Only 13 Days Old

Today was our first full day at home in Port Charlotte. We had a very nice morning with Brianna. We even had a visitor from a neighbor who was so anxious to find out if she was home yet.

After feeding Brianna she was looking up at us and smiling over and over again. I managed to catch one on camera, but you never get the good ones ya know.

We decided to do some shopping and later had lunch. Here she is all dressed up and ready to go. After we got home another family of neighbors stopped by and left a nice gift. Then we decided to take a walk to the mailbox pushing Brianna in the stroller. We stopped at the lake and sat on the bench and watched an aligator swim across. It was starting to get dark so we headed home.

Brianna was hungry and after eating Debbie cleaned her all up and got her ready for bed. Nite, nite sweetheart... see you in a few hours.

Brianna is Home

Yesterday we were blessed to be able to have Brianna join our family. I cannot express what a wonderful experience it has been. The journey to get here seemed long, but oh how worth it! We spent the night at Debbie's parents... we even took our dog Blue to be a part of it all. Actually he just can't stay home alone, LOL! We spent most of the day in Orlando and drove home today to be in our home. Debbie is loving it that she gets to shop and dress her up like a little doll! We can't wait to go to church and show her off. We especially look forward to all the family getting to meet her. Here Debbie's dad gets to hold his newest grandbaby and gets the smile of approval! All the grandkids love Grandpa and Grandma Lichtenberg!

Now that's she's home with us, we hope to share her with everyone near and far.

My parents and little brother Isaac are planning a trip from Kentucky when we have her sealed to our Eternal family in the temple.

Debbies sister Dionne and cousin Ashley are coming from Utah in a few weeks.

We hope all the family here in Florida can come to visit soon as well. Our family is the center of our life and we are so glad to have their love and support in this wonderful time in our lives.

We're Grateful for Your Kind Words and Prayers

Some have cried tears of joy over the phone. Some have expressed their love. Some have given gifts. Some have expressed special thoughts about our new baby we will never want to forget, so we have decided to keep them forever on our blog. Here's what you have said:

Chad's Mom wrote:

Today I was sharing our joy about the baby and I couldn't talk about it without crying. We are sooo happy for you. Love, Mom
P.S. What colors are favorite ones Debbie will use for the baby's room?_______________

I love you Chad, more than you know. I only want the best in life for you and your sweet, GROWING family. I am so glad you have found joy in the journey and are willing to serve our Heavenly Father and your family. I know that this sweet baby is going to bring much joy and happiness to all of your lives. Try to get some rest while you can. I know she will be a Daddy's girl. Of course when Mommie is in the room, no one else will do but Debbie. When you get home from work at night and this baby lights up just because Daddy is home, or Mommie is home, well, it doesn't get much better than that. Hope you have a rocking chair. Love, Mom

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Thanks for sharing your pictures. You guys look so different, like a light in your eyes that wasn't there before.

My Letter For Debbie

Congrats ! We are so happy for you ! Everytime I talk to Chad, you are at work or in Orlando. This must be the most exciting, frustrating, etc... time of your life ! You must want to say, heh, this is my baby, I'm taking her HOME ! I imagine you are not sleeping well ! The only good thing about waiting is you have more time to prepare. Debbie, you know how expecting Mothers have this glow about them, that is what I see in your face. YOU look beautiful ! I know you will be a great mother ! I am praying for you all. This has to be hard. Hang in there ! We are all praying that your baby will be in your arms very soon. I can't wait to see and hold her too !!! Love, Mom Brenda

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Thanks for sharing the new picture on the blog. I enjoyed reading the thoughts of others about how we all feel. It seems we are all having spiritual experiences about her. She will be blest to come to a family that loves and wants her so much. She really is a cutie. Most babies look even cuter a few weeks after they are born. I thought you looked perfect at two weeks. I took a picture with Pa holding you I think at two weeks. I thought that you were the cutest baby ever born. I didn't think I could love another baby as much as I loved you. She looks perfect. Most don't look so good the first day ! I love you all. Love, Mom

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May our Heavenly Father bless you and your family for responding to the spirit and welcoming this sweet spirit into your home and making HER dreams come true. I love you son. Mom

Aunt Debbie wrote:

Thank you. She is beautiful!!!!!! I got your email while I was on the phone with Granny and read it to her. I cried happy tears. I cant tell you how happy I am for you all. I loved your wording in the blog. I think that's what made me cry. (Don't tell anyone, I don't want my reputation ruined). Ha Love Ya
Debbie

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I just checked the blog again. I owe you a bunch!!! Now everyone knows I cried. Well I least I wasn't the only one. :) I also read it to Gwen and David. They are both so happy for you all. I can't wait for the update that she is home with her family for good!!
Love ya
Debbie

Aunt Tina wrote:

Oh my gosh, when everyone said you were getting a baby, I thought this summer when you travel to what ever country and bring her back!! I am so excited for you and Deb and Brandon and little Brianna. Congradulations! You are great parents, and Brandon will be the best big brother ever! Love from our whole family, Tina

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Wonderful, its about all anyones talking about...you all getting Brianna, we are so excited for you. Let us know when you will bless her and we will try to carpool there. Love you all, Tina

Aunt Linda wrote:

Congrats to you all!!! She's so beautiful! We're very happy for you guys, and can't wait to see your Brianna. Thanks for sharing these pictures so soon. We love you, Uncle Ralph & Aunt Linda

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OK, WE'LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS. LOVE YOU ALL, AUNT LINDA

Cousin Tersa wrote:

That is awesome!! I'm so happy for you guys! You look so happy! Brianna looks so sweet! Yay!Tersa

Andie Zimmerman wrote:

She is just beautiful!! Congratulations on your new baby girl!
Crossing our fingers and toes that your prints come back soon and clean. ;)

Can't wait to meet her!

