Last night at home

Momma took a picture of us before she drove away with Leonard. Our last picture of just the two of us at home. 

This afternoon Jim and I took a much-needed nap. Leonard at the foot of the bed and Lilly came in and slept on my side. I thanked God for the moment of reminding us how beautiful our small little family has been for so many years. And I was very aware that the next time we're all laying in our bed we will be a family of five. We are so blessed.

It takes a village

Whelp, looks like we are heading to Georgia TOMORROW! Doctors don't think she will make it to 8/08, and it's just too important to us to be there, than to cross our fingers and wait. 

As you can imagine, our stress and anxiety levels skyrocketed since we thought we had another week and a half to plan and purchase items. Thankfully, our village is strong. Within 4 hours, we had a changing pad, crib mattress, swaddle blankets, wipes, pacifiers, newborn clothes, and more. 

It takes a village. It always has. Our village is strong. And we are grateful. 

We promise to keep you posted. 

Baby Registry

Some of you have asked about registries. Yes, we are registered. We have a few things, but defiantely not all of the essentials. If you wish to purchase from any of our registries, you can find them listed on the following link. http://babyli.st/baby-meek
We can't say it enough...thank you for all of your love and support.

Anne meets Ayanna

First of all, a huge thanks to Meg and Brandon for not only hosting me this past weekend, but for making arrangements to travel 3 hours each way on Saturday. Your support through all of this adventure is greatly appreciated. And thank you to everyone that called, emailed, or texted us this past weekend; wishing us love, encouragement, support and prayers for a good visit. Your prayers were answered.


Ayanna and I spent several hours together on Saturday, July 9th in Georgia. As I pulled in the driveway, I could barely contain my excitement. Maybe 98% excited, 2% scared... or the other way around, I'm not sure. As soon as she walked out, we hugged. I needed that. I brought some small gifts, and a letter that Jim wrote to Ayanna since he wasn't there to meet her. Throughout lunch we talked about our families, our friends, baby girl, birth plan, adoption plan, transracial adoption, etc. Ayanna is so caring and kind. Traits I know baby girl will carry from her; and that makes my heart happy. We walked around the local mall just chatting, joking and laughing, just like old friends. When I dropped her off at home, and pulled out of the driveway, I immediately started to sob. God had answered my prayers. Every detail of our visit was exactly as I had prayed. I was overwhelmed with emotion.


As I was pulling up to the restaurant Meg had been sitting at for hours, I received a text from Ayanna. It read:

Just read the letter. After meeting you today and reading that I know I am making the right decision. And I'm happy to experience this with you and for you to have something that you have always wanted. Drive safely!

What's next? Jim and I head back to Georgia in 3 short weeks for the birth of our daughter. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we get through these next few weeks, and of course the unpredictability of the adoption process.

Georgia on My Mind

"Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind"

This Friday I head to Georgia to meet Ayanna, the birthmother we have been connected with since early May. I'm not nervous. I am anxious. I am anxious to meet the woman that has become such a close friend in such a short time. The courageous woman that wants only the best for her unborn daughter, and sacrifices her happiness to provide it. The woman that is carrying this sweet baby girl that we hope to raise as our own in a few short weeks. I am anxious to meet the woman that is my hero.

I've been praying to God for all the details surrounding this meeting. For calmness of all involved. For Ayanna to feel and believe the support, love, trust and gratefulness we have for her. For this to be the beginning of a growing relationship for our daughter. That we will always be a part of each others life; sharing our families and learning from one another. For God to keep Ayanna and baby girl protected until it is time for baby to enter this world, and continue to protect for all of their days. I thank God for all the blessings He has provided for us.

Good News

On May 4th (May the 4th be with you indeed), we were connected with a birthmother in the Atlanta area. Things have progressed very well and we have started what seems to be a lasting relationship. We speak almost everyday and learn more about each other. She would like an open adoption and that fills our hearts with joy. I am grateful it is all of our intent to provide baby girl (yes, it's a girl) with endless opportunities to know how loved she is by all of her parents.  I will be traveling to Atlanta in early July to meet with her (Jim was invited of course, but for a "last minute" trip, we thought it would be easier for just one of us to travel).  Baby girl is due in August. We are very hopeful and excited. Our plan is to take things day by day, knowing this is all in God's hands.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We promise to keep you posted.

