Sorry this is like 9.5 weeks after the fact!! I actually tried several times to sit and type this out, but there never seemed to be the moments i would need to do it. So hopefully piece by piece I can tell you all what happened, and have it archived for our memories:)
So on Monday August 16th, we headed out for Utah. We left Hudson with Josh's parents, and took a quick last picture of the family of 3:) Naturally on the way to Utah my period started! Of course that was after finding out we had to be at dinner about 2 hours earlier than we had thought...So that meant no stopping. Honestly, it just made me laugh!
We made it with just enough time to throw our bags in our hotel room and head to the restaurant. Praise the Lord I had a wonderful mentor who has done this many times before me....She kept telling me to remember my purpose in going was to love on a mama and her baby, and if I came home with the baby, I had even more reason to celebrate. Go with open hands and let the Lord move. So on the way to dinner Josh and I prayed that if this was the Lord's will for this child, our family, and the mama that she would have a complete peace with her decision. And if it wasn't what the Lord had for all of us that it just would be awkward, or not peaceful. We prayed that the Lord would make it so clear.
So we got seated and the mama was in the restroom with her little 15 month old son, so we were seated with the ladies from the agency. They kinda briefed us a little and then out came the mama and her boy. We stood and hugged her and introduced ourselves. I had the most amazing peace. I mean what an awkward situation, and I felt completely calm. We just started talking with her and she started to relax. We were also playing with her little boy too:) He was a cutie, and he was a handful:) She asked us if we had thought of any names, and Josh had told her we had thought of the name Boaz. She was like What???? We had previously picked the name Malachi too...So I piped in that we also liked the name Malachi...and she got REALLY excited and said she had wanted to name her son that but that her husband wouldn't let her, and that her daughters name was MaKyla....and it sounds similar to that too. So we just loved all that, and on the spot changed it to Malachi, which we changed the spelling to Malakai, so he could go by Kai (Ky) also. Anyway, before you know it, we were laughing and talking and 2 hours went by before we even realized it. At the end, she took her son to the bathroom again, and the ladies from the agency told us that they hadn't really seen her be so free and open, and laughing etc...They said this was an amazing match! And they could tell she was at rest and happy with her choice.
So she came back to the table and the ladies from the agency talked to all of us and told Josh and I that they would talk to the mama and call us for the plan for the morning. So we went outside and got pictures taken together, and then left. Josh and I decided to backtrack to our hotel and then to drive the route from the hotel to the hospital so we would know it well for the morning. While driving to the hospital the adoption agent called us and said that the mama wanted me to come into the surgery with her in the morning!!!! I was ecstatic! I never dreamed I would get to be AT the birth! We were so happy!!!
So we went back to our hotel and tried to get some sleep somehow...that was after talking about how to spell the name Malakai for like an hour. :)
Anyway, hopefully soon I can tell about the birth, and the hospital stay!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The long anticipated call with the birth mama....
So we finally had our conference call with the birth mom today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was crazy! I mean we were supposed to have it a week ago, so there was a little build up of anticipation, but at the same time, it made it easier because so much time had passed...The agency had told us that the birth mom wanted a semi-open adoption so we went into the call talking that way, and thinking that way...But come to find out, she wants it completely closed. So that was a surprise. We are totally fine with that. We told her that we would keep everything current at that agency in case she ever changed her mind. I think she made up her mind, and is just ready to try to move on.
So I felt a little sad about it, but I'm trusting God. And like my wise sister in law said...there was a reason that we thought one way about it going in to the call...because we acted differently than we might of had we thought the other way. So God knows.
As it stands we leave Monday, have dinner with her Monday night, and have a baby Tuesday! WOW
So I felt a little sad about it, but I'm trusting God. And like my wise sister in law said...there was a reason that we thought one way about it going in to the call...because we acted differently than we might of had we thought the other way. So God knows.
As it stands we leave Monday, have dinner with her Monday night, and have a baby Tuesday! WOW
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Well, well weeeelllllll...we got a call from the agency today:)
So, this afternoon the agency called and said the birth mom is on her way back to Utah! We kinda wondered if she was going to come back. So now we have the next thing which is to have a phone conference with her, hopefully tomorrow. If that goes well we will be heading to Utah Monday.
So for my prayer warrior friends!!!!
I'm asking people to pray, of course:)
I'm praying for the Lord's will. So if this is the child He has for us, I'm praying that He will give the birth mom a peace in her heart and mind while we talk. I'm praying that we will be natural, and full of love and grace for her.
We thank you all for reading, for caring about us, and for praying.
So for my prayer warrior friends!!!!
I'm asking people to pray, of course:)
I'm praying for the Lord's will. So if this is the child He has for us, I'm praying that He will give the birth mom a peace in her heart and mind while we talk. I'm praying that we will be natural, and full of love and grace for her.
We thank you all for reading, for caring about us, and for praying.
Learning to wait:)
So, this is so interesting, but we have learned over and over that waiting on the Lord and His will is the only sure thing. We are so happy for this because that is all we want. You cannot count on anything in this process, and as it says in James, if it is the Lord's will this or that will happen....
It's funny, the minute you think you know something, you don't:) Or the minute you think it's going to go like this, it doesn't:)
I say it with a true smile because what I stated above, Josh and I have both learned in our own lives, and in our married life together. Let's just say this principle is being driven into the marrow. The whole process has provided so much growth that otherwise would not be there, and for this I'm so thankful.
