Monday, May 30, 2011

I Didn't Want to Believe

When we had just joined our adoption program last summer, there was one person I just HAD to tell-my dear friend L. Though we have never met face to face (we met through my sister in law, Rachel), we had so much in common. She and her husband went through years of trying, treatments, and disappointments. The one difference-she was able to get pregnant with her son. However, later, when they attempted to have a second child, they learned that God had a different plan. He laid on their hearts the desire for them to adopt. When I called her that day, she offered me a unique perspective that I didn't want to believe: that people tend to be much happier hearing pregnancy news than adoption news. When they were waiting to adopt, some of her friends had gone as far as saying things like "well, maybe now you'll get pregnant." I just didn't want to believe that people could react in such a way. "Certainly it would be different for us," I thought. I mean, our family and friends know how long we have prayed for and desired a child. They know the great measures we've gone to expand our family. When our bundle of joy arrived in the non-traditional way, I expected nothing but ecstatic responses from friends and acquaintances. For the most part, I was right, but not completely.


There was an event that forshadowed our news would not be received as we had anticipated. I had rehearsed over and over in my head how I would explain to my high school students that Billy and I were expecting through adoption. Finally the day came, but reality did not measure up to my vision. When I told my first period class, half way through my exciting news, a usually shy female student said,"Do you mean that there's something wrong with you and your husband medically and you can't get pregnant?" I was thrown a bit off guard. I guess I didn't expect our infertility to be the focus. I told her that doctors weren't able to determine why we couldn't have children, but that I felt there was different plan for us, adoption. I tried my best to explain how excited we were, and I even used it as a teachable moment, explaining," When someone tells you about a pending adoption, it's like they're pregnant. You should tell them congratulations." After class several students, stopped by and wished me their best.


I proceeded to tell my second period class. When a student interrupted my monologue with, "You're going to tell us your pregnant, aren't you?" I responded,"No, but just as exciting news. My husband and I are expecting through adoption." He said flatly,"That's not the same." Again, I was blown away! I went on to explain that it was just as exciting news as a pregnancy, and what was the proper, mannerly way to respond to such news. By the time my third period class rolled around, I felt beat up lol. I thought,"How could one of the happiest things that have ever happened to us be received so poorily? It isn't fair!" But, something different happened during my monologue to my third period class: a group of female students got the biggest smiles on their faces, and all of a sudden, claps erupted, and a wave swept over the rest of my class-the entire class was clapping for our news! What did I do? Cry, of course lol. I was so touched by their response-they got it! But, why did they get it and the others didn't?


I shared with my partner teacher later in the day what it had been like sharing our adoption news. I told her how amazed I was by the flat responses of some of my students, but T put into perspective. She reminded me that many of our students probably don't have family members who were adopted, and the may not know of anyone who was adopted. They base their knowledge and opinions on their experience. I couldn't really expect too much from them. As a teacher, I really should have realized that.


But that was high school students-our adoption news would be received by adult friends warmly and enthusiasticly, right? I didn't want to believe what L told me could possibly be true. I have posted adoption news on my Facebook status at each crossroad: our decision to adopt, entering the adoption program, being matched to our birthmom, Liam's birth, etc. For the most part, each piece of news has been received well according to the responses. However, I'm surprised by the number of responses in terms of the numbers of "friends" that I have. I'm also surprised that a small number of people we have shared our hearts with during our journey, haven't even made an effort to congratulate us. I know everyone is busy, but people who I really thought would "get it," have been amazingly quiet. Maybe some people are like my students-they don't know people who have been involved in the adoption process. Some are Christians, and I thought they would at least be able to relate on a spiritual level. There isn't a better picture of adoption than God's adoption of believers into His family...Maybe I'm extra sensitive...


In sharing feelings that I have had, Billy has helped put it all into perspective. It doesn't matter what others think, what they say (or don't say), or what they do in terms of OUR adoption. We followed God's tugging on our heart strings, and because of it, we have the most amazing, beautiful, perfect baby boy we could have ever imagined. We have been blessed!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Bella Loves Liam

For starters, the Bella I'm refering to is our golden lab mix not the Bella from Twilight. (Not that I have ever watched or read the series...) A few days ago, two planks in our back fence loosened causing Maya, our Australian Shepherd lab mix, and Darla, our ridgeback lab mix, to escape our yard for hours. The last time I had remembered seeing either of them had been around 2 p.m., and when Billy arrived home at about 6 last night, they were MIA.

Billy combed our neighborhood and surrounding areas for about two hours, and had no luck. We reluctantly decided to put the search on hold until this morning. He brought Bella inside since she looked like she was sick with worry over Maya's and Darla's disappearance. (Actual reason he brought her in: he left the gate open in case Maya and Darla ventured home, so Bella wouldn't have been secured had he left her in the yard.) As Billy prepared Liam's bottle, he began to cry. I watched as Bella slowly sauntered from the laundry room to the living room.

