Monday, April 12, 2010

Catching Up





So I haven't been so great about updating the blog since we got little Anna. As you can imagine there has not been much free time lately. Things are going pretty well. We are just trying to figure it all out with two kiddos and how to juggle everything.

Eli has been a awesome big brother. He is so sweet and loving to Anna and loves to give her hugs. He also has been a good entertainer especially when we are in the car and Anna gets fussy. Eli will be in the backing singing to her trying to get her to stop crying (I think he is imitating Scottie). Scottie will make-up songs and sing to Anna when she gets upset. It's so cute to see Eli taking after his daddy. We've had some moments with Eli too were he is choosing not to obey. I'm sure this is part of the transition to sharing the attention with his sister, but we are working on that!! It could be just some normal 4 year old behavior too!

Anna is a little joy!! She is changing everyday. I feel like she has always been in our family and we are so blessed to have her! We are still not sleeping through the night, but I'm planning to work on that hard core this week. I'm praying to help get her on a good routine with sleeping, eating etc. The naps are still sporadic at best and hopefully soon she will be more consistent. Last week was a little rough for us on the sleeping. She was waking up multiple times at night and that wears you out! I've been under the weather last week with a sinus infection/seasonal allergies, so that makes being sleep deprived even harder. I'm starting to feel better, so hopefully this week will be better!

This weekend my Mom offered to watch the kids for us on Saturday to have a little break. We did some stuff around the house and went to dinner at Kanki. I think it was our first date since getting Anna. It was nice to have a uninterrupted conversation and just hang out together. We went to church today for the 11am service and put Anna in the nursery for the first time. My co-teachers at Awana were helping in her class today, so that worked out great. When we picked her up she was sleeping in the swing. We definitely we able to get more from the worship service without having her in the service with us. It is very hard to listen when you are trying to keep a baby quite.

Here are a few pix...I hope to update more regularly.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Our Family of Four - The First Week





What an amazing whirlwind of a week it has been!!

We brought Anna Sophia home last Tuesday and have been loving every minute of it!! Even the sleepless nights...I forgot what it was like to wake up multiple times at night. When we had Eli I thought I would never sleep again, but eventually he started sleeping all night :) I know this is just a phase and before I know it she'll be all grown up. Anna has been adjusting well to our family. She is a little joy and quite content except when she is hungry, sleepy or gassy. When she is awake she is cooing, squealing with delight and smiling that beautiful smile!! We have been able to soothe her when she is upset by giving her the paci and rocking her in our arms. We had lotts of practice rocking and bouncing around the house trying to get Eli calmed down. He was a fussy little guy and gassy too!

The first few days we were home, I spent alot of time just holding little Anna. She slept in my arms for quite a few hours and I just love watching her peacefully sleep. Our agency recommends that we try and hold her a much as possible in the beginning to foster the bonding and attachment process. I think she is starting to recognize Scottie and I...she will just smile when you go to get her from the crib. How cool is that!!!

I am pleased to say that Eli has been an awesome big brother!! He is so proud of little Anna. We have been reading two books alot this week The Bernstein Bears New Baby and I'm a Big Brother. He has been hugging and kissing her and laying with her on the play gym and entertaining her. He has also been a great helper! Anna loves to watch Eli play and will just watch every move he makes. I'm excited about the day when they can play together.

On Friday, we took Anna to her 4 month check-up. The general consensus from Dr. Gessner is that she is a healthy, happy baby. She wasn't too happy when she got two shots:( Poor thing! Here are Anna Sophia's latest stats:

Weight 16lbs. 11oz. That explains why she can't wear 3-6 month clothes
Length 25 3/8 in.
She was a little grumpy the rest of the day and sleepy. The doctor said the shots may make her sleepy and/or fussy.