I don't want anyone to think we have heard anything about the particular situation we are waiting on. We still sit waiting:) We are just stepping forward in faith, and we will see what the Lord has.
God has provided so many wonderful promises in His perfect word that I'm just praying over and over and over to keep my mind and heart in the right place. This is huge! Those of you who know me well, know that I print out my scripture and carry it around with me like a life vest...so yesterday's verses were...
Romans 8:5-6
The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
James 4:13-17
....Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.
1 Peter 5:5-11
Humble yourself under God's mighty hand....
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST IN HIM, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 11:29
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable!!
So all that to say is keeping our thoughts stayed on Him, His plan, His purpose, and having nothing to do with anxious thoughts, or our own plans has been the challenge. These scriptures sure helped me throughout the day! My flesh so badly wants to start to fret. But in Jesus name I refuse. I'm so thankful to have a God who loves us so much!!! I can't believe the fruit being produced as we wait:)
So, I will post more when we know more. This baby we are waiting on will be born next Tuesday, so if the Lord wills, we will be heading there Monday.
It's funny, the minute you think you know something, you don't:) Or the minute you think it's going to go like this, it doesn't:)
I say it with a true smile because what I stated above, Josh and I have both learned in our own lives, and in our married life together. Let's just say this principle is being driven into the marrow. The whole process has provided so much growth that otherwise would not be there, and for this I'm so thankful.
I don't want anyone to think we have heard anything about the particular situation we are waiting on. We still sit waiting:) We are just stepping forward in faith, and we will see what the Lord has.
God has provided so many wonderful promises in His perfect word that I'm just praying over and over and over to keep my mind and heart in the right place. This is huge! Those of you who know me well, know that I print out my scripture and carry it around with me like a life vest...so yesterday's verses were...
Romans 8:5-6
The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
James 4:13-17
....Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.
1 Peter 5:5-11
Humble yourself under God's mighty hand....
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST IN HIM, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 11:29
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable!!
So all that to say is keeping our thoughts stayed on Him, His plan, His purpose, and having nothing to do with anxious thoughts, or our own plans has been the challenge. These scriptures sure helped me throughout the day! My flesh so badly wants to start to fret. But in Jesus name I refuse. I'm so thankful to have a God who loves us so much!!! I can't believe the fruit being produced as we wait:)
So, I will post more when we know more. This baby we are waiting on will be born next Tuesday, so if the Lord wills, we will be heading there Monday.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Update on what is to come....
So, since this past Tuesday we were supposed to have our conference call with the birth mom....It hasn't worked out yet. Apparently there are some phone issues on her end. She is currently in Pennsylvania with her family, and due back to Utah this weekend. This is once again proving to us that there is never a moment you are "sure" until it is legal in the state it is happening in. We did however get an encouraging call from our caseworker in Utah today. She has been so kind to check in with us every couple days. Today she spoke with the birth mom's case worker, and the case worker had once again spoken with the birth mom, and they are saying that they want the "match" with us to be official. That was nice to hear. Our caseworker in Utah said that she would like the conference call to happen first before signing contracts to be a little more sure since we have had so much trouble getting her on the phone. So everyone is planning on Monday being the day the call should happen...we shall see!:)
So the process we have yet to go through is first the conference call...then it sounds like the contracts are taken care of at that point. If all that goes well, we would drive to Utah on Monday the 16th and meet with the birth mom in person that day. If that goes well, the next day the 17th we will be parenting the sweet baby boy she births. At that point we take charge of him, but it is still not legal. The paper work has to go through the court system and then when it comes up in turn, the birth mom has to show up in court and relinquish her rights. That is the process ahead....
So, now the part that is neither legal or logical...
It was so nice to hear from my friend Lori about her adoptions yesterday...such good reminders as we approach this point of our journey. We GET to go love on a precious birth mom, and a baby, and the Lord knows the rest. We trust in his perfect plan for them and for us. We are doing our best to begin the attaching and excitement of this baby, but at the same time holding loosely to the outcome, at the same time knowing the Lord has led us to this point...so it is a daily, moment to moment thing. Now that a birth mom actually chose us I feel so moved to pray for constantly...and not for my sake, but for her...to feel the love of Jesus...for her to know that Jesus loves her, for her to realize that she is accepted as she stands right now...to experience some mercy and grace in her tough life...I'm praying that when we talk to her and meet her that we can lavish some of that on her. Such a divine opportunity...So if any of you would join me in praying, I sure would appreciate that. I haven't mentioned her name because of privacy purposes up to this point...I told my one friend earlier this is like a sweet and sour pickle...but it's the same pickle...1/2 sweet and 1/2 sour...This precious young girl is providing our second child! A dream come true for me and for us....how sweet is that? The Lord has provided everything up to this point, and how awesome is that???? Then the sour part is that this poor mama has such a rough life, and road that she has come to this point, and here is giving up her precious child...Kinda sour...but also sweet that she loved him enough to give that to him....Part of me is soooo excited and soooo happy, and part of me prays and grieves for this mama...I mean part of it is that I know how hard pregnancy is, and have had a child and I cannot fathom this. So today this is where we are and just living our life, praying and moving forward trusting God our father. Thank you Lord for this blessed time and opportunity!!
