Dustin and I met Nekeita a year ago today. To think about the day we spent with her truly almost brings me to tears. I blogged about this woman several months ago, and was able to post some pictures of her as well. If you haven't read that blog, please feel free to. http://ourliladamsfamily.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html She is incredible.
This blog is going to be about our feelings that day. As Dustin and I got ready for our adventure we had so many mixed emotions. We had such great disappointment from the day before and didn't want to get our hopes up. Yet, here we were going to meet a woman and child who might pick us to be their adoptive family! Its HUGE!!!
On our way to Layton Dustin and I just kept trying to figure out questions, looks, and most importantly what in the hell we would have on the radio when she got in the car. Sounds crazy right? Probably but when you are on display and advertising yourselves to make a family, you really do think about everything! I think we decided on a mix of U2 and Sarah McClachlan.
Once we got to Layton we called to let Nekeita know we were here. Within minutes out walks a beautiful woman and little boy. She looks maybe 5 months pregnant and is beaming. I get out and introduce myself and she gives me a huge hug. Instantly all the little fears of what kind of music disappears.
It was so easy for Dustin, Keita, and I to talk. We were able to chat like we had been friends for an entire lifetime. It was really such an amazing experience. Everything just felt so right.
We took Keita to lunch at Joe's Crab Shack and then headed to the Fashion Place Mall to pick up some things she needed for her hospital stay. As we were in Motherhood, Keita asked Dustin and I what we wanted to name our baby. We said Dustin Carter. At that moment Nekeita took hold of her little belly and said "Well, hello there Dustin Carter." And that was it.
By the end of the day Keita had told us we would be the adoptive family for her little boy. We had an amazing time together and had agreed to see her the following day.
As Dustin and I left early that evening we were on cloud 9. We both kept saying we didn't want to get our hopes up again, but now it seemed even more real. We just spent the day with this amazing woman who was carrying our son.
We went to Dustin's sisters house after and started trying to figure out what we were going to do each day with Keita. Once you are placed it is the adoptive families opportunity to spend a lot of time with your birth family. Which is great, unless everything costs a ton and money is tight!
As we were planning what to do with Keita on Saturday my cell phone rang. Jane from our agency was calling to ask how our day with Keita went. We told her how amazing it was, and she said, "Congratulations! Keita felt the exact same. She has chosen the two of you to be her adoptive family. Tomorrow we will be signing our placement papers."
HOORAY!!! We called all sets of parents that night and asked if they would take a day to meet Keita and host an activity. We were trying to save money but still have the opportunity to spend time with Keita. They all happily agreed.
So, our first trip would be to Logan, the following day, to spend the day with Dustin's family!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Disappointment....And Yet!
A year ago today Dustin and I anxiously awaited a phone call telling us our birthmom and son were here. We paced back and forth and were going stir crazy waiting to go meet our little man. Around 1:00 that afternoon, the phone call from our agency finally came in. They told us our birthmother was a no show, and they would be showing our file later on that day to other birthmom's.
Dustin and I were incredibly disappointed. We were so bummed out it kind of sucked the life out of us for the remainder of the day. To go from such a high to such a low,is so hard, and made us fear how many times an event like this might occur. We had to call all of our families and let them know, there would not be a new member introduced to them today.
As the day progressed Dustin and I received another phone call from our agency. We were told there was a birthmom who was having a little boy and would like to meet us. They told us she was trying to decide between Dustin and I and another couple. They asked if we would be willing to meet her with the understanding that she may not pick us to be the adoptive family.
Dustin and I sat down and talked. We really wanted to meet our birthmom and have sometime with her, so we both agreed immediately that this was something we would like to do. We also braced ourselves for understanding of us not being picked.
We again told our immediate family, but just played it really low knowing it may fall through just as easily as the one we had experienced earlier that day. We talked to our agency and agreed to take our birthmom, Nekeita, out to lunch the following day.
That night we both went to bed saying we didn't have our hopes up for this little boy, but Lord knows we really did!
Dustin and I were incredibly disappointed. We were so bummed out it kind of sucked the life out of us for the remainder of the day. To go from such a high to such a low,is so hard, and made us fear how many times an event like this might occur. We had to call all of our families and let them know, there would not be a new member introduced to them today.
As the day progressed Dustin and I received another phone call from our agency. We were told there was a birthmom who was having a little boy and would like to meet us. They told us she was trying to decide between Dustin and I and another couple. They asked if we would be willing to meet her with the understanding that she may not pick us to be the adoptive family.
Dustin and I sat down and talked. We really wanted to meet our birthmom and have sometime with her, so we both agreed immediately that this was something we would like to do. We also braced ourselves for understanding of us not being picked.
