Post-Match Weekend Madness

As I sit here, I am completely exhausted. The emotions this past week have been surreal. All the waiting, all the joy, all the support and love...it's tangible grace on steriods!

My last post, I wrote it earlier than it was posted.  I wanted it ready for our big announcement.  But I had to wait almost a full week from knowing we were pretty much matched to having that confirmation.  It about killed me! But God placed in my life this wonderful man who can read me better that anyone else, and he calmly had us pray when the emotions got too much. (Thank you Lord for such a man as Gabe!)

My weekend has been ridiculous! On Saturday, I dropped Gabe off at 5am for his flight to Japan. I went home and got a few hours sleep, then called my mom as I was getting ready for the day. While on the phone with her, an email popped up on my phone saying we had a confirmed match! It was so cool to share that moment with her, especially since otherwise I would have been alone.  And I didn't waste anytime.  I had my profile picture changed in less than a minute, followed quickly by the blog post! I couldn't wait any longer, 6 days was long enough for me.  The emotions and phone calls to people quickly became overwhelming, but I was told the birthparents would call me that day, so I cancelled all my plans and stayed home.  They never called, but I got the best sleep I've had in a week.

Sunday, I went to church.  After the service, I asked the pastor to introduce me to some of the ladies in the church (all I knew were some guys from the softball team Gabe and I have been participating in).  Pastor Brad introduced me to one gal, who introduced me to 2 more.  They were all part of a couple's group that meets every other Sunday night.  Gabe and I have been meaning to attend, but the softball games have been conflicting. 

After church, I went with a Marine wife to Babies R Us to finish my registry.  Her husband works with Gabe and is gone to Japan too.  She is a Christian and has 2 boys.  We had a great time getting to know each other more.  As we were checking out with a few essential items for a diaper bag, I got an email saying the stroller/car seat Gabe had his heart set on was going to be discontinued.  I knew they had one in the store because I had been debating buying it.  I quickly got it and we left.

About 2 hours after getting home from shopping, our birthparents called.  They opened the conversation saying, "We have some news for you but don't freak out....." Amazingly, God put his had of calmness on me and I didn't start freaking out.  They told me they had been to the dr. that week and her amneotic fluid was low.  She has quit her job, and is on bed rest (ish), while drinking fluids.  They wanted to tell me the baby could be here a week from tomorrow (Monday).  They didn't want me to freak out about not being prepared and because it was all happening so quickly. In my mind, I'm thinking, "Ok, this is fast but let's go! I've waited long enough!"I think they were scared I was going to bail ship on them. They have another dr. appointment tomorrow to see if there has been improvement.  I'm not sure if the dr. is thinking induced labor or c-section or what.  Right now JJ is measuring at 36-37 weeks and is 6lbs.  So the dr. is not wanting to go past 38 weeks.  Hearing all this is scary, but Gabe's sister had both her girls super early and they were 100% healthy, even at under 5lbs.  The birthmother is short at 5'2", so I'm not too worried about it. And, with the baby coming early, that could be the answer to our trip home for the wedding, given Gabe still is given time off work and the baby is healthy.

My talk with the birthparents was again amazing.  I am blown away by their maturity of the situation and their ability to see it from our view as well.  They made it clear that we are the mother and father, and that they will abide by our boundaries.  I didn't have to tell them, they already knew and expected it.  I'm assuming adoption can be messy with boundaries and stuff, but I feel like we have the perfect couple to face it with.  They are respectful, insightful, and they just get it. If we are to go through this, I'm glad it's with them.  It's a best case scenario.  So much better than I expected, especially after learning they are married. SUCH an answer to prayer.

After that phone call, I rushed off to the couple's group.  5 couples from our church, all with kids. They were so welcoming and made me feel comfortable which I appreciated, especially without my buffer Gabe to hide behind. They were all interested in the adoption want to be there for me. Most are military but different branches, and one is a fire fighter. I can just see myself clicking with the group and fitting in.  The hostess has a 4 month old daughter and started giving me stuff to get by like a rock and sleep and a sling and stuff.  I was overwhelmed again by God's provision and guidance.  To have total strangers come along side me because we are all family because we are God's family, it's pretty cool to witness.  I feel a bit guilty being the new one in the group and coming in with such immediate needs, but I guess that's life. But another answer to prayer to find a mommy jackpot and see their desire to help if/when needed.

God is still providing.  I've overwhelmed by the provision in so many different ways and areas of my life.  I almost want him to hit the pause button because mentally I can't take anymore! I feel so undeserving of it all, but am so thankful the dark valleys weren't for nothing.

Thanks to everyone for the love and support.  I am so blessed to have so many friends and family all over the world.  I have a beautiful life and an big part has to do with you guys. 

My cup runnth over.