Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Homestretch

OK, I'm back. I really didn't fall off the face of the planet and we are all doing great. The past couple of days have been quite the roller coaster and there is just nothing to compare it to. Each day has brought it's own challenges throughout the process.

First of all, before I leave you in suspense any longer, Andrew is home with us and doing well. The birth parents signed the severance of parental rights paperwork this morning, so he is ours, all ours. We will have a court finalization hearing towards the end of the year.

So, back to where we left off . . . Thursday was a day when emotions were running high. Not necessarily ours, but the birth mom's especially. She was really missing her husband and family at that point and struggling with recovering from the c-section. She had also become a little too attached to me. She had me stay with her in the hospital both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, on top of all the time since last Saturday since she had been there. It was really hard to see her so upset and miserable. I spent Thursday night at home, and she spent the night in the hospital by herself.

Early Friday morning our social worker called to tell me that our birth mom was being discharged in a couple of hours. This was a surprise as the plan had been for Saturday. I called the NICU to find out when Andrew would be ready to go home, and they weren't sure yet. By the time I got to the hospital our birth family was getting ready to leave. B and I went to see the baby while they finished up in the room. Our social worker got there and met with the birth family while we went to wait in the cafeteria. Shortly after our social worker met up with us to tell us what had been happening. The power of attorney paperwork had been signed, allowing us to bring Andrew home. The birth parents would going to the NICU to spend time with him. When they were ready to say good-bye they would let the social worker know if they also wanted to say good-bye to us. After about 10 minutes with the baby they were ready to leave and meet us in the lobby on the way out. It was very emotional, and there were tears to be had by all. After they left we went and spent more time with the baby. It was determined that he would be discharged later in the afternoon.

We finally brought Andrew home at about 6pm. Our first evening home was a little emotional, but oh-so-good. It was a little nerve wracking knowing that the meeting for the severance paperwork was scheduled for this morning.

This morning our social worker called to say that they were all still on for the meeting to sign papers. It was scheduled for 10:00. Time slowed to a crawl and by 11:00 I was completely going nuts. Finally, around 11:15 we heard from our social worker. We were finally officially parents. The wildest part of this ride is finally over and the real work, and fun, begins.

And now we continue to get to know our sweet baby. Here he is waving bye-bye as we left the hospital.

17 comments:

  1. He is SO adorable! Great news on the papers being signed. That must be such a relief to you.

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  2. Anonymous8:28 PM

    Oh My Gosh!! I am CRYING reading this! God is so good! Congratulations! Please let me know if there is ANYTHING AT ALL that you need. Enjoy these first precious days getting to know your sweet boy... this is such a special time and you won't get it back! Take Care!

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  3. i am so so so thrilled that Andrew is home with mommy and daddy!!!!

    i have some things for little Andrew and hope that i can stop by this weekend with them if you are up for 10 mins worth of company.

    What an awesome day!!!!

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  4. So sweet. I am so happy for you. At the time of waiting didnt it seem like forever, now it probably seems like a drop in a bucket. AND let me tell you, he will grow so fast before you know it you will have to leave him at college and wonder how time flew by so fast, like you just brought him home from the hospital yesterday. Enjoy ever minute and dont forget about us out here in bloggy world, we want to know how each day goes. Will you get to take time off work ? how does that work? or do you have someone to sit yet? wow all at once without 9 months to plan. that is all so crazy, I bet you cant even sleep at night, just watching him. Well enough from me. Take care, hugs, prayers.

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  5. Again CONGRATULATIONS! A sigh of relief from your friends in California. Knowing he's home with you helps us rest a little easier. This is such a precious picture.

    Welcome Home, Andrew!

    Much love, Melanie & Jim

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  6. That is the best best BEST news..... that picture is perfect. I bet you two are so in love..... man he is adorable. So alert. And already waving... very advanced. Sam

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  7. Oh, this is amazing. I am beyond thrilled for you. He is beautiful!

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  8. You've got another cryer here! I am just beyond happy for you! He is just too adorable! Prepare yourself for many a sleepless night, and more love in your heart than you ever thought possible! So happy for you three!

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  9. Congratulations!

    He's gorgeous.

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  10. I am so happy for you! I am glad the transition went smoothly.

    How is your dog handling having a baby in the house now?

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  11. Anonymous8:09 AM

    Wohoo! So glad he is home now:)

    Debby

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  12. Anonymous9:27 AM

    How wonderful! This has truly been a blessing for you all. I am so glad that you and the birth mother found each other. Congratulations again.

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  13. Goodness - what a sweetie pie!

    I am just so giddy for you

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  14. CONGRATULATIONS MOMMY!!!! He's absolutely adorable!!

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  15. He is precious. Your happiness and excitement oooooozes from your words. Soo happy for you miss Mommmy...how awesome does that feel!?! You are a mommy!!! YAY

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  16. Andrew is one of the most beautiful baby boys I have ever seen.... I am in tears that you are a mommy after so long and so much!!!! This is the happiest post ever!!! Keep posting please, you give everyone so much hope! Praise God this baby is yours now!

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  17. Soooo adorable! Congrats!

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