After, the doc appointment we came home to pack for our trip to Charlotte. Scottie and I were scheduled to attend the 2nd adoption training which is required for adoptive parents. Once we found out that we were picking Anna up on Tuesday, we thought for sure that we would postpone the training and attend the next workshop. The agency thought it would be good for us to try and make the workshop now. We called Linda and ask her if she could meet us in Charlotte and stay with us in the hotel for Friday night so we could bring Anna and Eli with us. Thankfully, she graciously came down with Morgan and watched Eli and Anna for us. Friday was also Linda's 60th birthday!! We celebrated at the Outback Steakhouse and Jerry, Tracy & Cortney joined us too! Anna did pretty well with Linda...she wore out Nana! After the workshop, we headed back to Raleigh with Morgan in tow. We were exhausted and glad to be home!!!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Big Day Part Deux






We arrived at the agency at 1:30 on Tuesday. We were both nervous and could not imagine what the moment of meeting our child for the first time would be like. Scottie said he had some butterflies right before we entered in CAS. We spend the first 45 minutes/hour completing paperwork for the placement...the placement agreement, legal risk document etc. The NC law states that once a birthmother relinquishes her parental rights she has a 7 day right of recision. The other element of the legal risk period is the termination of the birthfather's parental rights. The agency's attorney will search for the birthfather and attempt to contact him, if no response is heard his rights will be terminated and the adoption can become final (this is a quick summary). Technically, CAS (our agency) holds custody of Anna Sophia and we are her guardians until the adoption in final. This is the risk of a domestic adoption and we are just praying that if Anna Sophia is the child that God wants in our family that the legal risk will go smoothly.

On to more exciting things...
Around 2:30pm, the foster parents of Anna (Jeannie & Bill) were at the agency. Scottie got the video camera ready on the tripod and Doris and Gretchen from CAS came in the take pictures of the meeting. Doris was taking pix with our camera, so we have some amazing shots. I cannot explain the feelings of anticipation I had a the door was coming open. Suddenly, we saw the beautiful, sweet baby girl in Jeannie's arms. She was beyond my wildest dreams AND guess what...she smiled when she first saw me!!! WOW...we even have the photo. Jeannie place her in my arms as Scottie and I both were crying. After all this time, our prayers had been answered and it was an amazing feeling. GOD is GOOD!! Scottie picked up Eli and he met his baby sister for the first time. He was a little shy at first, but warmed up to her quick. He wanted to give her a hug and we took some pix with him holding Anna. No words can explain our feelings except maybe PURE JOY!! After I pulled myself together from crying, we were able to sit with Jeannie and Bill and talk about little Anna. Jeanine told us about her temperament, schedule, sleeping and all the things that we needed to know about her. Jeannie had also completed a 6 page document all about Anna, since she had been with them for the last 4 months. We are so thankful to Jeannie and Bill for taking wonderful care of Anna and loving her so much. I can't imagine how they were feeling on Tuesday, but I am so thankful that God placed them in Anna's life. We have been in touch with Jeannie this week about some questions we had and just keeping her updated. We plan to stay in touch with them!

We started on our journey back to Raleigh around 3:30. Anna slept in the car for a bit and we stopped in High Point to feed her. She wasn't very interested in eating, so we headed on our way. We were anxious to bring her home. She got hungry, so we stopped at an exit and fed her. She was happy all the way home :) Eli was in the way back of the van playing legos :) We got home around 7pm and guess who was there...Nanny. Nanny was Anna's first visitor. Rog also came over after a bit with some dinner for us. Anna was in such a good mood and was smiling and cooing for them. She got fussy and we put her to bed around 8ish (she has been going down around 6pm), so she was tired. The bedtime went pretty well.

Here is Scottie's perspective on the first night...
Anna went to bed around 8pm, 2 hours later than her current 6pm schedule. She woke up several times starting around 9:30. As soon as we put the pacifier in her mouth, she is out again. Sometimes for 30 minutes, sometimes for 32 1/2 minutes (who's counting:) ! Billie fed her around 10pm and she slept to 2AM where Billie fed her again. She woke up around 5am for good and I let Billie sleep in. After trying to get her to sleep for 30 minutes, I gave in to my urges and just wanted to play with her. Her smile and coos are amazing. Eli woke up around 6:30 and started playing with her. He is very affectionate with her, he is going to be a great big Bro.

What an AMAZING DAY we had!!!
Give thanks to the Lord for his is good. His love endures forever. Psalms 136:1

Here a some pix from the day

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Big Day

It is here...the day we've been waiting for!!!!!

