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