Taking Time To Appreciate The Sunrise

Life has been sooooo busy lately with Leah's arrival, church and several issues at work. It was nice this morning to take a second to sit on the back porch and enjoy the sunrise before heading off to another hectic day at the office. It was a beautiful sunrise. My little pocket camera doesn't do the golds justice.

Origin of Sayings

I have always enjoyed studying the origin of words, phrases and sayings.  It is neat to learn where certain sayings come from such as, "Riding Shotgun", "Putting Your Best Foot Forward", "Hunky Dori" and "Balls To The Wall".  There is one saying that, since the last two nights, has me baffled; the term, "Slept like a baby".  Obviously the person that created this term has never had a baby.  To me, slept like a baby means, making noises all night, pooping your diapers, and wanting to be fed at 4am.  

Pretty In Pink

In the words of Richard Butler of the Psychadelic Furs, "Isn't She Pretty in Pink?" Of course, Leah was somewhat a surprise. Not a surprise that she was born but more that she was missing some bits 'n pieces. Caitlin and her Mother were concerned that we were disappointed to hear that She was a She. Of course, this was not the case. We have never been concerned with the sex of the baby. Naturally, I slightly preferred a boy over a girl, but what dad didn't the first time? I would love a boy that I could take camping, coach football, etc. I am sure Sarah slightly preferred a girl that she could go shopping with and play dress up. Ultimately, it just didn't matter. Now...I can honestly say I can not even imagine a son in my arms right now. I am so in love with Leah and it feels so right. If Heavenly Father sees fit to bless me with a son, I will be ecstatic, but for now, I am soooo happy with my little girl. She looks so pretty in pink. Here are a few more pictures.

Coqui, Coqui, Coqui

The Puerto Rican Coqui

On our last two trips to Puerto Rico, we grew to appreciate their love for the Coqui frog. This is a Puerto Rican frog that we have never seen, but apparently is everywhere as you can hear it every night as if their were a million of them! They are named Coqui due to the sound they make. Coqui! Coqui! Coqui! Our little Leah has gained a nickname from her loving Father. It is Coqui! She gets the hiccups about 4-5 times a day and she sounds like a Coqui frog. I love it. I laugh and laugh and laugh. When I get the hiccups it drives me crazy, but the hiccups don't seem to bother her. Here is a short video of my little Coqui that I took while she was sleeping with me on the couch.

Don't Forget To Vote

We got the pictures back from the VanAusdals. They said that Leah was the most feisty little one they have had to work with...she is a diva already! They did great considering how difficult Leah was. I guess it helps that she is the cutest little baby girl EVER!!! Please place your votes 1, 2 and 3 in order of your favorites with 1 being your most favorite and 3 being your third favorite. I assume you can figure out what 2 is. Thanks, Curtis and Deena....YOU ROCK!

LEAH ROCKS!!!
The Stork Bundle
A Precious Gift
My Little Wahine ~ Baby On Board
Fight On!
Rock Star!
The Littlest Guitar Hero
Heaven Sent
Momma's Girl
Daddy's Girl

Quest For Perfection Complete

Today we took Leah to her first Dr.'s appointment with Dr. Mumford at Utah Valley Pediatrics. We have to thank everyone there. Brenda, our neighbor, works for Dr. Mumford at this office and she has shared our experience with everyone there. She warned us last night that they have all seen the blog and feel like they know us before having met us. This was truly the case. When we came in to the office, everyone that worked there was so anxious to see or hold Leah. They all told us how happy they were for us and how special Leah is. We felt very welcomed there. Thank you all (I know you are going to read this).

Dr. Scott Mumford was also happy to see Leah. Brenda has spoken of us to him often as well. I had golfed with Scott once and I am sure we talked about adoption. The good Dr. said that Leah was 100% the perfect baby! We already thought so, but as Sarah said, now we have it in writing from a qualified professional! We need to take her back in a week. I believe Leah will grow to love going to that office while most kids dread the trip to the doctor's.

GO USC!!! GO LEAH!!! GO COUGS!!!

We took Leah to our friend's home to have her pictures taken.  This was quite an experience.  I don't think Leah enjoyed it.  Curtis and Deena were so patient and kind while Leah twisted, cried and fought the process.  While they were putting their kids to bed, I snuck a few pics with Curtis' camera.  Deena could not resist and sent us this photo.  Too funny.  Thanks again, Curtis and Deena.  Sorry Leah peed on all your drop cloths!  And for the record, I also love BYU Football.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

We are excited to share some of our favorite things with Leah. We wasted no time in doing this. As a matter of fact, before Leah ever saw her new home, she saw El Pollo Loco! Her first full day in her new home was spent watching football! She was so good to oblige these few of my favorite things that I obliged to do her favorite thing....sleep.