I woke up around 4am this morning and could not get back to sleep. Scottie woke up around 5am. I haven't slept well since Friday night. It must be all the excitement and all the thoughts going through my head or maybe God preparing us for some sleepless nights??? Yesterday, we received some paperwork about our baby girl and she has been sleeping pretty well. We also received her birth information.

Birthdate November 7th, 2009
Weight 8lbs. 2oz.
Length 20.5in.
Dark Hair, Blue Eyes, Rosy Olive Complexion
Birthname Machaila Jones

We chose to change her name to Anna Sophia Wyatt.

We also were able to review the updates from the foster parents.
-She is a sweet and content baby. The evenings hours between 4-6pm seem to be her fussy periods during the day. That must be pretty common because Eli was always fussy that time of day.
-Content except when tired or hungry
-She likes taking walks
-Has been cooing, giggling at her foster parents
-Sleeping 5-6 hour stretches :)
-Eating 4-5oz. at each feeding

Last night I was laying in bed and reading the updates and paperwork from the agency. As I was reading, tears starting coming down my face...I was thinking about how hard this must be for the birthmother. Having given birth, I remember all the emotions and the bond formed with the baby you carried for 9 months. I can't imagine what she must be feeling. There are no words to express how thankful we are that Anna Sophia's birthmother chose life and that she chose our family to raise her child. Isn't that amazing???? The only explanation for this miracle is GOD. I thank HIM for bringing this child to our family and pray that we will raise her to love HIM.

We are on our way to Charlotte to get our baby girl. Words can't express our feelings today...PURE JOY!!

We are meeting at the agency at 1:30 today. Please pray for a smooth transition for Anna to our family. Also, pray for the foster parents as they place Anna in our arms after taking care and loving her for the last 4 months. Continued prayers for our birthmother's healing. We will try and send out some pictures today. I cannot wait to meet her!!!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Getting Ready

We have been very busy the last few days getting ready for our baby girl. On Saturday, we started the day with breakfast at Panera Bread. We came back home to start getting the baby gear down from storage. We were able to find everything...thank goodness. I spent most of the morning organizing the nursery and getting it ready. My friend, Laura, was getting rid of her girl clothes a few months ago. I decided to buy them from her just in case we got a girl. We also borrowed clothes from our friend Jenny that she had from her girls. Needless to say...we have all the drawers and most of the closet full of clothes. Thank you guys both!! We are so blessed. I am so excited about all these cute clothes and dressing up a girl!!! I've dreamed about this day for so long...

Today, we went to church and shared the praise with our Sunday school class. They were all so supportive and are going to be bringing us meals. We are so thankful for our church family and all the prayer support. After church, we had lunch at Fat Daddy's with Terry, Barbara and Marcie. Next was a stop at the mall to pick out a coming home outfit...a cute pink dress :) We came home and Scottie and Eli enjoyed the nice weather on the trampoline and I headed to Target for the baby necessities (diapers, wipes etc). Our friends Clint and Jenny offered to babysit while we had a nice dinner out. We celebrated at the Angus Barn...one of our favorites. It was nice to sit and chat about the next few weeks. We also discussed our name choices...we have it narrowed down to a few. We must decide by tomorrow to complete the adoption paperwork. I'll let everyone know what we choose.

One major change, we talked to the agency today and we will be picking up the baby on Tuesday instead of tomorrow. The agency needed another day to complete the paperwork for us to sign. We are a little disappointed, but on the bright side we have another day to prepare. Only two more days til we meet our precious baby girl.

The most amazing thing about this whole process is that God has orchestrated it all. I have seen his hand working in our adoption from the birthmother's selection of our family, the timing of the call we received last Saturday, to the simple provision of clothing. Praise the LORD!!
I will praise the LORD God with a song and a thankful heart. Psalm 69:30 (CEV)

Friday, March 5, 2010

WOW!!!

We called the agency this morning to clarify a few questions that we had about the birthmother and baby. We were still unsure if the birthmother was considering other families for her baby...that was one of our questions. The agency told us the birthmother had selected US. We were both so excited and got big smiles on our face!! We couldn't believe it. The agency told us they would call us later today with an update on the signing of the relinquishment papers.

