*To respect Ava's privacy and the privacy of her sweet birthmother, specific details of her 'story' will be limited*
Preparing and Waiting for Baby Ava
Leaving our meeting, we decided it might be wise to go ahead and pick up a crib and start getting our nursery ready! :) The next 11 days were a whirlwind. I was busy at work finishing up tax season and payroll reporting. Evenings were spent getting our nursery ready- painting, setting up the crib, gathering necessary baby items, and packing for our hospital visit as we anxiously awaited Ava's arrival. They say that adoptive parents go through "nesting" too, and I can wholeheartedly agree!!
Exactly 11 days from the time we met Ava's birthmother, I had run to the hardware store to pick up a lawn mower belt that evening when I got a phone call from our case worker. Ava's birthmother had been admitted to the hospital!! She was in active labor, but the doctors didn't think baby would come anytime real soon. Our case worker suggested we get a good night's sleep and just drive over the next morning. How could we sleep!?! :) I rushed home and finished our last minute packing, and made phone calls to family and friends. The landscaping could wait!!! (ha!)
To be continued...
Friday, April 24, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
Remembering One Year Ago {Part 2}
*To respect Ava's privacy and the privacy of her sweet birthmother, specific details of her 'story' will be limited*
Meeting Ava's Birthmother
It felt like forever, but Sunday afternoon finally did come! :) Not sure about Sunday road construction plans and not wanting to be late for our appointment, we left earlier than necessary (for those of you who know me well, this should not surprise you ;) ). Since we arrived early, we decided to do some quick 'window shopping' at the nearby Target before our appointment -- looking at all things PINK! :)
Finally the time came to meet Ava's birthmother. I remember saying to Tim before we got out of the car, "I feel like she's the one!" This is where adoption is difficult (the paperwork was a breeze!) -- reality sets in. You are super excited (and nervous!) to meet a birthmother, but at the same time, you can't help but think of what she's really doing -- she's choosing parents for the baby she is carrying!! It's very tough to be excited about what could be your baby (in a few short weeks!), while also realizing that if it is, that same baby will be her greatest loss. I've often referred to adoption as a "joy and sorrow interwoven" experience for this reason.
I've heard that the first time you meet someone special, it's hard to forget. I agree, and in this case, it was also an experience I can hardly put into words. I hope I never forget what it was like to finally meet Ava's birthmother for the first time. She greeted us with smiles and hugs! And her adorable baby bump...!
At this point, she had 'chosen' us, not by anything officially binding, but in her heart. I remember early in the conversation, she told us that. We chatted for a couple hours; she shared pictures and videos of her family, and offered us an ultrasound picture of Ava. We discussed baby names, nursery colors, our families and close friends, interests and hobbies, beliefs and values, favorite vacations, how we chose adoption, her pregnancy, jobs, education, hopes and dreams, and childhood memories. We really "clicked"! I felt like we could be great friends!!
Some people have asked about Ava's name. So, let me back up. In our conversation about baby names, Ava's birthmother asked if she could have some input in that. At this point in our adoption journey, we had been told that since we weren't gender specific (meaning we didn't have a preference of baby's gender), we would most likely have a boy. They seemed to be outnumbering the girls during that time! ;) So, we had, at least mentally, prepared for all things BLUE -- including a name. :) However, we had not settled on a girl's name. When she asked if we liked the name "Ava", we both excitedly agreed that we did (and thanks for helping us narrow down our list!!). :) And, how very special to share with Ava some day!! As for the middle name, we had less than 3 weeks to figure that out. ;) --more about this later--
As our meeting drew to a close, the decision whether we would officially "match" felt very clear to me. I felt very much at peace that this was a "match". This is another time when adoption can be difficult. We had been told that nothing is a "sealed deal" until everything is signed and official. I wanted to respect her decision and felt like giving her some additional time (she had just met us, after all!) might help her also be at peace with whatever decision she made. However, as we were saying our goodbyes, she hugged me and said, "I still choose ya'll. I know you will be great parents!"... those words resinate in my mind still today. From that moment on, I never had any doubt about her changing her mind about placing the baby or choosing us for the parents. I feel like only God could've given this measure of peace. --more about this later--
The wait for Ava's arrival began...
