June 1, 2009: Finally...some good news to report! I got a call today from
HelpUsAdopt.org (an adoption granting agency) to discuss the status of our grant application. After asking me a few questions, she asked if I was sitting down. I was, thankfully. She then informed me that the grant review panel had decided to award us the grant funds we had requested! She said they were touched by our story and that they know we have had a hard journey thus far. However they are sure there is a baby for us soon and they are delighted to help us acheive our dream. What awesome news!
I have to admit, I have been feeling very discouraged lately and have even been having thoughts of quitting this whole process as it is so emotionally challenging. I have been praying (as others have been) for some kind of sign or encouragement to keep us going. God has answered our prayers! I feel a renewed hope that we will soon have a child. How amazing is He?!?! He always knows what I need, when I need it. I am praying that this financial hurdle was the one He was waiting for us to clear before sending us our child. Had we gotten one of the two children we were anticipating before, we would not have been eligible for this grant (as most adoption grants are only pre-placement, not for reimbursing fees paid).
God is truly amazing! Please continue to pray for us as we rejoice in this good news and continue to (patiently?!?!) wait for our child. :-) Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...we couldn't do this without you and your efforts on our part.
By the way...sorry about the lack of updates. I'll try to be better. Hopefully I'll have more good news to impart soon. :-)
Comments Thanks Heather! :) Great news! So glad something good has happened out of the bad! - Stories
Why does it say my name is stories? It's from me, Michelle Potts... incase you didn't know! - Stories
Congratulations to you guys! You are always in my prayers. - Stories
Thanks! I figured that was you, Michelle. :-) I'm not sure why the name thing isn't working. Must be a glitch. I guess if you leave a comment in this section you should put your name in the text. Sorry for the confusion. -Heather - Stories
This is such amazing and awesome news! I'm so happy for you guys!
-Christina - Christina
Everyday it is so amazing to watch how God's plan for us unravels. This Grant is wonderful for you both and I will continue to pray for you both on this journey. -- Debbie Wax bhp:datsdwax - Debbie Wax
March 23, 2009: Just a quick update...
We were heartbroken today when the birthmother changed her mind. It was a big shock to us as I had spent all morning in the hospital room with her. We chatted and talked about plans. About 11:30 Jason and I went to grab some lunch. When we came back, she didn't want any visitors. Not too long after that the adoption counselor called to tell us that she had changed her mind. The baby had been born just after we returned from lunch. After seeing the baby she decided she could not go through with the adoption plan. Her nurse came out to talk with us and was very nice and explained what happened. We are devestated and absolutely heartbroken. Please keep us on your thoughts and prayers as we recover from yet another loss.
Comments God is with you and I wish I could be too. Love you both. - Sarah
I am so sorry to hear this. You are such a wonderful, loving person, Heather. I know that everything will work out for you and Jason when the time is right. I just wish you two didn't have to go through this heartbreak. - Christina
ahh... Heather and Jason. My heart breaks for you. I can't believe it happened again! :( After all our prayers, I'm heartbroken for you guys. I thought this time was gold. We'll be praying for you. I wish I could come wrap my arms around you and be with you to bear this burden. :( Tears.... - Michelle Potts
**Hug** I love you guys. Jay and I have been praying for you throughout the day. I pray that God sees our tears and brings you the peace that passes all understanding. I pray you continue to stand on his promises and that in his perfect time he will fill you with inexpressible joy. - Jennifer Gardner
OH I am so very sorry!!!! - Angela Hostetler
There just aren't any words that can take away your heartache. It seemed that this was the one that was going to happen. I have to believe that there is a child out there that will need you and that it will happen soon. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Missy Henderson
Heather and jason, im very sorry for your loss again! Just keep praying to god and believeing in him and one day it will happen! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! - Cindy (Black) Dewar
March 18, 2009 (update): Just got the call from the adoption agency...the birthmother is scheduled to be induced on Monday at 6:30am! So, we have the weekend to prepare for our baby coming home! (As long as all goes as planned...and as hoped!) We'll keep you updated for sure. Please continue to pray!