Billy rose from the couch with Liam in his arms, and crouched down half way-just enough for Bella to see Liam. Amazingly Bella stood on her back legs and licked Liam's arm. (So, so adorable!) Then Billy sat back down on the couch, and Bella rested her head on the arm of the couch so she could watch Billy finish feeding Liam. It was all so precious, and the only reason I was okay with Bella being around Liam at all is because she is an absolute sweetheart, and Billy was being so careful. Also the past two weeks, Billy has been presenting the dogs with Liam's blankets and clothing. The purpose is to get the dogs used to him prior to their introduction. Apparentely it worked beautifully because-Bella most certainly loves Liam!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Reflections of a New Mommy

How does one put into words what it is like to be a New Mommy on Mother's Day after 9 years of waiting? I seriously can't think of anything to compare it to-maybe it most closely resembles someone who has longed to get married for years upon years, and finally they meet the love of their life. Oh, the bliss that is felt on the wedding day! Still, it's not a perfect comparison. Becoming a mother has really "rocked my world" in the following ways (and in no particular order).

1. I have worn a path out in my carpet from walking to our livingroom to the nursery every 5-10 minutes. (Liam sleeps in his nursery during the day, and at the foot our our bed at night.)

2. I have acquired super power caliber hearing. There's almost no need for a baby monitor!

3. As hard as it may be for some to believe, I'm not as anal about my house being clean. NBC news should have aired a story last week on the house hit most recently by a tornado-the O'Neal household!

4. My (our) priorities have shifted completely. Being a mom has changed my world view, how I view myself, our marriage, and my relationship with God! (I'm praying a lot more!)

5. I've never been so happy to see someone poop in my life-we have had some challenges with formula.

6. I value family time more! I love sitting on the couch and "playing" with Liam and Billy in the evenings. (Check out the video on my wall.) I'm also realizing the importance of extended family contact.

7. Nothing is better than cuddling with Liam after feeding.

8. I've never been so excited about sharing news (Liam) in my life!

9. My laundry has more than doubled, and my sleep has diminished!

10. Most important: for some, biology matters, but not to me. When I look into Liam's eyes, I am convinced the love I experience has been there since God created me. There is not a doubt in my mind that Liam is the answer to our prayers-our son.


There are some many other things that I could list, and maybe this blog will be a work in progress. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms I know! Much love!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

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.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Goodbye, Michael Scott. Hello, Liam

On Thursday, The Office aired their goodbye episode to Michael Scott (Steve Carell). As a die hard fan of Carell's character, I now view the show as a sinking ship-sadly. Producers have come up with a quick fix with Will Ferrell, but it appears that his managerial role will be short lived. No matter what big hitter they get, they won't be able to fill Michael Scott's shoes. The Office has been a tv. staple in our home ever since it's beginning in 2005. The dead pan humor struck a chord with me immediately, and I had loved Steve Carell in Anchorman. I have been frustrated about the departure of Michael Scott, but I had no idea how deepily it would impact me.

In 2005, we were three years into our infertility journey. At that point, doctors had been consulted, meds administered, various treatments tried. I had taken a break from teaching fulltime to have a more flexible schedule for doctor's appointments. In order to bring in additional income, I had started a home based tutoring business. My life was pretty quiet, and I was in desperate need of an escape. In the evenings, Billy and I found very few shows we liked to watch together, but we gave The Office a chance. I liked it immediately, and Billy needed some time to warm up to it. Soon enough, I was a fanatic. At first I would do nerdy stuff like quote lines from the show "that's what she said" or we would religiously dvr when we weren't able to watch. Then I became a hard core fan by owning seasons of the show and watching various episodes over and over again when I especially needed a good laugh. (My favorite is "The Injury.")

Thursday night's farewell to Steve Carell episode had the following premise: Michael Scott had made a list of all his coworkers, and he crossed their names off the list after he was able to say something special to them or give them some kind of momento. All of his coworkers were under the impression that the next day was his last day. However, secretly he planned that the current day would be his last. He had his special moments with all of his coworkers with the exception of Pam, who was supposedly running a work errand. Just before the taxi arrived to pick him up for the airport, Jim (Pam's husband) figured out that that was Michael Scott's last day. Michael said goodbye to everyone in the office, the rest of them completely unaware that he was not returning the next day. Michael Scott was transported to the airport, and the audience was convinced that he had missed his opportunity with Pam. However, just as Michael was about to board his plane, Pam showed up just at the nick of time (obviously she had been running because she was carrying her heels). They shared a very sweet moment embracing and saying their goodbyes. At this point in the episode, I completely lost it. I was literally sobbing as I watched this. Billy did his usual thing when I cry over sappy stuff-point and laugh. He asked me, "Really, Heather? Why?"