Doug Conforti wrote:

When I opened up my email and saw that sweet child of God with you and your family, to see the glow in all your faces I started to cry. Knowing how long you all waited for this to happen. When that song started to play it was all over for me , I cryed with JOY like a baby. I'M so HAPPY for your family, and yes God answers prays, I had such a bad feeling with you all go to the Ukraine.
You can please share this with your family, I do not want anyone else to know I cried like a baby over an e-mail. But the tears of JOY sure put a big smile on my face! May the Lord watch over you and family. God knows who his children should be with. Your family is truely blessed.
I can't wait to see her and be at her blessing in church. All my love goes to your family and new child . Much love to you and family, Doug

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Chad & Debbie,
Good things and blessings come to good people. When that baby is in your home I will join you all in praying for thanks to our Father in Heaven. What blessings come our way to those who give thanks to a God that makes all thing possible. May the Lord too with you and family during this great time in your lives.God bless you all, Doug

Richard Ribar wrote:

Crap, holy crap, holy moley what happened? How did it happen? I thought you were going to Ukraine? Orlando, tell me i didnt know. Why didnt you call? Oh, you did I didnt realize you called, it's on my voice mail. I was deep sea fishing when you called according to the time/date stamp. Congrats man, I am so happy for you I am rambling. Give me a call. I am on duty today as ems supervisor.

Love Richard, my friend so happy for you.

Jeramy Walsh wrote:

That is awesome! I had no idea you were going to have a new addition! My prayers are with you.

Jack Alexander wrote:

How wonderful. Edith and I wish you all the happiness you can stand.

What a blessing she will be to your family and someday her own little family when they all endure to the end.

God bless you and yours.

JACK ALEXANDER

Debbie's Mom said:

Today at church I heard a voice in my mind as if it were my own voice saying, "It will be a bumpy road, but they will be able to keep the baby." After knowing things were going to be alright I started telling everyone about Brianna.

Amy Sanders wrote:

I cannot wait too see her. This little miracle from heaven. I am so happy and excited for you and Debbie. May you get sleep and write down every moment..love you and I cannot wait to read your next blog.

Brad Hobson wrote:

Chad, Congrats! That's awesome! Love to you, Deb and Brandon!

Emily Walsh wrote:

I've been offline for a few days so I am just seeing this now! This is an amazing turn of events! She is a beautiful baby and the photos of you guys holding her are too precious for words. I am so happy for you guys. That is one lucky little girl -- what a great family to join!

Lynda Elliott wrote:

Debbie and Chad-
I am so happy for you. I need to talk to you and get all the details! I can't wait!

Aunt Heather wrote:

I love all the pictures. She is more beautiful than I imagined. I am so happy for each one of you. I know Brianna will have a wonderful Eternal family. I can't wait to meet her and hold her. I love and miss you all. Love Heather

Mauricio Gaertner wrote:

Hey man, congratulations on your new baby, I can't imagine how happy you two are at this moment, I am happy for you too, may God bless your family.

Mauricio M. Gaertner

Trish Knoch wrote:

Congratulations! I know how long you have awaited this beautiful baby girl. The greatest blessings come to those who wait on the Lord. She will bless your lives with her special spirit, truly a gift from our Father in heaven. I loved the blog. It's so good to see you all so happy!

Laura Lee McGovern wrote:

Oh my goodness she is so lovely, I'm so happy for you, Debbie and Brandon and I know that your fingerprints will come out just fine. You guys are wonderful and I can't wait till she is home with you in her own little bedroom. Kisses, Hugs, Love for the baby and the whole family. I may just have to come out this summer or Thanksgiving to see your new little one.

Much Love,
Laura Lee McGovern

Shalee Morrill wrote:

I'm so happy for you guys! She is beautiful and such a sweetie. Can't wait to see her. Congrats! You guys TOTALLY deserve her. LoveShalee

Steve Osteen wrote:

Chad & Debbie,

Our prayers are with you. I called the Orlando Temple and added your names to the prayer roll including Brianna. Your names will be there for approximately 2 weeks.

Steve & Karen Osteen

There are no words...

This week has been one of unmeasurable joy. In contrast with the many years spent waiting, hoping, praying, crying, not understanding, pleading with Heavenly Father to have another child come into our family. Finally we are seeing what the Lord's plan has been all along. Our hearts are filled, enlarged and filled again to overflowing with love and gratitude for our new little blessing. Her name is Brianna Kay Sanders.

We are still waiting for our fingerprints to come back for our background checks. As soon as they do she will be able to come home with us. A friend of mine says it's kinda like waiting for delivery. For now she stays with a cradle-care family. Debbie and Brandon were able to visit a couple of days this week in Orlando while I was busy at work. All the while my mind and heart have been with them though.

Here is a picture of Brandon and his baby sister Brianna.

Finally the work week was over and I drove to Orlando to be with my family. Today Debbie and I were able to spend more time with Brianna. We love her so much already. We ask for your prayers that our fingerprints come back so we can bring her home this week.

Brianna, come home to us soon... we love and miss you! Daddy, Mommy & Brandon

Youth Temple Trip & The Holy Land Experience

Rising early is usually not a youth's strength, but there were no complaints to rising at 3:00 AM for a trip to the Orlando Temple and afterward, The Holy Land Experience. We arrived at 6:30 AM while it was still dark and the fog made it look as if the temple were glowing with its lights shining upward as a beacon saying "this is the place."

Here are a group of wonderful youth and their leaders and members of the ward who helped to make this day a great success.

Our family is starting to feel at home the more we are able to work with and get to know and love our ward family in Port Charlotte.

At The Holy Land Experience there was a rock climbing wall in which some of the youth challenged their skills. Here Brandon looks like he is having a good time.