Adopting our content Jamin

As soon as we finalized Janae's adoption and updated our home study we were actively seeking to adopt again. We continued to look for adoptable waiting children, sent our home study everywhere we could and told everyone we came in contact with that we wanted to adopt. After what seemed like eternity to us we received a call on July 15, 2010 from the Down Syndrome Association about an unborn baby boy that was prenatally diagnosed with Down Syndrome and Tetralogy of Fallot ( 4 heart issues that would require open heart surgery). Later we received the call that his birth family had chosen us to be his family. We were so excited to become parents again and started to make all the necessary arrangements. We contacted Golisano Children's Hospital to line up Pediatric Cardiologists and a surgeon. Our son was Jamin was born on Sept. 2, 2010 in New York City! A few days later we were driving to NYC and were about 3/4 of the way there when my cell phone rang. It was the adoption agency calling to say Jamin's oxygen level dropped during feedings so he would not be discharged from the hospital that day. How sad we were that we would not be returning home with our son and we were so worried about him. It felt terrible knowing that he was in the hospital alone without parents holding him and telling him how loved he was. However on Sept. 13 we headed out to NYC to meet our little guy. The great thing about that day was that it was Mark's birthday! What a great present for him- a new baby boy! We waited anxiously at the agency and signed all the last of the paperwork while we waited for the worker to bring Jamin from the hospital. What a wonderful feeling it was to see them come through the door! The agency gave us some time to feed and dress Jamin for the trip home. They were wonderful to us! Here is a couple of our first pictures-

As I had mentioned, Jamin was born with Tetralogy of Fallot. We took him to the Ped.Card.shortly after we brought him home for a complete evaluation and to discuss what the plans were for his heart surgery. We had to keep him as healthy as possible in the meantime. As with Janae we started Early Invention services in our home. He was to have his surgery in Jan. 2011 unless he had any signs of distress or any episodes of turning blue, which meant his heart condition was getting worse. Everyday that went by was a relief to us and Jamin was such a content, happy baby. Being busy each day helped us to just concentrate on loving our son and not be consumed with what was to come. We had Jamin dedicated at our church on Nov. 14, 2010. The song we chose to have played was "Your Whole Life Long", sung by Twilla Paris. There was hardly a dry eye in the church because they knew of our adoption of Jamin and his up coming heart surgery. What a special time that was-

The holidays were wonderful and we enjoyed getting together with family and friends. Many events we opted out of to avoid any illness. On Jan.5, 2011 we went to Golisano Children's Hospital early in the morning for Jamin's heart surgery. After holding him, kissing him about a million times and shedding a lot of tears, the nurse took him from our arms and off to the surgical unit they went. The surgeon hugged us and told us he would take care of him like he would his own son. We went up stairs to wait until the surgery was complete and the doctor came in to give his report. A little more than 4 hours had passed when the surgeon came in and told us he felt he had successfully repaired all 4 issues! What a relief that was and we were so greatful for all the prayers for Jamin! After they settled him in and stabilized him we were able to go into to what they referred to as "the bay" where patients recovered from surgery. Here are a few pictures of the days after his surgery-

Jamin was in the surgical recovery bay area for his whole stay so we could not sleep near him. We were able to have a room upstairs at the Ronald McDonald house in the hospital, which we were so happy to have. Anyone that has ever been through this with their child would understand the emotions we were experiencing from day-to-day. Fear of losing your child can certainly grip you if you let it. I almost caved in a few times, but knew that God had given us this precious baby boy so we would have to trust him through whatever would happen. On Jan.11 the bay was full and they had another surgery scheduled so we were "kicked out" ( just an expression ) because Jamin was deemed stable enough to be released and they did not have any available beds in the step-down unit. We were ready and willing to be going home! The first picture is Mark taking Jamin on our "walks" through the hospital halls- Jamin looks like he is thinking, " Daddy, when we are going home?" The next picture is the last one we took before leaving the hospital. Isn't he so sweet? and daddy,too

Soon after we returned home life was "normal" again and we continued on with therapies in our home for Janae and Jamin. Our other children at home were busy with their activities and school. Life was good and we were definately enjoying it to the fullest. We finalized Jamin's adoption on June 23, 2011 with the same judge as we had with Janae. He was awesome with our family and sincerely understood our love of adoption!

Today Jamin is doing great. He will need to continue going to the cardiologist for the rest of his life and we do not know how much progress he will make. He learned to crawl at 19 months and is able to stand for a couple of minutes when propped against furniture. Jamin loves to eat everything and he sure is getting heavy to carry around! He is a very happy little guy and enjoys being around people. Everyone comments on his long eyelashes and infectious smile! He is receiving OT,PT,Speech and Early Education therapies in our home. Jamin loves music and is starting to learn a few motions to some songs. As with every child we pray that Jamin will continue to stay healthy and grow up to be the very best he can be! Here are a few more pictures of Jamin-

                                                  

                                                       Jamin's 2nd birthday                                                                          

                                                                                  
Whether you are considering adopting or looking for an adoptive family or just reading our blog we hope that you will realize the value of human life. Statistics have shown that about 95% prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome are aborted. We desire to show that life is precious and that God designed each person as unique as he designed every snowflake with a different pattern. Will you help spread the word about adoption and the lives that are enriched by it?
Thank you for taking the time to read our stories

