Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'M YOURS!!!

The social worker came to our room this morning to let us know she was heading down to Lauren's room to do all the paperwork. Lauren has never given us any reason to think she had or would change her mind. Actually, just the opposite. She has been absolutely wonderful and would correct people that were in the room when they called her the mother. She would say "she's the mother" and point to me. She let us make all medical decisions and didn't want to give any input. She has loved on him but in a way that she seemed like someone visiting us to see him for the first time. She never held him very long and always handed him back to me so I could bond with him. Her friend came to visit and she mentioned to her friend, "you should see Dana and Camden together. It's like they were meant for each other." This whole process has gone so smoothly. We have been so blessed.

Well, we waited and waited for the social worker to come back and let us know it was done. Finally, she knocked at the door and came in. My heart was racing and honestly, I felt sick! She said, "It's all done. She signed." My walls came crashing down. I couldn't contain myself and burst into tears. That poor social worker! I'm sure she's seen that reaction many times though. I was overcome with complete joy knowing that he's ours!!! Each and every up and down were all worth it in that moment. Todd came over and hugged me and congratulations went around the room. We asked how Lauren was doing and the social worker said she was very peaceful about her decision but was a little emotional as expected. We checked in on her to see if she wanted us to get her lunch. She was doing great, up and about, disconnected from all her tubes, and had already had a shower. She asked to have some alone time with Camden in her room and we were happy to oblige. We dressed him in a cute little outfit that she bought for him and delivered him to her room. We want her to do whatever she feels comfortable with so that she can heal and not have regrets. Camden could probably be discharged from the hospital today but Lauren mentioned that she'd love it if they could both be discharged at the same time. Said it would feel weird if she were still here in the hospital after he was gone. She wants to say her goodbyes and have them both leave at the same time. So, we'll stick around until tomorrow or Monday to honor her wishes.