Betty Crocker Wannabe has MOVED! I am now blogging solely at A Simply Klassic Home. I am still sharing printables, party ideas, and other inspiration. It's much more streamlined and clean. I hope you will stop by and say follow along there! I have lots of ideas for new printables coming this holiday season!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Day I Met the Love of My Life

I've shared various parts of my adoption story at Wednesday's Walk; how I came to choose adoption, our finalization day and choosing the date, and the steps along the way. I haven't written a post like this in a while, so today, I'd like to share the most precious story of our journey.

The day we met.

November, 2007

I was waiting for the phone call, the one that said my baby was ready for me.

At birth, my son had been placed with a wonderful foster mother who had taken great care of him for the first nine weeks of his life. I had already had the presentation, received photos, and waited on pins and needles while a judge decided my child's fate.

I received the call from my Social Worker on November 19, saying that we were clear, and I could finally meet my baby. The plan was for me to go and visit with him the next day, on a Tuesday evening, and come back to pick him up and take him home the following day.

Monday night was filled with much preparation and anticipation. I washed bedding, set up the nursery, and bought an infant car seat and a few outfits, including a "Baby's First Thanksgiving" outfit, since the holiday was just three days away. My purchases were still in my car when I went to visit the foster mom's house the next day.

I barely slept that night, and just plowed through work the next day, as it was really NOT where I wanted to be. I even agonized over what to wear, because, you know, first impressions and all.

The thirty minute car ride to the foster mother's house, I just kept telling myself to breathe. I was about to meet my child for the first time.

When I pulled up, I realized my Social Worker wasn't there yet, and I was 20 minutes early. My heart was racing as I walked up the pathway to the front door and rang the bell.

A child answered, and went to get her mother, who came down the hall with an infant wrapped in a soft blue and white striped blanket. Tears filled my eyes as she placed the baby in my arms. 

"Here's your baby," she said, smiling; and to my son, "Meet your Mama."

I just held him and looked at him for the next 30 minutes until the Social Workers arrived. Like I mentioned, the plan was that this would be just a visit and I would come back and pick him up the next evening. The foster mom questioned the Social worker, "Why can't she just take him home tonight."

I don't think I took a breath for the next minute while the Social Workers pondered her suggestion.

"I guess that would be ok." That's when my mind started racing. Could I really do this alone? "Do you have a car seat?"

I told the Social Worker I had purchased the car seat, but hadn't even taken it out of the box yet. That had been on tonight's agenda! They set it all up for me while I just got to hold my baby.

I signed the paperwork, gathered up his belongings, said goodbye to the Social Workers and hugged the foster mom. We were off to start our lives together.

I remember praying in my heart as I secured him in the car, asking God for guidance, and above all thanking him for the most precious gift of my life.


13 comments:

Jenilee said...

oh I was holding my breath with you! I can only imagine what you went through in those first moments with your son! he is adorable :) thanks for linking a post today!

Adriana said...

I'm in tears right now! Thanks for sharing, it's such an amazing story.

Rachel said...

I love that story!! It makes my heart happy!! :) And what precious pictures!

**hugs**

:)
Rachel

Carey C. Bailey said...

tears! I was a foster care/adoption recruiter for a few years. These are the stories you live for!

Anonymous said...

That is an amazing story that you can look forward to telling your son in the future. He is beautiful.

I have will have to read the post on discipline. Have a great day!

Penelope said...

Wow! Did you realize that you took your precious gift home on National Adoption Day? WOW! I'm going back and writing up our love story.

Maxabella said...

I imagine that 30 minute car journey was the longest of your life! He is so beautiful and look at that smile. Instant bond forever.

Kelly Polizzi said...

oh goodness, what an absolutely adorable baby he was (and still is!). You make such a beautiful pair and I am so so happy the adoption experience worked out well for you. He looks like such a happy boy :) Thank you for sharing.

Lana said...

Oh I love reading your adoption posts. Warms my heart...Looks like he didnt take his eyes off of you. A true Mama and Baby.

Michelle said...

How precious! I just love the pictures!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful baby! Love the pictures:)

Anonymous said...

I loved this story! Hooray for happy endings!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

What a precious post! A perfect Walk down Memory Lane!
How sweet are the photos!

I am finally gettting a chance to stop by from Wednesday's walk down Memory lane... and yikes! It is already time for another!

Blessings & Aloha!
I would love it if you get a chance to stop by my place :o)