Comments Hey!! I am sooooooo excited for you! Scott and I are praying that everything goes smoothly - from the delivery to bringing your new baby home! Do you have a name picked out yet? - Deborah Humble
God is sooo good! I will continue to pray for you and your family. Oh this is the best news ever.. I have not been by the site in a while and I am so excited I checked in! Again our prayers will surround you now and through this excitement. Looking forward to checking back for more great news. - Debbie Wax, bhp/datsdwax
March 18, 2009: Still waiting patiently to find out how the birthmother's doctor appointment went. I'll post another update as soon as I know something.
I've been passing my time today finishing up the valance for the nursery that matches the quilt I made ages ago. Finally, I feel like the nursery is pretty much complete. (Except for some cool wall art that our good friend, Aaron, is creating for us...should be very cute!) Anyway, here's a picture of the curtains now done. You can see more pictures of the nursery on the pictures page
here.
Comments I'm so proud of the great job you did on the curtains. The valance really finishes off the room nicely. Of course we are spending lots of time in prayer for the whole situation. We love you. - Mom
That is gorgeous! I can't wait for Monday! Yippee! Praying that all goes well still. - Michelle Potts
March 17, 2009: Just a quick note...we found out that the birthmother has a doctor's appointment tomorrow. They will determine then whether they will be inducing labor this week. So...we'll be waiting for the call tomorrow to let us know. We'll let you know too! :-)
March 16, 2009: Well, we were up in Indianapolis tonight for a meeting at the adoption agency. The do an Educational Series about adoption topics. Tonight it was about telling your child their adoption story. It was good. Anyway, we were really hoping we'd get the call about the baby while we were up there as we'd be an hour closer...cutting our drive time in half. But, it was not meant to be. Oh, well.
We did get some good news when we got home though. There was a message on our answering machine from the birthmother counselor telling us that she had spoken with the birthmother yesterday. Her doctors may decide to induce by the end of the week! She wanted to give us a heads-up. So, that is very encouraging news...first that we could be parents by the end of the week...but also that the birthmother is keeping in contact with the counselor and that she wanted to be sure to tell us the new information. That tells us that she is keeping with her adoption plan at this time. Also, if they do induce, we should be able to be there for the delivery...assuming she'll let us know when it's scheduled. So, this is very encouraging news and we remain hopeful that it will work out for us.
Please continue to pray...for the birthmother, for the baby, for an easy delivery, for the health of both of them, for our peace, patience and trust. We know God is in control!
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments you've left. We'll keep you posted!
Comments I am so Happy for you guys. You have had the patience of saints!!! I am praying for you and the birthmother and that every thing goes just as planned. You could have your little one by this weekend!!! - Cindy Tomamichel
Wow-God is working fast. I really believed that He would do it just like that for you. I am so excited for you. - Sarah
March 12, 2009: Well, we met with the birthmother this morning. It went REALLY well. She's a really nice person...and she's absolutely beautiful! The meeting went well...after a bit of nervous conversation, we got comfortable with each other and were able to laugh a lot together. She said she is very confident in her decision...and has the support of her mom to help her through this difficult situation. She's seems like she has a good head on her shoulders. She would like us to be at the delivery, so we're excited about that! She'll deliver about 2 hours away...so we hope we'll make it in time! :-) She's due on March 30th, but she's already dialated to 1cm and is having contractions everyday. So, really it could be any day!!! And....she's having a GIRL! :-)
So, as long as she goes through with the adoption plan she has made, all should be well for us. We're very excited, but still trying to guard our hearts. We've been here before, so we're trying to be cautious...but it's hard not to be excited...and very hopeful. We're praying that this is the baby God has for us, but we trust Him and want His will to be done.
So, we're packing the diaper bag, getting the car seat in the car...and waiting for the phone call! And praying hard!!!
On a sad note, Emily and Faith will be leaving us. The church is working to find another home for them as soon as possible. I'm sure it will be harder on us than on them. I've sure gotten attatched to them. They're so sweet! Please be praying that the right home is found for them very soon.
