Tuesday, March 1, 2011

WE GOT THE CALL!!!!! ...Am I REALLY Posting This?!?!?

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, Be strong, and let your heart take courage, Yes, wait for the Lord." 
Psalm 27:13-14

***Warning: this is LONG!  But GOOD!  =)***

Monday, February 28, 2011

I am in AWE!  I had a feeling about this week...Monday even...but I had no idea how PERFECT it would be =)

You see, my husband worked last night and needed to sleep this morning.  He told me early this morning that I was under STRICT orders NOT to wake up until at least 11AM (and ONLY if we got "the call")!  Was he trying to TORTURE me?!?  SERIOUSLY?!?!  It sure felt that way, but I agreed...with a huge frown on my face.

Sometime early this morning he crawled into bed, careful not to distrub me.  Shortly (I'm assuming) after that, I was awoken with this nervous-nauseous feeling that came on so fast it felt like a punch to the gut!  That, and I was FREEZING!  (Have I mentioned the crazy snow-wind-rain weather we're having in Seattle this week???)  I nudged at hubs until he curled next to me and wrapped his arms around me to keep me warm.  Suddenly I was so overcome with emotion I felt like his arms were the only thing holding me together.  It was almost like I couldn't breathe!  After the weekend I had...and then this morning...I was SURE today was the day!!  I barely stomached laying in bed until 8:00am, but then I got up thinking it would be perfect to get a shower in now so that I'd look at least somewhat pulled together if and when Kiersten (our caseworker) called! 

{TEXT: "Praying for you today!" - Ashley}

In the shower I prayed and prayed and prayed and pleaded with God and prayed some more....more and more until I felt my heart rate slow down to normal.  When I turned off the shower and stepped out, it sped right back up again - now I had to actually FACE the day! 

After I got dressed, I couldn't resist and went to check my email.  Right away I noticed an email from Kimberly (who was one ahead of us on the girl's list, as well as being #4 on the siblings list) that over the weekend they had made the decision to pull themselves off the girl's list and wait for siblings - WE WERE NUMBER ONE!!!!  (That was the point in which I posted the good news in my last post!)

After she called AGCI, Kimberly gave me a call and excitedly explained how God had brought them to their decision throughout the weekend - AMAZING!  I was just in AWE that someone could be soo close to the end like that and slow down and step away from it enough to HEAR God's change in direction! 

Kimberly, I am so GRATEFUL that you were willing and able to seek
HIS PLAN and I am BEYOND excited to see the little lives
that He has in store for your family!!!! 

Their decision was just one more stepping stone!

And THEN my phone was ringing off the hook (from mostly my family) with congratulations and "what's next?" questions!  They were on pins and needles almost as much as we were!  Little did they know, each call was giving me a mini HEART ATTACK!  I was jumpy, and shaky, and literally running to the bathroom every twenty minutes feeling sick to my stomach!  I'd waited THIS long....I knew I could wait another day, or even a week if I had to!  But I wasn't sure how long my BODY could take this...

Fortunately, I didn't have to.

Ahhhh!!!!!!
At 11:24 am (yes, merely 24 minutes after I was "allowed" to wake my husband) my phone rang....and my heart stopped.  I paused with my hand next to the phone waiting for the caller ID to register.  KIERSTEN.  As I held my hand to my heart, I could see Monkey's "c'mon mama" expression from the corner of my eye.  This is it!!!!  I picked it up.

Me: {in as smooth a voice as I could muster....which ended up sounding rather cholked up} Hello?!
K: Hi Megan, It's Kiersten from AGCI, how are you today?
Me: {still cholked up} Emotional!
K: {laughing} I understand.  ...I'm calling because we have a little girl within your parameters that we'd like to discuss with you, do you have a moment?
Me: {hardly able to breathe} yes
K: Great!  Is your husband there?  Should I conference him on?  Or did you want to take the call before talking to him?
Me: Just a moment, I'll go get him.  You know...he made me promise this morning not to wake him up before 11am!  I just can't believe this!
K: I have a knack for the perfect timing! {I could just hear her wink!!}
Me: Alright, just a second!

Can you picture me running into our bedroom and shaking my husband awake while hastily whispering "IT'S TIIIIIME!!!!  IT'S KIERSEN - WAKE UP!!!"  Can ya???  'Cause that's what I DID!!!  =)

Hubs quickly picked up the phone and groggily said "hello" and listened as K caught him up to speed.  In the meantime, I was throwing clothes in his direction and flipping on lights telling him in an oh-so-sweet manner to GET HIS BUTT OUT HERE while grinding my teeth in anticipation (I KNOW you can picture that, lol!).

