Adoption Update

We have definitely had an exciting 5 months with Jackson! He has brought SOOOOO much JOY to our life! We thank God for such an amazing BLESSING! However, we still have a piece missing from our family..from our hearts...we long to bring home Jackson's Kazak baby brother or sister!

We were hoping to have new information to report in regard to our Kazakhstan adoption but unfortunately that is not the case. As of right now, Kazakhstan adoption is suspended awaiting Hague Convention status. This was slated to occur in March 2011 at the earliest. We are hoping that a positive report will still surface later.

With the agreements that are taking place between Kazakhstan and the United States, the adoption relationship should be stronger than ever when it re-opens.We know that this is a good thing for the adoption program. Regulation and more accountability always bring strength and trust into any relationship. International adoption with all of its fees, paperwork and intercountry communication requires the regulation in order to stay above board. However, this does not make it easy for us. Our hearts long to complete our family...to hold this sweet baby...to watch he/she interact with Jackson. For now we are'Holding to Jesus'; we know that in His PERFECT timing we will complete the journey to Kazakhstan...to adopt...to unite our family!

The following is a press release from The Department of State

"According to the Government of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education (MoE), all pending adoption dossiers that were not matched with children by December 15, 2010, will be returned and will have to be re-filed as Hague Convention cases once the Hague Convention is fully implemented. The Department of State will continue to monitor the developments in Kazakhstan and seek the confirmation of the Government of Kazakhstan when the new Hague Convention adoption process is in place. U.S. prospective adoptive parents whose dossiers are returned may refer to the description of the Hague Convention intercountry adoption process (the Form I-800A/I-800 process)."

This means that almost ALL of our completed paperwork will have to be redone. This will take lots of work, time, and more money. We know that this was ALL a part of His plan! We ask that you continue to pray for our family as we follow Him along this journey!

5 months

Jackson reached his 5 month Birthday on March 14, 2011! The 4th month was certainly exciting! It's so hard to believe that it's already time for our baby boy to be sitting in his high chair eating his veggies! Jackson's personality continues to grow and he is SO curious about everything! He is also quite a HAM! It appears that he is going to have his DADDY'S personality!:)

He continues to exclusively nurse!
He has began to eat cereal with a spoon!
2/19 1st walk to the pond! (Jackson, Daddy, Mommy, Beau, & Bella!)
2/21 finished his 1st bowl of cereal!
2/24 Family Night watching Fox & The Hound! (He loved it!)
2/28 Rolled over!
3/7 Mamaw put Jackson down for bed while Mommy and Daddy went to Johnny's for dinner with friends! This was a BIG Milestone for MOMMY!
3/13 Enjoyed hanging out with cousin Will, Aunt Julie and Uncle Bob!

He loves playing with his horse Trigger!
VEGGIE TALES is his favorite!!! This makes me smile:)
LOVES Bible story time with Daddy!
Music
Favorite story books- "I Will Always Love You" and "How Noah Knew What To Do"

4 months!

Mommy's little Valentine celebrated his 4 month Birthday on February 14th! WOW...where did the past 4 months go?! We have had SOOOO much fun with him! This was def the BEST Valentine's EVER! We had so much fun celebrating with Jackson. He was thrilled to give his VERY 1st Valentine to Miss Sydney Canterbury!:) Sydney was born on Feb 8th so Jackson thought it was only fitting to give her a Valentine! He gave her a onesie with a Valentine seal that said "Be Mine" and had her name monogrammed! Of course, he could not forget his sweet Ms Alverne who takes care of him at daycare! He helped mommy bake her some yummy goodies; cake balls, strawberry/cream cheese cuppy cakes, and brownie dipped oreos!!:) We celebrated as a family at home. Daddy grilled steaks while mommy and Jackson napped on the couch! We ended the night with a visit and goodies from Mamaw and Papaw!


1/28 Played with his Babies 1st Baseball
Cuddles with his Lovey
LOOVES to play with his feet!
1/30 Holds and turns on his Baby Einstein
Exclusively nurses
Likes to giggle
very nosey!:)
Demands Mommy's cell phone! Oh! My!
LOVES music
Likes story time
plays with Beau!


Praise Jesus he has not been sick!! A few scares but NO fever and NO meds! Just a healthy baby boy!

Jackson Reid-3months!

The past month has been very busy!We've had lots of 1st and lots of exciting events!

Jackson is growing SO fast-12 lbs already!