So the process we have yet to go through is first the conference call...then it sounds like the contracts are taken care of at that point. If all that goes well, we would drive to Utah on Monday the 16th and meet with the birth mom in person that day. If that goes well, the next day the 17th we will be parenting the sweet baby boy she births. At that point we take charge of him, but it is still not legal. The paper work has to go through the court system and then when it comes up in turn, the birth mom has to show up in court and relinquish her rights. That is the process ahead....
So, now the part that is neither legal or logical...
It was so nice to hear from my friend Lori about her adoptions yesterday...such good reminders as we approach this point of our journey. We GET to go love on a precious birth mom, and a baby, and the Lord knows the rest. We trust in his perfect plan for them and for us. We are doing our best to begin the attaching and excitement of this baby, but at the same time holding loosely to the outcome, at the same time knowing the Lord has led us to this point...so it is a daily, moment to moment thing. Now that a birth mom actually chose us I feel so moved to pray for constantly...and not for my sake, but for her...to feel the love of Jesus...for her to know that Jesus loves her, for her to realize that she is accepted as she stands right now...to experience some mercy and grace in her tough life...I'm praying that when we talk to her and meet her that we can lavish some of that on her. Such a divine opportunity...So if any of you would join me in praying, I sure would appreciate that. I haven't mentioned her name because of privacy purposes up to this point...I told my one friend earlier this is like a sweet and sour pickle...but it's the same pickle...1/2 sweet and 1/2 sour...This precious young girl is providing our second child! A dream come true for me and for us....how sweet is that? The Lord has provided everything up to this point, and how awesome is that???? Then the sour part is that this poor mama has such a rough life, and road that she has come to this point, and here is giving up her precious child...Kinda sour...but also sweet that she loved him enough to give that to him....Part of me is soooo excited and soooo happy, and part of me prays and grieves for this mama...I mean part of it is that I know how hard pregnancy is, and have had a child and I cannot fathom this. So today this is where we are and just living our life, praying and moving forward trusting God our father. Thank you Lord for this blessed time and opportunity!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
HALELUJAH!!!!
Well, I'm just in awe right now!!!!
Yesterday August 3rd we received the call that said we had been chosen by a birth mom!!!!! I was out shopping with all the females on Josh's side of the family. We were maternity clothes shopping for Tori:) I no more than put the car in park, praise God, when my phone rang...and it was Kim from Heart to Heart telling me we were the ones picked! I was instantly in tears, and all of a sudden there were two video camera's on me...I was a mess, and I don't think I will ever want to see the footage:) I was just so overwhelmed. I mean I have spent months guarding my heart trying to keep a distance slightly because it is a continuous stream of maybe's and I think we had had like 9 no's. So you just kinda pretend it's a no, while hoping it's a yes, but more than anything wanting God's good and perfect plan, but wanting it yesterday:)
So today we are having a conference call with the birth mom. Bless her precious heart! I cannot fathom...I'm so excited to talk to her and eventually meet her. With adoption, it seems there are never 100%'s...all kinds of unexpected twists and turns and leaps and bounds of faith. This precious baby boy will be born August 17th in Utah. So if all goes well, we will be driving down on the 16th to meet the mama, and then to be there the following day at the birth. I never dreamed we would be so blessed to be able to be there from the start!!! So many of the calls we received the baby was already born!
Now sweet Hudson has been just WAITING for this day!!! I have overheard so many little conversations with his cousins...He told his cousin Chade...It sure takes a long time to get a baby...Chade says, yah, it does.:) My miscarriage was almost 2 years ago, and he just has hoped and wished since for a baby brother! So yesterday I went to Old Navy and bought 2 matching shirts...one 5T and the other the smallest they had:) which was 6-12months, but it looked tiny compared to the 5T:) Then yesterday evening we gave the bag to Hudson and told him to open it and he had to figure out what the gift was. So he opened it and guessed the smaller one to be for Chade, or Sawyer....and then we kinda helped him figure it out...and then his eyes were so adorable and big and excited, and then he got up and did the weirdest dance I have ever seen in my life:) It very well might be the cutest dance I have ever seen in my life too:) He can't wait!
So that's all for now, and I will try to keep this up to speed...
Actually I don't think I posted previously what happened with this particular call...So back up to last Wed....I had received the call that the last birth mom had chose a different family and the agent Kim told me that she would be calling me again soon because they had quite a few mom's coming due...So about an hour later I got a call from her again saying would we want to be shown to this mama. I said yes, and then she said they would be giving the profiles to her on Friday and she would have the weekend to look them over and make her decision...so then yesterday we got the call:) That's how it went.
Then I just looked and the birth is one year from the adoption seminar we went to last year when we made our commitment to adopt, and December 8th last year is when I drove to the agency and gave them the application, with the check:) Josh filled out the application in August last year but wasn't ready to write the check.
Every step has been a leap of faith, and God has faithfully provided. At the start of this process financially we did not even come close to having the amount we will be needing in a couple weeks....but like I said the Lord has been sooooo faithful. We have just stepped out and watched Him provide it all, and in two weeks...God has provided for it and I'm just simply in awe.
