Baby G is almost 4 weeks old now, and we have been home for 2 weeks. Wow, time flies when your knee deep in poopy diapers and dirty bottles!
Now that we are a little bit more adjusted, we thought it was a perfect time for Baby G to have a Welcome Home Party. There have been so much people who have supported us through kind words, prayers, and fundraising. We are so thankful and didn't want to leave anyone out of the fun!
We want to invite you to our home this Sunday, January 30th at 2 pm to celebrate and welcome Baby G into the world. We didn't send invitations, and it isn't a baby-shower, so don't feel obligated to bring anything but yourself! We just wanted a casual get-together for friends and family that have followed our adoption journey.
Obviously, I won't be posting my contact info or address on here. However, we will be glad to send you directions on Facebook. I'm not just being cordial here, we really want to see you there!
Message me on Facebook, and I will send you directions!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Baby Gear and Baby Gas :)
I have been spending some time researching baby essentials today while Baby G is napping. I've determined that the world of baby gear is a scary one. There are $60 strollers that are as big as a beanbag right next to "newly released" European strollers that resemble a broom and cost a mere $500! Seriously?
Baby G is doing wonderful. We went to the doctor this morning, and my little cutie has gained 3 ounces since last Friday. Although the nurses commented on how good that was,
I am convinced that those 3 ounces are all gas. This has to be the gassiest baby ever. It doesn't seem to hurt or cause discomfort, there are just endless little grunts and toots all the time!
Life is WAY hectic with a newborn and a 6 year old. We are keeping our outings to a minimum. Part of this is the cold weather, and part is because I am too lazy to deal with a purse, a diaper bag, an infant car seat, and a booster seat.
Other than that, all is well. I am sleep-deprived and desperate for adult conversation, but what's new?
Baby G is doing wonderful. We went to the doctor this morning, and my little cutie has gained 3 ounces since last Friday. Although the nurses commented on how good that was,
I am convinced that those 3 ounces are all gas. This has to be the gassiest baby ever. It doesn't seem to hurt or cause discomfort, there are just endless little grunts and toots all the time!
Life is WAY hectic with a newborn and a 6 year old. We are keeping our outings to a minimum. Part of this is the cold weather, and part is because I am too lazy to deal with a purse, a diaper bag, an infant car seat, and a booster seat.
Other than that, all is well. I am sleep-deprived and desperate for adult conversation, but what's new?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Two little miracles in the 4G family!
Yes, I fell off the face of the internet for a little while. Things have been crazy hectic, but I thought I would take a few moments to update.
Our adoption journey has been quite the emotional roller-coaster. We've done loads of paper-work, shed alot of tears, and spent much time praying for guidance and patience. Before Christmas break, we were beginning to re-think the choices we had made. We were prepared to switch gears and maybe research international adoption a bit more.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is to be wait patiently for God to act ( or not act). In my heart, I had ultimatums, deadlines, and deal-breakers already established. If things didn't happen the way I thought or felt they should, I was upset.
After driving myself and my family absolutely crazy, I just gave up and gave it all to God. I told him my inner-most thoughts and desires for our family, I poured our my sorrows and frustrations, and I prayed that whatever came of this journey, I would be able to deal with it graciously.
Shortly after my prayerful tear-fest with God, we got a referral for a baby. Blah, blah.....lots of adoption jargon....days spentwaiting and wondering....skip ahead a few weeks.
Our sweet baby was born in early January. G was a few weeks early, but very healthy. We are now back home and adjusting wonderfully. Our oldest son is in love with baby G, and so protective and gentle.
For those who say miracles don't exist- ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! I have one spunky miracle riding his skooter through the kitchen while the other tiny miracle is sleeping peacefully in his cradle.
In keeping up with today's latest trends, I think it is fitting to say we've officially upgraded to being 4G family!
Our adoption journey has been quite the emotional roller-coaster. We've done loads of paper-work, shed alot of tears, and spent much time praying for guidance and patience. Before Christmas break, we were beginning to re-think the choices we had made. We were prepared to switch gears and maybe research international adoption a bit more.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is to be wait patiently for God to act ( or not act). In my heart, I had ultimatums, deadlines, and deal-breakers already established. If things didn't happen the way I thought or felt they should, I was upset.
After driving myself and my family absolutely crazy, I just gave up and gave it all to God. I told him my inner-most thoughts and desires for our family, I poured our my sorrows and frustrations, and I prayed that whatever came of this journey, I would be able to deal with it graciously.