Meeting Ava's Birthmother
It felt like forever, but Sunday afternoon finally did come! :) Not sure about Sunday road construction plans and not wanting to be late for our appointment, we left earlier than necessary (for those of you who know me well, this should not surprise you ;) ). Since we arrived early, we decided to do some quick 'window shopping' at the nearby Target before our appointment -- looking at all things PINK! :)
Finally the time came to meet Ava's birthmother. I remember saying to Tim before we got out of the car, "I feel like she's the one!" This is where adoption is difficult (the paperwork was a breeze!) -- reality sets in. You are super excited (and nervous!) to meet a birthmother, but at the same time, you can't help but think of what she's really doing -- she's choosing parents for the baby she is carrying!! It's very tough to be excited about what could be your baby (in a few short weeks!), while also realizing that if it is, that same baby will be her greatest loss. I've often referred to adoption as a "joy and sorrow interwoven" experience for this reason.
I've heard that the first time you meet someone special, it's hard to forget. I agree, and in this case, it was also an experience I can hardly put into words. I hope I never forget what it was like to finally meet Ava's birthmother for the first time. She greeted us with smiles and hugs! And her adorable baby bump...!
At this point, she had 'chosen' us, not by anything officially binding, but in her heart. I remember early in the conversation, she told us that. We chatted for a couple hours; she shared pictures and videos of her family, and offered us an ultrasound picture of Ava. We discussed baby names, nursery colors, our families and close friends, interests and hobbies, beliefs and values, favorite vacations, how we chose adoption, her pregnancy, jobs, education, hopes and dreams, and childhood memories. We really "clicked"! I felt like we could be great friends!!
Some people have asked about Ava's name. So, let me back up. In our conversation about baby names, Ava's birthmother asked if she could have some input in that. At this point in our adoption journey, we had been told that since we weren't gender specific (meaning we didn't have a preference of baby's gender), we would most likely have a boy. They seemed to be outnumbering the girls during that time! ;) So, we had, at least mentally, prepared for all things BLUE -- including a name. :) However, we had not settled on a girl's name. When she asked if we liked the name "Ava", we both excitedly agreed that we did (and thanks for helping us narrow down our list!!). :) And, how very special to share with Ava some day!! As for the middle name, we had less than 3 weeks to figure that out. ;) --more about this later--
As our meeting drew to a close, the decision whether we would officially "match" felt very clear to me. I felt very much at peace that this was a "match". This is another time when adoption can be difficult. We had been told that nothing is a "sealed deal" until everything is signed and official. I wanted to respect her decision and felt like giving her some additional time (she had just met us, after all!) might help her also be at peace with whatever decision she made. However, as we were saying our goodbyes, she hugged me and said, "I still choose ya'll. I know you will be great parents!"... those words resinate in my mind still today. From that moment on, I never had any doubt about her changing her mind about placing the baby or choosing us for the parents. I feel like only God could've given this measure of peace. --more about this later--
The wait for Ava's arrival began...
Friday, April 10, 2015
Remembering One Year Ago {Part 1}
*To respect Ava's privacy and the privacy of her sweet birthmother, specific details of her 'story' will be limited*
It was on this day, one year ago, that we first learned of Ava's birthmother. There is not a day since that I haven't thought about and prayed for her. I hope I never forget all the details to Ava's 'story'. I plan to share a few as we remember these "April Days". :)
Learning about Ava's Birthmother
Since our home study had completed in February, we had presented to a couple birthmothers and had several situations presented to us, but hadn't felt a "match" with them. One year ago today, much like today, we were both at work; I was busy preparing tax extensions before the 4/15 deadline and Tim's calendar was full of meetings. It was around lunchtime that Thursday I received a voicemail from one of our case workers and then a few moments later, an email from our other case worker, asking me to call her. I felt an urgency in their messages, so I remember contacting Tim quick to see if we could meet for lunch to discuss this prospective birthmother, although, I had very few details at this point.
Thankfully, Tim was able to meet me for lunch. On the way, I called our case worker to get as much information as she had available. I remember the conversation pretty vividly. After explaining the details she had (gender of baby, location, etc), she paused and said, "There's one kicker..." My heart sank, but I replied "What is that??"... "Well, she's due SOON. Like real soon." I laughed, and said "How soon??" She said "3 weeks. Is that too soon?" Of course not!! Although we had only been 'home study ready' for less than 2 months, our desire to be parents was much longer than that. The sooner the better, as far as we were concerned!! :)
Tim and I talked over lunch and decided we would agree to meet the birthmother. Since she was due so soon, she was anxious to meet us. So, we arranged for that Sunday afternoon.
