I LOVE OUR BIRTHPARENTS!!!!
We feel so very, very, very, very blessed. We met with them again tonight (incidentally, it is a lot less awkward when you don't have two social workers staring at you...just sayin') and Dan and I feel so very lucky.
I'll give a more detailed update tomorrow...Right now I am going to attempt to get ready for bed (unfortunately, I drank a big cup of coffee tonight...what was I thinking!?!?!).
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 294
I know all of you have been anxious to hear about how the meeting our birthparents went. We've still been trying to process the fact that someone is willing to give us the most wonderful gift that I haven't gotten around to updating the blog. Sorry.
I was ridiculously nervous all day. Around 12:30 I started shaking and had so many butterflies that I couldn't really eat anything. Ugh, it was the worst feeling. I'm pretty sure I have never been that nervous in my entire life. As we were waiting to meet them their case worker popped in and said, "I hope you guys are talkative because these kids are so nervous." I looked at Dan and laughed...It is a good thing Dan wasn't as nervous as I was because he was going to have to be the one to do all the talking.
When we walked in I gave them both a big hug. Oh dear, they looked so young! I wanted to wrap my arms around them and tell them everything would be okay...but, unfortunately, I was so nervous that I wasn't able to say what was on my heart. Plus, it was a little awkward because we had two case workers in there (basically they were just watching us because they try not to interfere.) and since I am initially quiet AND our birthmother is shy, it was just a little hard to get a conversation going.
I really wanted to know why they picked us. Apparently, before they even had a meeting at Bethany, they were looking through family profiles online and saw ours. Something "clicked" and they wanted us. After meeting with their case worker a couple times they found out that we were still available and, before they had even left Bethany, had decided that we were the ones....before Dan and I even knew it!!! They said that we were a lot like them...so I guess that means that they are pretty awesome! ;)
They THINK they are having a boy...we don't know conclusively though. No matter what, we will be happy.
To be honest, right now, our love and respect for them is just growing. I was talking to Dan today and I mentioned that I feel so much love for them and all I want to do is protect them. We exchanged phone numbers and it was all Dan and I could do to not call them and talk to them tonight. We don't want to scare them away with our excitement.
So, all in all, the meeting went really well. We are so happy that we have been chosen by these wonderful people. I can't wait to meet my son or daughter, but I also can't wait to get to know the ones who are giving that gift to us.
I want to thank all of those who spent their day praying for us and for those who tried to calm me down. My poor co-workers, I really wasn't any good to anyone. Good thing they love me!!! :)
I was ridiculously nervous all day. Around 12:30 I started shaking and had so many butterflies that I couldn't really eat anything. Ugh, it was the worst feeling. I'm pretty sure I have never been that nervous in my entire life. As we were waiting to meet them their case worker popped in and said, "I hope you guys are talkative because these kids are so nervous." I looked at Dan and laughed...It is a good thing Dan wasn't as nervous as I was because he was going to have to be the one to do all the talking.
When we walked in I gave them both a big hug. Oh dear, they looked so young! I wanted to wrap my arms around them and tell them everything would be okay...but, unfortunately, I was so nervous that I wasn't able to say what was on my heart. Plus, it was a little awkward because we had two case workers in there (basically they were just watching us because they try not to interfere.) and since I am initially quiet AND our birthmother is shy, it was just a little hard to get a conversation going.
I really wanted to know why they picked us. Apparently, before they even had a meeting at Bethany, they were looking through family profiles online and saw ours. Something "clicked" and they wanted us. After meeting with their case worker a couple times they found out that we were still available and, before they had even left Bethany, had decided that we were the ones....before Dan and I even knew it!!! They said that we were a lot like them...so I guess that means that they are pretty awesome! ;)
They THINK they are having a boy...we don't know conclusively though. No matter what, we will be happy.
To be honest, right now, our love and respect for them is just growing. I was talking to Dan today and I mentioned that I feel so much love for them and all I want to do is protect them. We exchanged phone numbers and it was all Dan and I could do to not call them and talk to them tonight. We don't want to scare them away with our excitement.
So, all in all, the meeting went really well. We are so happy that we have been chosen by these wonderful people. I can't wait to meet my son or daughter, but I also can't wait to get to know the ones who are giving that gift to us.
I want to thank all of those who spent their day praying for us and for those who tried to calm me down. My poor co-workers, I really wasn't any good to anyone. Good thing they love me!!! :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 292
30 weeks today!
We meet with the birthparents tomorrow. I am super nervous, anxious, excited, etc. What if they don't like us? What if they want more contact than I'm comfortable with? What if...? What if...? What if....? Ugh, so many questions.
I keep reminding myself that this is the path God has called us to walk and it takes a lot of trust. I'm so thankful for the friends and family that have been by our sides, who have not only helped Dan and I through this time, but have also given me grace in dealing with my scatter-brained-ness and my one-track baby mind.
