Sunday, July 26, 2009

It took 2 posts to show you some of my favorites so be sure to read the previous post as well.

And a few taken today . . .

Full

My life is FULL ... of joys! I realize I need to start blogging again. And, I will ..soon. We are feeling blessed beyond measure and cherishing every day with Samuel! In the meantime, some "favorite" pix of Samuel.

Time flys when you're having fun...

2 months old and ours forever!

Samuel turned 2 months old on Monday. It was 6 weeks ago Tuesday he was placed in our arms.

Our hearts are full and running over with love for our little boy. He is so precious! It has been so wonderful to watch him grow. He's gained 3 lbs, 7 oz. since birth. He does great with holding up and turning his head, following voices and people as they move around, responding to Mommy and Daddy, smiling, etc.. His first "real" smile was at about 6 weeks; his first laugh at 8 weeks.

We've put away the "preemie" and most "newborn" clothing .

Overnights were tough for the longest time. Samuel would try so hard to sleep, but obvious stomach discomfort made sleeping very hard for him. After a few changes in formula, we've found one that is much gentler on his system. He takes 3 -4 ounces of S.imilac S.ensitive every 3 -4 hours during his waking hours. The past few nights he slept 5-7 hours without waking for a bottle. Following the advice of our pediatrician, we give him a small dose of gas drops 1 hour before each feeding. I also keep G.ripe Water on hand .. which can be very calming. We also add 1/2 tsp. of dark K.ayro syrup to each bottle to help with bowel movements.

So, all in all, we have a smiley, happy baby we are totally in love with!

I don't believe I mentioned this in earlier posts, but Samuel's birthmother signed a "ex.tra-judical surre.nder" which granted her 45 days to change her mind, once that 45 days was passed, the adoption would become irrevocable. On Easter Sunday we celebrated the 45th day!
We are rejoicing and thanking God he is ours FOREVER!

Samuel's First Easter 2009

Hoo-Ray for H.oughton College!

Looks like my niece is H.oughton bound! The fun part about it is that's where I went to College. I am so happy for her! Check out the memento she brought back for Samuel:

Smile!

Daddy caught a smile on camera!

I love..

I love...

Hanging out with my boy, Samuel Riley! :-)

My child is all I ever dreamt he'd be. Masterfully created by God, he is so precious .. so perfect.

Knowing him, loving him and being his mom is amazing.

We are a family now. We feel completely blessed.

At 4 weeks old, his personality is developing. He's calm, sweet, laid back and loving. A very gentle soul.

I am astonished by his presence.

The Journey of Many Hearts

In that moment, quiet surrounded me. It was as if time actually stood still. My breath caught. My heart stopped. Slowly, gently, I wrapped you in my arms. I felt the steady rhythm of your heart next to mine. Softly, I pressed my cheek to yours, closed my eyes and exhaled... In the stillness of that quiet miracle, I held you, my son, for the very first time. In that moment at last, the journey of many hearts beat as one. And you were home.

- Author Unknown

Samuel's First Couple of Days Home

Samuel's first few days with us were "trial and error" ... but considering the life changing event "he and we" went through, we all did phenominal, really.
It seemed none of us slept that night, literally. Since I hadn't actually slept much since "The Call" on Thursday, I was rather wiped out.

I was falling in love with Samuel and feeling over the top overwhelmed! Brian and I had gone from a couple to a family in just a few short days. Well wishers meant well, so well ...
everyone was falling in love with Samuel. But, I went through a day of feeling smothered, tired, worn out and I just needed some time to gather my thoughts and get some rest.
My brother and sister-in-law were here from Cleveland. They stepped in and managed the home, baby, phone, etc. while we attemped to catch some rest. Notice I said "rest" because I don't think I truly ever went to "sleep".

Since then it's been all up hill. We couldn't be happier. Samuel is a good baby - I mean so good I feel guilty! ;) He's pleasant, happy, smiley (for real, not gas, ha), content.

I have experienced "Mom instincts" I didn't expect. So surreal. I find myself wanting to protect him and love him FOREVER! We spend alot of time bonding. We sing, cuddle and kiss as much as we can. I can honestly say there are absolutely NO bonding issues, as a matter of fact, I find it to be quite the opposite.

Samuel is a miracle from God. Our wait was long and painful, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I can see now, God was busy perfecting our son. I thank God every day for this baby. . . we have been richly blessed.

More On Placement Day

Once Samuel was introduced to us we were given a few moments quiet time. We fed him, changed him and prepped for the ride home. I had taken a special newborn layette outfit, but it was TOO big for his tiny little body.

The ride home was great! I sat in the back with Samuel while BT drove. From the moment Samuel was placed in my arms I felt fine, great actually. No more tummy ache. So our first stop was Wendy's drive-thru for a single burger and diet coke!

We stopped at a service area for gas, and to feed, change and hold him. The drive home seemed to take forever. Baby slept... I spent time texting pix to family who were all waiting for his arriveal home.
When we arrived home, Samuel was greeted by a stork on the lawn and a sign in the window.


Inside our immediately family was waiting to meet him. Everyone was so happy, so excited, so in love. I wish there were words to describe the emotions!

My sister decorated the inside of our home for Samuel's homecoming. Everyone stayed for dinner. We had Olive Garden lasagna, tossed salad and garlic bread. My mother-in-law brought a cake from Wegmans. So fun and so yummy!

Samuel "Asked of God"

March 3, 2009 - Placement Day

At approximately 12 noon, Baby Samuel Riley was placed in my arms.

I'll do my best to explain how the moments enfolded . . but I know my words won't come close to the joy we experienced.