Eli & I met our neighbors Laura & Lynn with their kids at the Brier Creek Park this afternoon to play. When we walked in the door around 5:30, Scottie was ending a phone conversation. As soon as he got off the phone I know something was going on just by the look on his face. He had just talked to Doris at CAS and the relinquishment papers had been signed. She then told him that we could pick-up our baby girl on Monday afternoon!!! WOW!!! I could not believe it. We then told Eli the news about getting a baby sister. He said YEYYYY and came over and gave us all hugs. SO cute!! I know this is going to be a big adjustment for him. We were just talking today about how when we get the baby he will need to keep his Legos in his room so the baby doesn't get them. He has been calling the baby "My Baby"...it's really cute.

After all the excitement, we called Scottie's family with the news and they were all very excited. Then, we had dinner with Mom and Rog and told them the news. My mom was very happy and didn't think it could happen this fast. We called my family (Mama/Papa, Jake/Ashley, Tanya, Aunt Barbara, Aunt Carolyn) after dinner. Also, my friends Myra and Holly.
It is almost 11pm and now I'm thinking of all the stuff we need to get done this weekend. Getting baby gear down from storage, shopping for baby stuff and clothes. I'm going to make a list!! Otherwise, I'll be up all night thinking about everything that needs to be done.

Most of all, I am so thankful to God for his faithfulness throughout of journey. There were times when we got discouraged, but through it all he has remained faithful. Thank you for this unbelievable gift from above.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer.29:11

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Adoption Update #3

We received a call today from the agency with a update. The birthmother is planning to sign the relinquishment papers on Friday, March 5th . We hope to meet with the birthmother soon. Also, the foster family who is taking care of the baby girl has a family reunion on Sunday that they would like to take the baby too. We are actually heading down to Charlotte on Saturday for Ava's 1st birthday party, so maybe the timing may work out to meet the birthmother then. We'll see. The agency said the baby has been healthy and was actually a bigger baby. She is now in 6 month clothing (this sounds like Eli).

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Adoption Update #2

Scottie called our agency yesterday since we had not heard any updates since Sunday. The birthmother reviewed our profile and she would like to meet us. We are also going to have a conference call with the social worker regarding the health history etc. of the baby. Hopefully, the con call will get scheduled in the next few days. We hope to meet with the birthmother soon, but the meeting has not be scheduled yet. Keep checking the blog...I will try and update here as we find out more info. Keep the birthmother in your prayers as she is making her decision. Please pray for us too...we are excited about the opportunity and hope that if this child is meant for our family that God will work out all the details.

Love,
Billie

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Adoption Update & Wyatt Dinner





Adoption update...
Yesterday, we received a call from our adoption agency about a baby. We received some information about the case and baby. The baby is a three month old girl who is currently in foster care. The birthmother is going to be looking at our profile and three other families on Monday. She will then make a decision on which family to place her child with. We have been struggling lately with waiting and not being discouraged, but at least we have some activity. While we may not be the family the birthmother chooses, we know that God has the baby chosen for our family and in his time we will receive our baby. I know the Lord is working in our situation and it is so cool to know that he hears our hearts and provide some hope when we get discouraged. Please pray for the birthmother tomorrow as she makes the most selfless/difficult decision of her life. We will keep everyone updated...

On to the weekend events...
We plan a monthly dinner with the Wyatt family to spend time together and share a meal. Jamie, Lorie, Dylan and Kasey came down Friday night to stay the weekend with us. Dylan and Eli had a blast playing together!! Friday night we put them to bed in the some room around 9:30ish...at 11:30 they were still awake!! Needless to say they got a little talking to about getting to sleep and they were both up around 6:30am. I guess they were so excited to see each other that they couldn't wait to play! On Saturday, Roger & Linda and Donnie, Taylor & Madison joined us for our meal. We had a great time together and the girls even got some afternoon shopping in...always a plus!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Snow Tubing at Hawksnest

We headed up to the NC mountains on Saturday for snow tubing at Hawksnest with Jake and Ashley, The Wolcott Fam, The Mathis Fam and Jamie, Dave, Dylan and Morgan. Eli had a blast riding down the hill with Dylan and he actually snow tubed the entire 2 hours. I was pleasantly surprised...I'm sure having his cousins there made all the difference. He did complain/wine about wearing the snow pants, gloves etc...the usual 4 year old stuff.