Hello everyone! We are Rob and Liz Stokes, the parents of Lydia, Jackson, Rosalie, and Ezekiel Stokes. In 2017 we adopted Carter who was born with medical complexities that unfortunately he succumbed to in February of 2018. We really felt after the sharing in Carter's journey that our plan for growing our family was incomplete and we miss him ever so much. That summer we returned to waiting. Fast forward a few years to June of 2022. On June 13 we received a phone call that a baby girl was waiting for us so we packed up and drove over to the agency where we met Rosalie and instantly fell in love. Even before her adoption was finalized we knew our family was still incomplete. Jackson and Lydia expressed interest in another little brother or sister and Rob and I knew in our hearts that that's what we wanted as well. So… After going active for just 2 weeks and 1 day our family was chosen by a mother to raise her child. We've prayed over and have heard God's voice telling us it's time to add to our family through adoption, again. We've witnessed first hand and have loved what adoption has brought to our family and friends. While currently updating our home study again and having been chosen, we all have felt our family growing closer together through the excitement of what is coming. We can't thank you enough for helping us through prayer, love, and encouragement! Of all the things we've learned on this journey, the strongest lesson we've been taught is nothing is in our time, it's all God's timing. Psalm 37:3-4 "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart." Love, The Stokes
The last and final update. We’re still waiting to hear of a court date. I will reach out to the lawyer later this week to check the progress on that. Once we find that out, we’re hoping for a date in October, all will be finalized. We hosted a garage sale that brought in $150 to apply to our fundraising account! It was so nice to see everyone and introduce our growing family to you and the members of our community!
Zeke has grown and changed so much this month. He’s also caught up to his birthdate milestones this month however for the first two years he’ll continue to be viewed in the medical world as his gestational date. So even though he’s turning 5 months on September 6, he’ll be viewed as approximately a month and half younger. .
He’s talking up a storm, just started drooling and teething, he chews on his fingers and anything he can bring to his mouth, he’s rolling over, pushing up, kicking his legs, he’s curious. He knows his mom and dad and siblings. Zeke is a magnet for people- his charismatic persona just draws everyone to him.
His health ailments are clearing up and resolving on their own. All credits go to God. He’s been here and present since the beginning and will continue to be til the end of time.
Zeke has brought so much love and joy into our lives over the last five months, we can’t wait to see what his future holds. This is our world and I couldn’t be happier.
We are closing in on finalization. In the state of Ohio it’s around 6 months. Slowly chipping away at our goal of $19,000. We’ve still got a long way to go but with God on our side, we know all will be ok. Our grant application goes before a board in September and we’re praying we are selected.
Our sweet Zeke is laughing, smiling, ROLLING OVER, holding his head up meeting all his milestones on time! He’s so precious and loving. He’s starting to recognize his family especially Mom and Dad. He’s growing like a weed weighing in at over 13 pounds busting out of the 3 months clothing and into 3-6 months. He attended his first county fair and survived a few goat shows. He actually might’ve just stole the show! Zeke is a great sleeper for the time being sleeping 5-7 hour stretches at night allowing mom and dad to get their school work done. All in all, we are just soaking up every summer second with this little guy and his big brother and sisters. We always wish that summers are endless but we know time marches on and it’s time to grow and learn new things with back to school soon! God bless and thank you so much for your support.
Wow! Three months! Time is flying and I’m not exactly sure how I feel about it. I’m loving the newborn stage and we’re just beginning the baby stage but I don’t enjoy the mystery of what this phase can bring. Sleep regression, growth spurts, feeding schedules, monitoring poops, pees and more! Is his tummy ache gas, viral, bacterial or something else?? Poop? What color, shape, texture. Oh, I’m laughing at myself now but the first three to 6 months are intense until their little bodies grow and strengthen.
Zeke now weighs 10.14lbs and has bridged over to 0-3 month clothing. He long and has BIG feet!
Zeke is sleeping well for four to five hour stretches once he gets settled in for the night. His personality is starting to develop and his facial expressions have us giggling. He LOVES his bath. He smiles at you and coos. He yawns like his Papa: loud and proud. His big brother and sisters are madly in love with him as are his mom and dad.
To say we are blessed is an understatement. The Lord answers your prayers and he has answered ours in his time.
Today Ezekiel is 4 weeks old on 5/6 he will officially celebrate a month with us here on earth! He’s making gains! Zeke has officially grown out of preemie diapers but is still hanging out in his preemie clothes. He’s eating like a pro and has gained over a pound since being discharged from the hospital. His Pediatrician is so impressed that we are on biweekly visits instead of weekly visits.
After a two week one day stay in the NICU for eating, we are home adjusting to our new family dynamic. Ezekiel is thriving and we are enjoying loving him, studying him, and snuggling.