So...as usual, we covet your prayers! We'll keep you updated, for sure. :-)
Comments God is so GOOD! It is good to guard your heart but don't ever forget that He knows the plans He has for you and it is to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I am so excited for you both and can't wait to meet the little one that He created just for your family. I really couldn't be happier for you both. Love Ya! - Sarah
OH Heather and Jason!! I am very very excited! I really hope this works out. :) You two really deserve it, and if it does work out, then I will have two new nieces. Ha:):) Oh so exciting. Keep praying, and being strong. YOu have all my prayers, love and support! - Sam
Heather & Jason, we continue to keep you and your baby in our prayers. We hope things work out this time, you will be incredible parents! - -Lindsey
Congrats! :) - Christina
we've been praying for you guys. I so hope that this is a happy ending. It does mean the start of sleepless nights! (Which I know you don't mind at all!) I'm excited that you're having a girl! :) - Michelle Potts
So excited for you both. We'll be praying for you, the mother, and the many other people touched by this adoption. Standing with you & Jason on the promises of God our Savior. - Love, Kim Petty
March 5, 2009: Well, we had an interesting phone call last week from one of our pastors. He asked us to consider being temporay "foster" parents for a family of girls in our church. The girls' caregiver is in rehab for a broken leg and is learning to walk again. Also, they recently had a house fire and the house is unliveable. There are four girls! After much prayer we decided that we just couldn't handle FOUR kids after having none and we didn't want to separate them. But the girls asked if they could be split as the older ones would like a break from caring for the younger ones. So, we decided that we could take the younger girls for awhile.
I picked the girls up on Tuesday and we now have Emily (5) and Faith (2) living with us. The girls are adapting really well. I'm grateful for that, but I do admit that this is probably one of the most difficult things I've ever done in my life. These girls have not had boundries, rules or expectations in the past. They're used to taking care of themselves basically: going to sleep, getting up, eating...whenever THEY feel like it. It's a big adjustment for them...and for us.
We do not know how long we will have the girls. Especially in light of what happened today... We got a call from the adoption agency!!! An expectant mother has chosen us again. The mother is African-American/Filipino and the father is African-American. She's due by the end of March...we don't know the exact day. We also don't know if she's expecting a boy or girl. Her counselor at the adoption agency said they'd let her surprise us with that news when we meet her next week. Yeah, so we have a meeting set up for next Thursday, March 12. So, it will be a long week as we wait for that meeting.
So, we have quite a situation on our hands. :-) If this mother truly chooses us, we will need to have the church find another home for the girls. We are just doing this day-by-day to see what happens.
Please pray for us! Pray for Emily and Faith (and their family) as they deal with their difficult situation. Please pray for the expectant mother as she makes this huge decision. Please pray for her baby...for it's health and wellbeing. Overall, please pray that God's will be done in all this. Thanks for your continuing support and prayers. I'll keep you updated!
Comments I'm so excited for you guys. Jay and I will be praying for you and for all the families invovled. I know God is in control and his plan will be exactly what you need. I love you guys and can't wait to see what amazing things God is going to do. - Jennifer Gardner
Only God can do things like this! I am so happy for you and I will be praying. I know exactly what you mean about the no boundaries thing too! He is definitely an AMAZING God! - Sarah
That is wonderful. I wish you the best of luck! I pray you make a wondeful positive impact on These two little girls also. - Angela Hostetler
What wonderful news!! Neil and I will keep you guys and the birthmother in our prayers - I really hope it works out for you this time. - Maggie
This is all excellent news, Heather! Emily and Faith were put into your life for a reason. I know that it is definitely stressful to be around children who have had no boundaries, but God placed them with you because he knows that you and Jason can handle it and that you two are the best people for them to be with. Five and two are actually really fun ages. Enjoy them. :) - Christina
How exciting! Your life must look a lot different with the girls around! We'll be praying that everything will go super smooth and that your new daughter or son will be a healthy and happy baby! Love you guys! - Michelle Potts
February 17, 2009: It's amazing to me that three years have gone by today since we lost Riley. At the time I truly didn't know how I would survive the loss. Through the love and prayers of family and friends, I have survived. God has been faithful in bringing healing. Today has been hard, but it gets easier each year. I think the hardest part is that we don't have a child at all. I know it would be hard no matter what, but I definately think having another child would take some of the sting away. All in God's timing...we trust Him!