Shortly after my prayerful tear-fest with God, we got a referral for a baby. Blah, blah.....lots of adoption jargon....days spentwaiting and wondering....skip ahead a few weeks.
Our sweet baby was born in early January. G was a few weeks early, but very healthy. We are now back home and adjusting wonderfully. Our oldest son is in love with baby G, and so protective and gentle.
For those who say miracles don't exist- ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! I have one spunky miracle riding his skooter through the kitchen while the other tiny miracle is sleeping peacefully in his cradle.
In keeping up with today's latest trends, I think it is fitting to say we've officially upgraded to being 4G family!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
I finally have a reason to go to Babies R Us!
Just got off the phone with our caseworker. We are both running around like crazy trying to gather all the necessary documents and paperwork before the baby is born.
Birthmom has a doctor appointment yesterday, and she and baby are doing well. Our caseworker said that BM (birthmom) wants to have a conversation with me tomorrow. She is going to call me in the morning. I think it is a positive step towards building trust and confidence in us. But I am still nervous.I don't want to say the wrong thing or come across the wrong way.I want her to hang up the phone knowing she made the right decision and at peace with placing her baby with us. Please pray for me. I'm a mess!
Hubby and I are also preparing our home for the baby. We went to Babies R Us yesterday to get a carseat. WOW! I thought he was going to have to carry me out of the store! There is so much stuff there, and none of it is inexpensive!
Hope everyone is enjoying their day. We are going to do some family pictures later this afternoon, and then back home for soup, sandwiches, and game night!
Birthmom has a doctor appointment yesterday, and she and baby are doing well. Our caseworker said that BM (birthmom) wants to have a conversation with me tomorrow. She is going to call me in the morning. I think it is a positive step towards building trust and confidence in us. But I am still nervous.I don't want to say the wrong thing or come across the wrong way.I want her to hang up the phone knowing she made the right decision and at peace with placing her baby with us. Please pray for me. I'm a mess!
Hubby and I are also preparing our home for the baby. We went to Babies R Us yesterday to get a carseat. WOW! I thought he was going to have to carry me out of the store! There is so much stuff there, and none of it is inexpensive!
Hope everyone is enjoying their day. We are going to do some family pictures later this afternoon, and then back home for soup, sandwiches, and game night!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Making Plans for Baby
Hey guys! It's been a while since I have posted anything. It's quite hard for one to write a blog when one has locked themselves out of their own computer! But I wanted to update ya'll, so I braved the weather to come use my momma's computer.
Everything is still a go for baby G. His is due to arrive pretty soon. The birthmom is doing good and taking care of herself, and seems to be at peace with her decision. Please pray that she continues to think about what is best for the baby, and that she and baby stay healthy. We don't even want to think about the devastation of something going wrong.
Several of you have asked how the process works, or when he will be "ours". So here is what I know.
No earlier than 72 hours after the birth, the birthparents will sign a relinquishment of parental rights. This will grant us temporary custody of the baby.
We will stay a hotel unless we are cleared to leave the state ( 5-10 days). We can then come home.
The BM has about 20 days after she signs the papers to revoke her signature and parent the baby. Beyond that, focus shifts from whose biological child it is to who is best fit to parent him.
We cannot actually file for adoption until 90 days after the birth of the baby. But we will have legal custody of him as soon as she signs the papers at 72 hours.
I know its alot, but as I like to say- IT IS WHAT IT IS. People do much more risky and extraordinary things everyday. I know God will give us the strength to withstand all of this. We are praying fervenatly EVERYDAY that the BM continues to think about what is best for the baby.
By the way, we did get to name the baby. We love his name, and are so excited to share it with you later!
Everything is still a go for baby G. His is due to arrive pretty soon. The birthmom is doing good and taking care of herself, and seems to be at peace with her decision. Please pray that she continues to think about what is best for the baby, and that she and baby stay healthy. We don't even want to think about the devastation of something going wrong.
Several of you have asked how the process works, or when he will be "ours". So here is what I know.
No earlier than 72 hours after the birth, the birthparents will sign a relinquishment of parental rights. This will grant us temporary custody of the baby.
We will stay a hotel unless we are cleared to leave the state ( 5-10 days). We can then come home.
The BM has about 20 days after she signs the papers to revoke her signature and parent the baby. Beyond that, focus shifts from whose biological child it is to who is best fit to parent him.
