Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Mediation II

It was another busy weekend. We left Thursday afternoon and took the long way in order to pick up traction tires in The Dalles. (Apparently my new car has special tires that are not readily available.) Friday we met Ashley, her aunt Becky and her friend/birthing coach Julie at the doctor's office. We were quite a crowd so Jeff eagerly volunteered to sit this one out in the waiting room. I met the midwife and heard this little boy's strong heartbeat. Everything is looking great. After the doctor's appointment, Ashley and her aunt meet with the counselor alone for a bit while we wondered the local mall. Then we gathered for the second and final mediation session. One by one we checked off all the components of the session from the birthplan to the name to the open adoption contract.

One thing they warn you about when you are adopting for the second time is not to expect the experience to be the same. Although we have tried to isolate this adoption and enjoy it as an independent journey, it is difficult not to compare. The hospital experience will be very different which I had a hard time accepting. But I have realized that it is only a few days of a lifetime so I can tough it out.

We really believe in the value of open adoption. We feel that it is best for the child to have lots of contact with his birthparents. Fortunately Ashley wants lots of contact which we're very excited about. The challenge will be maintaining that level of contact throughout our every changing, busy lives. We are writing the contract with the hope and commitment to making it happen.

We're continuing to build this relationship so that we have a foundation to build off of once this baby is born. Ashley and Julie are driving up to Portland this weekend to visit and see our house. That means Jeff is finishing all the final touches of the remodel and I am quickly converting the pink nursery to blue. I know the nursery doesn't need to be done this week but I want to get it ready for 3 reasons. 1) I want Ashley to see the room this little guy will sleep in so she can picture it when they're apart. 2) I want this baby to have a special space when he gets home that was created just for him. 3) I don't want to worry about decorating after he is born, I just want to enjoy him! I'll post pics once it's done.

I can't believe this baby could be here in the next few weeks. I am so ready to snuggle with him!!!

7 comments:

Beth January 8, 2008 at 10:51 AM  

Thanks for the update :) Wow so many things to be done. Praying it all goes smoothly! Beth

The Tucson Gang January 8, 2008 at 10:59 AM  

You know we all have you close in our thoughts. Hoping that the dad signs off soon and that Ashley is confident in her decision...we ALL know what wonderful parents you are and are just so eager for the opportunity again. :-) And...selfishly...I can't wait to be Auntie Traci to this little guy!

Krissy Keelan January 8, 2008 at 4:52 PM  

I can't believe things are moving along so fast! How exciting. I hope that both of the parents have prayed about their deisions of how their son will enter this world and also pray that you guys are the chosen parents for his life time!

Judy January 9, 2008 at 2:43 AM  

What a wonderful blessing for both of you, your little boy is very lucky to have such loving parents. I am anxious to hear the final word, and praying all goes well and certain that everything will be completed with God's perfection.
Great Aunt Judy

Anonymous January 9, 2008 at 11:54 AM  

How wonderfully exciting! I think all of your reasons for finishing the room now are perfect. My family's thoughts are with you and Jeff for smooth sailing these next few weeks.
Melissa

Cheryl January 10, 2008 at 9:40 AM  

So good to hear the update. I'm excited you get to decorate a nursery once again! I'll be praying specifically about the things you mentioned and that you'll get to snuggle those soft baby cheeks soon!

celestemc January 10, 2008 at 12:25 PM  

Oh my gosh!!!! With the Holidays, a wedding, the stomach flu and computer difficulties - I haven't been keeping up on updates as much as I'd like.... somehow, I stopped getting my caringbridge updates (I think I cleared my cookies), but thankfully, most of those updates are good news these days....

What a delightful suprise to read yours!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so excited for you!!!!

I can't wait to hear more and meet this little guy.

Love you and miss you - but know that we will connect again soon.

Hugs!
~C

  © Blogger template 'Fly Away' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP