My Grandma Gard has always told me everything happens for a reason and things are just meant to be. It just so happens that 4 years to the week, our time had come for us to finally fulfill our dream of having a child.
It’s hard to believe that as I’m writing this everything unfolded in just under 3 weeks from the time we received the agency call to the time we brought the baby home. So in 3 weeks we had to assemble a nursery, I had to wrap things up at work and we had to figure out things like formula (luckily we had the amazing expertise of a foster parent couple to guide us) plus our family and friends.
Out of respect for the birth families, I will not be mentioning any details of the adoption but do want to say they are some of the most amazing people we’ve ever met and felt an instant connection to them. We are so thankful to them and their families and are very excited our son will get to know all of them and how much they love him through an open adoption.
Birth parents sign consents approx. 8 days after their baby is born and from that date there is a 21 waiting period where the birth parents can revoke consent. During the waiting period we kept the news of our son very quiet so the below are some excerpts I wrote throughout the waiting period. You’ll note I keep using the word surreal as it really is.
THE DAY – Bringing Our Son Home
My darling son, we are about to bring you home which makes this one of the best days of our lives (and now I have Summer of ’69 playing in my head lol). It was 4 years ago exactly when we first got the call about you that we had been trying for a family and we couldn’t be happier with how things worked out. You were meant to be with us and were born in our hearts.
It’s a bit surreal knowing that today we officially become parents (although there’s still a week and a half left of the waiting period so we can’t shout it from the rooftops yet).
First Mother’s Day
Today is surreal – it’s my very first Mother’s Day. I wish I could shout it from the rooftops but unfortunately the waiting period for the birth parents to change their mind isn’t up yet so we are staying pretty quiet until then. Only 3 more days and things are looking good. I can’t believe we’ve had him home a week now and how every passing second I feel more and more love when I didn’t think I could love him anymore or my heart might burst. It’s also my first Mother’s Day in 4 years where I haven’t felt sad.
It was such a special moment when Chris wished me a happy mother’s day this morning and gave me a card from my little munchkin. I was overcome with emotion. Ok, so now that I’m a mom why is it I get overcome with SOOOO much emotion over everything? Haha. I can’t even blame it on hormones.
The First Few Weeks
We are 2.5 weeks in and things are amazing! Our son is perfect in every way and a really good baby (not that we’d care if he wasn’t). I know there will be days I’ll want to pull my hair out but I’m shocked at how calm things have been and how easy it’s been to completely change our day-to-day lives. We’ve had lots of visitors which have definitely helped as well.
The first week was a bit stressful as our dog Marvin got bit by a cat and got quite sick with infection. He was in and out of the vet 6 times in 3 days which was pretty stressful. He’s back to normal now and loving our son. Marvin makes it to him first if he’s crying and gives him lots of licks – oh and he checks on him when he’s napping by peeking in the crib or bassinet. It’s really cute.
The big accomplishments for this new mom so far are walking the dog and pushing the stroller at the same time (sounds easy but you don’t know my dog haha) and changing a poopy diaper without dirtying a 2nd one in the process! Oh, and not letting J pee on himself as I’m changing the poopy diaper! The cutest thing J has done so far is when I go to kiss his cheek he turns his head so I get his mouth – priceless!
On that note, I must go find J for his bedtime feeding and snuggles.
Until next time!
What to Expect when you are Not 
I can feel the joy and love in your words. Please keep writing, even when you are tired 🐼. Thanks for sharing this amazing adventure. You guys make a wonderful family.
Sharon you bring tears to my heart. Loving a child is one of the biggest emotions ever. I know for I too love my son till eternity. I am glad that The Lord has blessed you and Chris. You will be the greatest parents ever. If I can share one advise is to never give up on your son and always stand behind his decisions. This has helped me with my son and he knows that I love him unconditionally. Blessings for you, Chris and Jackson. Also, I hope that Marvin is doing better. Thank you for sharing your blessed adventure!