Prayer

"Father, thank You for the blessing and victory You have in store for my future. Thank You for allowing me to see and hear in my heart the good things You have planned. I choose to keep my eyes on You and declare Your blessing over my life in Jesus's name." 1 Kings 18:41

Rage Against the Minivan

I stumbled across this blog today and found it funny, inspiring, and educational. You can click around to specific posts about adoption, parenting, traveling, and more. If you are a mother, I'm sure you will get a kick out of her stories. I am constantly growing and learning more about myself (and others) through the adoption process. Check it out and enjoy!

May Check-In

Good morning!


April showers bring May flowers and we got a bouquet yesterday - we received our monthly update from Angel, our profile went out 12 times last month!!! That's amazing! The typically number is 3-6. And our website profile was viewed over 400 times. Good things are on the horizon, we can feel it. We are putting all of our positive energy out in the universe and we invite you to do the same.

April check-in

Good morning, friends!


Not much to update other than we just wanted to check in to remind you that we are here. No news from Angel recently regarding birthmothers. We get updates every month letting us know how many times our profile went out to expectant mothers. For the month of March, our profile was sent out 5 times, and our web profile was viewed 374 times (thanks to all of you). Angel reminds us that expectant mothers can hold on to profiles for several months before deciding what to do, so we have to keep the faith that we will be connected at the right time with the right person.


Thankfully, and by the grace of God, I have had a spiritual awakening. I have more faith than ever, and I believe good things are headed our way. So much in fact, that I have started collecting baby items again. Little by little. Jim and I put together the bookcase that we bought several months ago. I snagged a few *new* favorite baby books, and as small of a gesture as it may seem, the door to the nursery is kept open again. It's a beautiful room; full of light, and hope. Now when I walk by, it brings a smile to my face and visions of the blessings to come.


Have a great week!

Time to share again!

Can I ask that if you came to our blog today, that you share this with someone? Below is the link to our adoption profile. What about an email to friends and family to let them know you have a connection to someone hoping to adopt? Maybe someone in your Book Club has a connection you are unaware of? Share our profile with a brief description of how you know us on Facebook. Church groups are an excellent way to spread the word and create connections and support!


http://www.angeladoptioninc.com/adoption-family/profile/jim-anne/


Thank you in advance.


xoxo,
Anne & Jim

Local News

I debated sharing this story on our blog. But it's relative to our life that I feel that it's necessary. It's hard for me to find the words to express my sadness about this. My heart breaks for this young mother that didn't understand her options. Of course we do not know the details of this woman's situation, and I don't presume to. But I can't help but wish she knew that there are families waiting for babies to love and cherish. That there are resources to support pregnant women. What if she knew of us, would she have made the same decision? I weep for this baby that entered the world to be taken out so brutally. Why??? We have so much love to give. We pray everyday to have our little one(s) find us. Then we read the LOCAL news to see this. Absolutely heartbreaking. I pray this young woman finds peace and that this angel baby is in Gods loving arms being cherished as he deserves.


Please share our adoption profile over and over again. Let the world know that we are here and ready to become parents.


Please pray for this woman and her angel baby.

Thanks for sharing

Our Angel Adoption profile has been shared 23 times on Facebook. We appreciate all of the "likes" and "loves". We are so very grateful for your continued love and support. All of your texts, emails, and prayers keep us strong and hopeful. Keep doing what you're doing! Share this blog , Share our adoption profile , Share our story. We've got a feeling that with your help, 2016 is the year!

Can you do us a favor?

We are reaching out to all of you to help us find our little one. You never know if your friends cousin, neighbors daughter, co-workers niece, college students friend, might be expecting and considering adoption. Sure, it sounds like a long shot, but it does happen. We know couples that have made connections privately through friends and family. So please keep your ears open, reach out to your friends, church, relatives, etc.. We welcome all the help we can get. Please share this blog with your friends, family, and co-workers.


A few things for you to know:

• We are certified for domestic adoption
• We are open to any race and gender
• We are open to any afterbirth scenario (closed, semi-open, or open)
• We are CPR and First Aid certified
• Our email is JimandAnne1112@gmail.com
• We are not certified for Foster care

We have considered making an adoption Facebook page, website, photo books, etc.. If you think you need something to help us get the word out, let us know! We welcome suggestions. :)


Thank you for your continued support.


Anne & Jim

Checking In

Not much happening these days so that's why the blog has been pretty quiet. Please keep us in your prayers as we wait for our little one... Whenever that may be. 

Xo