We were a little nervous about the first meeting, which would be lunch with N and a social worker from the agency. What do you say, “nice to meet you, can we please have your baby?” We got some advice from some friends who are adoptive parents.
Everything went very smoothly, the social worker did a great job. N was happy to meet us and even wanted to spend another day with us while we were in Colorado. We had a great time getting to know her--she is a sweet and kind person. N wanted us to be her daughter’s parents. She was due in August so we had about 2 months to plan for a baby. WOW!
We went about our summer, excited about becoming parents and a little overwhelmed about the whole thing. We had 2 months to prepare! It was also a change in mindset—we were ready for a boy (most likely) from Guatemala who would come home to us at about age one, here we were going to have a newborn girl! Exciting!
How to start planning? I was at Wal-Mart one day and dared to venture into the baby section and got completely overwhelmed. I called Muskie Man in tears as I was leaving the store! He advised me in his wise way, to call a good friend who had a one year old and ask her what we really needed. She was so sweet and had a list for me by that evening. Thanks Amy, for making our life easier! We purchased the basics—travel system stroller and car seat, bottles, burp cloths, etc. My family had given us a diaper bag full of “stuff” so that helped. We would get the rest of the items as we needed them.
The weeks and months went quickly. We painted the baby’s room and arranged to borrow a crib and changing table from my sister. My sister and family delivered the furniture on August 13. We put it together that afternoon “just to have it ready.” I had been researching flights and rental cars. I knew the schedules of the airlines. We had been graciously offered a place to stay so that was not a worry. We had suitcases out and mostly packed, just some essentials that had to be packed at the last minute.
At 12:30 a.m. on August 14 my cell phone rang. N’s water had broken and they were on their way to the hospital. WOW, what a wake-up call that was! We rushed out of bed. Muskie Man jumped in the shower and hurried to work to put his “out of office until further notice” messages on his voicemail and email. I got on the internet to look at flights and rental cars. Did you know that if you have to book a flight less than 12 hours out, you have to actually talk to someone? We booked a 6:00 a.m. flight to Colorado, and a rental car for when we got there, and hit the road at about 3:00 a.m. for our hour and a half drive to the airport. We got a call on the way that N had to have a C-section because the baby was breach. Our daughter was born at 1:37 a.m. (mountain time) and everyone was doing well.
The flight was smooth and on time. Our bags made it—both bags came out at the same time! When does that happen?! We got our rental car and went to the hospital. We were about to meet our daughter!
. . .to be continued
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Our Adoption Journey- Part I
Long overdue, here is part 1 of our adoption journey.
I don’t remember the exact date of our diagnosis, I can’t even remember the year right now, must be mommy brain, or maybe I’ve blocked it out. After a few tests and procedures, we got the word that we wouldn’t be able to have biological children without invasive medical procedures, which came with a low success rate. We didn’t even discuss it alot, it just didn’t seem like a good way to spend our money.
So we grieved, each in our own way for quite a while. Muskie Man was ready for adoption before I was. I don’t know what was holding me back, maybe the thought that we would never get to see a baby made by us, with our physical traits. That is probably a good thing,--ha-ha.
I had a discussion with my brother one night. His words stuck with me. He said that it’s not who makes the baby it’s who raises the child. I hate to admit this, but those were wise words and really changed my mind. I started researching agencies in our state and the different programs they offered. We discussed it and decided on international adoption and the Guatemalan program.
We had originally planned on international adoption vs. domestic because we had seen failed matches and the heartache that was caused. My brother, the one with the wise words, and his wife, had gone through 2 failed matches and we saw their heartache up close and personal. My brother and his wife now have 2 sons, biologically, and are a happy little family.
So we went to an informational meeting, got the paperwork, and began the great paper-chase: we got fingerprinted, a couple times; went for physicals; filled out immigration forms; had our homestudy completed; got original birth certificates and marriage certificates; the list goes on and on. We had everything notarized, received the great state seals—and completed our dossier!
I remember talking with a friend as she was asking about our paper-chase progress and I said we weren’t going about it as quickly as some probably do, but it will get done when it’s supposed to. I don’t know what was holding us back, but we see God’s hand in it all.
We handed in our dossier for final review and approval in May of 2006. A few days later I got a call from my brother, the one with the wise words. He doesn’t usually leave a message, but he did this time. He even got a hold of Muskie Man at school--this had to be important. His wife’s cousin had contacted them and was wondering if they knew anyone in their church who was looking to adopt a child who was part Hispanic. (His church is completely Hispanic.) They said they didn’t know anyone in their church but thought of us and got us in touch with my sister-in-law’s cousin.
We didn’t even think twice about pursuing this opportunity, we truly believe that God puts opportunities before you for a reason. So, we whipped up a “dear Expectant Mom” letter, emailed it to the agency who was working with the potential birthmom, N. She got our letter and wanted to meet us. We were guardedly excited but made plans to visit. N was in Colorado so we booked our tickets, hotel and rental car and a few weeks later we were off.
