Looking back...

One year ago today, in the early evening, Nate, Sasha, and I were cruising around Meijer (most likely with coupons in hand!) when my cell phone rang.  The baby was coming!  We rushed around frantically, trying to pull ourselves together, and our SIL Allie came over to watch Sasha as we took off for the hospital.  A little bit of craziness ensued, but it wasn't long until we were all together and settled in the delivery room.  J and her family were more than gracious by letting me be an intimate part of the delivery.  I mean, can you imagine allowing someone you have only known for a month be part of something so personal?  Only someone with a selfless and humble heart can do that, and we have witnessed it twice.  I cannot overstate how grateful we are that our lives have intertwined with J and her family, and how wonderful they have always been to us, starting from the Saturday morning in April when we met them, to those precious moments in the hospital, to just this weekend, when they came to our house with gifts to celebrate Alexis.  (And a Mother's Day gift for me...seriously, how is that for thoughtful?)

Nate and I clearly remembered how much time we spent waiting at the hospital for Miss Sasha to come, so we were ready to wait it out for hours.  We had thought that J was going to (try to) rest, so we made ourselves as comfortable as you can on those waiting room couches, expecting that no baby would arrive until morning.  But just before midnight, J's mom came and got us and said "It's time!"  Now that I have known Alexis for a year, I can see that the way she came into the world was just so her.  Not that it was a picnic for J by any means, but I think little Lexi was trying to make it as easy as possible on her.  Labor lasted only a few hours and after 2 pushes she was out!  And she just layed there as calm as can be.  Just quietly checking out the world she joined, sucking her two fingers like she still does today.  Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if she cried at all in the hospital.  She made being a newborn look easy, and us look good.

The next two days were a bit of a daze, as Nate and I balanced the delicate roles of supporting J and her family however we could, with becoming parents to this gorgeous and perfect baby girl.  Wow, is adoption a unique way to start a family.  If you haven't gone through it yourself, you will never understand the strange feeling of being such a part of this incredible experience, but also not being a part of it.  Of knowing that you have been invited there to parent this child, but also knowing that nothing is for sure.  Of being completely ready to bring the baby home and love her forever and ever, but also not wanting to do so if her first mom decides it is not the best decision.  But just like with Sasha, we let the experience unravel before us, taking one minute at a time.  And the next thing we knew, we were saying goodbye to J at the hospital and bringing sweet little Alexis home with us.  And here we are a year later.

Alexis, we love you so much.  You have been an incredible blessing in our lives and we have loved every minute with you.  Your sparkling eyes and smile light up the room, and your sweet and cuddly nature was just what we needed.  Happy birthday big girl, you are a precious gift from God.

Comments

[Allison]

With tears in my eyes, I am saying a prayer of thanks for this awesome adoption story in our family. Both Sasha and Alexis are truly gifts from God. Happy birthday, sweet little Lexi!

[Amber]

I LOVE this post, Heidi. I didn't know you guys got to be there when Lexi was born. I think you explained that selflessness perfectly. I also really appreciate your description of the dynamics from an adoptive parent's perspective. I couldn't have said it better myself!

So glad J got to celebrate some with you guys. There's nothing that gives me more entitlement as a mom than for my child's birth mom to recognize me on Mother's Day - no words.

Anyhow, Happy Birthday sweet little Lexi! :-)

[Hazel]

What a beautiful post! Happy Birthday Alexis!!

[Julianne]

I totally agree with Allison! It was such a blessing when Alexis joined our family last year!! Although I love Sasha's energy and never-ending bubbly spirit Lexi's sweet spirit and love of cuddling are so much fun! I cannot imagine life without her!

Happy Birthday Lexi!

[gkmama]

I'm the same as Allison - sitting at school, tears in my eyes . . . all in response to the beautiful story about Alexis and the joyful and loving way it was written. Thanks for sharing.

[Wendy]

Such a beautiful post, Heidi! Happy Birthday, Alexis!

[Lori]

What a blessing! Happy Birthday Alexis! From Anna and Lori