We again told our immediate family, but just played it really low knowing it may fall through just as easily as the one we had experienced earlier that day. We talked to our agency and agreed to take our birthmom, Nekeita, out to lunch the following day.
That night we both went to bed saying we didn't have our hopes up for this little boy, but Lord knows we really did!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Situation Number 1
Well, here is my second post to my week as we are nearing Peanut's birthday.
A year ago today, I was getting ready to go to lunch with some of my dearest friends from work. I was in the shower when my phone rang, so once I was out I saw I had missed a call from my agency. I had a voicemail, so I listened to it and it went something like this...
"Hi Dustin and Lindsey, this is Jane from Heart and Soul. Listen...we have a situation. We have a six week old African American boy who is flying in tomorrow with his birthmother. She has picked the two of you to be the adoptive family, and we are wondering if you are interested. Please call us as soon as you can."
OMG!!! I couldn't believe it had all happened so fast. Our file had been opened for two days and we were being placed. Dustin and I got so excited, we called Jane back immediately, and said, "Of course we are interested and 100% willing to take this little man."
They told us the birth mom would be flying in either late that night or first thing the next morning. We would be signing placement papers fairly soon after, and we would be bringing home our son tomorrow.
Well, in order to make the day go faster, I continued to lunch with my girlfriends. I told them all of the exciting news, ate lunch, and then anxiously got back home to Dustin. We went and bought one outfit, got the car seat in, and spent the rest of the night anxiously awaiting a phone call.
We didn't get a call that evening, so we went to bed. Tomorrow is the day we bring home our little man! Needless to say we had a tough time sleeping when we thought our little boy was traveling home! It was a VERY exciting day.
Tomorrow we learn about the next step in our adoption process!
A year ago today, I was getting ready to go to lunch with some of my dearest friends from work. I was in the shower when my phone rang, so once I was out I saw I had missed a call from my agency. I had a voicemail, so I listened to it and it went something like this...
"Hi Dustin and Lindsey, this is Jane from Heart and Soul. Listen...we have a situation. We have a six week old African American boy who is flying in tomorrow with his birthmother. She has picked the two of you to be the adoptive family, and we are wondering if you are interested. Please call us as soon as you can."
OMG!!! I couldn't believe it had all happened so fast. Our file had been opened for two days and we were being placed. Dustin and I got so excited, we called Jane back immediately, and said, "Of course we are interested and 100% willing to take this little man."
They told us the birth mom would be flying in either late that night or first thing the next morning. We would be signing placement papers fairly soon after, and we would be bringing home our son tomorrow.
Well, in order to make the day go faster, I continued to lunch with my girlfriends. I told them all of the exciting news, ate lunch, and then anxiously got back home to Dustin. We went and bought one outfit, got the car seat in, and spent the rest of the night anxiously awaiting a phone call.
We didn't get a call that evening, so we went to bed. Tomorrow is the day we bring home our little man! Needless to say we had a tough time sleeping when we thought our little boy was traveling home! It was a VERY exciting day.
Tomorrow we learn about the next step in our adoption process!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
And Our Story Opened...
I have seen several friends do this and I have decided I really wanted to do it as well. Our Little Man turns one on Sunday, and I want to do a little log of the events leading up to the best day of our life.
A year ago today Dustin and I were in Logan, while Dustin was recovering from surgery. We had been anxiously awaiting to hear back from the adoption agency to find out if we we were accepted and when our file would open.
I remember calling first thing in the morning because we had been so incredibly anxious to find out. I called about 11, and Jane answered her phone. I asked her where our file stood, and she said, "Congratulations! We just had our meeting and your file is officially open. We will start showing your profiles to birthmother's immediately."
They then went on to tell us to keep our phones near all times from this point forward because when the situation came in, the baby might already be here. So, I hung up with Jane and Dustin and I celebrated with his family. We were so excited to finally be in a situation where we were going to be expanding our family.
A year ago today was a very promising day for our family! Stay tuned through out the week....
A year ago today Dustin and I were in Logan, while Dustin was recovering from surgery. We had been anxiously awaiting to hear back from the adoption agency to find out if we we were accepted and when our file would open.
I remember calling first thing in the morning because we had been so incredibly anxious to find out. I called about 11, and Jane answered her phone. I asked her where our file stood, and she said, "Congratulations! We just had our meeting and your file is officially open. We will start showing your profiles to birthmother's immediately."
They then went on to tell us to keep our phones near all times from this point forward because when the situation came in, the baby might already be here. So, I hung up with Jane and Dustin and I celebrated with his family. We were so excited to finally be in a situation where we were going to be expanding our family.