Throughout our journey of loss, I've learned so many things. One particular thing became very obvious today. Our words...even seemingly innocent...can have a devestating effect on people. We don't know what other people are dealing with in their lives...and the words we choose can hurt them unintentionally. For example, tonight as we were waiting to be seated at a restaurant, Jason and I were watching the cute antics of a child impatient to eat. He was showing off and being silly. His mom was trying to calm him down, but that only increased his attempts to run around. As we smiled at them, the mother looked at us and laughingly said, "Aren't you glad you don't have a hungry two-year-old with you? I'm sure you're really jealous." Having no knowledge of our situation, her words were innocent, yet they cut me like a knife. No...I'm not glad that I didn't have my hungry two-year-old with me...because I don't have one! I AM jealous! Had Riley gone to term and survived, we would have had a hungry two-year-old with us. It hurt so bad...especially today! As we were finally seated I began thinking about our word choices. How many times had I unintentionally hurt someone with my careless words? Many, I'm sure. Words are so powerful and they can be used as weapons...even untentionally. My goal from this point on is to really try to filter what I say to people. I pray that you will too.
We thank everyone for their prayers today as we remember Riley. Also, for your continued prayers as we wait (patiently!) for Riley's little brother or sister. We couldn't have made it this far with you!
Comments I have been thinking about you guys all day today and praying that your day went quickly and with as little pain as possible giving how difficult this is for you. I am truly sorry that this happened to you tonight. Unfortunately, that mother had no idea how hurtful her words would be. This story brought me to tears as I cannot imagine your pain. It is a reminder to me to thank God for the blessings that I have, even if they are trying at times (like 4am...). Stay strong! As you know, this timing has a reason and even though it doesn't make sense to us, it does to Him. We love you guys!! - Love, Shelly
February 5, 2008: Well, we finally received the February newsletter. We were thrilled to know they are working with 13 expectant mothers right now. One of them is already matched. So, we have a shot at any of the other 12. They did not mention when any of them are due. They are currently showing 11 profiles and have 8 other families that will be ready to have their profiles shown soon. So, we're really praying we'll be chosen. Please continue to pray for us! Thanks!
Comments Good luck to you guys - you are in our prayers! - Maggie
If you want me to take care of these other families...just say the word ;-) - -you know who-
February 3, 2009: Just had to post real quick. I was reading a forward (which I don't usually do, but was prompted to today) and was struck by the point of the story.
If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.
Amazing. So, simple, yet so true. Again, it goes along with the trusting Him. Anyway, just had to share that as it really touched me. It's a good thing to remember no matter what you're going through.
February 1, 2009: As you can see, our little fish on our fundraising ticker has swam forward some more. I've added the money that we've been saving ourselves lately...like an escrow refund and our tax refunds. So, we're getting there. Slowly, but surely. We're still praying about getting a grant to assist us as well.
We have no news about a baby yet. The agency puts out a newsletter at the beginning of each month, so we're hoping we'll get one in the next couple of days to let us know the stats and what is happening. We're praying for patience.
It always amazes me when the sermon at church speaks right to me. It was as if God directed our pastor to preach today just for me. A new sermon series titled "Perfect Trust" (inspired by Charles Swindoll's book). Today was "A Heart to Trust" based on the story of a father struggling to trust God (Mark 9:17-24). It truly spoke to me. While I do trust God to take care of us and place a child in our life, I still struggle. As that father said, in tears..."I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief!" That is my prayer today and everyday. I'm truly looking forward to the rest of this sermon series. I know God means it for me!
Comments I worked with Kathy at Four Seasons and have followed your story from the beginning. I hope your prayers are answered very soon and that your baby arrives quickly!! You are both in my prayers. - Cindy Tomamichel
January 10, 2009: Well, we got some more disappointing news yesterday. We were turned down for the second of three grants we applied for to assist us with adoption fees. We were really hoping that this one...Shoahannah's Hope...would work out. So, we're still waiting to hear from the Gift of Adoption Fund. Our application there is on hold until we are matched. I was so sure we'd get assistance from one of the two we were turned down by...so this is a big blow. We know that God will provide finanacially for us...we know that adoption is His will. I'm finding it hard to remain positive. We've had so many disappointments in our life when it comes to having children. I've been really good at keeping a positive attitude...but that is becoming very hard and I find myself giving in to negative thoughts. Please pray for us...for strength, patience, peace, positive thinking and for God's provision. Thanks everyone!