Kiersten explained in detail some recent things that had come up with some of their medical testing in Addis...but in all honesty, as Hubs was asking great and detailed questions my mind was wondering, "How old is she? How much does she weigh?  What's her name?  Does they know of a birthmom?  What is the first thing I'm going to learn about my daughter?"  It's a good thing both of us were on the call, that's for sure!


Pokoyo...see?? =)
As she was finishing answer Hub's questions, she informed us that she was emailing us some documents and a picture of our little "T" now.  I stopped in my tracks as I repeated her name.  Over and over.  It was not one I had heard before, but I instantly recognized it as Ethiopian!  As it rolled over my tongue, it went from feeling unfamiliar and awkward to perfect and beautiful!  As we fumbled to set up our camera and get our son situated with some Pokoyo cartoons, Kiersten continued to tell us that our "T" is 8 weeks old and a teeny 6 pounds!!!  OH MY WORD - so tiny!!!!!!  I'm dying to see her!!!!!

During all this, hubs is growling that the camera won't read the memory card....WHAT?!?  So I toss him the smaller memory card out of the video camera...frustrated that we won't be able to use both.  (If this sounds awkward and complicated....then I'm portraying it correctly....it felt so completely silly to be dealing with these kind of mishaps at this point, but seriously!!  What were we to do?!?  Kiersten giggled at us and assured us that there was "no such thing as an organized referral call".  Okay then...there's just a lot of great writers out there who know how to embellish their referral story to sound that way then!  ;)  Well not ME!  This is REAL folks!  My mind was ALL OVER the place!  I was disorganized, and shaky, and all my electronics were messing up on me!)  So just as hubs gets the camera set up I get this BRILLIANT idea to record our conversation on the web cam!  But do you think it would cooperate??  NO!  In fact we had to RESTART the computer because it froze EVERYTHING!  ARGH!!!!!!  Okay...at THIS point I was FED UP!  I HAD to see my baby girl!  So video-less this would be!  And no...we don't have great pictures because that was just life.  But not like it matters....I think this moment will forever be ingrained on my brain just like Monkey's birth story!

Our cheeks hurt already!!!

Okay....so everything that's GOING to be working is working.  We log into our email and download her picture.  Let me tell ya - looking at your two month old daughter's face for the first time is the strangest feeling!  I'm gazing at her beautiful, but unfamiliar face...

Opening the email

"Oh she's so tiny!  Look at those eyes!  Babe - her little fingers...awww!!!  
She has so much hair!!!  I can't believe how little she is!"

First glimpse of my DAUGHTER!

He's in love...but OH so tired!

She looked nothing like I had imagined her to!  But how could you possibly dream up the perfect child that God had chosen for your familiy?  I certainly hadn't expected Monkey to look the way he did either, and yet now I couldn't imagine a more beautiful child!

Then suddenly - it happened!  I was in love!  As Kiersten was walking us through each separate document, I kept flipping back to her picture and finding one more thing I loved about her!  The way her curl flipped back in front reminded me of my Monkey.  Her tiny little lips that look just a tiny bit chapped - I just can't wait to kiss them!  Her feet curled up so close to her body - I bet she's a snuggler!  I can't stop gazing at her...I can't pull my eyes away from her face, those eyes just draw me in!  She's a stranger to me, and yet I love her.  Unconditionally and completely.  And each time I glance at her face, she feels just a little more like mine =)  Do I really have to wait to hold her?  How long will it be before I can smother her with kisses?

Can't stop smiling!
As Kiersten spoke, so many details stood out to me.  Her birthday: December 20, 2010!  Oh how I looonged for a Christmas baby....of course, I thought she'd be HOME by then, but God had other plans!  She was brought to Hannah's Hope on February 16th.  Her pediatrician report was filed on the 23rd - my hubby's birthday!  She loves eating - oh this makes my mama heart SMILE!  Baby Girl, you need to put some weight on!  Her name means "God saved her"!  Aww...this broke my heart and made me smile all at the same time!  Of course God saved you!  We need you just as much as you need us!!!  Of course there are many more....but we are choosing to keep those private for "T" to share someday with those she chooses.

"She's sooo beautiful!"
We are just in AWE!  I still can't believe that God chose US to be this little girl's parents!  And HOW MANY TIMES have I posted or reminded myself that "God is bigger than the numbers!"  We were technically number TWO!  If Kimberly hadn't pulled herself off that list today, we would not have our baby girl!  GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE NUMBERS!!!!  He will move MOUNTAINS!  He can and WILL do what it takes to bring a family together - it was in His plan from the beginning!



THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Another picture!  Awww!!!! {This one she's asleep!}

Lord, we thank you SO much for this little blessing!  
She is PERFECT and far more amazing than we could have ever dreamed!  
Thank you for being patient with me in my times of grief, in my times of anxiety, 
and in my times of doubt.  Thank you for loving me in spite of it all 
and choosing us to parent this precious child of YOURS!  
Please show us your mighty powers again so we can get her home SOON!  
Amen.

Can't believe we have a DAUGHTER!

"His unchanging plan has always been to ADOPT us into His family, by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.  And this gave him great pleasure."  
Ephesians 1:5




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46 comments:

Abigail said...

SOOO happy for you! Praising God with you!

Kimberly said...

Oh Megan - I could not be more excited for you! Absolutely precious and I love how God draws families together - perfect and in His own timing!

Thrilled to continue to walk this journey with you. Hugs!

Nan VanKlaveren said...

What a BEAUTIFUL story, Megan!!! I'm so happy for you and your family! Your story (moment by moment) brought CHILLS to my body! You have such a gift for writing.....such exciting news! :)

Courtney said...

Loved reading every line of this post on my lunch break. Enjoy the moment!

The Life of an Army Wife said...

I have loved reading your blog updates...I usually start to get teary eyed, or I let one drop...but after reading this...I BAWLED! I am so happy for you guy, Gods blessings are amazing. We serve a great God, and I hope to some day meet your little girl!(and sky for that matter...) :) Congrats.

Nan VanKlaveren said...

SO excited for you Megan, and the whole family! Your blog sent chills up my spine....I loved the moment by moment account, and the JOY you were both feeling! Blessings to you!

leemeandthegirls said...

I am so happy for your family! Thank you for sharing and for your honesty. :) I can't wait to see your story unfold! GOD BLESS YOU and your little girl!

G said...

Oh, I LOVE referral stories! (Real life really is so uncoordinated! :) Love watching your family grow. :)
~Gini

Kacey Leigh said...

SO AWESOME! I don't even know you guys but i have tears streaming down my face as I read this!

What a beautiful story of God's perfect design!

A&W said...

I clung to every word you wrote, chuckling at your electronics mishaps, sympathizing with your shakiness, and praising God that this is your precious story written by God!!! You have a daughter- congratulations!!!!!!

Tarah said...

I absolutely love this post! God is SO good! We are already praying that your court date will come SOON. Can't wait to see your baby in your arms!

Laura said...

LOVE IT! Love her!

missy said...

so exciting!!! i was hoping this post would come soon!!! i love hearing the details! isn't it the most surreal experience? i think you got incredible pictures! i love the look on your face in that last one. congrats!!!! i love that her name means "god saved her". how beautiful. god saved her and is sending her to you!!!

erica said...

Crying happy tears for you over here in Ohio! So happy and excited for your family! And I loved your story of the call - I always wonder exactly how it will be and now I know a little more what to expect. My heart was beating a mile a minute the whole time I was reading it! Thanks for sharing, and may God bless you richly while you wait to meet your precious baby girl! :)

Kristin said...

What perfect timing for the perfect gift! So excited for you guys!

meredith and justin said...

I am crying happy tears for you! I am so thrilled for you!

Nicole said...

Sooo happy for you guys!! Congrats!

Mandie said...

Congratulations!!! What a wonderful day.

Amy said...

So happy for you! Loved reading about your call.
Blessings,
Amy

Sharon @ Texas to Ethiopia said...

AHHHHHHH I'm so happy for you!! I have TOTAL GOOSEBUMPS!!! I know the feeling EXACTLY!!

Mindy said...

LOVED reading this!!!!! I am still SO excited for you! I can't wait to see your cutie in pictures when that day comes!!! Thanks for sharing!

Aaron and Marcella said...

Thanks for sharing Megan! How exciting! :)

The Mulder Family said...

OH MY OH MY...didn't I tell you that you would have a referral before Westyn was born!!! SO SO SO SO SO SO SO EXCITED FOR YOU...PRAISE GOD!!!

Alison said...

Oh my goodness, I am CRYING right now!! That is the best referral/got the call story! So beautiful! Love how God brought you to your daughter so perfectly! Reading this just refills my heart with so much hope! So happy for ya'll!! Praise God!!!

Rachel said...

So excited for you!!!!! The first time I saw pics of 3 of my treasures they were 4,2 and 6 months it was so weird to be so in love and so worried about someone I had never met. Can't wait for more details and to see pics of ms. T one day. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

By the name I got to "Her name means 'God saved her'!" I was in tears :)

Sending much love to your fam! Just said a simple prayer, "Dear God, please give Megan calm. Give her calm, give her peace, give her calm."