Yesterday August 3rd we received the call that said we had been chosen by a birth mom!!!!! I was out shopping with all the females on Josh's side of the family. We were maternity clothes shopping for Tori:) I no more than put the car in park, praise God, when my phone rang...and it was Kim from Heart to Heart telling me we were the ones picked! I was instantly in tears, and all of a sudden there were two video camera's on me...I was a mess, and I don't think I will ever want to see the footage:) I was just so overwhelmed. I mean I have spent months guarding my heart trying to keep a distance slightly because it is a continuous stream of maybe's and I think we had had like 9 no's. So you just kinda pretend it's a no, while hoping it's a yes, but more than anything wanting God's good and perfect plan, but wanting it yesterday:)
So today we are having a conference call with the birth mom. Bless her precious heart! I cannot fathom...I'm so excited to talk to her and eventually meet her. With adoption, it seems there are never 100%'s...all kinds of unexpected twists and turns and leaps and bounds of faith. This precious baby boy will be born August 17th in Utah. So if all goes well, we will be driving down on the 16th to meet the mama, and then to be there the following day at the birth. I never dreamed we would be so blessed to be able to be there from the start!!! So many of the calls we received the baby was already born!
Now sweet Hudson has been just WAITING for this day!!! I have overheard so many little conversations with his cousins...He told his cousin Chade...It sure takes a long time to get a baby...Chade says, yah, it does.:) My miscarriage was almost 2 years ago, and he just has hoped and wished since for a baby brother! So yesterday I went to Old Navy and bought 2 matching shirts...one 5T and the other the smallest they had:) which was 6-12months, but it looked tiny compared to the 5T:) Then yesterday evening we gave the bag to Hudson and told him to open it and he had to figure out what the gift was. So he opened it and guessed the smaller one to be for Chade, or Sawyer....and then we kinda helped him figure it out...and then his eyes were so adorable and big and excited, and then he got up and did the weirdest dance I have ever seen in my life:) It very well might be the cutest dance I have ever seen in my life too:) He can't wait!
So that's all for now, and I will try to keep this up to speed...
Actually I don't think I posted previously what happened with this particular call...So back up to last Wed....I had received the call that the last birth mom had chose a different family and the agent Kim told me that she would be calling me again soon because they had quite a few mom's coming due...So about an hour later I got a call from her again saying would we want to be shown to this mama. I said yes, and then she said they would be giving the profiles to her on Friday and she would have the weekend to look them over and make her decision...so then yesterday we got the call:) That's how it went.
Then I just looked and the birth is one year from the adoption seminar we went to last year when we made our commitment to adopt, and December 8th last year is when I drove to the agency and gave them the application, with the check:) Josh filled out the application in August last year but wasn't ready to write the check.
Every step has been a leap of faith, and God has faithfully provided. At the start of this process financially we did not even come close to having the amount we will be needing in a couple weeks....but like I said the Lord has been sooooo faithful. We have just stepped out and watched Him provide it all, and in two weeks...God has provided for it and I'm just simply in awe.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Honesty....
Well, since our last posting, I do believe we have had at last two other notifications...
Our current person, who we truly think is wonderful!, (and are sooooo thankful for the switch to her), doesn't let us know when we are being viewed, only when we get picked. I must say that is kinda nice...at the same time it's kinda nice to know you are being viewed just to know there is action on our behalf. So I guess it's safe to just assume there is action on our behalf. Now the other thing that happens is that other agencies in other states have our profile and when they show it they always contact us because they are not working directly with us and always check to be sure we don't mind.
So all that preface to say I got a call on Monday from the agency in Utah. This particular case really excites me...As much as the first call, but I have learned to keep my emotions under check since who knows the outcome. But with this one I struggle a bit with it...I know it's because in my heart, I feel particularly drawn to the situation...Kinda like my hearts desire...So in the wait to hear on this one I have had my ups and downs. As always, I realize how deep the desire runs in my heart, and the who knows how long this may be. I mean we know at some point we will get our call, and we totally trust that GOD is in control and He AMAZES me at His best for us every time. It always exceeds what I think is best:) So I guess all this to say is that yesterday and a little today, I JUST WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to this particular case...I'm kinda just screaming at the air here...it felt pretty good, I think I might get up and stomp my feet and jump up and down...
One thing I'm finally thankful for is my Sanguine nature that can bounce back pretty quickly. We have learned to keep making plans and living our life...so once I get the answer we are just on with it...Even waiting for the answer I just have moments of ...downness...I know google, you down't like my made up words, but it's just something i do!
So once again, we wait...I just thought I would reveal a little of my downness, and that this process is definitely difficult at times...especially the longer the wait goes. I mean that's what everyone says about it. The funny part is, is that we haven't been waiting that long. I think for me, a lot of it is that I've had a desire for such a long time for adoption, and then the Lord worked in Josh's heart, and then we started the process, then we didn't, then we finally really did...so yah, all that to say is that I am ready!
Oh my! I can't believe I almost forgot to give the Lord some glory here!!! In this process, I have been AMAZED, I mean LIKE OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZED at what the Lord has done in my life. He has used this entire season, the adoption training, certain books I have read because of the adoption to open my eyes to things in my own life that have needed restoration, and He has faithfully brought healing. I have faced things dead on that seemingly would not make sense in my life that were finally labeled and then that enabled me to work through them well and make sense of it! It has brought Josh and I to a whole new level in our marriage and spiritually. So the blessings of going through this process have already been HUGE!!! Sometimes I can't believe that we actually get blessed with a child at the end of it too!
