initial diagnosis was clearly a mistake and her current development puts us on a completely different trajectory of  growth and development benchmarks. In fact when I showed him the video of our baby walking with her nurse Jennifer, he said "wow, look at that, she looks really good, I guess she will walk, actually she will walk". That's right the same man that had initially given our daughter a death sentence was smart enough and big enough to say - SHE WILL WALK. Thank you Jesus.

As we get closer to Ariella's first birthday, we are not simply celebrating her life, because it is quite possible that our baby could have lasted a year, but could still be in the hospital, she could be immobile, her health could be deteriorating, but that's not the case. We are not simply celebrating life, we are celebrating abundant life through Jesus Christ.

Thank you all for your constant support, continuous prays and financial investment. The upcoming celebration is as much a recognition and expression of gratitude for the village that has been formed to surround our baby with love, support, and financial help as it is a celebration of our miracle and all that she has overcome. Next week we celebrate the fact that we are all More Than Conquerors.

This is could very easily be the story of our precious miracle warrior

The Brave Little Soul By: John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" 

God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," she asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." 

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly containherself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" 

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.

In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love.

Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. 

The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

Ariella doesn't listen to what can't be, she only hears what God tells her can be!

In our darkest moments this January we were told that the very best we could hope for was for our daughter to be confined to a wheel chair, if she survived at all. Well we have come a long way in the last six months. Ariella has been steadily overcoming every barrier that has been set-up in front of her. Holding up her own head up, sitting up by herself, eating through her mouth, and even being able to hold herself up on all fours. What is left for our special miracle, what more can this mighty warrior of God do to show forth his grace... oh yeah WALK!!!

Jesus is real. Don't ever doubt it, not for a minute. Our God is a God of love, peace, joy, holiness and VICTORY. Through Christ, Ariella, you, and me, we are all MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

A Prayer Request

Good Morning Team Ariella,

We have received a prayer request from a fellow team member. Judy Collins is a friend of the family, she, like Rachel, is the mother of a daughter with special needs and along with her husband Rich are also adopted parents, their family is so amazing and beautiful and full of so much love. Judy has a friend in the adoption community that needs our prayers. The Bartlinski Family of Baltimore added to their already large family, full of love and grace in December 2010 by adopting, Teresa "Fang Fang" Bartlinski. Teresa was born and China and when the Bartlinski's got her home she immediately blessed them. Teresa was born with an extremely rare heart condition that necessitated a heart transplant, which she received, however her body is rejecting the new heart and the baby now needs a second heart transplant surgery. Her story has been featured on ABC News, several local Baltimore new outlets and is all over FaceBook. You can read more about Teresa'a amazing story and be encouraged by  this family's overwhelming faith by visiting their blog at http://ourplacecalledhome.blogspot.com/. This is a wonderful family and I know their testimony will be a blessing to you. Most importantly pray for Teresa. At Team Ariella we know that God can do the miraculous and turn the situation completely around or He can preserve us in the midst of our difficulty. Let's rally around this family and glorify God with them for He is love and desires to see His children come together. Thanks Team for your support.

 Teresa "Fang Fang" Bartlinski