Our Newest Addition

               
      That’s right we can finally announce our exciting news!  Parker Matthew Morton was born on March 14, 2013 and he hasn’t left our arms since!  The story of his arrival is truly a story of miracles.  Here is a quick version of the story and of course pictures!

       In 2011 after an unsuccessful round of fertility treatments, Matt and I began looking more seriously into adoption.  We decided to begin taking classes to become foster/adoptive parents through the state.  Unfortunately, about halfway through the classes, we both felt this was not the right path for us at the time.  We returned once again to pursuing fertility options/treatments.

     Throughout the following 6 months, we had a series of very special personal and couple experiences that led us once again to consider adoption, only this time through a private agency.  On Feb. 19, 2013 I was attending a work meeting where a therapist from a local adoption agency was present. I felt impressed to tell her our story and that we were starting to look into adopting privately.  I was hoping she would be able to get us some basic information like cost, beginning paperwork, etc. She took my information and promised to send it on to her colleague in charge of the adoption program.  The very next morning I opened my e-mail to find the biggest surprise of my life!  After hearing about Matt and I as well as our story, they believed they had a birth family that would be the perfect match!  Matt and I happened to be able to read the e-mail together that day. We both looked up at each other and smiled from ear to ear.  This just felt perfectly right. The only catch…the baby was due in three weeks!

     We had to create an adoption profile in less than 24 hours to present to the birth family who would select between our family and several others.  On Feb. 26, after what seemed like an eternity, we received word that we had been selected by the birth family.  Best. News. Ever.  We happened to be in the middle of the Rapid City Regional Airport, but we didn’t care, we celebrated right then and there!

     The next two weeks were full of expedited paperwork including fingerprints, background checks, medical clearances, home studies, etc. as well as preparing for baby! The paperwork process normally takes usually around 6 months, but like the millions of miracles we have lost count of along this journey it was all completed by Parker’s birth! 

     Parker came a few days early on March 14, 2013 where he was immediately flown to NICU in Sioux Falls, SD for concerns regarding blood sugar.  Matt and I drove straight to Sioux Falls that same day where we were able to meet him for the first time.  I can still remember walking through the NICU hallway that night on my way to meet him.  There were many cries from the different rooms in this large NICU, but amongst the cries I could recognize his. I didn’t need a room number, I knew exactly where he was. He was our son.  He was so beautiful!  Nothing can describe what we experienced that night, but both Matt and I would describe it as love at first sight. Parker's blood sugar had been low in part because he was refusing to suck/eat.  When Matt and I arrived by Parker's side, I was able to give Parker his first full feeding and he hasn't stopped eating since :-)  Parker was released four days later and we were able to take him home straight from the hospital. He has been in our arms ever since!  He is one happy, healthy, handsome baby boy!

     We apologize for those friends and family to whom this comes as a shock. As you can tell from our story, it was quite the shock for us as well. :-) As much as we wanted to shout our news from the rooftops, we needed to protect the privacy and grieving process of the birth family.  As of this past Monday, the birth parents have terminated parental rights and the adoption agreement has been signed, so we are free to announce our exciting news! We knew we were waiting for someone, I am so glad that someone was Parker.  He was worth all the wait!

     As I complete this post, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the family and friends who were true life lines for us during this intense time.  Words can’t express how grateful we are for the prayers and support sent our way these last two months!  I am filled with gratitude and love for Parker's incredible birth family who had the courage to make the most difficult, agonizing decision of love.  Most importantly, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for a Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers.  I am grateful for His wisdom and guidance.  This was the greatest affirmation to us that Heavenly Father is fully aware of each of us. He knows our desires and He has a perfect plan for us, even if it is not in the way or time we expect. Miracles.Do.Happen.