I know many of you are curious what we ended up picking as the 'traditional' birthparent gift. I did not really know what I would be getting until I found it. I picked out a photo album and in that album I'm going to write something about the relationship they will have with us and the assurance and promise of pictures of their baby (birthparents dictate whether or not they would like pictures sent to them and I have no problem doing that. They are giving us the best gift ever, so sending them pictures is not a problem). Along with that I also got them a gift card to a restaurant for a 'night out.' I figured they could probably use one with all the stress that they are under.
Tonight I need to work on my letter...Tomorrow is the big meeting day. Please, please, please pray for us. Pray that this meeting goes EXCEPTIONALLY well. Pray that I am not so nervous (when I meet new people I tend to clam up and get really shy, sometimes giving off airs of snobbishness...I sooooo don't want them to think that!!). Pray that I may get an ultrasound picture (this seems like a small thing, but...yeah). Pray also that the contact situation that is dictated will be comfortable for everyone involved; Dan and myself, the birthparents, and the birth grandparents.
Thank you all!
We meet with the birthparents tomorrow. I am super nervous, anxious, excited, etc. What if they don't like us? What if they want more contact than I'm comfortable with? What if...? What if...? What if....? Ugh, so many questions.
I keep reminding myself that this is the path God has called us to walk and it takes a lot of trust. I'm so thankful for the friends and family that have been by our sides, who have not only helped Dan and I through this time, but have also given me grace in dealing with my scatter-brained-ness and my one-track baby mind.
I know many of you are curious what we ended up picking as the 'traditional' birthparent gift. I did not really know what I would be getting until I found it. I picked out a photo album and in that album I'm going to write something about the relationship they will have with us and the assurance and promise of pictures of their baby (birthparents dictate whether or not they would like pictures sent to them and I have no problem doing that. They are giving us the best gift ever, so sending them pictures is not a problem). Along with that I also got them a gift card to a restaurant for a 'night out.' I figured they could probably use one with all the stress that they are under.
Tonight I need to work on my letter...Tomorrow is the big meeting day. Please, please, please pray for us. Pray that this meeting goes EXCEPTIONALLY well. Pray that I am not so nervous (when I meet new people I tend to clam up and get really shy, sometimes giving off airs of snobbishness...I sooooo don't want them to think that!!). Pray that I may get an ultrasound picture (this seems like a small thing, but...yeah). Pray also that the contact situation that is dictated will be comfortable for everyone involved; Dan and myself, the birthparents, and the birth grandparents.
Thank you all!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day 286
I'm 29 weeks pregnant!!! :)
We got a call from our social worker saying that we will be meeting with the birth parents next week Wednesday. We will also be meeting with the birth grandparents following the meeting with the parents. That isn't nerve-racking at all!!!! (YIKES!)
So many thoughts are going through my head, "What if they don't like us?" "What if they change their mind?"
The only thing we can do is pray and put our hope and trust in God...the God who lead us to where we are today.
Please pray for peace for Dan and myself. Pray for the birth parents and grand parents. And please pray that this meeting goes well. We are supposed to bring a gift for the birthparents....and I am going pick that out on Monday. Pray that I pick the right thing!
This is so nerve-racking...
....but I'm 29 weeks!!!
We got a call from our social worker saying that we will be meeting with the birth parents next week Wednesday. We will also be meeting with the birth grandparents following the meeting with the parents. That isn't nerve-racking at all!!!! (YIKES!)
So many thoughts are going through my head, "What if they don't like us?" "What if they change their mind?"
The only thing we can do is pray and put our hope and trust in God...the God who lead us to where we are today.
Please pray for peace for Dan and myself. Pray for the birth parents and grand parents. And please pray that this meeting goes well. We are supposed to bring a gift for the birthparents....and I am going pick that out on Monday. Pray that I pick the right thing!
This is so nerve-racking...
....but I'm 29 weeks!!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What We Need From You
I know that adoption is an entirely new situation for most of you and you may be wondering how to respond to the fact that Dan and I have been chosen by birthparents so here are some helpful suggestions that Dan and I thought of:
1. BE EXCITED!!! Both Dan and I are very excited about this news!
2. DO NOT tell us horror stories of birthparents who have changed their mind. Yes, we do know that this is seemingly "risky," but this is the road that God has called us to travel and He will help us through anything that comes our way. I realize that this is an entirely new situation for many of you...but just as no pregnant mother wants to hear stories of giving birth to a 20 lb. baby that could split her in two, we don't want to hear stories of birthparents who changed their mind or attempted to take their child away years later.
3. Treat us as you would any other first-time parent!!!
4. Pray for both Dan and myself as we prepare for our first child, pray for health and safety for our baby, and pray for the birhparents. Our birthparents are very, very young but are making very important "adult" decisions. They are going through lots of counseling at Bethany on what to expect at the hospital but this will still be an emotionally charged situation. Pray that they have peace that Dan and I will love this baby with all of our hearts.
5. Do NOT call us at 11:00pm, 2:00am, 4:00am, to prepare us for feeding time. I know where you live and I will come after you!!! :)
6. Please keep collecting those pop cans!!! We will have $15,000 due to Bethany 6 months after the adoption is final. Having a baby "normally" is expensive...without the cost of adoption added in there! Yikes!!!