A year ago today was a very promising day for our family! Stay tuned through out the week....
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Passing Of A Legend
I am sitting here watching the memorial service of Michael Jackson, and it is crazy to me to believe he is gone. Rather you liked Michael Jackson as a person, people respect him for his entertainment ability!
As I watch the service, and see the people who speak about him so highly, I question if he truly did do the things he was accussed of. Now, I am not being naive, and have never really even thought twice about the accusations until the past week. But in hearing people speak about MJ and seeing in interviews how child like he was off stage, I wonder if with the abuse and the ability of not having a normal childhood to any extent, if he truly just never grew up.
I think the memorial service has been beautiful and the incredible tributes and words given about him, were of the up-most respect. To hear the compassion he had for people of all kinds, brings chills to my mind.
I grew up on Michael Jackson music, as I am sure most of us did. I will never forget how many times hearing just a song of his has brought back memories of my life and made me smile. It is crazy for me to realize that the biggest music legend of my time has passed. He will not be forgotten any time soon and his music will continue to be played in my car, on my ipod, and in my home.
God Bless Michael Jackson and what he gave to our world! If nothing else, he paved the road for music, entertainment, and a path for people who are African American to live the AMERICAN DREAM! And for that, rest in peace, M.J.!
As I watch the service, and see the people who speak about him so highly, I question if he truly did do the things he was accussed of. Now, I am not being naive, and have never really even thought twice about the accusations until the past week. But in hearing people speak about MJ and seeing in interviews how child like he was off stage, I wonder if with the abuse and the ability of not having a normal childhood to any extent, if he truly just never grew up.
I think the memorial service has been beautiful and the incredible tributes and words given about him, were of the up-most respect. To hear the compassion he had for people of all kinds, brings chills to my mind.
I grew up on Michael Jackson music, as I am sure most of us did. I will never forget how many times hearing just a song of his has brought back memories of my life and made me smile. It is crazy for me to realize that the biggest music legend of my time has passed. He will not be forgotten any time soon and his music will continue to be played in my car, on my ipod, and in my home.
God Bless Michael Jackson and what he gave to our world! If nothing else, he paved the road for music, entertainment, and a path for people who are African American to live the AMERICAN DREAM! And for that, rest in peace, M.J.!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Starting The Process Again?....Maybe!
Dustin and I have been saying since we were placed with Carter, we would take another child right away if we could. However, due to the expense, it makes it very difficult to imagine adopting again, when we still owe money on Carter's adoption.
Well, we really want a little girl, preferably African American. So, I was doing some research on the internet, and decided to fill out a form to see what it would be like to adopt through fostercare. Now, instantly that shoots fear into me. However, I found out they have a program that we can say we are only interested in children who are already looking to be adopted, that way they won't be taken out of our home. So, we marked we were looking for a child 0-2, preferably female, but would take either, and open to a small sibling group, we will see what they say when they call with detailed information.
As I was sitting there filling out this form, I was talking to a girlfriend who is adopting a little girl from India, and is hoping to have her home by Christmas. She gave me a blog of a friend, and there is going to be a conference in July. I am truly thinking about attending, not only for information, but I think it is important to interact with other adoptive families.
Adoption is such a different feeling. The thought of putting our family on display again in hopes of expanding our family is a whirl wind of emotions. I get so excited about adding on to our family, and yet it really makes me nervous too, when we know so little about the backgrounds of the birth families and what kind of emotional roller coaster it can be.
Anyway, here's to testing out the waters and seeing what is in store for us. Who knows what will come from it all, but hopefully the end result will be a new member(s) of our family. It could happen tomorrow or in 3 years, that is the beauty of adoption.
Well, we really want a little girl, preferably African American. So, I was doing some research on the internet, and decided to fill out a form to see what it would be like to adopt through fostercare. Now, instantly that shoots fear into me. However, I found out they have a program that we can say we are only interested in children who are already looking to be adopted, that way they won't be taken out of our home. So, we marked we were looking for a child 0-2, preferably female, but would take either, and open to a small sibling group, we will see what they say when they call with detailed information.
As I was sitting there filling out this form, I was talking to a girlfriend who is adopting a little girl from India, and is hoping to have her home by Christmas. She gave me a blog of a friend, and there is going to be a conference in July. I am truly thinking about attending, not only for information, but I think it is important to interact with other adoptive families.
Adoption is such a different feeling. The thought of putting our family on display again in hopes of expanding our family is a whirl wind of emotions. I get so excited about adding on to our family, and yet it really makes me nervous too, when we know so little about the backgrounds of the birth families and what kind of emotional roller coaster it can be.