Thank you Jesus...always faithful...using it all...for your glory...so humbling
Our current person, who we truly think is wonderful!, (and are sooooo thankful for the switch to her), doesn't let us know when we are being viewed, only when we get picked. I must say that is kinda nice...at the same time it's kinda nice to know you are being viewed just to know there is action on our behalf. So I guess it's safe to just assume there is action on our behalf. Now the other thing that happens is that other agencies in other states have our profile and when they show it they always contact us because they are not working directly with us and always check to be sure we don't mind.
So all that preface to say I got a call on Monday from the agency in Utah. This particular case really excites me...As much as the first call, but I have learned to keep my emotions under check since who knows the outcome. But with this one I struggle a bit with it...I know it's because in my heart, I feel particularly drawn to the situation...Kinda like my hearts desire...So in the wait to hear on this one I have had my ups and downs. As always, I realize how deep the desire runs in my heart, and the who knows how long this may be. I mean we know at some point we will get our call, and we totally trust that GOD is in control and He AMAZES me at His best for us every time. It always exceeds what I think is best:) So I guess all this to say is that yesterday and a little today, I JUST WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to this particular case...I'm kinda just screaming at the air here...it felt pretty good, I think I might get up and stomp my feet and jump up and down...
One thing I'm finally thankful for is my Sanguine nature that can bounce back pretty quickly. We have learned to keep making plans and living our life...so once I get the answer we are just on with it...Even waiting for the answer I just have moments of ...downness...I know google, you down't like my made up words, but it's just something i do!
So once again, we wait...I just thought I would reveal a little of my downness, and that this process is definitely difficult at times...especially the longer the wait goes. I mean that's what everyone says about it. The funny part is, is that we haven't been waiting that long. I think for me, a lot of it is that I've had a desire for such a long time for adoption, and then the Lord worked in Josh's heart, and then we started the process, then we didn't, then we finally really did...so yah, all that to say is that I am ready!
Oh my! I can't believe I almost forgot to give the Lord some glory here!!! In this process, I have been AMAZED, I mean LIKE OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZED at what the Lord has done in my life. He has used this entire season, the adoption training, certain books I have read because of the adoption to open my eyes to things in my own life that have needed restoration, and He has faithfully brought healing. I have faced things dead on that seemingly would not make sense in my life that were finally labeled and then that enabled me to work through them well and make sense of it! It has brought Josh and I to a whole new level in our marriage and spiritually. So the blessings of going through this process have already been HUGE!!! Sometimes I can't believe that we actually get blessed with a child at the end of it too!
Thank you Jesus...always faithful...using it all...for your glory...so humbling
Monday, June 14, 2010
3rd-6th Calls
So, we got home from Hawaii, and a few days later my mom and Jim came for a visit!! YAY! It was really fun! While they were here we received 3 more calls! At least we are getting some action:) 2 calls the mom's are not due until sometime in July and we approved our profile to be shown to them. One is in Alabama, and the other Louisiana. Then the 6th call was from an agency in Texas...A little biracial girl that had already been born. The birth mom had picked an adopted family, but after meeting them decided she didn't want them to be the ones. So they sent out an "emergency" type picking again, and we agreed to be shown to her. She requested additional info, such as financials and wanted to be sure we weren't on any meds for mental issues or family history of such things. We agreed to open that up to her and sent it. Of course she was shown other profiles as well. In the end she decided to keep her baby.
To make things a little more exciting, more than just all the recent travels and visitors and such...my period decided it wouldn't show up this month. One of my biggest anxieties with adoption. I had actually asked Josh at one point to please let us use protection once we start getting calls so we wouldn't get chosen and be pregnant at the same time. He absolutely disagreed on the fact that we only have so many chances to get pregnant and we don't want to miss an opportunity if it does happen. I spent some time being emotional over the issue and then decided to trust God and my husband and just leave it in the Lord's hands. I mean after all we did get pregnant with Hudson 14 days after getting married and have only had one pregnancy since that ended in miscarriage. So my period is usually not late. The latest it has ever been up to this point is six days. Well it was supposed to start in Hawaii. I mean time just kept going by, and I was like hmmmmmm...what in the world. Pregnancy tests were a negative. 22 days late! MY WORD! Anyway the funny part is that it started the very day we got the call from Texas saying that the birth mom decided to keep her baby. The good news about the whole thing is that I really believe God has the baby picked for us, it's just the faith journey getting us there. So I never feel bad when we get a no, or she keeps the baby or whatever happens....Now having pms an additional 3 weeks put some chocolate, I mean severe dark chocolate on my cake, but other than that...I just really feel at peace about the whole thing. Excitedly awaiting? Yes, definitely. Did I enjoy my chocolate? You better believe it:)
We are probably that couple that has one child, then all of a sudden we have like 3 more lickety split, or something like that. Who knows!:) I guess we will all find out one of these days...
