...is four year old Thomas! He was adopted at five days old, also from our favorite adoption agency ever, Christian Home and Family Services in Abilene, TX (www.christianhomes.com ). We got THE CALL about Thomas when I was again at school. His birthmom wasn't due for three more weeks, so we were asked to come to Abilene for a "Match Meeting" with her right away, and then would plan to return to Abilene when she went into labor. We drove 13 hours the next day and met her, took her out to dinner, walked around the mall with her, and took her to Dairy Queen, and then returned her to the Maternity Home (also run by our agency). We also got to meet some of her friends who were also living at the Maternity Home, waiting for their babies to be born. Some of them had already been matched with adoptive parents and some were still in the process of choosing.

After a nice visit, we headed home to LA to wait for her to go into labor...but about three hours into our 13 hour drive they called to tell us she was in labor! we immediately turned around and headed back--with NOTHING in the van for a long stay with a baby in a hotel! We were excited, though, and decided to play it by ear and see what God had in store for us!

Turns out, her labor stalled so they sent her home to the Maternity Home to wait. We went there to see her and get some more hugs, but were really undecided about what to do. Knowing the baby could come right away...or wait up to two more weeks...made us unsure about staying in town or heading back to LA. I didn't want to waste all my FMLA leave before the baby was even born, but I also didn't want to miss the birth! Ultimately, we decided to spend the night in town and head back early the next day.

We had only been home for ONE DAY when we got THE LABOR CALL! She was already 5 minutes apart, so we knew there was little chance that we would make it back to Abilene before the birth, but we rushed as fast as we could. Thomas was born at 10:10p.m. and we made it to the hospital at 3:00 a.m. We were able to go in and snuggle with him and take pictures and bond a little. Then we went back to our favorite hotel (Courtyard Marriott of Abilene) to get a little sleep.

We were able to visit with the birthmom and her family the next day. After 48 hours, she would be be able to sign relinquishment papers for him and we would be able to take him with us to the hotel.

...As it turned out, she wasn't sure she wanted to sign (she really wanted to be able to keep him, but she was very young and didn't have the support system in place that she needed). She actually refused to sign and left the hospital with Thomas. We were crushed. We drove 13 long, sad hours all the way back to LA. It was rough.

We returned home and went back to work and school and tried to console ourselves with the wonderful babies God had already given us (Zach was 13 at the time and John was 9 months old)! We knew that God had great things in store for us if we were faithful to wait for His timing.

The next night, the phone rang about 6:00p.m. and it was our wonderful adoption worker (Hi, Charlene)! She asked two questions..."How are you guys doing?" (to which I replied, "How do you think we're doing?!? We're crushed!") and then "Can I get you guys anything?" (to which I replied, "Yeah! A baby!") He next answer floored me..."He's right here in my office!" Yeah. Right. Not funny Charlene. "No, really! The birthmom changed her mind again and he's here waiting on you--all the paperwork is already signed!"

Turns out he was a bit of a crier (but not since then, thank you Jesus :) and she realized that he would be in a much better place if he came to live with us. We are so thankful that God gave her the strength to make such a difficult decision. He is a joy and loves Jesus with his whole being. He also makes a mean pancake!