We Have A Name!

First, I have to give my husband major props here. He's the best! I was very passionate about a certain name but he wasn't on board (or he acted like he wasn't!). The other night we were watching a UL basketball game and I slipped the name into the conversation and he didn't even notice, just acted as if that was the name of our new little one. Once I pointed out that he hadn't noticed that I just used the name, he laughed and said it was because he was paying attention to the game. He still said "no" to my name. Well, this morning I walked upstairs and the nursery door was shut. I opened the door and this is what I saw...


















Off to hang some letters....

One additional little update - The agency called today and said that Lauren wanted us to know her plan for the day of delivery. She would like to see the baby when she has him but wants me to be the first to hold him. They said she's nervous about it being uncomfortable at the time of birth and wanted to make sure everyone is aware of her plan so that it's not so uncomfortable in the delivery room. She plans to hold the baby at some point but wants us to have all the "firsts". She is just so thoughtful and strong.

Getting Closer

10 more days, but who's counting :) Lauren had her 40 week visit today (tomorrow's her due date!)...still not dilated. The plan remains for her to check into the hospital next Thursday and be induced on Friday unless she goes into labor on her own before then. So, we'll be in Kansas no later than next Wednesday, a week from tomorrow! We're still living life as usual around here as we wait. Well, other than the fact that we have piles of "stuff for Kansas" laying around, an empty refrigerator, and are trying to get by with the clothes we didn't pack. I think all of our bags are getting dusty they've been sitting packed for so long. We're excited as each day brings us a day closer to meeting baby boy. Even typing this makes my heart beat a little faster :)

Oh, and baby boy still remains nameless for now. That's a whole other story....I'm set on his name. Todd, not so much. Time will tell.

17 Days

We should have a baby in our arms in 17 days or less! Lauren had an appointment today. No progress yet. She is set to check in at the hopspital on February 2nd for an induction on February 3rd unless she goes into labor on her own before then. So, we're still hanging tight here in Connecticut for now for more waiting :)

While We Wait

As Hayden paints a "Welcome Home" sign for baby boy, and as we touch up paint in the nursery, buy a couple needed baby things, set up the bassinet, clean, and pack last minute items, we can't help but wonder how Lauren is doing. Our hearts are heavy for her. We imagine these last days with her son must be emotional for her. She has spent months with him only to part with him soon. Won't you please join us in praying for her? We're praying that she has peace in her heart over her decision, that she has people around her to encourage and support her, and that she finds comfort and even joy in the days ahead. Thank you.

Rest

During our years of infertility, God showed us what it means to wait. He taught us time and time again during those days about waiting on Him. We learned that God's timing is different than ours and we came to realize that He sees things from a different perspective, the big picture. He knows what is best for our lives. It's a hard pill to swallow when your life doesn't go just how you planned it. But, it's awesome seeing the blessings that come during the wait. ""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways", declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9.

During this adoption process, God seems to be teaching us to rest. For a control freak like myself, it's been a challenge. I find myself over and over thinking about the "what ifs". I've had to learn what it means to take my thoughts captive. When those anxious thoughts come, I'm trying to push them away and focus on resting in God. Matthew 11:28 says "come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." There is such a comfort in giving your worries over to God. I'm getting lots of practice at it. Just this past week the adoption agency mentioned that they hadn't heard from Lauren all week and that her phone was shut off. Well, that's all I needed to hear to go straight to "what if she's changed her mind about the adoption and changed her number?". I thought to myself, okay, here's the perfect time to practice what I've been learning. So, I'm working on it. It's not easy for me, but I'm working on it. We sang this song in church on Sunday...www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0B2ybZpDeM"I am restless, I'm restless. Til I rest in You, til I rest in You. Oh God, I want to rest in You."

Lauren called the agency after her appointment yesterday. All is still going well. She's 38 weeks (they didn't move her due date forward a week like the ultrasound showed, it's still January 25th - 2 weeks from today!) and not dilated at all yet. The doctor told her they would let her go to 41 or 42 weeks before inducing. She mentioned that she still wants me in the delivery room with her, exciting! So, hopefully she'll go to 40 weeks and they will give her an idea of induction date. If that happens, we'll probably go on to Kansas and wait there. We're packed and ready! Oh, and not sure what happened with her phone. The social worker didn't get a chance to ask her because Lauren had to get off the phone because her doctor was calling in. Resting....