To make things a little more exciting, more than just all the recent travels and visitors and such...my period decided it wouldn't show up this month. One of my biggest anxieties with adoption. I had actually asked Josh at one point to please let us use protection once we start getting calls so we wouldn't get chosen and be pregnant at the same time. He absolutely disagreed on the fact that we only have so many chances to get pregnant and we don't want to miss an opportunity if it does happen. I spent some time being emotional over the issue and then decided to trust God and my husband and just leave it in the Lord's hands. I mean after all we did get pregnant with Hudson 14 days after getting married and have only had one pregnancy since that ended in miscarriage. So my period is usually not late. The latest it has ever been up to this point is six days. Well it was supposed to start in Hawaii. I mean time just kept going by, and I was like hmmmmmm...what in the world. Pregnancy tests were a negative. 22 days late! MY WORD! Anyway the funny part is that it started the very day we got the call from Texas saying that the birth mom decided to keep her baby. The good news about the whole thing is that I really believe God has the baby picked for us, it's just the faith journey getting us there. So I never feel bad when we get a no, or she keeps the baby or whatever happens....Now having pms an additional 3 weeks put some chocolate, I mean severe dark chocolate on my cake, but other than that...I just really feel at peace about the whole thing. Excitedly awaiting? Yes, definitely. Did I enjoy my chocolate? You better believe it:)
We are probably that couple that has one child, then all of a sudden we have like 3 more lickety split, or something like that. Who knows!:) I guess we will all find out one of these days...
Sunday, May 30, 2010
2nd and 3rd calls
Hi Pepe's!
So, we just returned home from the most wonderful whole family trip to Hawaii! It was just awesome! We stayed on the Big Island for 7 days and then on Maui for 5. I did not want to leave Maui!
Well the day before we left we got a call from our agency about a baby boy in Oregon. The situation was complicated, and we are definitely not opposed to complicated, but neither of us had a peace about it, so we turned that one down.
Then while in Hawaii we got our 3rd call! We were all having ice cream in downtown Kona on the water...and my phone rings and it is the agency in Utah saying they have a situation in Missouri. It was a biracial little boy who was born 2 months early. His poor mama was still in the process of deciding what she wanted to do...adopt or not...She was not due until the end of July! Poor thing! She thought she had about 21/2 months to make her final decision. Already a single mom of 2 she was overwhelmed by a third, and a preemie at that. We agreed to have our profile shown for this one. This would mean that we would have to go and live in Missouri until the baby could come home from the hospital, which they estimated would be around his original due date in July sometime. Each situation is complicated, and each situation is a total step of faith. I LOVE that part of it! We just really trust God and know that His will is what will be done. Each time there is something that requires faith. So in this situation, we found out on our way home from Maui that this poor mama is just having a terrible time recovering, and deciding what to do. So at this time there is no decision, and we do not expect to hear from Missouri again. But I want to thank all of you who prayed, and those of you who will now pray for her and this little pumpkin!!! What a blessing it is to hear of situations and be able to extend prayer to a stranger!! We will never know until we reach heaven all the details of this journey:) I mean I was thinking the other day about our letter to the birth mom, and how maybe sometimes God just wants a particular mom to read that! Or maybe sometimes a mom needs lots and lots of prayer and knows that we will send it out to everyone we know who will pray! Adoption is such a beautiful journey. I'm so thankful that each time we get a call, we know that there are others who want to care for that baby too! God is so good. We rest in His timing and His will. We have such peace.
So, we just returned home from the most wonderful whole family trip to Hawaii! It was just awesome! We stayed on the Big Island for 7 days and then on Maui for 5. I did not want to leave Maui!
Well the day before we left we got a call from our agency about a baby boy in Oregon. The situation was complicated, and we are definitely not opposed to complicated, but neither of us had a peace about it, so we turned that one down.
Then while in Hawaii we got our 3rd call! We were all having ice cream in downtown Kona on the water...and my phone rings and it is the agency in Utah saying they have a situation in Missouri. It was a biracial little boy who was born 2 months early. His poor mama was still in the process of deciding what she wanted to do...adopt or not...She was not due until the end of July! Poor thing! She thought she had about 21/2 months to make her final decision. Already a single mom of 2 she was overwhelmed by a third, and a preemie at that. We agreed to have our profile shown for this one. This would mean that we would have to go and live in Missouri until the baby could come home from the hospital, which they estimated would be around his original due date in July sometime. Each situation is complicated, and each situation is a total step of faith. I LOVE that part of it! We just really trust God and know that His will is what will be done. Each time there is something that requires faith. So in this situation, we found out on our way home from Maui that this poor mama is just having a terrible time recovering, and deciding what to do. So at this time there is no decision, and we do not expect to hear from Missouri again. But I want to thank all of you who prayed, and those of you who will now pray for her and this little pumpkin!!! What a blessing it is to hear of situations and be able to extend prayer to a stranger!! We will never know until we reach heaven all the details of this journey:) I mean I was thinking the other day about our letter to the birth mom, and how maybe sometimes God just wants a particular mom to read that! Or maybe sometimes a mom needs lots and lots of prayer and knows that we will send it out to everyone we know who will pray! Adoption is such a beautiful journey. I'm so thankful that each time we get a call, we know that there are others who want to care for that baby too! God is so good. We rest in His timing and His will. We have such peace.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
First Call We Received
Well, we had quite the exciting week this past week! Talk about your heart strings in knots for a few days!!
