Introducing....

Please welcome the newest member to our family:

KAMRYN JOY

Born: DECEMBER 30, 2013 at 6:24 am

Weighing 5 pounds, 4 ounces. 17 inches long

Today was a hectic day. We were staying in Orlando (which is over an hour away from the hotel). We were there because we didn't know when the baby was coming and my cousin with her family were going to be there this week. After we met the birthmom yesterday and things looked to be moving smoothly, we decided to change our reservations. But with it being New Years Day- not many options for us (with using Jason's hotel points) So we found one only 30 minutes away from the hospital.

So we packed up the car this morning- man do we have a lot of stuff. My cousin came to pick up Jadon. She watched him most of the day so we could go to the hospital. Jadon LOVED playing with his cousin Jackson. They are so cute together.

Then we headed to the hospital. Today has been alot more emotional for me. It is starting to sink in. The birthmom met with the social worker around 11:30 and at 12:15 we were called back to be a witness. So I sat in the room as she signed the consent form. A bitter sweet moment. She is losing a precious baby while I am gaining it. There are no words.

People say things like "how can someone give up their baby" - meaning it in a way that sounds like an easy choice or that these woman don't care. But it is just the opposite. She realized she is in a position where she financially cannot take care of the child. She could have had an abortion. She could have kept the child based on fear of judgement or pride. But she didn't. She had the courage to put this baby above her needs. Carefully choosing a family. Watching me hold her baby. Letting us name the baby. etc. -- how painful. how sacrificial. how courageous. This process is agonizing for her. And yet she made me feel so welcomed.

After she signed the paperwork. We took some pictures together. Cried together. Hugged together. A beautiful moment. Here are two mothers that love this baby so deeply that they just want what is best for her.

As an adoptive mom, you fear sometimes- will I love this child even though she did not come from my womb? what if the child doesn't bond with me? etc. Crazy- irrational thoughts. Then you see that baby and your heart bursts. Your love overflows. All crazy irrational thoughts melt away as you look into your baby's eyes. She is my daughter.

The rest of the day, we spent at the hospital. We got consent to be with the baby. Right now, she is in the custody of the lawyer. All decisions go through him. The baby will hopefully be discharged on Monday. We will meet with the lawyer and sign papers. Placement happens. Basically, she is still not a McCabe but we can leave with her. We will stay in Florida for about a month so that Florida and Ohio can approve the process. Then we can take her home. Once home, we will have several visits from the social worker. Then after 3-4 months we can apply for finalization. Once finalization goes through the courts, she will then become: Kamryn Joy McCabe.

(We will not be sharing pictures at this time. Coming soon though).

Now for some much needed rest!!