. . .to be continued
I don’t remember the exact date of our diagnosis, I can’t even remember the year right now, must be mommy brain, or maybe I’ve blocked it out. After a few tests and procedures, we got the word that we wouldn’t be able to have biological children without invasive medical procedures, which came with a low success rate. We didn’t even discuss it alot, it just didn’t seem like a good way to spend our money.
So we grieved, each in our own way for quite a while. Muskie Man was ready for adoption before I was. I don’t know what was holding me back, maybe the thought that we would never get to see a baby made by us, with our physical traits. That is probably a good thing,--ha-ha.
I had a discussion with my brother one night. His words stuck with me. He said that it’s not who makes the baby it’s who raises the child. I hate to admit this, but those were wise words and really changed my mind. I started researching agencies in our state and the different programs they offered. We discussed it and decided on international adoption and the Guatemalan program.
We had originally planned on international adoption vs. domestic because we had seen failed matches and the heartache that was caused. My brother, the one with the wise words, and his wife, had gone through 2 failed matches and we saw their heartache up close and personal. My brother and his wife now have 2 sons, biologically, and are a happy little family.
So we went to an informational meeting, got the paperwork, and began the great paper-chase: we got fingerprinted, a couple times; went for physicals; filled out immigration forms; had our homestudy completed; got original birth certificates and marriage certificates; the list goes on and on. We had everything notarized, received the great state seals—and completed our dossier!
I remember talking with a friend as she was asking about our paper-chase progress and I said we weren’t going about it as quickly as some probably do, but it will get done when it’s supposed to. I don’t know what was holding us back, but we see God’s hand in it all.
We handed in our dossier for final review and approval in May of 2006. A few days later I got a call from my brother, the one with the wise words. He doesn’t usually leave a message, but he did this time. He even got a hold of Muskie Man at school--this had to be important. His wife’s cousin had contacted them and was wondering if they knew anyone in their church who was looking to adopt a child who was part Hispanic. (His church is completely Hispanic.) They said they didn’t know anyone in their church but thought of us and got us in touch with my sister-in-law’s cousin.
We didn’t even think twice about pursuing this opportunity, we truly believe that God puts opportunities before you for a reason. So, we whipped up a “dear Expectant Mom” letter, emailed it to the agency who was working with the potential birthmom, N. She got our letter and wanted to meet us. We were guardedly excited but made plans to visit. N was in Colorado so we booked our tickets, hotel and rental car and a few weeks later we were off.
. . .to be continued
Friday, October 19, 2007
Fun Night
Minnow had a fun night last night. She was at my friend D's house while I did an Arbonne party. That's my work from home business.
D came through in a crunch for us. Muskie Man had to supervise at a high school football game. He was supposed to take Minnow to the game (you know how she likes sports), but the weather looked bad--thunderstorms in October??!! He also had to be on duty at the last minute. D is a great friend for helping us out at the last minute.
Minnow had the time of her life at D's house! First of all they have a dog which was very exciting for her. She just kept saying "woof, woof" all night. Secondly, she got to climb stairs. We do not have stairs in our house as we live in a ranch house. D also had some really cool toys as her grandson is at her house often.
When I came to pick up Minnow she was banging away on a xylophone and wasn't even excited to see me. The first ten minutes of the drive home, I was entertained listening to Minnow in the backseat babbling away with the occasional "woof" thrown in there. I think she was re-living her fun evening at D's house! Thanks D, for coming through for us, I owe you lunch!
D came through in a crunch for us. Muskie Man had to supervise at a high school football game. He was supposed to take Minnow to the game (you know how she likes sports), but the weather looked bad--thunderstorms in October??!! He also had to be on duty at the last minute. D is a great friend for helping us out at the last minute.
Minnow had the time of her life at D's house! First of all they have a dog which was very exciting for her. She just kept saying "woof, woof" all night. Secondly, she got to climb stairs. We do not have stairs in our house as we live in a ranch house. D also had some really cool toys as her grandson is at her house often.
When I came to pick up Minnow she was banging away on a xylophone and wasn't even excited to see me. The first ten minutes of the drive home, I was entertained listening to Minnow in the backseat babbling away with the occasional "woof" thrown in there. I think she was re-living her fun evening at D's house! Thanks D, for coming through for us, I owe you lunch!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
On the Road Again
Yes, we dared to travel with Minnow. . .again. This time it was the whole family, all 3 of us. We ventured to the Northwoods to visit my brother and his family for a long weekend. Muskie Man was excited because he got to do one of his favorite pastimes--muskie fishing. It was a tough weekend on the water, but he had a good time.
Minnow traveled pretty well. It is much easier traveling when Muskie Man is driving and I can help to entertain Minnow. It also helped that we had the portable DVD player in the truck. Minnow LOVES her PraiseBaby DVD's--we have 3 different ones. We heard each DVD at least 2 times during the course of our travels, that's alot of songs. I guess that explains why I have praise songs constantly going through my head!
Minnow had a fun weekend with her cousins, who always keep her entertained. She even took her first steps at their house, way to go, Minnow! She must like the Northwoods.
