A glorious day!

Late last week we got "the call" we had been waiting for...a birth mom had chosen us! We were over flowing with joy to say the least. And to top it off, she invited us to her doctors appointments today! So we've been keeping it a secret until TODAY!!!

And boy was today a super special day.....We spent nearly the entire day with "M". She is a doll and has such a sweet spirit about her...much wiser than her age! We are so excited to meet the rest of her family in the near future and get to know her better. She wants us to experience all the things she is experiencing such as going to doctor appointments and even being there when our baby BOY is born! Yes you read that right, Turner is going to have a brother!!!! And we could not be more excited! "M" is due mid July, so that gives us a little time to prep Turner and get ready ourselves.

Please keep our newest family member "M" in your prayers. I cannot imagine how difficult this decision was for her..but what respect I have for her that she chose life for this sweet little baby! She is an extraordinary women...it's amazing how you can instantly love someone you've never met before so deeply...it's hard to put into words, but I know all my adoption buddies can understand. Birth mothers are pretty special.

"Everyone needs compassion, love that’s never failing, let mercy fall on me. Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior, the hope of nations. My Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, mighty to save…."

Every time, I hear these song lyrics, my heart fills with joy as I’m reminded of Turner’s precious birth mother. Over the past 18 months, we’ve had the honor and privilege of spending quality time with “C”. What a surprise and blessing this relationship has been to all of us. She is so full of life and love for not only Turner, but for John & me. The love and gratitude we have for her is nearly impossible to put into words. How do you say thank you to a person who chooses you to be her son’s “Forever Mommy & Daddy?”

It seems like only weeks ago that we met this incredible woman, just hours after our son was born. There was such a mix of emotions we never dreamed we’d experience. We were filled with such joy and gratitude for her decision to give us her baby; but, at the same time, we felt such deep pain in imagining how difficult it was for her. We know her decision wasn’t easy, but her love for our little boy has been a constant reminder of God’s love for us. Despite the enormous pain it caused Him, He gave up His only Son so that we might have everlasting life. Turner’s birth mother put aside her great pain and grief to do what was best for her son, and made a very similar sacrifice. We never want Turner to forget the unconditional love she had for him at that moment.

Though Turner’s birth mother knows he is loved and has total peace with her decision, she will always have emptiness in her heart. So will countless other birthmothers who choose adoption. To honor these women’s courage and sacrifice, and to celebrate just how special these kinds of mothers are, our adoption agency will host a Birthmother’s Retreat this weekend. This special weekend will be a celebration of their decision, a time of ministry, healing, and well-deserved pampering. So please keep these women and the retreat in your prayers!

Turner playing with his new "baby"

Turner reading his favorite book "Brown bear, Brown bear"

Turner is going to be mommy's little helper I think!!!