Adopting our precious Janae

After waiting, being profiled and not be chosen, waiting some more, we received a call on Oct.1 ,2008 from the Down Syndrome Association about an unborn baby girl due Jan.10, 2009. She was to be born with Down Syndrome and Duodenal Atresia (intestinal blockage) that would require surgery shortly after birth. Of course we said yes and excitedly began making preparations, filling out paper work and paying adoption fees. On Dec.8 we received a call from the agency that the birth mother was on her way to the hospital for a C-section and our baby girl would be born in a few hours! I called Mark to come home from work NOW so we could be on our way. We made arrangements for our children at home, packed our bags and drove to near Albany. We went into the hospital and were introduced to our precious baby girl. We hugged each other with tears of joy in our eyes! This is the first picture of Janae when we entered the room-



Next we began making arrangements for Janae to be transfered to Golisano Children's Hospital for her surgery. On Dec.9 she was transfered there- we had this picture taken before she left in the Special Care Ambulance. How emotional that was, to see our baby girl, knowing what laid ahead for her and our family-

After settling into the NICU Janae had her surgery on Dec 12 at 4 days old. The surgery was successful and her G-tube was feeding her around the clock. Since she was in the pod area we were not able to stay over night, so we went back and forth from home everyday tovisit her and help with her care. Each day the surgeon would make his rounds as well as the attending doctor and nurses. Each day we would hear him say, "not yet-it will take time". We did not know how long she would be there as only time could heal the unblocked area of her intestine to see if she would be able to take a bottle orally. Day, after day, he said the same thing, Janae healed more each day. Finally she was able to feed about a teaspoon via a bottle and I was so happy to give that bottle! Meanwhile I was learning more about the care required for her G-tube feedings when we were able to go home. I would sit by her little crib and read or sing to her for as long as the nurses would allow. Each day I cried when I had to leave her there until the next day when we returned. The day finally came when her intestines were working- yep poop! Can you imagine anyone being so happy to cheer about poop! That meant Janae was able to take her feeds and process the waste. We had the okay to go home! Here are pictures of after her surgery and on Jan. 5, 2009 when we were released from the hospital to take Janae home.

Family and friends welcomed us home with our precious new bundle! We settled in pretty quickly of our new routine of feedings and changing feeding tube bags. Janae was very content and so very sweet. A couple of months later her g-tube got infected so off to the hospital we went. After discussing how much she had been taking orally via the bottle the doctor decided the tube could be taken out! That was great news for us and of course Janae. It had been difficult to have her on her stomach with the g-tube in. By this time we had been actively involved with Early Intervention services and therapists were coming to our home to provide therapy.

We had Janae dedicated at our church on March 8, 2009. It was a special day. Our daughter Elizabeth played the piano and sang Jesus Loves The Little Children and Praise Him Praise Him before the dedication. Baby dedication to us means that God gave us these precious ones to love and care for. We make a promise to dedicate our lives to be loving, committed parents for as long as we are alive. We have dedicated all of our children in this way.

Since this time we learned a lot about Down Syndrome and watched Janae accomplish milestones. Yes they were achieved later than her peers, but we are so happy to see her growth. The following pictures are just a few to show you how she is growing.

On Nov.5, 2009 we went to court to finalize Janae's adoption. What a day of celebration for our family! I made Janae's dress and a matching colored skirt for Elizabeth and me. The judge was awesome and spoke to each one of us with nice comments. Note how Janae made herself comfortable by resting her foot on the judge's desk! A perfect day it was!!!

Fast forward to this date-

 

 

 

Janae-Sept.2012 

Janae is almost 4 and a live-wire! She is busy from the time she gets up until bedtime. She loves everything life has to offer her! Janae receives PT,OT,Speech,Early preschool education and Music therapy in our home. Each day holds many new adventures. She loves babies, people of all ages, animals, books, swimming, being outdoors, music and being on-the-go. Don't blink or she will be gone- climbs everything. Our lives have been so enriched by her adoption into our family. Yes we have our challenges too but what family doesn't. We don't know what the future holds for Janae, but we will be right there every step of the way. Rejoicing with her for everything she is able to accomplish! I hope you have learned a little more

about our family, how much we love our children, and how blessed we are.by them.

Our adoption stories

While we wait to finalize Josiah's adoption I decided to talk about some of our adoptions. I hope you enjoy reading about them and realize what a love we have for our family and adoption in general. May it encourage you if you are either considering adoption for your unborn baby or already born child, or for those who may be seeking to adopt.Since some of our children are adopted from foster care we will not share their stories. It does not make them any less important but some issues are sensitive and we want to protect those involved.
After many years of parenting both adopted and biological children we decide to pursue adoption again. So in the spring of 2007 we signed on with an adoption agency to complete our home study and anxiously waited for the call. During our wait we planned and prepared for our new family member(s). We also networked with many agencies and spread the news to everyone that we wanted to adopt again. Every time we received a call about a possible situation we were so excited. However we were disappointed when we were not chosen for one reason or another. Many times we were not chosen because we had other children and the birth mother only wanted a couple with either no children or one child. At times we felt we would never welcome another child into our family. But to give up would have definately not been the answer, so we continued our search. I spent many hours
looking at websites of children that needed families and inquired about many of them. During that time we registered with Adopt America Network, CHASK, and the Down Syndrome Association to expand our efforts to adopt. This eventually led to our adoptions of Janae and Jamin! How blessed we are!