Last Monday we were e-mailed a potential birth mom. It was an urgent situation because her adoptive parents she had picked had backed out for some reason, and she was due May 1st. So all day Monday we tried to reach our representative to tell her that we definitely would love an opportunity for this child. We were never able to get a hold of her. So Tuesday morning we started calling again and found out that we could call down to Texas and kinda do it ourselves. So Josh took charge and called and discovered that the baby HAD ALREADY BEEN BORN the day before!! The receptionist told him that the birth mom's case worker was on her way to the adoption agency to pick up some profiles to take to the hospital and if we could e-mail ours in the next 5 minutes she would take ours as well. So we all started praying, scrambled to find our profile on a sent e-mail since neither of us were at home, and got it sent just barely in time. Then we sat on pins and needles for 3 days!
We TOTALLY and 100% know and believe that the Lord has a baby already picked for us, and we want His good and perfect will even most of all. So we had that to relax us, but the not knowing if that is the baby or not was enough to make you go crazy!
So on Wednesday morning a verse just popped out at me during my devotions and really calmed my heart. It was Acts 4:28 "They did what your(God's)power and will had decided beforehand should happen." So I just kept reminding myself of that all day:)
Then Thursday at about 12:30 our case worker finally called us and they had notified her at 10:30 that the birth mom had chosen a different family.
It was really nice just to have an answer. We also rejoiced that we were able to pray over that mom and baby too. I was so happy she picked because I couldn't stand the thought of that baby not having a mommy to hold and love him. Oh, I forgot to mention it was a sweet little black boy.
The whole experience made us even more excited for when the call is ours. What a wonderful adventure it will be. It also helped prepare us because there were things I had not done that needed to be done, and you wouldn't believe how quick I got them done on that Tuesday:) Jeni and I were figuring out that nursing trainer thing, and I'm so glad we got that done! We were laughing because it reminded us of a bad high school experiment in science class or something. At any rate, we are more ready.
The other good news is that we are on the list in Texas as well now. Josh and I have been interested in Texas, but our case worker hadn't put us there, and with all this happening, we are being viewed there now too.
So now we are back to waiting:)
Oh! I also did a due date calendar the other day. I used the day we filled out our first application, which was the day we officially decided we were going to do this, which was August 23. It came out to be May16th or 30th depending on if we used that for ovulation or last period. Also, I will have to look, but we never actually turned that application in, and ended up redoing it in October or November...I need to check on that. It will just be fun to see God's timing with it all.
Thanks for all your support and encouragement!!
Last Monday we were e-mailed a potential birth mom. It was an urgent situation because her adoptive parents she had picked had backed out for some reason, and she was due May 1st. So all day Monday we tried to reach our representative to tell her that we definitely would love an opportunity for this child. We were never able to get a hold of her. So Tuesday morning we started calling again and found out that we could call down to Texas and kinda do it ourselves. So Josh took charge and called and discovered that the baby HAD ALREADY BEEN BORN the day before!! The receptionist told him that the birth mom's case worker was on her way to the adoption agency to pick up some profiles to take to the hospital and if we could e-mail ours in the next 5 minutes she would take ours as well. So we all started praying, scrambled to find our profile on a sent e-mail since neither of us were at home, and got it sent just barely in time. Then we sat on pins and needles for 3 days!
We TOTALLY and 100% know and believe that the Lord has a baby already picked for us, and we want His good and perfect will even most of all. So we had that to relax us, but the not knowing if that is the baby or not was enough to make you go crazy!
So on Wednesday morning a verse just popped out at me during my devotions and really calmed my heart. It was Acts 4:28 "They did what your(God's)power and will had decided beforehand should happen." So I just kept reminding myself of that all day:)
Then Thursday at about 12:30 our case worker finally called us and they had notified her at 10:30 that the birth mom had chosen a different family.
It was really nice just to have an answer. We also rejoiced that we were able to pray over that mom and baby too. I was so happy she picked because I couldn't stand the thought of that baby not having a mommy to hold and love him. Oh, I forgot to mention it was a sweet little black boy.
The whole experience made us even more excited for when the call is ours. What a wonderful adventure it will be. It also helped prepare us because there were things I had not done that needed to be done, and you wouldn't believe how quick I got them done on that Tuesday:) Jeni and I were figuring out that nursing trainer thing, and I'm so glad we got that done! We were laughing because it reminded us of a bad high school experiment in science class or something. At any rate, we are more ready.
The other good news is that we are on the list in Texas as well now. Josh and I have been interested in Texas, but our case worker hadn't put us there, and with all this happening, we are being viewed there now too.
So now we are back to waiting:)
Oh! I also did a due date calendar the other day. I used the day we filled out our first application, which was the day we officially decided we were going to do this, which was August 23. It came out to be May16th or 30th depending on if we used that for ovulation or last period. Also, I will have to look, but we never actually turned that application in, and ended up redoing it in October or November...I need to check on that. It will just be fun to see God's timing with it all.
Thanks for all your support and encouragement!!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
On the LIST!!!
So, as of yesterday we are officially on the list!!! Which technically means any day...or month:) we could get "The Callllll"....The whole thing has been very surreal. I mean when you are pregnant you feel the baby, you feel yucky a lot(in my case anyway), and you have an approximate due date...It just seems so strange to do paperwork, go to classes, pay money....It just seems so strange that there is a baby at the end! I have actually enjoyed the whole process. For us the whole thing has been a very positive experience. There is much waiting involved, but up to this point our waiting has been busy, so it hasn't bothered me all. We are just very excited!