We cannot actually file for adoption until 90 days after the birth of the baby. But we will have legal custody of him as soon as she signs the papers at 72 hours.
I know its alot, but as I like to say- IT IS WHAT IT IS. People do much more risky and extraordinary things everyday. I know God will give us the strength to withstand all of this. We are praying fervenatly EVERYDAY that the BM continues to think about what is best for the baby.
By the way, we did get to name the baby. We love his name, and are so excited to share it with you later!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
NOW is the time for the runnin' man!
All of this is early information, but it's all I got! K from the adoption agency called earlier and said that the birthmom chose us as the adoptive parents. She commented on our active lifestyle and liked how we were laid back and not as "intense" as the other couple. Not sure what that means, but I'll take it :)
I am stupid-excited. Some of you party poopas have asked " what if this or that happens?". Well, there is absolutely nothing I can do to prevent what will be. All I know is that we are one step closer to adopting a sweet baby. We are trusting that God will see ALL of us through this process and protect our hearts.
Right now I need ya'll to pray that the birthmom is at peace with her decision and our relationship and trust grows stronger with each day. The baby is born in January, so hopefully she's spent some time thinking about this decision and is sure of the choices she has made.
Pray, pray, pray for the following:
Birthmom/Baby Health
Peace and Comfort about her decision
Brandon & I as we get our finances in order to travel and pay expenses
Gavin's understanding about what's going on
I am stupid-excited. Some of you party poopas have asked " what if this or that happens?". Well, there is absolutely nothing I can do to prevent what will be. All I know is that we are one step closer to adopting a sweet baby. We are trusting that God will see ALL of us through this process and protect our hearts.
Right now I need ya'll to pray that the birthmom is at peace with her decision and our relationship and trust grows stronger with each day. The baby is born in January, so hopefully she's spent some time thinking about this decision and is sure of the choices she has made.
Pray, pray, pray for the following:
Birthmom/Baby Health
Peace and Comfort about her decision
Brandon & I as we get our finances in order to travel and pay expenses
Gavin's understanding about what's going on
Monday, December 13, 2010
Potential Baby News
Whew! I've been a bad blogger. My apologies. Life has been crazy hectic around here. I am finishing up my coursework for my graduate classes, and Christmas preparations has taken reign of my spare time!
However, there has been some activity on the adoption front. We were matched with a couple up near Canada whose baby is due in early February. For whatever reason, they aren't communicating with the agency very well. So for the time being, that situation is on the back burner.
We have been presented to a birthmom in a neighboring state. She is due in early 2011. She was sent a handful of family profiles, and has seemed to narrow it down to us and another couple. She plans to take the profiles to a counselor today and review her options. The agency expects her decision by Wednesday at the latest. PLEASE PRAY for her as she makes ones of the biggest decisions of her life. Of course, we want to be the family she chooses for her sweet baby. But mostly, we want her to be at peace with her decision.
Based on my conversations with the agency, the other family probably has the advantage. The birthmom prefers both parents to be college-educated. I just hope that there is something, anything in our profile that stands out to her and tugs at her heartstrings. I hope she sees the love and committment in our marriage, the laughter and giggles at our house, and the wonderful life we could give to another child.
I will update when I hear something new! And again, please know how grateful I am that you care enough to read these blog posts. It really warms my heart to know that we have so much support on our journey to adopt.
However, there has been some activity on the adoption front. We were matched with a couple up near Canada whose baby is due in early February. For whatever reason, they aren't communicating with the agency very well. So for the time being, that situation is on the back burner.
We have been presented to a birthmom in a neighboring state. She is due in early 2011. She was sent a handful of family profiles, and has seemed to narrow it down to us and another couple. She plans to take the profiles to a counselor today and review her options. The agency expects her decision by Wednesday at the latest. PLEASE PRAY for her as she makes ones of the biggest decisions of her life. Of course, we want to be the family she chooses for her sweet baby. But mostly, we want her to be at peace with her decision.
Based on my conversations with the agency, the other family probably has the advantage. The birthmom prefers both parents to be college-educated. I just hope that there is something, anything in our profile that stands out to her and tugs at her heartstrings. I hope she sees the love and committment in our marriage, the laughter and giggles at our house, and the wonderful life we could give to another child.
I will update when I hear something new! And again, please know how grateful I am that you care enough to read these blog posts. It really warms my heart to know that we have so much support on our journey to adopt.
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