Comments Sorry to hear of the bad news. I know it is very discouraging. Sometimes our plans aren't the same as his and all we can do is wait! I remember very vividly the pain of waiting and wondering why I couldn't be a parent. I was there for 11 1/2 years. It will all work out. - Angela Hostetler
My prayers are headed your way. Just always keep your head pointed up and let God take the wheel. The perfect little one is out there for you.. God surely has plans for you.. for now you can spoil your new nephew and enjoy some special time with your husband! My husband and I have had our share of rough times through 2008 and a failed adoption also.. we do have our 3 sons and are so thankful for that but so far we have been waiting for our little girl who we know is out there for about 2 years now. It is at times really hard to think about anything else.. then I take a deep breath and say God I am not sure what your are doing in my heart but I know that it is leading me to peace. That always seems to make me feel better. Sending you our love, hope and prayers - Debbie Wax, bhp/datsdwax
January 3, 2009: Well, I'm not really sad to leave 2008 behind. It was a tough year for us...we lost 3 grandparents and had the failed adoption match. That was really hard. On the bright side, though, we had a wonderful addition to the family...our nephew, Jesse. A huge blessing in the midst of grief.
So, 2009 can only be better, right?! We're sure praying so. We're doing some major praying right now...we just got the January newsletter today from the adoption agency! We love getting these updates as they give us hope that we will be chosen soon. They're currently working with 8 expectant mothers...2 have been matched. Of the 6 remaining 3 are expecting African-American babies, 2 Caucaisan and 1 Bi-Racial. They're currently showing 7 profiles to these 6 mothers. Of those 7, only 2 (including us!) are open to adopting an African-American child. So, if there are 3 black babies available and only 2 families (us being one of them) that want a black baby...then the odds are very much in our favor! We're praying hard! Please pray along with us. We're not sure when the babies are due...but we suspect either January or February.
So, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We know that God's timing is perfect and that He has chosen the perfect child for us. Pray for our patience, keeping positive attitudes, strength, more patience, peace...and of course for our baby and his/her birthmother.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray that your 2009 will be blessed too! We'll keep you updated!
December 2, 2008: Wow...it's been awhile since I've updated this. Sorry about that! I was at our 10 year High School Reunion this past Friday and promised I would get an update posted. (This is for you, Maggie!)
So, no baby yet. We're still on the waiting list. I just got an updated newsletter from the agency today. Here's the stats: they're still working with 11 expectant mothers and 4 of those have been matched with adoptive families. Of the 7 remaining, 3 are expecting African-American babies, 3 are expecting Caucasian babies and 1 is expecting a bi-racial baby. 5 of the 7 are due in January. They are showing 11 family profiles right now.
We're hopeful to be chosen by one of the 7 expectant mothers. We're praying that God will connect us soon with the birthmother of our child. It's been so hard to be patient, but we know His timing is perfect.
So, that's our update...we're still waiting and trying to be patient. In the meantime, we have lots to keep us distracted. Jason's grandfather recently passed away, so we have been spending time with his family. His brother came home from the Air Force for the funeral and Thanksgiving. We had our High School Reunion on Friday, then we traveled to Michigan to spend time with my bestest friend, Shelly. We've been friends since we were 7 years old. Her son was baptized on Sunday and Jason is his God-Father, so we went up there to be with them. Then my college roommate, Michelle, is coming from Chicago on Thursday to spend the weekend. On Friday we're having a Christmas party with lots of our friends in the area. So, we have lots to keep our minds busy....especially during this holiday season.
I promise I'll try to be better about posting updates! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Many thanks and love to you all!