I thought a minute, and realized how profound the exit of Michael Scott was. I had relied on his antics and that of Dwight's for the majority of our infertility journey. He had put a smile on my face and helped me laugh during my darkest of times. However, I no longer need his comedic relief. The dark days are gone. My joy has been restored. On to the next phase of our lives. God has blessed us with Liam. Goodbye, Michael Scott. Hello, Liam.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Unimagineable

"Now all glory to God who is able through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

That scripture reference was the most appropriate way I could start this blog. I love Romans 8:28, but I'm feeling Ephesians 3:20 really captures the tone of our journey's culmination. This week God has shown up more than I ever remember seeing Him in my life, and the good that has come from our journey was unimagineable, more than what we could have thought to ask for! More than anything, I hope my friends recognize this as a blessing from God. There were way too many "coincidences" through the past month leading up to Liam's delivery-it was definitely a "God thing". God's goodness has been evident through this entire journey, and I'll try to highlight events since Monday...

As you know, Liam was born via emergency C-section late Monday night. The doctor noticed that his heart rate was flat, and when he performed the C-section, he discovered the cord was wrapped around his neck 1.5 times. Billy and I knew something wasn't right when he told us the plans for delivery had changed, and he said a prayer and did lots of pacing while we waited. The bummer was that I wasn't able to be in the delivery room. Our birthmom had chosen to have her support person with her instead, which was understandable. Immediately afterwards, we were able to not only see Liam, but we had him in our room all night. (We and the birthmom had our own, separate rooms).

The next day, family visited with us. My parents, grandma, two aunts, and Billy's sister came by to meet Liam. Birthmom shared him with us that day, and she graciously told Billy that she was willing to meet any of our family members. (Earlier in the day I had "met" her mother and sister over the phone-an amazing thing!) My mom and one of my aunts met our birthmom, and it was a very special opportunity for them to thank her for helping us achieve our dreams and to recognize her brave choice to provide Liam an adoptive life.

Prior to leaving the hospital, the birthmom asked the hospital chaplin whether she would pray a blessing over Liam. (It has been fantastic to have a birthmom who shares our same beliefs!) Just before prayer, the chaplin told us that she and her husband have desired to have a family for years, and that since she is nearly forty, she hopes someday they will be blessed through adoption just as we have been. Her prayer was absolutely beautiful-just as I'd imagine Liam's church dedication might be. As you can imagine, our birthmom, Bill, and I were all in tears by the end of the prayer. In order to help with the separation, it is advised that birthmoms and adoptive parents leave the hospital at the same time. That is exactly what we did.

When we arrived home that night, Billy told me that he had spoken to one of Liam's nurses, and she asked him to what extent we had gone to have a family. They swapped infertility stories, and the nurse said that she and her husband will most likely adopt, and she even asked about our adoption facilitator. As I think about the chaplin and the nurse, I can't help but wonder what kind of impact our experience will have on them. I wish I could know!

Now I can't go on anymore without bragging about my son :). Liam is not only the cutest baby in the entire world since the beginning of time, but he also has Herculian strength. At 17 hrs. "old", while being burped, he has been able to lift his head off Billy's shoulder! We have pics to prove it! He continues to do this, and turn his head so he can see us while we are tending to him. We took him to the pediatrician today for his two day appointment, and our doctor said that he looks great! He is eating very well, and is only waking up one time in the middle of the night. He consistently sleeps 4 hrs. straight-I"m afraid that I may jinx myself by writing this lol.

As for the adoption process, there are a number of things that must be accomplished. First, we have to submit our request to adopt Liam within 10 days to the court. Please pray that this, and other hurdles over the next month will be smooth sailing. It takes 8 months for the adoption to be final. I will update as our journey, no, adventure with Liam (the most beautiful, special baby in the world :) ) continues.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The End (or the Beginning) in Sight!

I thought I would give everyone an update of the last 24 hrs. Yesterday at the end of 7th period, Billy called me. At that moment, I just knew Liam was on his way. For the past week, Billy had been telling me that he thought Liam would be born on Wednesday, the 13th. I don't put a lot of stock in premonitions, but when he called me, I couldn't believe it. Sure enough our birth mom was having contractions. Since I teach in Willows, I was advised to head home. I waited a little while for Billy to arrive, and after he came home, we received a call from our adoption facilitator that the contractions were irregular. Therefore our birthmom wasn't heading to the hospital. So we waited nearly two hours, and sure enough we received another call from our adoption facilitator that she had just found out that that our birthmom was headed to the hospital. In record timing, we had the car packed, and ventured out on the 30 minute drive to Feather River Hospital. Once there, we joined our birthmom in her beautiful, spacious room (love their birthing center!), and watched the monitor, hearing Liam's heartbeat for the very first time! We chit chatted on a more casual level with our birthmom, which was a great bonding time. Sure enough, the charge nurse came in to inform us that her contractions had stopped! She was released! Since our birthmom has dilated slightly, we think Liam will arrive in the next day or so. Because of this, I had my sub teacher start covering my leave today. I just didn't want to be in Willows again, and have to worry about getting to Paradise in time! Today I've been able to do some final nesting activities-work in the nursery, do laundry, and have my acrylic nails removed lol! We are ready for Liam; whenever God has appointed his arrival to be!