Thanks, Alice, for the goosebumps and tears of joy. They were much needed at the end of a long, long week.
This is very wonderful! I always feel so sad for the birth mother, not knowing the circumstances, but I hurt for her and whatever life has dealt her to have to give up her baby. I'm glad there is a good family to take her and call her their own.
I often think of Brian's birth mom. I can't begin to imagnine what would drive you to give up a little baby. I can tell you that, after 5 hours as a mom, Vivian would take a bullet for that little girl (who still doesn't have a name.)
What a great story. My husband and I had a long and painful road to parenthood, I too know that incredible feeling of finally being a parent to a precious little one.
I was just thinking how lucky they are to have you to think of the practicalities and be there as a support when they have questions!
They are so blessed to have you as a neighbor! What a GREAT and wonderful surprise for the family. Rebel1
Aww, I teared up at this. How sweet. I can't imagine the logistics and emotions involved with finding out you're receiving a long awaited baby and then actually ending up with her that quickly!
They have 2 or 3 outfits. Literally, the social workers arrived with 2 packs of diapers, 2 packs of wipes, and 2 four packs of 2-oz forumula, at least one or two of the bottles having already been used. That's it. They left their car seat as a loaner. Everything but the car seat fit into 2 small shopping bags. Today they have to contact a pediatrician. For some reason, the birth mom never signed off on the Hep-B vaccination, so the baby will need that ASAP. Peter and I gave them the name of our pediatrician, but by the time we got there yesterday, his Friday office hours were over. I think Viv is planning to call at 9 am when they reopen. Then they need to hit the Target or Babies R Us. And probably give some real thought to a name. We're fortunate in that there are so many stores within a 10 minute drive. By tonight they should have all they need. If their credit card takes a hit, I have feelling they'll happily live with a bit of debt. My next stop is Amazon, where I want to order A Mother for Chocco, my favorite adoption book. And if neither of their sisters volunteers to throw a baby shower, I'll do it in a week or two.
I don't know why this story chokes me up so much, but thanks for sharing Alice. I have 3 wonderful students this year who are obviously adopted (who knows how many others) and their wonderful families feel so blessed. When we look at the students whose parents seem to neglect to support them emotionally in so many little ways, you appreciate a story of a new loving family even more.
That is so wonderful! It makes me really happy to think of their hopes and dreams for a baby coming true.
As someone who had trouble conceiving, I can imagine their joy at their new little bundle. Have they picked a name yet?
What a truly awesome story!! I got chills as that is exactly the weight of my first princess. Hoping they are able to get all of their essentials taken care of.
They're hanging in there. I'm not sure I ever realized just how steep the learning curve is for someone who didn't grow up around kids. There's so much I do that's just instinct at this point that isn't obvious to someone who hasn't been around kids. For example, there's that bouncy walk that parents do to soothe a baby. And knowing how many layers of clothing a baby needs. And not being afraid to "force" a little arm into the sleeve of a sleep sack. And changing a diaper in less than 10 minutes. And picking up a newborn so her head is supported. And knowing that it's OK to let her lie on her back on the couch, with a couch cushion boxing her in. And knowing how to get the "bucket" off an infant carseat, how to buckle it on, and how to move the handle out of your way. All that stuff has to be learned if you didn't grow up with it. So they're learning a LOT very quickly. Tomorrow is the baby's first doctor's appointment since her release from the hospital. I helped Viv write down a list of questions. (For example, the baby needs her Hepatitis B vaccination. Can Viv expect some sort of a reaction?) Some of the stuff I know the answers to, but I want Viv to get into the habit of writing down her questions and asking them. If she needs an after-hours answer, she knows where to find me. In fact, it's funny: every mom on the block has given Viv their cell phone numbers, with directions to call if she has any questions or needs any help... I really do have the nicest friends and neighbors!!!
It truly is taking a village (or a neighbourhood) to start to raise this baby! Does she have a name yet?