Comments Thanks for the update. :) You guys are in our prayers - I know your baby is out there! It was great to see you guys at the reunion. - Maggie
I am so glad that you posted an an update. I found your websight awhile back, and I have been following your adoption process, I know that you were devastated when the birth mother backed out and I was kind of worried about you. I would check all the time to see if there was an update. I know that everthing will work out for you. There is a reason for everything even though at times it's a little tough to take. I am keeping you in my prayers and hope everything works out soon. Good Luck. - Laura
September 29, 2008: Well, today our profile officially went back into circulation for expectant mothers to look at. It's really frustrating that this didn't work out. We're so puzzled as to why this has ended like this...we had no warning. It still doesn't make sense. Hopefully we'll get some answers at some point so we have some closure. We're just hanging in there...trusting that God is in control. Hopefully we'll get to meet the child he has chosen for us soon. (It'd also be nice if it was a girl as we now have a bunch of girl stuff...but we're not picky!)
On a happier note, I got to hold my nephew for the first time today! I was able to give him part of his bottle today, so that was fun. He's so little...and so cute! I'm also really enjoying this time with my sister, Anna. Her husband had to go back to work, so it's nice that I'm not working so I can stay up here with her.
Anyway...please continue to keep us in your prayers. Thanks!
My nephew, James Edward Smith III, was born today! Jesse's (as they're calling him) story can be read on his site:
www.babyhomepages.net/ww9ajr.
On another note...we learned this week that the adoption agency has lost contact with the expectant mother that had chosen us. Today we got the call that they recommend that we put our profile back out to be looked at. They don't know why this happened...and are very surprised that it has. We are heartbroken...but know that God has a child chosen for us. We're just trusting Him for guidance.
Sorry for that quick update...but I'm super tired as this has been a long day. I'll post more soon. Please keep us in your prayers.
September 15, 2008: Wow! Only one week til our baby girl's due date!!! We're trying to wait paiently...but jump every time the phone rings!
We do have an annoucement to make...we've picked a name! It will be...
Nora Kaylee-Jane Hatton!
We've always had Nora Jane in mind to use if we had a girl. It's the names of both Jason's grandpa's mothers. We love the combination and the family history. The birthmother expressed an interest in the name Kaylee. We didn't have any obligation to use it, but thought it would be neat for her to have a name that her birthmother chose too, as that is part of her history. It's pretty cool about Kaylee though...Jason's and his dad's middle name is Lee. My mom and Jason's first names are Kathy (kinda like Kay) and my sister's middle name is Kathyrn...but has always been Anna Kay. Funny how Kaylee is acutally a combination of family names. So, we felt we should use it. We think it flows well.
We'll keep you updated...keep us in your prayers!!!
September 11, 2008: I finally added an ultrasound picture of our little girl! The birthmother was so wonderful to let us have the pix. Ultrasound pictures are usually quite tricky to see. This one is one of her face on...I know, it looks a little creepy...but don't all ultrasound pix? :)
Still waiting to hear...don't go anywhere without the cell phone! The carseat is in the car and we're trying to get all we need to bring her home. We still need to pack a bag to take to the hospital and buy a couple more things, but we're getting there. We can't wait!!!
September 5, 2008: Wow...God is amazing!!! Our meeting with the birthmother yesterday was fantastic...better than I could have imagined...a perfect meeting. She is wonderful....absolutely committed to this decision. In one word...she is honest. She was totally open with us and we could tell that she is a very decisive person...and her decision is to place her baby girl with us through adoption!!!! She's due on September 22...only about 2 weeks away!! She wants us to be there in the room for the delivery...so we will know our daughter from the second she enters this world. This woman is amazing...totally selfless, very strong and really determined. I can't possibly imagine what she's going through, but I can sure respect her. She really is an amazing woman.
We're so excited, so amazed...it's unbeliveable that after all these years of pain and waiting we're going to be parents in a few weeks! It's overwhelming and we feel so blessed.
Keep those prayers coming...they're working!!! Now we wait...some more. We're trying to get everything ready...trying to think of what we need to buy to have before our shower. It's fun and exciting and scary and wonderful. So many emotions...truly amazing.
Knowing that this was going to happen soon, I put my resignation in at work on Wednesday. So, my last day will be the 17th...a few days to get ready for the baby. Hopefully she won't go early because our friends Amy & Aaron are getting married on the 20th and Jason is officiating the wedding!!!
So, please continue to pray for us (patience, calm nervous, no worrying or anxiousness), this precious baby girl (continue good health, future) and the birthmother (peace, easy pregnancy/labor, support of others, love of family). Thanks for those prayers and your support!!!
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