Continued Amazement

As you all know, we are in the process of (open) adopting Liam. We have arranged with his birthmom to have 3 visitations this year, and 2 visitations every subsequent year. In addition, we will send her pictures every several months. We strongly believe that this is healthy for adoptive children and for the birthparents as well as adoptive parents. For about two years leading up to our decision to adopt, we researched books, online sources, people we know who have adopted and adoptees, and spoken to people within the adoption field to help us make the decision to (open) adopt domestically (within the U.S.).

Yesterday was our first visitation with Liam's birthmom! We did this rather early since her mother was arriving out of state for a visit. As with all new things, I was a bit nervous. Because Liam has been struggling with tummy problems recently (doctor changed us to a lactose intolerant formula), we have not been sleeping well. Yesterday because of the exhaustion, I could feel my nerves getting the best of me. I prayed that this would be a great first visit, and that God would bless our time.

When we arrived, besides our birthmom, and her mother, there was also a couple who were good friends of their family. At first, I thought this strange, but soon it became very apparent to me that this was a God-thing. The couple and birthmom's mother are dynamic Christians (as well as our birthmom). We all ate pizza, and Liam was oogled over and held. Our birthmom is doing well, receiving counseling, attending church, and losing her baby weight. Our visit lasted for two hours, and I can't even tell you what an honor it was to meet her mother and her friends!As we were ready to part our ways, the friend of her mother hugged me and told me," That I was "the perfect mother for Liam," and that she would continue to pray for all of us. Her mother told me the same thing. I began crying! I figured that everyone would be watching us to see what kind of parents we were shaping up to be, and to receive such a compliment from the friend of the family, it touched me beyond words. The visit could not have gone any better!

I continue to worry a little since we still have more steps in our adoption process. However, I keep reminding myself that "He who began a good work will carry on until completion" Phi. 1:6.