Thursday, March 25, 2010

Meet Josh

Hello world! We have the BEST news ever!

We are currently in Atalanta Georgia picking up this little guy!


We are the proud new parents of Josh. (Birthname: Jabbari)


Here are the details:

We spoke in our ward in December, and following our talks, we were approached by a lady in our ward who worked for an adoption agency. She urged us to fill out an application with her agency. At the time we didn't feel right about it. Time passed and the Sunday before we left for Europe, this sister approached us again, and asked us to please fill out an application, as they placed babies much faster than LDS Family Services. We didn't feel right about it then, plus - - we were headed on vacation. So.... Tuesday the 16th, this sister contacted us and told us of 3 birthmoms, all due within the month that hadn't picked adoptive families. We decided it was time to look into the agency. So we released our LDSFS information to them.


Friday the 19th, we were sitting at home putting the final touches on Paige's Mom's wedding, when the phone rang. It was Melissa, the main social worker from the Adoption Center of Choice. She said were approved, and there were babies that needed homes.


Paige was at work on Tuesday when Melissa from the Adoption Center called her at 2pm, and asked her about a situation - and if we would be interested. The situation involved a 5 month old baby named Jabbari. His birthmother, Jessica, and his birthfather, John, were interested in placing their baby, to give him a better life - due to financial struggles. Paige said we were open to a 5 month old.


At 3pm Melissa called back and asked Paige, if we would be willing to have a phone conference with Jessica and John at 4pm. Paige agreed, and headed to be with Nick at work.


The phone call from Jessica and John came around 4:15pm, we spoke for just 30 minutes. We talked about their interests, their families, and us.


At 6pm we were headed home from work, when Paige got a call from Melissa, and she asked how we felt about the phone conference. Paige told her that we thought it went well, for our first phone call with a birthfamily, and that we were SO excited that the birthfather, John, was involved. Melissa said, "Well Jessica and John though it went well, and - - - congratulations! You are going to be a Mom!" Paige quickly called Nick, and conferenced him into the conversation. Melissa told us that we needed to be in Atlanta Georgia by Thursday, to sign the adoption paperwork with an attorney here at 11am. We quickly began making travel arrangements!


We made calls to notify our family of the news, calls to cancel our plans and obligations for the next 10 days, booked flights, book hotels, and booked a car. We couldn't have accomplished all that we needed to without the Webbs. Saying thank you is not enough.


That night our good friend Jill also dropped by some much needed supplies, and gave adoption advice, as she has adopted. And Paige's boss, Donna, and her daughter Amy, dropped by. Without these friends, and so many other friends, we never would have been able to get on our way!


Our flight was Wednesday morning at 6am, so we headed to Vegas about 130am. Of course we are so thankful for Kevin and Cynthia, Nick's sister, for being so willing to take us to the airport so early!


We flew from Vegas to Chicago, and then onto Atlanta - without any sleep or food!


We arrived on-time in Atlanta, got our rental car, and headed out into the traffic, to get to our hotel.


We made phone contact with Marsheldal, a social worker from the Adoption Center who also flew out of SLC on Wednesday. She was traveling to Augusta to pick up the birthfamily. We were unable to get together Wednesday night, as Marshelda and the family arrived so late, due to travel delays.


We met for breakfast at a Waffle House, and it was there that we first met our son. We had a 40 minute breakfast before meeting with the attorney. We talked about our family, and Jessica and John told us a little more about them, Jabbari, and their other children. John has a son who is 3, a daughter who is 2, and together they have a 14 month old daughter. We instantly fell in love with Jessica and John, they are such amazing people.


The first time we saw Josh - we fell in love with his eyes. Big Dark Eyes. He is adorable. He started to jabber, and hasn't stopped. :)


We met with the attorney, and as Jessica signed the birthmother release, we felt such love and concern for her and John. Paige, of course, started to cry. It was real. Josh became ours.


Jessica and John gave us clothes, formula, and pampers. We gave them a photo album, sock monkeys for the other children, and roses and a mothers necklace for Jessica. Saying good-bye and putting Josh in our car was such a bitter sweet moment. We are so full of happiness, excitement, and love! But at the same time, we are feeling a sadness for Jessica and John. They are so strong, and words will never be enough to thank them for binding our families.