Let it go in the records that Leah went to El Pollo Loco before she ever went home!

USC Babies Rock!

Sanchez throwing 5 touchdowns in one half in honor of Leah the newest little Trojan

Fight On!

After a good meal from El Pollo Loco and a good Trojan game, it is now nap time!

People I know ~ Caitlin (Private ~ Do Not Publish)

Here is the letter I wrote to Caitlin:

Caitlin, We love you.  You are such an amazing person.  We are so blessed to have not only received Leah from you, but to have had the opportunity to have gotten to know you, her mother.  With each visit, phone call and text, we have been impressed with you.  We understand you made a mistake and we are so happy that you have allowed us to be part of the solution to this mistake.  Truthfully, I don't think there has ever been a more precious and beautiful mistake made in the history of the world as Leah.  We will ever be so grateful that you made the right decision to place Leah for adoption.  This is such a selfless and caring thing you did.  We are even more grateful that you chose us to raise this wonderful gift from God.  We are flattered that your resolve that we should raise her was strengthened and confirmed after meeting us.  

I explained to you that giving us Leah was the greatest thing I think has ever happened to Sarah and I as a family.  The second greatest thing was allowing us to spend the last three days with you.  What a wonderful thing it will be that we can share with Leah just how special you are.  That we know you like a friend and family member, enough so that we can speak to her with first hand knowledge that you loved her and that you knew we would love her also.  There will be no assumptions.  

Leah will know of your love for your family.  She will know you smile often.  She will understand your love of all things outdoors, swimming, eighties music and such.  She will know of your loving mother and father, your sister and your Grandmother that oozes "grandma-ness".  She will know how strong you are; physically, emotionally and mentally.  You  have so many wonderful traits that she will hear of.  We hope she inherits much of who you are.  

Caitlin, learn from your mistakes.  Do not duplicate them.  Understand that your parents love you as well as a very loving Heavenly Father.  I don't want to get churchy, as it is not my style, but I do know that He knows you personally.  He cares for you and wants you to reach your highest potential.  He knows that your potential is higher than you may believe.  If you ever doubt your worth, place your trust in your parents and in Leah's parents that you have infinite worth.  Never doubt that.  

Regardless of what form of contact we have from here on out, we will always....ALWAYS remember you.  I love Sarah more than anyone in the world.  The thought of harm or unhappiness in her life seriously disturbs me.  I didn't think I could feel that way about any other person.  In just a few days, I can say I feel that way about Leah already.  I love her so much.  Sarah loves her so much.  It is weird to me to think back four days ago I had two favorite ladies in my life, Sarah and my Mother.  Today, that group has doubled by adding Leah and you to that list.  

Caitlin, chances are, you will not read this blog.  I wish I could explain better how I feel, but words do not do justice.  We love you so much.  We wish peace and happiness in your life.  You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.  

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

In the words of Sally Fields, "You love me!  You really love me!"  Sarah and I are so overwhelmed, as we have been through this entire ordeal, with the amount of love and support we have received from everyone around us.  I hate to make this sound like a written speech at the Oscars, but there are a few people we need to thank.  I truly don't want to leave anyone out, so hopefully this will cover everyone specifically and/or generally.  

• My Family - Thank you for the prayers and understanding.  Thank you for the first baby shower at the family reunion.  Thank you for allowing me my space in times of despair.  I have the best family in the world.
• Sarah's Family - Thank you for always being there for us and specifically for Sarah.  I am quite lucky to have married into the second best family in the world.
• My Work Family - Thank you to Phil and Len for letting me bend their ears every now and again regarding this whole process and understanding when I was a little distracted.  Thank you to my saves team for bearing with me in stressful times when I was short (not physically, though I am) or wore my emotions on my sleeves.
• My Ward Family - Thank you to the Orchard Hills Ward.  Especially the Bishopric, Bishop Rich, Brian Blackhurst, Alec Clark and Mark Harris.  What an amazing group of men we have leading us.  Bishop Rich is awesome.   Truly awesome.  They each have the most amazing wives to match.  Also, my young men's group (including Eric Franson).  They have been so excited for me in the high times and felt my pain with me in the low times.  I have said it a million times and it bears repeating.  We have a group of young men that are inspiring to me.  
• My Neighborhood Family - This family spills over into the ward family, but has earned it's own mention.  If you read my blog regularly, you already know how FREAKING (sorry Joe) cool my neighborhood is.  We have felt so much support from them from the beginning and even now when things have finally reached blissful end.  Thank you.  We are truly blessed to live in Meadowbrook.
• My Friends - The most important people to me have always been my family and friends.  Of course everyone on this list is a friend, but I speak of my friends since childhood.  These people care about me almost as much or as much as my family does.  They are so loyal and have always gone out of their way to make sure I knew they were there for me if I needed them.
• Other Adoptive Couples - Thank you to our friends who have adopted or dealt with infertility and they are all so understanding of our plight.  They have all been so eager to feel our pain with us and to share any helpful insight they could.

