I wrote you a letter this morning, Dear Isaiah. And now, we are smiling in ways we can’t describe, and if you’re ready to meet him, then he’s ready to meet you. Meet Isaiah Taylor Hoffman.
{All images below were taken today, on Gotcha Day, by Mandi Raymond, of Mandi Raymond Photography. If you are in the California, Bay Area you must check her out!}
Meet Isaiah Taylor Hoffman
Isaiah was not the name given to me at birth, but my mama and daddy called me that immediately because they just couldn’t escape the words “….and a child shall lead them.”
In addition to my real name, here are some of the other names my mama calls me, “Zay, Zay-Zay, Sweet Boy, Chipmunk, Woody Wood Pecker, Izay-zaz and Crazy Little Man.”
My sister, Samarah, calls me “Baby and Baby Isai-zas” mostly.
I am all boy. I smack my hands loudly on the ground when I crawl. I am fast. I scream a lot. I throw a fit, whenever I feel like it. I am a climber. I love to bounce. Music is my jam. As is pushing big chairs, and acting like a maniac 24/7.
I love to eat, and I am really good at it, just like Samarah. My current favorites are bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes topped with my mama’s obsession, Honey Pecan Pie and lately, I’ve been digging salmon and baked cauliflower pieces.
I have the cutest personality, at least that’s what I’ve heard them say. My new friend Shondra says that laugh of mine is hilarious, and most would agree. I act as a stand-up comedian 7 days a week with the Woody Wood Pecker-isms and eye blinks that my mama doesn’t know whether to scream or laugh at.
My daddy loves to help me be entertaining for the whole family. He stands me up, and we do funny voices, make funny faces and wiggle all around.
I have a sister, Samarah, whom I adore. She tells me, “I don’t want Isaiah,” whenever I’m in the way of her and her dolls and other toys. But then she turns around, hugs me, holds me and laughs with me and I am in my own, little heaven.
We have 2 dogs, Fiona, and the big one, Reagan. I spook Fiona a lot when I smack her, but they both love that after mealtime, they get to clean up my mess.
I am a tank. No, I’m serious. I am a tank. I think my mama already told you, but I can push 45+pound chairs all over the house.
I can dance and bob my head like no other one year old around. At the pool yesterday, I spent most of the time jamming to Bob Marley. Everyone thought I was a little ham ball. I am.
Each night before bed, they all kiss me and tell me they love me. My face gets a huge smile, and I sleep nearly the entire night (I do wake up around 4am when mama does, but usually go back to sleep for awhile).
I overheard my mama say today, “adoption is my calling, it has made my life complete.”
I’m not even sure what that means because I am just a wee little.
But guys…..I can feel the love.
They really love me.
I really love them.
Today we became a family of four, with our cowboy boots and hearts ready to love like mad.
This is me, Isaiah Taylor Hoffman. My story, our story, is just beginning.
I hope you enjoy my mama’s movie.
Xox,
SKH
You will heal. I will help.
Julianne
June 14, 2016 at 3:09 amThis is absolutely wonderful. God has blessed all of you! Happy Gotcha Day!
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 11:19 amThank you:)
Linda
June 14, 2016 at 3:18 amAbsolutely precious, thanks for sharing. You are a blessed family. Isaiah is only 1 month older than Kinsley but she looks like a midget compared to him????
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 11:19 amHe is a little tank!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
June 14, 2016 at 3:25 amWhat cuties! You have a beautiful family!
Linda berndt
June 14, 2016 at 3:34 amBeautiful kids are so lucky to have been picked by you and Ryan and of course super grandmas. All their smiles helps to forget all the problems you went through before they joined your family
May joy and live fill your family
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 11:15 amThank you, Linda!
Lisa Johnson
June 14, 2016 at 10:25 amAwh, all my love to your growing family … just beautiful Sarah. 🙂
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 11:15 amThank you!
Ali
June 14, 2016 at 12:17 pmSARAH!!!! I just teared up reading this. He is just precious. How wonderful. And Sam looks like such a great big sis. Everyone looks so happy. Love you!!
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 6:31 pmLove you, lady! p.s. So excited you’ve entered the blogging world:)
Kayla
June 14, 2016 at 2:59 pmWhat a beautiful blog post! I got chills (and tears) when reading this. Love your happy little family Sarah!! <3
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 6:32 pmThank you, Kayla!
Kathy McElhaney
June 14, 2016 at 6:35 pmCongratulations to your entire family! Isaiah is adorable. I love his smile with the two bottom teeth.
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 6:37 pmAnd the top 2 are busting through now:) Thank you!
erin
June 14, 2016 at 8:09 pmThis brought tears to my eyes. I am thrilled for you and your family!
Sarah
June 14, 2016 at 8:21 pmAw. Thanks:)
Stacy (Langager) Dufault
June 14, 2016 at 9:10 pmRyan and Sarah, I just love following you guys and your cute family! Congratulations to you! May God Bless you!
Sarah
June 15, 2016 at 11:45 amHi Stacy! Thank you:)
Hilary
June 15, 2016 at 6:58 amSo happy for you and Ryan! He is just a little dream and you guys look like such a happy family. I loved the YouTube video, you can really see his little sparkling personality! Congrats! Sending my love to you guys. ❤️❤️❤️
Sarah
June 15, 2016 at 11:36 amThank you! We need to play soon:)
Aimee Penn
June 15, 2016 at 1:19 pmHe is a cutie pie! So glad to finally “meet” him! Samarah and Isaiah are so lucky to be a part of such a loving & thoughtful family! ???????????????????????????? Thanks for sharing your story!
Sarah
June 19, 2016 at 11:52 am🙂
Jane Hall
June 18, 2016 at 2:53 pmMy heart just swelled with emotion when I saw this (watched it twice!). There is sooooo much love here!
Forever love!
Looking forward to watching Sam & Isaiah growing up.
Thank you for sharing this Sarah. <3
Sarah
June 19, 2016 at 1:14 pmMe, too, Jane! Thank you for all the support and love.
Kimmie
June 19, 2016 at 2:48 amOh honey….its amazing to see God’s hand at work in your life. You and Ryan are a beautiful example of His faithfulness and how He works everything out “for such a time a this”. Y’all are so, so very precious. Much love!
Sarah
June 19, 2016 at 1:15 pmxo, Kimmie!
Jenn
July 18, 2016 at 3:03 amYour stories are absolutely beautiful & inspiring! May God continue to bless you in all good things! We are starting the Foster Adoption process, we have our first home study in 5 days! I am nerbous & excited…our classes start soon. I know God has a baby that needs our loving home! We’ve been TTC for over 6 years, we fasted & prayed, God laid it on our hearts to foster adopt!
Sarah
July 18, 2016 at 12:10 pmHi, Jenn! Thank you for sharing. I love this so much. All my best wishes as you begin your own journey!