Round Two

Well, we got a call from the adoption agency yesterday.  Our social worker wanted to ask me about a case, and while we haven't "officially" signed on pending her first ob exam, a birthmother has chosen us again. She is due August 5 and is Hispanic, as is the birthfather, who is unknown.  The baby's sex is unknown as well.

The birthmom has placed a child for adoption using this agency before.  And while I would not wish the placement of a child for adoption on anyone who wasn't willing, much less infertility or any of the other fertility-based tragedies discussed on this blog, I am grateful that she has placed before.  She is 25 years old and has a son who her mother takes care of and a daughter who was placed for adoption a few years ago.

In addition, the birthmom's mother and sister are aware of her decision to place and are in support.  Phew!  That is a HUGE change from the last birthmom who didn't even tell her mom she was pregnant with #4, much less tell her she wanted to place the baby for adoption.

She didn't believe she was pregnant, and so has not received medical care until now.  She has a doctor's appointment next Friday the 18th, and our acceptance of this case is pending that appointment.  Man, oh man, please dear Lord.....

We were in shock yesterday after the call.  I am glad I was off work yesterday; I had so many emotions to process.  A friend and I had a walk through a nature preserve already planned - it was perfect timing.  We saw several bunnies and baby bunnies and an indigo bunting, which neither of us had ever seen.

We received the initial birthmother paperwork this morning.  I couldn't believe they overnighted it.  There were 2 pictures of the birthmom in the paperwork.  She is wearing a Son*ic shirt and smiling.  But she looks quite tired.  And pregnant.

DH and I are cautiously optimistic.  I have to say, the timing of this phone call couldn't have been any better.  Here it is Mother's Day week, the worst week of the year in the life of a woman who has experienced infertility, miscarriage or failed adoption.  And, we received word a few weeks ago that the SBA government loan for DH's practice will likely go through in July.  It's been quite a long wait, and DH has to redo a large amount of the paperwork, but that's the government for you.  It *appears* we will come out ahead with this loan, though not by a lot.  However, I am grateful it is helping us some.  I will need to continue to work outside the home from here on out.  I am *hoping* I can continue to do 2 days a week, but it also depends on how much time I get to take without pay (since I'm part time) with the baby, whenever he/she comes into our lives.  I'd like a little time, since I'm not eligible for FMLA leave this time due to my hours falling below the requirements, to catch my breath before I go back to work.  I know it will all work out.  But I'd like the plans in advance, please!! ;)  My boss has been very supportive so far, and one of the ladies in the district office who works with him has adopted before.  It helps when people are adoption-aware.  At least then they realize, it's complicated and it's hard.  I did learn that I only have to work once every 8 weeks to remain on the payroll.  So maybe that will help too.

The verse that really stuck out to me this week is from Lamentations, one of my most favorite books of the Bible.  Yep!  It echoes quite a bit of my feelings some of the time.  This verse is one of the hopeful ones mixed in:

The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him. Lamentations 3:24


This verse spoke to me before we got the call.  In light of our lifestyle change, it really spoke to me.  It's our portion, what He chooses to give us.  It has what WE need as an individual, with the 'nutrients' and in the size that's best for us.  You get the picture.  And the morsel goes down to the innermost parts and changes us forever.