Joe Ashby ~ The Ashby's along with the Blackhursts and the Coxes have headed up the "Take care of the Trospers" committee.  

One of my best friends since adolescence, Jason Valderrama

Heidi Casale - The Casales are some of our greatest friends in the ward and life

Aunt Lynette - Aunt Lynette is my only family that lives in Utah.  She has been with us (crying) all along the way

Amy and Jaime - Amy is Sarah's cousin and has always been there for Sarah.  Amy and Jaime are engaged to be married in the next couple weeks....Congrats!

Sarah's Mom and Step Father - We are fortunate they live close and they will be great Grandparents!

Gifts, Gifts and more Gifts!  Thank you to everyone who have blessed us with presents and  to those in advance that will at the showers

Molly Reed - Molly is not only Sarah's sister, she is her best friend

We came home to a few signs and balloons and loved ones and presents and food!!!  Thanks!

Our "other neighbor" Cindy Cox and our neighbor Brenda Ashby, just two of the greatest neighbors in the world!

The balloon was from the Ashbys and Blackhursts and the sign was from the Casales

"He is a SHE...It's a GIRL!"  This fun sign was from the Cox Family

We were very prepared for little Caleb, but of course we were unprepared for Little Leah.  Molly cleaned out her hope chest (she has three boys and is hoping for a girl) and Sarah's friend, Liz Holyoak cleaned out her closet and brought us a whole pile of girls clothes.  We thank you....Leah thanks you!

Formula, diapers and a bag of new clothes awaited Leah's arrival from the Ashbys and Blackhursts

This was the balloon that was initially purchased.  It had to be replaced with the "It's a Girl" balloon.  We kept it because it is part of the story.

Once Upon A Time....

This is Caitlin as we arrived at the hospital

A Mother~Daughter Moment

Right After The Delivery

Introducing Leah Caitlin Bliss Trosper

"WEEEEEEEEEE" Apparently, Leah Enjoyed The Ride Too!

The Happy Mother With Her New Baby, Leah.

Caitlin looked great for having just delivered a 6 lb 3 oz baby girl!

Proud Papa

Oma and Opa (Caitlin's Parents) With Baby Leah

She Loves Her Cell Phone

Mama Feeding Baby For The First Time

Caitlin, Robert and Leah

Beautiful Baby

I Got To Wash The Baby For The First Time

She Is Absolutely Perfect

Caitlin and Little Caitlin

Leah asleep on Dad's shoulder
This photo was taken immediately after Caitlin placed Leah in our arms.

Sarah and Leah in her Squirrel Bunting that Sarah's Aunt Kate made for her

We are somewhat settled, so I thought I would document the birth of our precious little Leah. Sarah has already joked that I will go overboard on the blog posts about Leah. She suggested I title this blog, Leah's life ~ Day 1. That may scare everyone away.

October 15th on my way home from work at 5:15 p.m., I got a call from Caitlin's mother, Nancy, stating that they were on their way to the hospital! It was time! I almost pulled over to throw up, I was so nervous. Caitlin had a doctor's appointment at 5 p.m. The doctor immediately sent her to the hospital as she was dilated to a 4. I called Sarah as soon as I found out. Sarah sounded panicked as well. We gathered ourselves and headed to the hospital in Murray. By the time we arrived (approximately 6 p.m.) Caitlin was getting an epidural and she had was now dilated to a 6.