Some Firsts:

12-20 1st squeal
12-28 Gave mommy her 1st slobbery kiss!
12-29 1st nap in his crib
1-1 1st time to stick his tongue out
1-2 1st time to put himself to sleep! (Mommy cried!)
1-3 1st time at the church nursery
1-4 1st day of daycare!
Holds his head up all the time!
Loves to play Patty Cake!
Loves Bible story time with Daddy!
Loves to kick and listen to music!
LOOOOOVES Veggie Tales!
Loves to play with his hands!
Smiles, talks, and giggles all the time!
Holds mommy's hand!
Started reaching!
Still exclusively nursing


1st Christmas!
Jackson received his 1st invitation to attend "Cookies with Santa" from his cousin Emma Grace. we traveled to Shreveport to visit with Santa (Uncle Randy) and have photos taken then played with EG and cousin Lizzy. We all enjoyed Cantrell Christmas at the Noles house. Jackson enjoyed showing off his smocked nativity outfit. He was blessed with lots of goodies from his family. Jackson spent Christmas Eve looking at Christmas lights with Nanny Nancy and Poppa Bar (Uncle Barry). When we got back, Santa had left us all some presents. Marty and Sheila received food, naturally, while Jackson got a stuffed Max dog from The Grinch Stole Christmas and a La Tech t-shirt. Christmas Day was spent at home. Mommy cooked a delicious breakfast pizza, the Noles came over to see Santa presents for Jackson, and Mamaw and Papaw arrived back from Texas with a special delivery, Cousin Will! Santa left a tree full of presents. Jackson was especially excited about his 4-wheeler and his little racetrack. Jackson loved being entertained by cousin Will!

1st Day of Daycare (Jan 3, 2011)
Before the BIG Day Jackson went to the church nursery for the 1st time so that he could meet Mrs Alvern. He loves her and were pretty sure she loves him too!:)We started the the day bright and early so that we could all carpool together. Mommy was teary eyed leaving her baby boy BUT was very thankful to be leaving him in such loving hands. We are very pleased with the love that Mrs Alvern shows to him! We are blessed to have Jackson's daycare next door to Mommy's office and Daddy's school is across the street. Mommy is able to see Jackson every 3 hours so that he can nurse. They both enjoy this cuddle time! Of course, some days Mommy has to visit a little more often to check on Sweet Boy!


Mine & Mommy's Birthday!
Jackson celebrated his 3 month birthday while Mommy celebrated her 27th. They celebrated by having lunch with a friend and visiting Ms. Marie (Jackson talked to her the whole time). We concluded the birthday celebration with some Johnny's pizza and a surprise Mrs. Annette caramel cake and some Tech Farm ice cream. Mommy enjoyed a pedi on Saturday morning while Nanny and Jackson hung out!

Jaundice Nightmare!
After repeated blood tests indicated abnormally high bilirubin levels, we became concerned with the possibility of liver issues. One test also indicated a spike in thyroid levels causing great concern. Dr. Daher had ordered weekly blood tests and had been in consultation with a liver specialist in Shreveport. She discussed with us the possibility of surgery at 6 months. After researching causes and effects of these levels, we worried. Bro. Wall approached Sheila at church last Sunday and told her that he felt God telling him to anoint Jackson with oil and Church staff and deacons laid hands and prayed over Jackson. It was all in God's hands.

Big Boy when he got his blood
All of Jackson's bloodwork was done in Dr. Daher's office with Jackson being held down to allow blood to be drawn. On Thursday, he was taken directly to the blood lab to have his blood drawn. He was in a room with others having blood drawn and he sat in Sheila's lap like a big boy waiting for his bloodwork. Other's in the room as well as the nurses were amazed when Jackson smiled and laughed as they drew blood twice. No tears for this big boy!

Power of Prayer
Pray is a Wonderful Thing! Jackson's whole demeanor had changed on Thursday prior to bloodwork. We normally received test results mid afternoon, so Sheila and Jackson went home to relax. When Dr. Daher called at 12:30, it caught Sheila offguard. "Sheila would you like the most amazing news that I have EVER given? He is HEALED. He is PERFECT. ALL numbers are ZERO! This is truly unbelievable!Im Calling the specialist right now! He will not believe this!!!!!!" When a Dr. of 20+ years tells you that she hasn't seen things like this, that is further confirmation of God's miracles! Our family has seen so many blessings in such a short time. Marty's healing and now Jackson's. God is Good!

Jackson Reid-2months!

I can't believe how fast 2 months has gone by. Jackson Reid is now 2 months, growing fast, and is SOOOO sweet!! We are truly blessed to be his parents!

At 2 months old he is. . .
-smiling all the time!:)
-wakes up every morning with a smile
-laughing out loud
-likes to play with his hands
-likes to play with mommy's hair
-holding his head up almost all of the time
-very active! Loves kicking and throwing his arms around
-grabs the toys on his activity gym so that the music will start
-nursing well,no bottles
-sleeps between 3-5 hours between feedings most nights!Occasionally 6-8 hrs!!!!
-looooves his soothie passy!
-has started to out grow some of his 0-3 month clothes :(
-loves bath time!
-cuddler
-went out to eat with mommy & daddy
-loves story time with daddy
-loves music (favorite song-Jesus Loves Me)

Jackson is 2 months and 2 days old today! We went to see Dr Daher for 2 month checkup, shots, and MORE blood work! We are still waiting on the juandice to go away! Praise God the number looked better today...so NO visits to the specialist! WOOHOO! Jackson was such a BIG boy he cried for about 30 seconds during the shots and just gave mommy puppy eyes during the blood work! Of course, mommy couldnt wait to hold her sweet boy as soon as it was over!Weight 10 lbs and 15 oz Measuring 24"



10-14-10 7lb 20"

11-16-10 8lb 10oz. 22"

12-16-10 10lb 15 oz. 24"

Jackson Reid has Arrived!

