I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

Sunday, October 31, 2010

The beloved cradle...

My dad made this cradle 16 years ago when my uncle and aunt were pregnant with my cousin. We knew from that moment that it was going to be a special piece that was passed on for generations to come. I used to imagine the day that I would get the turn to use this cradle...I would imagine being half asleep in the middle of the night to a fussy baby and nudging the side of the cradle so it would sway back and forth to calm the baby. Not too long ago I often thought I would never be able to get that opportunity....it deeply saddened me that I would never be able to use the family heirloom that my own dad crafted with his own two hands. Today, Jason and I moved the beloved cradle into our room. What a special, special day. There aren't enough words that I can type right now to fully describe how this feels. Just know my heart is smiling. I love you dad!

The time is drawing near...

Washing clothes, washing bottles, buying formula, buying diapers....yep, that's what's going on in the Oliver household. We are days away from meeting our precious miracle baby boy. Despite the November 21st due date, the doctor is certain the baby will be born prior to that. In this past Thursday's weekly appointment he told birth mom that he would see her next Thursday (the 4th) for another weekly check....and then he expected the next time he would see her would be in the delivery room!!! November 5th is becoming a popular prediction for the birth date.
I've been asked this question a lot lately - "Are you ready?" You can take that question one of two ways....Are you ready, like do you have all the necessities - bottles, diapers, car seat, etc.... OR..... Are you ready, like emotionally, mentally, etc. I'll answer both sides to that question. We are ready with the necessities. We have the basics and frankly, we are so thankful to have as much as we have. Emotionally, mentally???? Jason and I have waited for this moment for a long time, but I don't know how anyone can truly mentally prepare for becoming a parent. With everything that we have endured the past couple of years...I can't help but think it's going to be the coolest most refreshing feeling ever. I know it's going to be hard - we are going to be sleep deprived and it will be a challenge - but YES, we ARE ready. I'm ready to snuggle with that precious miracle and start the next chapter of our lives.
Continue to stay tuned!!!! :)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The sweetest sound...

Today I got the pleasure of going to the doctor with birth mom. This is something I've been waiting for since the day we met her. We knew this was going to be an open adoption which means we get these kinds of perks. :) We wouldn't have it any other way. What a special memory to tuck away in my memory!! Hearing his heartbeat was the sweetest sound I've ever heard. I was all prepared to cry.........if you've been around me lately you know...I can cry at the drop of a hat....the emotions are just so intense and real that the tears flow freely these days. I even wore my waterproof eye make up....but nope....no need for the tissue. I guess it was more excitement so it kept the tears at bay. Although, now as I'm typing this....I'm starting to tear up. :)

Doc report: birth mom is right at 35 weeks and the baby is measuring just as he should be. The heartbeat fluctuated between 152 and 162, right where it should be. His head is down...hopefully it will stay that way. The doctor said the chances of her going into labor in the next 2 to 3 weeks are slim. She starts going every week now, so next week they will start checking to see if she's dilated at all. The doctor said we can go and tour the labor and delivery area to check things out. Jason and I will definitely do this so we know what to expect the day of the birth.

Birth mom's sister was with her today. This was the first time I've met her. She welcomed me with open arms just as birth mom has and both were so excited to see me!! I can't even begin to express how all of this feels. It's like the most grateful feeling I'll probably ever feel. This family has just taken us in and have become our biggest cheerleaders....they are all so excited to be giving us this incredible gift.

This is definitely not a "typical" adoption. But like I've said before....nothing about Kara & Jason Oliver is "typical".

We are in the homestretch now. I know so many of you are following along with such excitement and anticipation....a lot of you we don't even know. God works in amazing mysterious ways and I know, more now that ever, that He is using this situation for His glory. Thanks and praise be to God!!!

Stay tuned............. ;)