Hope this helps and please ask us if you have any questions!!!
1. BE EXCITED!!! Both Dan and I are very excited about this news!
2. DO NOT tell us horror stories of birthparents who have changed their mind. Yes, we do know that this is seemingly "risky," but this is the road that God has called us to travel and He will help us through anything that comes our way. I realize that this is an entirely new situation for many of you...but just as no pregnant mother wants to hear stories of giving birth to a 20 lb. baby that could split her in two, we don't want to hear stories of birthparents who changed their mind or attempted to take their child away years later.
3. Treat us as you would any other first-time parent!!!
4. Pray for both Dan and myself as we prepare for our first child, pray for health and safety for our baby, and pray for the birhparents. Our birthparents are very, very young but are making very important "adult" decisions. They are going through lots of counseling at Bethany on what to expect at the hospital but this will still be an emotionally charged situation. Pray that they have peace that Dan and I will love this baby with all of our hearts.
5. Do NOT call us at 11:00pm, 2:00am, 4:00am, to prepare us for feeding time. I know where you live and I will come after you!!! :)
6. Please keep collecting those pop cans!!! We will have $15,000 due to Bethany 6 months after the adoption is final. Having a baby "normally" is expensive...without the cost of adoption added in there! Yikes!!!
Hope this helps and please ask us if you have any questions!!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Baby Mama Update
There was a small miscommunication as to when we will be meeting the birth parents:
Next week the birth parents and their families will be meeting at Bethany with the head of the domestic adoption department to sign paperwork, make decisions, and go over information regarding meeting us. The following week is when they will be meeting with us.
I'm a little bummed becuase I wanted to meet the birth parents who are selflessly making the hardest decision ever in giving us their baby. However, I guess until then Dan and I can work on getting that nursery done so that we have something concrete to show them!
Continued prayers that this situation would go smoothly would be much appreciated! Thank you!!!
Next week the birth parents and their families will be meeting at Bethany with the head of the domestic adoption department to sign paperwork, make decisions, and go over information regarding meeting us. The following week is when they will be meeting with us.
I'm a little bummed becuase I wanted to meet the birth parents who are selflessly making the hardest decision ever in giving us their baby. However, I guess until then Dan and I can work on getting that nursery done so that we have something concrete to show them!
Continued prayers that this situation would go smoothly would be much appreciated! Thank you!!!
Here is a pic of the nursery so far. This weekend we (I mean Dan) will be painting the dark brown stripe on the wall and then we will be stenciling in the safari silhouttes!!! Yay!!! 
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Call
I did not expect that January 10, 2011 would be a day that I would remember forever....You never do when amazing things happen. I think that is why things are so amazing, leaving you to thank God for everything He has done in your life!
Around 2:30pm I got a call from Dan saying: "Guess what? WE GOT PICKED!!!"
Unfortunately, I didn't even respond with excitement. I was like, "Oh, okay" (After having 7 birthmothers look at our profile and not getting picked by any of them I had somewhat given up hope). So, when Dan called saying that we had actually gotten picked I didn't really believe him!!! Poor Dan!!! He was holding back tears and I was acting like he was saying he would bring home pizza for dinner!!! :)
Flash forward 10 minutes:
You would have found me crying, shaking and in shock.
I guess it just took a bit for it to sink in.
We had been told that these birthparents would be looking at our profile on January 5...I actually wasn't really paying any attention to the date because that can just make a person crazy. Anyway, the only information that I can really give out right now is that they are a younger couple who just want to make the right decision for their baby. We do not know the sex of the baby...we might find out next week when we meet the birthparents at Bethany. She is due April 11.
We are so excited and tried to call/text/email/facebook everyone!!! Phew!!! After a celebratory dinner and spending some time with Dan it is finally sinking in. We are going to be parents very soon. What an awesome God we have!!!
Around 2:30pm I got a call from Dan saying: "Guess what? WE GOT PICKED!!!"
Unfortunately, I didn't even respond with excitement. I was like, "Oh, okay" (After having 7 birthmothers look at our profile and not getting picked by any of them I had somewhat given up hope). So, when Dan called saying that we had actually gotten picked I didn't really believe him!!! Poor Dan!!! He was holding back tears and I was acting like he was saying he would bring home pizza for dinner!!! :)
Flash forward 10 minutes:
You would have found me crying, shaking and in shock.
I guess it just took a bit for it to sink in.
We had been told that these birthparents would be looking at our profile on January 5...I actually wasn't really paying any attention to the date because that can just make a person crazy. Anyway, the only information that I can really give out right now is that they are a younger couple who just want to make the right decision for their baby. We do not know the sex of the baby...we might find out next week when we meet the birthparents at Bethany. She is due April 11.
We are so excited and tried to call/text/email/facebook everyone!!! Phew!!! After a celebratory dinner and spending some time with Dan it is finally sinking in. We are going to be parents very soon. What an awesome God we have!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)