Sunday, December 30, 2007

What I Did On My Christmas Vacation

This has been the busiest vacation I have ever had! We have slept in 3 different beds in the last 3 days. Not that I'm complaining mind you but this has been a whirlwind. We flew home Friday night and due to flight delays arrived at our house at midnight. Just in time to crash in our own beds, open the suitcases, throw out the dirty clothes and re-pack clean clothes before hitting the road to Bend yesterday morning. Jeff decided to take the long, easy road in order to avoid the snowy pass. It took a little longer but was worth it. We arrived in Bend in time to grab dinner with Lillian's birthmom which was such a treat. Then today, we met a new birthmom and began forging a relationship. "Forging a relationship?!" That makes it sound like work which couldn't be further from reality.

We met this birthmom and the counselor at 10:30am and didn't stop chatting until the restaurant closed at 2pm. (We met in a little mom & pop restaurant in a small town outside of Bend so they keep their own hours I guess.) At around noon the counselor excused herself saying that we clearly didn't need her around. The conversation flowed naturally as we exchanged pictures and stories. We just adore her! She must like us too because she invited us to her doctor's appointment on Friday. So, back we go. We'll attend her doctor's appointment and then meet the counselor for a second mediation session.

It seems so real and so surreal all at the same time. We've got to call our pediatrician and call our lawyer and re-decorate the nursery in boy colors and install the car seat and...and...and... Oh well, it'll all get done. I know there is always a risk that this adoption may not go through. But we've decided to throw our whole heart into it with the hope that it goes well. Every baby deserves parents who are excitedly anticipating his/her arrival. I refuse to wait until it is "safe" to start loving this little boy.

The prayer requests are all praises today. Praise God for our safe travel. Praise God for this brave birthmom. Praise God for this beautiful baby. Praise God for bringing families together in many different ways.

18 comments:

Jennifer said...

Lori, this is so exciting!!! I've been praying for you guys off and on all day...and I'm not joking but the first time you came onto my heart this morning was at around 10:30am. We love you guys and are throwing our hearts into praising Him with you!!!

Jennifer said...

Lori, this is so exciting!!! I've been praying for you guys off and on all day...and I'm not joking but the first time you came onto my heart this morning was at around 10:30am. We love you guys and are throwing our hearts into praising Him with you!!!

Anonymous said...

crap... you made me cry AGAIN!! it's so exciting... i can't wait to hold my nephew!! what a lucky little boy to have you guys for parents and lillian for a big sis. if you need help with the nursery or any of your other preparation tasks, let me know!! -Becci :)

Cheryl said...

Oh! How Great is our God!!

Praising and continuing to pray with you.

LCM said...

Yeah, yeah yeah!! What a wonderful time you must have had. I am glad you guys had such a safe trip and wonderful bonding time. When is are you guys due?
Boy you guys aren't going to have time to come off the holiday high, it will just be a continuing exciting time.

Anonymous said...

Lori, this is such great news!! I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers! What a wonderful way to ring in the New Year, with the prospect of welcoming this little fella into your family. XXX abra

Anonymous said...

Yeah!!!!! What fantastic news! I am so glad it went so well. God is good.

Wendy

bluelotus said...

It must be safe, because it sounds like you already love his little one! With what you two have been through, isn't this sweet? I wish you all the luck in the heavens! When my son died, I wondered how I would appreciate happiness again. Now I see happiness where everyone sees ordinary. Your insides must be ready to explode excitement. Hoo-hoo, haha! Warm and fuzzies headed your way.

Anonymous said...

Oh My Gosh!!! How exciting!! I can't believe it! I am so happy for you guys! How great is our Lord! Awesome. I am praising God for blessing you!

~Chrissy

Anonymous said...

Lori,

Here's to a New Year with new beginnings, new memories, baby coos, baby poos and God's amazing gifts!

Thanking God for each miracle he sends your way!

Can't wait to read your next update! (Josh and I are already picking out DUCK GEAR! Yahooo!!!)

Happy New Year my friend!

Sending you all our love...
Cat, Josh and kids

Anonymous said...

Each update makes me more and more excited for you both! God is good and I am sure you will both find time where you never expected to get everything done. And what doesn't get done will be just fine! Let me know if I can help in the next couple of days! Beth

Anonymous said...

Whoo-hoo! Such great news! What a fantastic new year this is looking to be! I will keep you in my thoughts and wish for the smoothest of transitions and the best of bringing home this wonderful baby boy!
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Wow! So exciting! You are truly of to the start of a Happy New Year! Wishing you peace and love!
amy

Anonymous said...

WOO-HOO!!!!! I am so happy for you and Jeff! What a fantastic Christmas gift and way to begin the new year! Going on vacation always brings good things. =)

Barb said...

Hi, it's Barb, Celeste's sister-in-law. I remember waiting for that day to arrive. From the day we first met our oldest sons birthmom it was 18 days till he was born. He's 14 now but I still remember it like it was yesterday. And, speaking of yesterday, just yesterday we got a 7 page letter from his birthmom catching us up on her life.

Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

YAAAA! That is SO great! You will all be in our prayers. PRAISE BE TO GOD!
The Ruhnkes
P.S. Will this be "Diego" Harris?:-)

Anonymous said...

Knowing that you were back in Bend again makes me giddy thinking that things are moving along, the birthmom has hopefully chosen you to be her sons parents, and in just a few short weeks the 2 of you could be parents again!!!!!!!!! Can't wait for the next update...
Krissy Keelan

Anonymous said...

Anxiously awaiting an update :) I think I have checked the site 20 times in the last two days :) Can't wait to be a great aunt again! I know it makes me sound REALLY old doesn't it :)