I first met Tammy about 8 years ago at BSF. ?? ??We both had two kids and were hoping for more in our future. ??A few years later, we reconnected again at a Homeschool PE group. ??I was excited for Brian and Tammy when they made the decision to adopt from Ethiopia. ??Adoption is a remarkable journey all by itself. ??Add another country, and the adoption of older kiddos to the mix and it is interesting indeed. ?? ??I have been following Tammy’s adoption story via her blog and was thrilled when she asked me to do their family pictures. ??I wanted to take part in this celebration and capturing them all together was a blessing for ME.

Preston and Taylor are sweet and beautiful teens and great older siblings. ??I enjoyed watching how the younger ones ??related to them.

Milkanu and Tadesse stole my heart right out of the gate. ?? ??They could not be any cuter. ??Not even possible.

I love sibling silliness and these two were a riot.

Milkana (older brother), was as charming as could be. ??He was my little assistant and really helped me gain the affection of little brother (as you will see below who was playing with me adorably). ?? Taddy started off on the shy side but warmed right up.

 

International adoption has challenges. ??All those hearts learning to love one another – that is quite a journey. ?? There is so much at stake…and so much to gain. ??To see these two beautiful boys wrapped in the arms of love was a precious site to behold. ??I prayed I would capture this time in their lives in a way that would do justice.

I love the quote that says “A baby fills a place in your heart that you didn’t know you had.” ?? Tammy and I had the opportunity to talk through what we thought the building of our families was going to look like years before God revealed His ultimate plan. ?? I think we would both agree, that God filled our hearts in pretty amazing ways and we still stand in awe of it all. ??Who would have thought? ??Only God.