I have been busy getting things ready. Washing baby clothes...etc. So our profile has been sent to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Utah, and possibly Texas. They are also searching locally. Just a big adventure waiting to happen!
I'm also planning on nursing the baby. We have researched all kinds of options for this and I ended up going with the Nursing Trainer. It is a pouch that sits on your shoulder with the formula, and it has a tube that goes down, so while you "nurse" the baby, it gets the food while nursing. The child nursing stimulates you to produce milk, and the hope is to start producing majority of the milk supply. The man invented this contraption because he and his wife were not able to have children, and when they adopted she really wanted to nurse. So he invented this, and by the time their adopted baby was 4 months old she was producing 75% of the milk herself, and she had never been pregnant before! When I called to order this contraption I actually got to speak with this guy! It was really cool, and he seemed to think in no time I would be able to build a decent supply since I had previously nursed. Oh! I forgot to mention he invented this thing in like 1969...I guess there are hundreds of stories of women that this contraption has helped. So I'm really excited about that. I was reading the side effects of the drugs they use to help women get the milk, and I just didn't want to risk it. So, in a few moments here I'm going to go into the kitchen and whoop up some baby's formula. It's a recipe from Nourishing Traditions. I'm planning on making enough to last about 2-3 weeks. I'm hoping to have enough for traveling to get the baby. From what we have heard you can end up in another state for up to about 2 weeks. So once I get that formula made and frozen, then you can ask me how I'm doing in the waiting period....That's the last thing on my to do list before "the call". dun dun dunnnnn...that's music btw.
So the girls in the family are heading to Chicago, with no children!!, in the start of May...Lookout Chicago...I think Josh might try to put a stop on my credit card for the weekend...we'll see:) Anyone need their hair done? JK! JK! Really, I don't think he would do that to me. Let's not give him any bright ideas. Then in the end of May Josh's sweet cousin is getting married! So fun! Then in September we have a family trip to Disney in Cali planned!!! Fun year! I'm mentioning all this because I'm just so curious about the timing thing. It's just so fun to wonder when in the world we might be traveling to get a baby!! I'm ready!
Chow
I have been busy getting things ready. Washing baby clothes...etc. So our profile has been sent to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Utah, and possibly Texas. They are also searching locally. Just a big adventure waiting to happen!
I'm also planning on nursing the baby. We have researched all kinds of options for this and I ended up going with the Nursing Trainer. It is a pouch that sits on your shoulder with the formula, and it has a tube that goes down, so while you "nurse" the baby, it gets the food while nursing. The child nursing stimulates you to produce milk, and the hope is to start producing majority of the milk supply. The man invented this contraption because he and his wife were not able to have children, and when they adopted she really wanted to nurse. So he invented this, and by the time their adopted baby was 4 months old she was producing 75% of the milk herself, and she had never been pregnant before! When I called to order this contraption I actually got to speak with this guy! It was really cool, and he seemed to think in no time I would be able to build a decent supply since I had previously nursed. Oh! I forgot to mention he invented this thing in like 1969...I guess there are hundreds of stories of women that this contraption has helped. So I'm really excited about that. I was reading the side effects of the drugs they use to help women get the milk, and I just didn't want to risk it. So, in a few moments here I'm going to go into the kitchen and whoop up some baby's formula. It's a recipe from Nourishing Traditions. I'm planning on making enough to last about 2-3 weeks. I'm hoping to have enough for traveling to get the baby. From what we have heard you can end up in another state for up to about 2 weeks. So once I get that formula made and frozen, then you can ask me how I'm doing in the waiting period....That's the last thing on my to do list before "the call". dun dun dunnnnn...that's music btw.
So the girls in the family are heading to Chicago, with no children!!, in the start of May...Lookout Chicago...I think Josh might try to put a stop on my credit card for the weekend...we'll see:) Anyone need their hair done? JK! JK! Really, I don't think he would do that to me. Let's not give him any bright ideas. Then in the end of May Josh's sweet cousin is getting married! So fun! Then in September we have a family trip to Disney in Cali planned!!! Fun year! I'm mentioning all this because I'm just so curious about the timing thing. It's just so fun to wonder when in the world we might be traveling to get a baby!! I'm ready!
Chow
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Home Study almost complete!
Well, i sure have not been good at keeping up with posting our progress!
We have just had smooth sailing so far. We spent the month of January filling out paperwork, running errands, getting background checks, copying documents....etc. In February we were finishing that up and going to Family Training, and working on our profile. We finished our profile in the end of February...that was a lot of work, but so fun to see the end result...maybe I should post it...We have had our home visit, and now it looks like we will be turning in our program fee and profile this week, and then they should begin sending it out and showing it!!! Which means anytime we could be getting that phone call! We are just praying for the Lord to guide our steps and we can't wait to meet the little on that the Lord has for us!
I hope to post with more details soon!
We have just had smooth sailing so far. We spent the month of January filling out paperwork, running errands, getting background checks, copying documents....etc. In February we were finishing that up and going to Family Training, and working on our profile. We finished our profile in the end of February...that was a lot of work, but so fun to see the end result...maybe I should post it...We have had our home visit, and now it looks like we will be turning in our program fee and profile this week, and then they should begin sending it out and showing it!!! Which means anytime we could be getting that phone call! We are just praying for the Lord to guide our steps and we can't wait to meet the little on that the Lord has for us!
I hope to post with more details soon!
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