We visited for a while and tried to comfort Caitlin as best as we could. She was a bit frightened of the unknown, but once the epidural started to take effect, she was a bit more at peace. We enjoyed chatting with Caitlin and her family as we always do. Nancy and Tom gave us a few presents for baby Caleb; a USC Binky and clip, 2 USC bottles and 2 USC sippy cups. We thought it was so cool that they know us well enough to find us a gift that was personal. Also visiting Caitlin was Robert, a friend of the family. After visiting for a short while, Caitlin was dilated to a 10 and it was time to push. This was at 7:50 p.m. Myself, Tom (Caitlin's Father) and Robert exited the room, while Sarah and Nancy stayed. Caitlin had asked Sarah to be in the delivery room during the delivery. Sarah was very grateful for the opportunity.

At 8 p.m. the nurses asked Caitlin to stop pushing because the baby had crowned, but the doctor had not yet arrived. At 8:15 p.m. Dr. Epstein arrived and Caitlin proceeded to push. The baby was born at 8:27 p.m. Of course, I was not in the delivery room. I was just outside the door talking with Tom, but this is the dialogue of several observers during the birth.

Baby: WAAAAHHHH!!!!

Q: Did I just hear a baby's cry?

Tom: I think you did.

Nancy: It's a Girl?!

Q: Did I hear it's a girl?

Tom: I think you did.

Sarah: What?!

Dr.: A Girl?!

Sarah: What?!

Dr.: I haven't been wrong in two years!

Sarah: What?!

We were all so happy, yet totally taken off guard! I immediately called my Mother, who of course did not believe me. (I don't blame her as I have played several jokes on her in the past). She of course cried and expressed her happiness. I then called Sarah's Mother, and that conversation was almost identical as the first! Why doesn't anyone believe me?! Next, I called my D.O.D. The conversation went something like this.

Dad (answering the phone): Am I a Grandpa yet?

Me: Yep! But there is a little twist! He is a She!

Dad: What time was he born?

Me: 8:27, but did you hear me there was a twist?!

Dad: 8:27? That is great!

Me: Dad, did you hear me that HE IS A SHE?!

Dad: There is nothing wrong with that! If she was born at 8:27, than that means I beat your mother on our guesses at her birth time!

Me: Okay?!

Of course, Sarah broke down and cried the minute the baby was born. Nancy interpreted this as disappointment that the baby was a girl and not a boy. This definitely is not the case. Neither of us ever had any strong preferences regarding the sex of the baby. After a few minutes, they brought Tom and I back into the delivery room. I first saw that the baby was healthy and energetic. My immediate thoughts were for Caitlin. I hoped she was not in pain, physical or emotional. I looked at Caitlin and immediately knew she was okay...as a matter of fact, she was smiling and already on her cell phone!!! I found Sarah quickly and gave her a huge congratulatory hug and kiss. She was soooo happy and excited for our new little one as well as the final twist to the journey.

Nancy asked if we had a name; all the while assuming we did not. Actually, Sarah had always liked the name Leah Bliss Trosper. (Leah is pronounced Lee-Ah). I mentioned to Nancy, that Sarah had always liked this name. Sarah immediately added that she wanted to add the name Caitlin in honor of Leah's Mother. I immediately thought that was appropriate and told Sarah so. We asked Caitlin if she was okay with that and she agreed. It is such a small token of how much we appreciate Caitlin. Of course, it need not be said that the entire night was filled with emotion and tears. Lots and Lots of tears!!!

What a journey this has been over the last four and a half years! It has been quite the roller coaster ride from start to finish with every loop and turn in between. From the infertility to the medical help, to the first and last awful experience with our initial case worker at LDSFS, to our first and good experience with our final case worker at LDSFS, to Nicole, to Nicole's disappearance, to Caitlin and finally to Leah. Over the last four and a half years I have been told time and time again that things happen the way they do for a reason, that Heavenly Father has a plan that sometimes we don't understand, that the "right" baby would eventually end up in our arms, and that when it finally happened it would all be worth while. These were very nice statements made by very nice people who were simply trying to comfort us because they cared about us. Unfortunately, those comments alone were not enough at the time. Now that we have our beautiful little girl, each of those statements are true. Things do happen for a reason and sometimes we don't understand the plans of our Heavenly Father. Leah is definitely the "right" baby for us. We love her so much and we can not even comprehend another baby in her place. Finally, now that she is in our arms, I can say it has totally been worth it....the entire experience, from beginning to end. She is awesome and I wouldn't have wanted this experience to end in any other way. Luckily, this is not the end...it is only the beginning! I look forward to the rest of the ride!

Here are a few photos of one of the most exciting days of my life. I am blogging from the Mac and I haven't managed to learn how to cut and past the photos yet, so I simply posted them at the top.