Anyway, here's to testing out the waters and seeing what is in store for us. Who knows what will come from it all, but hopefully the end result will be a new member(s) of our family. It could happen tomorrow or in 3 years, that is the beauty of adoption.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hurricane Heather
We were invited up to Ponderosa camp ground this past weekend for a dear friends 35th surprise birthday party. We were both so excited to go spend sometime out of the city and with some of our dearest friends. 
I had asked my mom and Garry if we could use their pop-up trailor just in case there was some rain, we wouldn't have Carter on the ground and give us a little more protection from the rain and wind if we needed. However, I don't think we really thought it would be bad. We were just looking forward to good stories, good drinks, and good times.
We got there Friday, set up camp and was doing our best to keep the bears away. I don't know why but it really surprised me to read a sign that said be aware of bears. It freaked me out a little bit, and I was even more greatful for Garry and mom bringing me their trailor. Once we were there we started with a vodka cran and just began to enjoy our time.
Friday night there were a few sprinkles and we were in sweatshirts but it was very relaxing and a good time. However, Saturday morning was a whole new ball game.
We woke up Saturday morning and it was sprinkling. We made some breakfast at the camp fire, and just kind of dealt with sprinkling off and on. At about 1:00 there was a down pour, but it past about 30 minutes later. So, back out in the drizzles we played some cards, drank coffee, and continued to pray for sunshine.
Unfortunately, at about 6:30 the rain really began to fall and we were freezing. By 7:00 pm there was sheets of rain falling, and tarps flying. We made a run for the trailor with Carter and our 2 God-daughters, got them out of wet clothes and we all climbed into bed.
It continued to rain for another hour or more just a down pour. Finally it let up, but Dustin and I opted on not going back into the freezing, wet, muddy cold, and just called it a night. It really was such a bummer.
That night was freezing, and it continued to rain all night. By 6:00Sunday morning we were both ready to call it. I called Garry at 7:45, the earliest we dared, and asked them to come and get us. Luckily, they said they were on there way. Approximately two and a half hours later, our camp was cleaned up, trailor loaded, and we were in our warm car, with warm heat, headed back home.
The people we went with were great and we are really bummed we were rained out of our get away. We opted to name the weekend Hurricane Heather, since it was so windy and rainy over Heather's birthday party.
Highlights of the Trip:
-Jaden's stories, (he is 3 and told us he was an adult who drank coffee and grape juice)
-Heather and Nick climbing over an 80 foot tree to the very top...I think they're crazy
-Friday night's camp fire and stories
-Having Carter experience his first camping trip
-Good times with good friends!
I had asked my mom and Garry if we could use their pop-up trailor just in case there was some rain, we wouldn't have Carter on the ground and give us a little more protection from the rain and wind if we needed. However, I don't think we really thought it would be bad. We were just looking forward to good stories, good drinks, and good times.
We got there Friday, set up camp and was doing our best to keep the bears away. I don't know why but it really surprised me to read a sign that said be aware of bears. It freaked me out a little bit, and I was even more greatful for Garry and mom bringing me their trailor. Once we were there we started with a vodka cran and just began to enjoy our time.
Friday night there were a few sprinkles and we were in sweatshirts but it was very relaxing and a good time. However, Saturday morning was a whole new ball game.
We woke up Saturday morning and it was sprinkling. We made some breakfast at the camp fire, and just kind of dealt with sprinkling off and on. At about 1:00 there was a down pour, but it past about 30 minutes later. So, back out in the drizzles we played some cards, drank coffee, and continued to pray for sunshine.
Unfortunately, at about 6:30 the rain really began to fall and we were freezing. By 7:00 pm there was sheets of rain falling, and tarps flying. We made a run for the trailor with Carter and our 2 God-daughters, got them out of wet clothes and we all climbed into bed.
It continued to rain for another hour or more just a down pour. Finally it let up, but Dustin and I opted on not going back into the freezing, wet, muddy cold, and just called it a night. It really was such a bummer.
That night was freezing, and it continued to rain all night. By 6:00Sunday morning we were both ready to call it. I called Garry at 7:45, the earliest we dared, and asked them to come and get us. Luckily, they said they were on there way. Approximately two and a half hours later, our camp was cleaned up, trailor loaded, and we were in our warm car, with warm heat, headed back home.
The people we went with were great and we are really bummed we were rained out of our get away. We opted to name the weekend Hurricane Heather, since it was so windy and rainy over Heather's birthday party.
Highlights of the Trip:
-Jaden's stories, (he is 3 and told us he was an adult who drank coffee and grape juice)
-Heather and Nick climbing over an 80 foot tree to the very top...I think they're crazy
-Friday night's camp fire and stories
-Having Carter experience his first camping trip
-Good times with good friends!
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