I'm so happy to have another VG cousin!

Love, cousin Erin

Joe and Deanna said...

Ok, can't see my computer screen anymore because I am full of tears, full of joy, and full of happiness for you guys! Yay God! I love what her name means. I love it that you fell in love with her when you saw her. I have been wondering if I will do the same, so it was nice to hear from another momma that it is possible to fall in love at the very moment you see them.....I have been praying asking the Lord to fill me with that kind of love the moment we get the call and see the picture. Blessings to you!!!

Deanna :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations!
We could not be happier for the 4 of you! How exciting, your patience and diligence has paid off dividends! Can't wait to meet you baby "T"!
Love you
Andrea & Terry Tines

Angela said...

Just found your blog and am in tears of joy for all of you! I have had those "God" moments each time (6X) before one of our babies came to us! I think God knows that we need another reminder of His sovereignty of His perfect plan and that there is NO doubt that this child is the one! I am astounded at His love for us to do that for us. So that we can tell our adopted children their incredible "God" story! I am thrilled for you! I remember the shaking...out of control feelings of knowing that God was at work, buy yet we didn't know how! Amazing! So very happy for you! I'll be sure to follow along! Can't wait!

Sarah said...

What an amazing story- I love it! You made me laugh AND cry!! So happy for you guys!

mom vg said...

ah sweets, that is so beautiful! I would think I have shed enough happy tears over this blessed event, but, no, now I'm really sobbing. This is so good. So GOD! This morning, I just had this wonderful automatic "on" in my head of Psalm 100--haven't worked on that for memory since Al had to learn it, but it was there!
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord in gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, It is he who made us and we are HIS, we are HIS people, the sheep of HIS pasture. Enter his gates with Thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is GOOD and HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER; his FAITHFULNESS to all generations." AMEN!

Skellyvision said...

Beautiful story even with all the techincal hitches it wouldn't have been a story without them ;) that last photo of you looking at your baby girl with your hand over your mouth says it all! xoxo

Jill said...

Congrats!!! Shortest time EVER at #1! GODS PERFECT timing!! SO happy for you and hope to meet you soon as we will hopefully travel together!!!

Angela Hunt said...

I LOVED reading y'all's story! It is so so sweet and just full of hope. I love that you included all the silly and sweet details!

Bob and Cheri said...

So wonderfully perfect ~ sorta like He planned it all along! ;)

Blessings!
Cheri

Janet said...

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment! I love your honest story-telling... I was nauseous for you! Congratulations!!!

Home Project Manager said...

CONGRATS!!! God is soooo good!!!

Elle J said...

Congratulations!! I have heard your story through our mutual buddy Darcee - and I am so excited for you!! I LOVED reading your referral call post and all the pictures of THE moment. Blessings to you and your family as you continue the journey to your precious gift; your daughter. YAY!! I will be praying for you ...

Anonymous said...

That is a great story. God's perfect timing can make me laugh and cry at the same time. So happy for you guys.

Kelly said...

I sincerely enjoyed reading your referral story! They never get old..each one is so perfect, just as God's plan for adoption is perfect. congratulations on your baby girl and on your journey to becoming a family of 4. May the process from here go smoothly and quickly! :)

Debb said...

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!!!! PRAISING GOD WITH YOU!!!! Such a quick leap from #1 to PARENTS!!!! Congratulations on your teeny daughter! May you enjoy staring into her precious beautiful face! I am so excited for you I can hardly STAND it! Praying your wait for a court date will be short and sweet, my friend! Sending you HUGE CONGRATULATORY HUGS!!!!! YAY, GOD!!!!

Reading this post was perfect timing for me! I was really struggling to stay positive about our wait; reading your perfect story just reminds me to let go and let God! Here's to letting go! :D

The B Family said...

LOVED reading this! So excited for you and your family!

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

Finally had a few minutes to do a little catch up.....LOVE YOUR STORY!!! Because life is life...not perfect, and yet very perfect!!!

SOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you are all still on cloud 9 and I am praying your court date will come soon :) BLESSINGS!!!!!

Can't wait to see her face :)

Joe and Deanna said...

Hello again! I found you responded to my comment but it went under our business blog. How funny! Anyway, here is who we are:

http://joeanddeanna.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh! That was SO much fun to read. It has been a joy following you this far on facebook and your blog and now the REAL fun begins this year as we watch her come home and get settled in to her forever family!!!! Congrats beautiful family.

Theresa

macrizzuto said...

i am crying after reading this. I am so excited for your family! You will have her in your arms in no time.