Barely able to sleep the night before, we were up promptly at 6 AM, with plans to leave for the agency by 7:30 AM. All the stress, nervousness, etc. caught up to me and I got a nervous stomach that not only caused us to leave late, but required a few unexpected stops on the New York State Thruway. Our appointment was for 10 AM. We were late. I felt horrible. But the ladies at our agency were great.

We were greeted at the door and taken back to the counseling room to read, review and sign necessary paperwork. I vividly remember trying to sign my name for the first time. My hand was so weak and shaky! Once the adoptive parent worker went over everything with us, the birthparent worker came in to talk to us.

She told us about Samuel's birthmom! She's a brave, strong, loving woman who wanted the best for Samuel. Her plan was solid. She wanted him placed with a couple who waited a long, long time and had no other children. She chose not to have contact of any kind. No phone calls, letters, cards, etc. We loved all the things the agency shared with us regarding her life, wishes, future goals, etc.. I can't stop thinking about her and the gift she gave us. I may never be given the opportunity to thank her myself, but she will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

One thing the worker stressed over and over was how much she loved Samuel and that we should always assure him of her love.

Then it was time for Samuel's foster family to bring him in! I remember the room quickly filling with people and camera flashes all over the place, but what I remember most was this image of the foster mother walking into the room with our boy.

Once Samuel was placed in our arms, things were pretty quiet as we all shared a loving, emotional moment. Samuel's foster Mom talked to me about his likes and dislikes.

Once things calmed down everyone stood in a circle holding hands as a prayer was offered.

Samuel squirmed and made his presence known during the prayer (too cute).

I am so glad we had the opportunity to meet the family who cared for our son for the first two weeks of his life. They're a fine, Christian family whom I am sure took very good care of him.

I must admit, my heart went to my throat as they said their "good-byes" and I heard one of them whisper to Samuel, "Have a good life" with such sincerity.

1 Samuel 1:27

A verse of scripture found in 1 SAMUEL reads, "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him".

The name SAMUEL means "Asked of God".

What better baby boy name could I ask for?

Our little boy will be known as "Samuel Riley"

I just can't sleep. Everything is so surreal.

I am amazed. Completely and totally amazed at the excitement, love and support from those around me.

The words, "This is the call you've been waiting for" echo through my brain over and over.

It was 4:49 PM, I was in my office at work, preparing a proposal for a Universal Pre-K program.
The phone rang, PRIVATE showed up on Caller ID. Normally, I do not answers the phone at that time of day, but Gail had run up to the restroom. When I saw PRIVATE CALLER, I had a fleeting thought it could be Linda. But, quite honestly, for the past 4 years, my heart would skip a beat with every PRIVATE CALLER that came up!

I wish I could remember more of our conversation. Most of it is a blur, as I was crying and working hard to keep my composure. One other thing I remember rather clearly was Linda telling me our birthmother wishes. She wanted him to go to a couple who has waited a long, long time and had no other children!! Oh, and she told me she hadn't seen him yet, but the buzz around the agency was that he is tiny and beautiful!

We hung up the phone and I wept and wept and wept. I wanted so bad to be with Brian right then, but he was home sleeping. I called his cell. I called home. After several attempts it was clear he was not waking up. The reason I did not just head home was because I didn't feel I could concentrate on driving. Anyhow, I finally decided I had to tell! When I called my Mom she offered to walk to our house and walk Brian up! Poor guy thought something was on fire.
Once he realized "the fire" was actually news of a baby boy, he came over to my office for what little details I knew.

We came home. The phones rang like crazy! Thanks to very excited family members and my Facebook status, word spread quick.

We have so much to do! Thank God for my baby sister whose done this twice already. She's already shopped for clothes. Last night she took all the baby laundry to my Mom's to wash and sort. Today she and her husband are coming over to finish up the laundry and give me a chance to work on other areas of the house. I know it sounds wierd that they are doing the rest of the nursery and not us, but I just can't think. I go in there and all I can do is stare. Seriously, I am so grateful.

Oh, we're much closer to deciding on his name. Actually, I believe it's official, but not really OFFICIAL until I tell Linda. So, we will wait on announcing his name.

So, my dear blog friends, on Tuesday morning at 7 AM, we will leave to pick up our son. We have a 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive each way, so it will make for a long, long day. But what a joyful day that will be!

I am a Mom, finally a MOM!!!!!!
I can say that already, right?

It's A Boy!

News Flash!

At 4:49 PM Thursday afternoon, our adoptive parent counselor called me at work.

After our brief "hello's", she said "This is the call you have been waiting for."

Yes, my friends, we got THE CALL.

Our precious, healthy, baby boy was born on Feb. 13, 2009.

He's a tiny little guy, weighing in at 5 lb., 12 oz.

We're picking him up on Tuesday.

I wept ... for an hour.

We have a son whom we will welcome into our arms in 5 days.

No, life doesn't get any sweeter.

Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I <3 Facebook....

LOL ...

Yes, Blogger Friends, I <3> Facebook. If you're a member and we haven't connected, please let me know. I'd love to connect with you, too!

Happy Valentine's Day . . .

Time and time again, life seems to stop for a few brief moments, whether by a tragedy or a miracle, to remind us how fragile life really is. Thoughts of those we love and care about seem to flood our brains and make us wonder if we've shown them how much they mean to us. Perhaps I am feeling a bit emotional after the recent plane crash just a few miles from home. Perhaps it's an accumulation of a series of events I've experienced the past few years. Perhaps it's a whisper in my heart from God. Whatever it may be, I want to take the time to appreciate life and to know I've shown kindness and love to those around me. Happy Valentine's Day!!!!