Olivia's first Fourth of July was spent doing not much of anything. We started off the day with a sleep-in, watched a new Doris Day movie, and then decided to do a little shopping around. We ate lunch at the neighborhood Chinese buffet, which included mac and cheese for Olivia. But she didn't want any soft serve ice cream--a trait I wish she could share with us. Then we headed over to the party supply store to pick up invitations and a few decorations for her First Birthday party! Which is now less than one month away--can you believe it?We thought that was the end of our leisurely day until we remembered a picnic connected to our small group. On Tuesday nights we attend a small group for the Community Bible Church West (?) campus that is hosted at my sister's house. We love this group of people and so look forward to opportunities to fellowship. The picnic was out a lovely hill country home in Helotes.
As you can see, Daddy spent some time teaching Olivia how to see-saw. Doesn't she look like a big girl? It was a fun filled afternoon complete with barbecue and swimming for the kiddos (and Uncle Lance). We had a great time. I think Andy even got to beat Kelsey at pool.This lovely day was followed with me throwing my back out Saturday morning. But luckily I was at home and immediately lay down in the floor and then spent the rest of the day in bed with heat and ice. I was able to get up this morning and go to church, but came home and spent the rest of the day in bed again. I feel better now and am so grateful. The funny thing is this happened this same week last year and I spent a week in bed while we were here visiting from Florida. UGH!!! I can remember many a time when my Mom's back would go out and I would find her lying on her back in the kitchen. I guess it is a bit genetic, among other things.
So what is this special update? Well, last week we decided to go ahead with the new adoption. We spoke with the birth mother and felt as if this is something we can do. She was a very nice young woman (age 27). She has three older children ages 5, 2, and 1. The two older kids live with her parents. The father (age 29) of the 1 year old is also the father of this baby. They do not live together. Our birth mother was very honest with us and admitted she had gone in to terminate the pregnancy, but found out it was too late (this happened about 3 weeks ago). We think she must not of known how far along she was. As miracles happen, the crisis pregnancy center recommended the Methodist Mission home to her and the social workers went there to meet her immediately. Two days later we found out about our loss and the director matched us with our new birth mother. This new baby is a boy (we are calling him Ian Nolan) and according to the sonogram he is already about 7.5 lbs. He is due July 30, but her last baby was early and so he could come any time.
The birth father has already signed his paperwork and we don't anticipate any problems with this adoption. The birth mother was very clear in her determination that she cannot handle any more children at this time and we are hoping she has not bonded with this baby considering she was going to terminate the pregnancy. She had read our profile and said that she really liked us. We are hoping to meet her next week. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we await the birth of Ian. We are concerned about the staff and nurses at the hospital. We were given such a hard time last year and Olivia's birth mother is white. We are worried that the attitudes will be worse with a black birth mother and white adoptive parents. So, we are praying the God will soften the hearts of all of those involved and prepare them now for this special time in our lives.
Happy Fourth of July everyone! We have added a counter for Ian Nolan. Please remember to keep him and his birth mother/father in your prayers. We feel hopeful that this adoption will go ahead, but we need lots of prayers to carry us through!