WOW! 6 months since the last blog?!?! Time has definitely flown by, especially the last 8 weeks!!! On October 14, 2010 we welcomed Jackson Reid Cantrell weighing 7lbs and measuring 20 inches! Pregnancy wasn't exactly easy and delivery did not go as planned...but life since has been absolutely WONDERFUL! God has truly blessed our family! Jackson has taught us the meaning of unconditional love!

We can't wait for Jackson's baby brother/sister to join our family! We are currently praying that God will continue to guide us along our journey. We are praying that He will show us His time. Kaz is currently still not accepting applications. We know that when it is Gods time for us to welcome him/her to our family He will open those doors!

The Winding Road

Our last blog entry was dated February 7, 2010. There has been alot that has taken place in our lives in these past 4 months. We have gone through some valleys, but God has faithfully helped us up the mountain. We just wanted to share a little about what has transpired:

February 8- The day prior to our 2 year anniversary, Sheila shared with me an incredible blessing from God, we will be expecting our first child in October of this year. Our first thoughts were excitement as well as shock. We were focused on the adoption journey that God has called us to and have been overwhelmed by our blessings. We notified our agency as soon as we verified the pregnancy with our Doctor. Due to the length of stay in Kazakhstan, our agency suggested that we freeze our application process until the child we are carrying is close to a year in age. This was a hard decision, but one we felt was in the best interest of our family. We were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the child we are carrying as well as the arrival of the child born in our heart as we started this journey. Soon after, Sheila began dealing with several issues due to the pregnancy. Many days off work, several visits to the hospital, and many sleepless nights took a toll on the two of us physically, mentally, as well as spiritually. Rather than drawing closer to God to show us His will, we neglected quiet times and time in the Word. After two months of major sickness, we both questioned how we would handle one child much less two. Satan began to fill our minds with doubt and fear that caused us to look at what we were doing with a cloud of doubt. Over the course of this time, I prayed daily that Sheila would regain strength and energy and that we would be able to enjoy the pregnancy. God answered these prayers, however we neglected to continue our prayers for our call to adopt. God had provided us with a special blessing, so we would just pick up His call for us at a later date. We serve a mighty God, yet we doubted his faithfulness to sustain us in both the pregnancy and adoption.

Over the past few weeks, God has been placing signs before both of us to follow his will. Due to Sheila's illness, her Doctor said it would be in her best interest to step away from teaching her preschool Sunday School class. Sheila and I began attending our young adult Sunday School class together for the first time in our marriage. We are blessed with a very gifted teacher who has taught us about spiritual truths as well as how to study God's word effectively. Sheila was touched by a message from a group at our church. We recently had a group of 11 travel to Africa to work at an orphanage and perform medical clinics. As the group was sharing about their trip at Church, someone stated their amazement at how the people would just cry out to God in the middle of worship. We have a close friend who has been dealing with a spiritual battle and the testimony spoke to us that this was what they needed to do; to cry out to Jesus. However, we neglected to apply this to our own journey. Yesterday as we traveled to a Doctors check-up we were discussing this matter. As we finished and turned the radio up, a song came on that word for word described everything we had been discussing and experiencing; Cry out to Jesus. God can turn simple moments into reaffirming ones in the blink of an eye. As I woke up for work this morning, I just felt tired and didn't jump up for work. I wound up heading to work about an hour later than anticipated. As I pulled out of the driveway, I ejected a CD that I have been listening to endlessly by a group called Casting Crowns. As turned on the radio (I usually listen to ESPN Radio), it was preset on AFR. At that exact moment, the DJ began a taped interview with Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns, talking with him about his international adoption experience. He talked about waiting 5 years after answering the call until he held his angel. He talked about the burden God had placed on him to respond to the call and love His child. God had used Steven Curtis Chapman to open Mark's heart to adoption. If you read some of our first entries, you will see that our interest in adoption began through Sheila's experience listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's testimony at WOF. I immediately sent Sheila a text message telling her that I cannot wait until our family will be complete. At the same instant, Sheila was recieving a message from a friend telling her to listen to the interview that Mark Hall gave on AFR. Guys, this was "Divine Intervention" if I must say so.

After not updating our blog in 4 months, we want to update everyone on the happenings God is guiding us through. As you may be aware, Kazakhstan has suspended International adoption. Sheila recieved an email about the suspending of International adoption in Kazakhstan last week. The day before she had heard "Heaven is the Face" by Steven Curtis Chpaman.From the very beginning of our journey God used this song to speak to her heart. We knew that it was no coincidence that she heard right before receiving this news. We also know that we serve a faithful God and are continuing to pray that he will direct our path. We have renewed our commitment to daily seek his will for our adoption journey, wherever that path takes us. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Jackson Reid Cantrell in October and we also eagerly anticipate the arrival of our angel that God has chosen for us.

We are amazed, thankful, blessed by the way God has provided for us and continue to give Him praise!

For those who would like to continue to follow our journey, we plan to continue the blog and hope for no more 4 month delays between updates. Please keep our family in your prayers. Love you guys!