Minnow traveled pretty well. It is much easier traveling when Muskie Man is driving and I can help to entertain Minnow. It also helped that we had the portable DVD player in the truck. Minnow LOVES her PraiseBaby DVD's--we have 3 different ones. We heard each DVD at least 2 times during the course of our travels, that's alot of songs. I guess that explains why I have praise songs constantly going through my head!
Minnow had a fun weekend with her cousins, who always keep her entertained. She even took her first steps at their house, way to go, Minnow! She must like the Northwoods.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Go, Go!
Minnow loves sports. She has been going to sporting events since she was about a month old. She has been to volleyball matches, football games, basketball games, a wrestling tournament, baseball and softball games. . . pretty much any sport Muskie Man's school has, she has been there!
For the past few months, when Minnow notices a game on TV, she drops what she is doing and starts clapping her hands. Anytime she hears the crowd cheering, she joins in clapping. She also does this at games. She often ends up clapping for the wrong team--we have to work on this!
Lately, as soon as she notices a game on the tube she drops what she is doing and says, "go, go!" She repeats this phrase over and over and over again as she watches the game. Now we just have to get her "cheering" for the right team!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Traveling 250 miles alone with a one-year-old
Minnow and I traveled 250 miles to the Twin Cities to visit my sister and family for a long weekend. I had the trip planned out perfectly (in my mind, anyway)--we leave when Minnow is ready for a nap and she sleeps for the majority of the trip. She wakes up, I stop at the next McDonald's, change her, make her a bottle, treat myself to an Iced Coffee (totally addicted), and go the rest of the way with a well-rested, changed, and satisfied baby. WRONG! Part of the trip went as planned. Minnow slept for 2 hours, then woke up crying. We stopped at the nearest McD's, changed her, got her a bottle, got me an iced coffee (YEAH!) and started to drive again--then the screaming began.
What to do?! I had her backpack diaper bag next to me--what was in it? A toothbrush--I handed it back to her--silence for about 20 minutes. The toothbrush is then tossed and the screaming ensued. What else is in the bag? A book--hand it back to her--silence for a few minutes until the book is tossed. More screaming. This "game" continued for the remainder of the trip. I was down to the last item in my "arsenal," an empty water bottle, when the exit for my sister's house appeared. We made it!
We enjoyed 4 days with my sister's family and then prepared for the trip home. It began the same as the trip there with a nap, waking up, McD's (changed diaper, bottle, and iced coffee!), but then the screaming began and didn't stop. My well-prepared arsenal of distractions failed! I was even more prepared this time--more books, her doll, a photo album she likes. No luck, she screamed and screamed for 40 miles! Then, as we pulled into our town. . .silence. She sleeps.
What to do?! I had her backpack diaper bag next to me--what was in it? A toothbrush--I handed it back to her--silence for about 20 minutes. The toothbrush is then tossed and the screaming ensued. What else is in the bag? A book--hand it back to her--silence for a few minutes until the book is tossed. More screaming. This "game" continued for the remainder of the trip. I was down to the last item in my "arsenal," an empty water bottle, when the exit for my sister's house appeared. We made it!
We enjoyed 4 days with my sister's family and then prepared for the trip home. It began the same as the trip there with a nap, waking up, McD's (changed diaper, bottle, and iced coffee!), but then the screaming began and didn't stop. My well-prepared arsenal of distractions failed! I was even more prepared this time--more books, her doll, a photo album she likes. No luck, she screamed and screamed for 40 miles! Then, as we pulled into our town. . .silence. She sleeps.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Hayride
Minnow had her first hayride and visit to the pumpkin patch on Sunday. We met “the girls” and their families and had a great time. “The girls” are 3 moms who I became friends with from a new mom’s group. We decided we are no longer “new” moms so we kicked ourselves out of the group and now just do things on our own. We also email daily, sharing funny stories, advice and the challenges of being moms. I love “the girls!”
We don’t usually get together with the husbands so this was an extra special outing. The hayride was just that--we rode on a flat bed trailer filled with hay that was being pulled by a tractor. We got dropped off in the woods where there were various animals in pens—animals such as reindeer, goats, donkeys, miniature horses, a lama, an alpaca and a rabbit. (These animals were in separate pens, wouldn’t want the reindeer to step on the rabbit—that could be traumatic for the kids!) We all got a pumpkin to take home and got some great pictures.
It was a fun outing—Minnow loved the animals, especially the reindeer.
We don’t usually get together with the husbands so this was an extra special outing. The hayride was just that--we rode on a flat bed trailer filled with hay that was being pulled by a tractor. We got dropped off in the woods where there were various animals in pens—animals such as reindeer, goats, donkeys, miniature horses, a lama, an alpaca and a rabbit. (These animals were in separate pens, wouldn’t want the reindeer to step on the rabbit—that could be traumatic for the kids!) We all got a pumpkin to take home and got some great pictures.
It was a fun outing—Minnow loved the animals, especially the reindeer.
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