To be continued...
It was on this day, one year ago, that we first learned of Ava's birthmother. There is not a day since that I haven't thought about and prayed for her. I hope I never forget all the details to Ava's 'story'. I plan to share a few as we remember these "April Days". :)
Learning about Ava's Birthmother
Since our home study had completed in February, we had presented to a couple birthmothers and had several situations presented to us, but hadn't felt a "match" with them. One year ago today, much like today, we were both at work; I was busy preparing tax extensions before the 4/15 deadline and Tim's calendar was full of meetings. It was around lunchtime that Thursday I received a voicemail from one of our case workers and then a few moments later, an email from our other case worker, asking me to call her. I felt an urgency in their messages, so I remember contacting Tim quick to see if we could meet for lunch to discuss this prospective birthmother, although, I had very few details at this point.
Thankfully, Tim was able to meet me for lunch. On the way, I called our case worker to get as much information as she had available. I remember the conversation pretty vividly. After explaining the details she had (gender of baby, location, etc), she paused and said, "There's one kicker..." My heart sank, but I replied "What is that??"... "Well, she's due SOON. Like real soon." I laughed, and said "How soon??" She said "3 weeks. Is that too soon?" Of course not!! Although we had only been 'home study ready' for less than 2 months, our desire to be parents was much longer than that. The sooner the better, as far as we were concerned!! :)
Tim and I talked over lunch and decided we would agree to meet the birthmother. Since she was due so soon, she was anxious to meet us. So, we arranged for that Sunday afternoon.
To be continued...
Monday, June 23, 2014
{First} 8 weeks
Wow!! Time is flying so fast!! Not sure where the last 8 weeks have gone, but this post will have lots of pictures, in hopes to catch up. I hoped to have kept this blog more updated but, my arms and heart have been full! :) We love her more each day!
Bringing Ava Home -- some immediate family gets to meet Ava! We were welcomed home with surprises: Mimi, Riley & Cameron had come over and decorated our house and set up the pack-n-play gift from our neighbor!! We had a great time introducing Ava to the family. Later, some friends came by to meet Ava! The following day, more visitors, her first doctor's appointment, and photoshoot with Auntie Juanita. Later that week, Tim's parents came into town to meet Ava, had our Sp Mtg company and first Wedn mtg and first Sp Mtg.
First Mother's Day -- 2 weeks old. Mimi and Grandpa came over for Mother's Day lunch.
Also at 2 weeks old, Hannah (HannahSwede Photography) did Ava's newborn shoot!! Love, love, love how the pictures turned out!! We are going to miss Hannah when she moves this summer!
My (Jaime) grandparents came from Colorado to meet and visit Ava (3 weeks)! This makes their 3rd great-granddaughter! The girls definitely outnumber the boys on this side of the family, but they didn't seem to mind! :)
At 4 weeks old, we went on our first beach trip! Ava did so well on the car ride, despite the traffic that almost doubled our trip time down to the beach. She loves her car seat, as long as the car is moving, or if she's asleep. :) She loved the beach!! We had great weather, with a nice breeze each day. We also shopped ('til we dropped!) at the outlets and it's pretty clear Ava loves to shop already. :) One night at the beach, Mimi, Grandpa, Cameron, & Riley (yes, all 4 of them!) took care of Ava so we could go on a date. We tried a local restaurant (thanks to a recommendation from some good friends) and decided it's a new favorite! We watched a beautiful sunset and got to see a manatee in the bay! Such a cool experience. (And yes, all we could talk about was Ava!)
ONE month!! Can't believe how much Ava has grown in just one month's time! She's starting to "fill out" and get "fat rolls". :) This purple blanket was made by a co-worker's mom -- very talented!! And it matches the nursery perfectly.
5 weeks old: Baby showers! Miss Ava is so spoiled!! We got loads of goodies from our friends and family! Thanks to Juanita, Phyllis, Audrey, Lydia, Debbie, & Mimi for all your help in hosting such fun times! And to Miss Karen for the pictures! Such a fun weekend!! Oh, and lil' Miss started sleeping through the night! Yay!!
First Father's Day -- 7 weeks old. Daddy wanted to try out his Big Green Egg, so we had dinner with some friends (ribs- yummy!).
Grandparents couldn't stay away!! They came back in June to see Miss Ava! Ava at this point had started smiling! So sweet it just melts our hearts!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
{First} Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day!!
