Life Turns on a Dime

Just when you think you have a grip on things, someone throws you a curve ball. The last three weeks have been tough. Of course, if you read this blog you probably figured that out on your own. Nicole still has not surfaced. We are still hopeful that everything is okay with her. We have so many friends, family and coworkers that constantly ask how things are going with the adoption. When things are going well, you welcome those questions, but when things are not going well (as they have the last few weeks) you dread the questions. We have not minded the questions as much because we understand the sincere interest of those that love us.

Our case worker at LDSFS, Alyssa. has been trying to meet with us all week. I have not been in the mood to talk to others at all, let alone talk about the frustrations I have been experiencing with the adoption process. After putting her off for a couple days, she called again and insisted that we meet with her on Thursday. Reluctantly I agreed. Sarah and I went to visit her at her office and had our typical meeting to discuss how we were doing, any changes, etc. After it appeared we were finished with our meeting, Alyssa mentioned she had one more thing for us. As she left to the other room, I assumed she needed us to update some paperwork or something like that. Instead, she came back with a baby tub filled with baby clothes, socks, bibs, towels and blankets.

The Surprise Gift Basket From Caitlin

Needless to say, Sarah and I were totally confused! Also in the tub was a card. Sarah opened the envelope and tearfully read the card. It read, "Today, the ocean will ebb and tide, the earth will revolve around the sun, and stars will twinkle in the deep blue sky...but nothing will come close to the wonder and the miracle of holding this new little boy in your arms. Congratulations." Then she read the hand written message, "I would like to thank you so much for giving my baby the chance of a lifetime. I know I have made the right choice. Love, Caitlin" What a total trip! Our heads were spinning in disbelief! Just an hour before, I was experiencing depression for the first time in my life and then VOILA! All is seemingly better. We didn't know much about Caitlin, but we did know she is from Utah, is expecting a boy and her due date is October 20th.

Sarah, Caitlin and I...Can you tell we're happy?

Today we met Caitlin. Both, Sarah and I, were nervous. My gut was in knots. After waiting for a few minutes, we were led to a room where Caitlin and her parents were waiting. Caitlin is a pretty girl with a great smile. The first thing I realized was how much her hair looked like Sarah's. Her mother is just starting to grow her hair back out after battling and beating breast cancer. Her dad reminds me of me a little. Caitlin's case worker, Matt, and our case worker were with us. The seven of us sat down and talked for almost two hours. We would have talked even longer if they would have allowed us. The conversation never dragged and we absolutely love Caitlin!

Caitlin's Father, Tom, Caitlin and Caitlin's Mother, Nancy

We were so impressed by Caitlin. She has gone through a rough patch in life with the pregnancy and all, but it appears to have made her a better, stronger and more mature person. She has such a clear understanding of the process and how to approach it. She seems so strong to us. One thing is for sure, we love her. I am so certain that Heavenly Father is aware of her. I know he loves her and is guiding her at this time. Caitlin is due in a month, yet she still works and goes to school. She obviously loves her family and they seem to have a strong relationship. She gets straight A's in school and (when not pregnant) is part of the high school swim team. She is in the ROTC and is planning on becoming a flight nurse for the Marine Corps. Caitlin is naturally a blonde, though her hair is now strawberry blonde, and she has blue eyes. She is petite and athletic and has a great smile. She is still wearing her regular jeans! She has quite a few similar interests as we do, which is one of the reasons she selected us.

When it came to picking us as the couple to raise her son, she narrowed it down to two couples. She said there was much tension and stress in her life and in their home up until picking us. She mentioned that immediately after selecting our profile, she felt peace in her decision and knew it was right. She had obviously done her homework on us and knew quite a bit about us from our profile and pictures. She said the main reason for picking us was that she could tell from our pictures that we love each other and love life. She said she was touched that we were always smiling big in all of our pictures. She also joked that she liked the fact that we were not wearing matching clothes. That was funny. She, like us, enjoys traveling, camping, the outdoors, visiting National Parks, 80's music, and more. She also has a great sense of humor.

We were so very impressed with Caitlin. It is automatically hard not to love her for her courageous sacrifice for us. It is even harder now that we have met her. She is such a sweet, pretty and smart girl. She has invited us to come to her next doctor's appointment to see the ultrasound. I feel like we are intruding a bit, but we are excited that she wants us there. What a roller coaster ride this has been. It appears it will prove to be a good ride.