We have tried to text and send pictures, but it has been IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with the messages, and phone calls from all of our family and friends. We are so thankful for each and everyone of you - and we couldn't have remained strong, and made this journey without you.


We get to stay in Georgia until the adoption is passed by both Georgia and Utah - which generally takes 7-10 days. When we get home, we can't wait for all of you to meet Josh, and fall in love with him as we have! Thanks again for sharing in this happy day with us!


24 comments:

The Mursets said...

That is wonderful! Congratulations! We are so happy for you three!

Mike and Summer Pearson said...

What an incredible story! I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to meet your son!!!

Julie said...

YAY! So happy! I can't imagine the strength it took his parents but wow they are certainly amazing people and will be blessed for blessing yours and Josh's life. And you and nick are such a blessing in their life and especially Josh's. He has the best mom and dad the world could ask for! I am so happy for you guys and can't wait to meet him!

Natalie Cobb said...

I am in tears of joy for you! Congratulations! I cannot think of more deserving people than you two. You have handled this beautifully. The boys and I are sending Hugs and Kisses your way for little Josh!

Telsha Winger & fam said...

Oh my goodness, how amazing. thanks for sharing the story. You will be amazing parents what a miracle!! He is beautiful.

The Humphries said...

blah! if I can stop crying I want to congratulate each of you. What a blessing from Heavenly Father, Josh's brown eyes are enchanting! I am just so happy for both of you and can't wait to meet Josh.

Mike and Katie said...

mike and i are so happy for you guys...there is no one else that we can think of that are going to be better parents then you both...we hope we can meet him next time that we are in st. george.

jfishmag said...

I am so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I can't stop thinking about it!!!! Come home soon!

Rachel said...

Paige!!! Oh my gosh!!! Congrats! I am so happy for you guys and I hope that all continues to go well. He is so cute!

Devin and Ashley Johnson said...

It's a beautiful story! He is adorable! We can't wait to meet him and watch him grow as well. We love you guys! Marshall Family have a safe trip!

Kateenie said...

What a happy story! I hope you get home while I'm in St. George for Spring Break. I can't wait to meet my first nephew!

April Leydsman Mason said...

I can't even tell you how excited I am for you guys. He is so lucky to be a part of your family.

Mom & Dad said...

Wow, we are so happy for you guys. What a beautiful little boy. We are anxious to met Josh. He is adorable and such a fun age. Dave and Sue

The Wright Family said...

Wow! And so the journey begins!! It's so amazing being parents, you guys are going to have so much fun, and Josh is so lucky to have you guys open your hearts and home to him. Congratulations, we're so happy for you guys!!

Katie said...

I saw this link through your facebook page. This is absolutely incredible you guys!!! I am soooo happy for you! Parenthood is so amazingly wonderful- although at times challenging, but SO worth it and awesome. I am so happy for you!

val said...

So sweet, you guys! We are so happy for you, and our love goes out to John and Jessica also. What a hard and fantastic decision to make. We love you all, and can't wait for Matthew and Josh to get to play!

Amber Blair said...

What a whirlwind!! Congrats!! Josh is such a cutie, and you guys will be amazing parents!! He's so lucky!! We for sure want to come meet the little guy!!

Anonymous said...

That is so awesome! Congrats! You guys are going to be amazing parents. He is so cute, we can't wait to meet him, hurry home =)
Nate, April and boys.

Susan S said...

What a tender story. I cried, too.Congratulations! We are so happy for you.

Val said...

Brings tears to my eyes! I am so thrilled for you. Whenever I look in Zaycia's big blue eyes, it reminds me of someone's precious gift to us, and I'm sure you will feel that each time you look in Josh's also. Looking forward to seeing him.

Kurtis and Iva said...

Congrats! I'm so happy for you guys!

Brock said...

Congrats guys! That is so awesome. We're so happy for you!

Jill said...

could NOT be happier for you guys! can't wait to meet little josh...

congratulations!

HUGS!

Heidi Wood said...

He is beautiful! Congrats!