My good buddy, Tonggu Momma, emailed me yesterday to share some news. Ni Hao Y’all had made it onto the ‘101 Best Adoption, Loss and Infertility Blogs‘. And, alongside Linny’s and M3’s mega-uber-cool-blogs, I was in some pretty rockin’ company.
Suh-weet.
At last. My 15 minutes has arrived.
Actually, what made me really want to dance around the room in a way that embarrasses even my smallest children is that my baby, No Hands But Ours, was on that list as well.
Dude. I think I might cry.
That site has been such a labor of love for me. It all began almost to two years ago, during a phone conversation with my sister as I expressed my frustration at the lack of information out there for families considering the China SN program.
Since then, God has blessed every effort I’ve made to make No Hands But Ours a reality.
Tonggu Momma, Amie and Rebecca agreed to come on board at the very beginning. I am forever indebted to them for their bravery. And hard work.
Then I managed to convince a bunch of awesome bloggin’ mamas to join TM, Amie and me and start posting on the No Hands But Ours blog.
And they are seriously rockin’ that blog now. Seriously.
It’s been crazy fun, the entire journey. And now, No Hands But Ours *dabbing the tears from my eyes* is all grown up and sportin’ a spot on the ‘101 Best Adoption, Loss and Infertility Blogs‘.
I am awfully proud. But even more, I am so blessed. And I have received many emails from families that have been blessed by No Hands But Ours as well.
Because of the broad base of needs and experiences represented by the authors on No Hands But Ours, as well as the transparency with which each post and story is written, it has opened eyes, changed hearts and created families.
Especially the Family Stories page. It’s a huge encouragement to families considering adopting a special needs child.
But we need more.
Would you please consider sharing your story?
You could share how a particular child or special need took root in your heart. Or what made you decide to pursue a SN adoption. Or maybe what it’s been like caring for your child and their SN since you’ve all been home. Or just simply how your story unfolded.
I truly believe that in sharing your story, or even just a part of your story, that God can use it to find children homes and bring families into existence.
To share your story, email it to me at nohandsbutours@gmail.com, along with a few pictures of your little darling, and I’ll do the rest.
Please don’t make me beg. I’m still luxuriating in my 15 minutes.
Norah says
Congrats to you. Your blog rocks!
trina says
Wow, this is really cool!! What fun.
Yes, I do need to send you that story that I wrote a long time ago. ๐ My story is too long…maybe?
Wanda says
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Lacie says
Congratulations! That is AWESOME! You deserve it! I am afraid I don't have a SN adoption story to share, but I do blog about infertility, loss and now embryo adoption. Come on over if you'd like to hear more about my story. LOVE your blog, love your kiddos, love all that you stand for. You are an inspiration!
Shanny says
Yippee! You deserve it. I have been a silent lurker for the last year. Your blog, as well as, No Hands But Ours, have been an inspiration to my family. It helped us make the leap to SN. We were recently blessed with a little girl with a hand deformity and couldn't be more happy. Thank you for allowing us into your life and the amazing lives of your beautiful children.
Michelle says
Hi Stef, Congratulations on both blogs!! Both sites have blessed the many who read them.
Could you please add our blog as a reference link for older child adoption, too? I also think our ASD/VSD family story is gone. At least I can't find it.
Congrats once again. Both are very deserving!
Amy says
Congratulations, Stefanie! Both of these blog honors are so well deserved!
I can't tell you how many hours I have logged on your blogs. ๐
Thank you (to TM and Amie, as well!) for your continued insight and inspiration!
With Love and Prayers…
Chris says
Congratulations!!!!!!
How cool!!!
Both of your blogs have been a blessing to me!!!..and countless others!!!
I must tell you that Faith has become one of your biggest fans!!
She has recently poured over your blog…I mean, the girl has spent some serious time reading all your adoption stories and digging into your older posts.
She is so glad she met you while we were in China. She keeps asking when we can all get together. You have impressed the socks right off of her! ๐
Jesse, James and Lindsey's mom says
Great Job!
Stef: I would love to share about older child adoption…but not sure if that is what you are looking for. James was on teh SN list but due to his age. Let me know…
Kathy
ktatakis@gmail.com
living4him5 says
Congrats my friend, well deserved!
Love ya!
Amy
Annie says
Congrats Stefanie!!!!!! That is so cool!!!!
DiJo says
When I get home I would be honored to share Sienna's story.. The to, from, and in-between!!!
Congrats on your very DESERVING award!
You Rock My Friend!!!
24 more sleeps and she is mine forever!!!
๐ Diana
Jill says
YEAH! That is really awesome!
Ashley says
Congrats – you go!!! I love your blog and No Hands But Ours:)
I am sorry to say I can't yet add to your Families Stories page…although we know we want to adopt we have to wait a few more years – silly 30+ thing!
I try to support you through prayers and linking to No Hands But Ours on my blog – if there is anything else I can do please let me know! My background is in fundraising and I have wanted to do some "events" for the adoption community, but not sure how to start. I have a few different ideas that I really think might work.
Blessings, Ashley
Jewels of My Heart says
Congratulations! Thank you for all you do for the families and for the precious children who have been orphaned. What a blessing you are!
Suzie says
Congratulations! I read both of your blogs and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!
Donna says
It's your 15 minutes of VERY MUCH DESERVED fame! Seriously, you deserve more than 15 minutes, my friend. You've done a really wonderful thing with NHBO. I'm honored to take part in it.
xoxo
Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!
Mom Of Many says
LOL
Gracious Stef, I had no idea that we were on any list anywhere…thank goodness I'm one of your followers and read the post, huh?
Congratulations Stef – you are an awesome woman of God who shares with grace and love…
You rock!! xo
TanyaLea says
Oh Stef …CONGRATULATIONS!! It's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of BOTH blogs! So I couldn't be happier for ya. Your blogs are both an encouragement and great source of info for anyone considering SN adoption. And you know I'm on board! I do need to write up "our story" and send it to you sometime. Only thing is, it's a long read…but a good one! ๐
Blessings and Hugs,
~ Tanya
a Tonggu Momma says
Both blogs deserve it, my friend!
pickel says
Make sure to grab your buttons!
The Straight's says
Congrats! Definately one of my favorites ๐
Shelly and Family says
CONGRATS Stefanie! I must admit…even though I don't comment every.single.day here on your blog, I sure do check in every.single.day and I always so look forward to what you have to say (or show or give away lol)!
The Gang's Momma! says
Congrats – on both counts. You are doing God's work, my friend. And I'm so happy for you that others around the IA community and further are taking note ๐ You rock.
And gosh, I'm itching to submit another family story – especially since hubby has fallen in love with your little Vivi. And since you asked so pretty . . . Sigh. Timing is everything, right?! ๐
Congrats. Congrats. If I was there, I'd hug you big. After I stopped squealing and gasping for my breath . . . ๐
Dita says
Congratulations to you Stefanie! I remember the day you teased us with the notion that something special was coming…and the day it appeared.
Your vision with the talents of TM, Rebecca and Amie just goes to show that if you dream it and can become reality.
You really pulled out all the stops on that one and you deserve every drop of credit for creating something so special for so many. I love all the stories and the courage that both parent and child have shown in reading those stories. They are each inspirational…as are you, dear Stefanie…in all that you have done and continue to do for the adoption community.
KUDOS, Friend!
xoxo
Dita
M3 says
Hey, wow! Congratulations my friend. Both of your blogs are just so wonderful and you bring smiles to so many people.
Shelly and Family says
Hi Stefanie – I also wanted to let you know just how many "thinking about adoption a SN child with a megacolon" parents have contacted me in regards to my two girls' stories on NHBO. At least once a week I get an email from a parent (or soon to be parent) saying they saw my girls stories on NHBO and would love for me to give them an opinion on a WC that has a megacolon. Seeing how I am the only one that has really posted about megacolons with adoptive children from China…NHBO has truly touched a lot of people considering a child with a megacolon. Thank you for making a place for our daughters' stories to be told. It is because of your site that others have been "very open" to adopting a SN/WC that has a megacolon…And it might also be the sole reason why we might be adopting #4…we even had agencies contact us (in the past) if we would be willin to look at a file of a child that has a megacolon (and they found out about us from NHBO than linked to our family's blog)…AMAZING ~ TRULY AMAZING it is!!!!