How can I put to words what's in my heart as I celebrate my very first Mother's Day? When I hear "this will be your first Mother's Day!" my heart overflows and I've only been a momma for two short weeks! I'm absolutely in love with my new title, as "momma"!
The purpose of Mother's Day is to remember, honor, and celebrate moms and all their diligent efforts, sacrifices, love, and support they have for their child(ren). However, I want to remember that Mother's Day isn't always a day filled with joy for all women. So, today (and everyday) I also want to remember the moms who have loved and lost, desired but never had or held, and carried but given in adoption.
While tomorrow is Mother's Day, today is actually Birthmother's Day. Since the day we met Ava's birthmother, not a day or hour has gone by that I don't think of her. The minute we met, I knew in my heart that as far as we were concerned, it was a match (the decision ultimately rested in her hands/heart -- we are so glad she chose us!) We totally clicked! We only knew her a couple weeks before Ava was born, but immediately had a connection and loved every minute we got to spend visiting with her. She is sweet and selfless, beautiful and kind, thoughtful and giving. While we have gained so much with her gift of Ava, we are mourning her loss also. This quote sums up my thoughts lately:
Adoption is a beautiful journey and I'm so glad our experience has been all that it has thus far. We will forever remember our birthmother's courage and appreciate the privilege she gave us to be parents. We will also remember her loss, and we have a deeper understanding of "joy and sorrow interwoven- love in all I see"...
Here are some pictures in honor of Mother's Day. Enjoy!
Mimi & Ava
Grandma & Ava
Mimi, Ava & I
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Introducing Miss Ava Kate!
Meet our sweet lil' bundle!!
Ava Kate
Born 4/26/14, 3:29am, 7lbs 11.5oz, 19.3"
Ava modeling Mimi's knitted hat
Meeting our daughter for the first time!
So in love!!
First Family Picture, Ava just a few hours old
Momma and Ava at the hospital
Bringing Ava home, 1 day old (HannahSwedePhotography)
Ava with Momma's first quilt
Photo shoot, 2 days old at Juanita's
First Sunday (Special Mtg)
Daddy isn't at ALL in love! ;)
Ava modeling Mimi's knitted hat
Ava, 12 days old
To respect Ava's privacy and the privacy of her sweet birthmother, details of her 'story' will be limited, but please know that we LOVE her birthmom (and family) and are so blessed she chose us to Ava's parents. There's no doubt God's hand was in this match, as it couldn't be more perfect. Thank you for following our journey! Sorry this post is short, but hope to update again soon…just wanted to introduce Miss Ava Kate!! … now, back to the newborn snuggles!! :)
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Adoption Puzzle Fundraiser
We created a puzzle as a means of a fundraiser for our adoption. We designed this puzzle using one of our favorite adoption quotes. A great thanks to Subatomic Puzzle Lab for making this puzzle a reality! This weekend, we, with the help of Jaime's parents, brother, and Riley, put together the puzzle. It was a fun evening, full of laughs. :) Thanks for your continued support; and please know that every donation is greatly appreciated.
Here's how it works:
1. We are "selling" each piece for $20. You can choose to buy 1, 2, 3, or 10! There is no limit. Each donation made in $20 increments will result in a puzzle "piece".
2. To purchase via Paypal, click the "Donate" button that is in the right column of our blog or you can email me (adoptionjt@gmail.com) for our address and send a check in the mail. Another option is to purchase through AdoptTogether, and your donation will be tax-deductible.
3. Once you purchase a piece or pieces, we will write your name on the back of the puzzle piece(s).
4. Once every single piece is "sold", we will hang the puzzle in a double-sided glass frame for our child's room, so they can always look back and be reminded who had a "piece" of bringing them home!
Pictures from the evening:
Here's how it works:
1. We are "selling" each piece for $20. You can choose to buy 1, 2, 3, or 10! There is no limit. Each donation made in $20 increments will result in a puzzle "piece".
2. To purchase via Paypal, click the "Donate" button that is in the right column of our blog or you can email me (adoptionjt@gmail.com) for our address and send a check in the mail. Another option is to purchase through AdoptTogether, and your donation will be tax-deductible.
3. Once you purchase a piece or pieces, we will write your name on the back of the puzzle piece(s).
4. Once every single piece is "sold", we will hang the puzzle in a double-sided glass frame for our child's room, so they can always look back and be reminded who had a "piece" of bringing them home!
Pictures from the evening:
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