Placement

I haven't been good at blogging lately. And for that I feel really bad, especially with this blog because this blog is so special to me and I've done such a good job of keeping exact track of everything. Hopefully I'll do better.

We had placement on December 28, 2009. It was up at the hospital in the afternoon. I had my friend, Brenley, come up to take pictures for us. I didn't want to have to worry about taking pictures, but I knew it was something I would want to remember. I also knew she'd do a fabulous job, not only because she's an amazing photographer, but also because she adopted her little boy just over two years ago, so she knew what moments to capture. I was right - she did the BEST job.

Anyway, that morning I was so nervous (yes, again..), that I literally made myself sick. I felt sick all morning. Not because I didn't think it would work out, but because of the sacrifice Johnny and Kaitlyn were making and I didn't know how I would handle it.

Everything went really well. We did all the paperwork and then Johnny and Kaitlyn went to check out of the hospital. Johnny's parents were there in the room with us. Johnny's mom looked at me and, with a smile on her face, said "congratulations." That was the exact moment it hit me. I just started sobbing. It didn't seem real before then (sometimes it still doesn't). But that one word was all it took. It was such a special moment for me.

I was finally able to compose myself and then a minute later, Brenley was across the room and when she caught my eye, she mouthed to me "You're a MOM!" The tears flowed again. :)

Here are a few of the photos Brenley took that I'll treasure forever.

{Kaitlyn holding Drew}

{Our sweet little boy}

{Spending precious moments with Johnny and Kaitlyn}

{This is my favorite picture - it's so sweet}

{Sweet Johnny}

{The moment it all hit me}

{Our new family of three on our way home}

One Step Closer

Yesterday, we had our first post-placement visit from our new caseworker, Julie. She came to our home to see how we're doing, see how Drew's doing, and to see how we're all adjusting. It went really well! I was hoping Drew would be awake, but he slept the whole time instead. :)

Our next step is to have one more visit with Julie - probably in Salem or Tigard. Then, she'll send all the paperwork to our attorney (who is great!) and he'll get things finished with the court. We'll meet with a judge from there and it will be finalized! Then we get to do the fun stuff. The thing I've been the very most excited about is taking Drew to the temple. It's what I've been picturing in my head throughout this whole process and I can't wait!

But that'll all take a little time. For now, though, we're one step closer!

Before & After

Remember this?

Well, it now looks like this!

Many thanks to Mama Stoddart for all of her help organizing this place!

My turn

Angie has done an amazing job with updating this blog and expressing our thoughts and feelings throughout this entire process. With all due respect, it's my turn. :)

What an incredible journey this has been for us! I'm so grateful that we were led to the decision to adopt and for all of the experiences we've had along the way. Drew is the greatest thing that has ever happened to us. He's the most beautiful baby boy I've ever seen. I can't get enough of being around him. I love when he's awake and seeing him looking around to explore the world and all it has to offer. I love when he's asleep and showing me how peaceful life can be. I love all of the sounds and faces he makes, always keeping us entertained. I even love it when he cries or needs a diaper change, for it gives me the chance to show him at an early age that he can depend on me as his father. He makes me want to be a better person and change the world around me. I want him to be a good influence on everyone he meets. I want him to acheive greatness in his life and make sure he has every opportunity to succeed.

I feel very blessed to have Johnny and Kaitlyn be a part of our lives and for their decision to place their baby boy for adoption with us. It is a very noble thing for them to do and I thank the Lord every day for them and pray that he grants them guidance and support throughout their lives. I can never thank them enough.