The Twists and Turns of Adoption

First I must say, social media has some amazing benefits. Just moments after posting that we were headed to Florida and were looking for a place to stay we had tons of help. We found a photographer, a place to stay, money to help with food/gas while in Florida, a babysitter, flights offered…we were so humbled by all of the kindness shown to us. Thank you to those of you that shared our status, contacted friends and family. It means so much to have so many people reach out to us.

After spending the next several days figuring out work schedules, packing bags, buying some clothes, getting out car seats, setting up cribs etc. we waited for a phone call that Danuell was going into labor. Day after day we waited, prayed, and waited.

Then the text that surprised us all…Danuell has decided to come to Utah deliver. “What, they will let her fly?” I was confused and worried but excited that we wouldn’t have to travel. When I called Brandon, he was happy, but also a little sad we wouldn’t get a vacation on the beach!

Danuell came with her nephew Billy and arrived on December 5^th about 11:00 pm. She was taken straight to Jordan Valley Hospital.

Friday morning while on a field trip with my little first graders, I got a text that she was moving fast. Anxious and excited I waited, it wasn’t long after that I heard little Ryder had been born. He was born at 9:47 on December 6^th, 2013.  Ryder Gene is 8lb 7oz, 20 inches long. He is a very handsome little guy.

 

Danuell, Ryder, and Us

 

Brandon, Courtney, Danuell, Billy & Ryder

 

 

 

Our handsome little man

 

Family Picture, Emme is in love.

We came to the hospital about 6pm to meet Danuell and baby Ryder. It was the most amazing couple of hours as we sat and talked with Danuell and Billy. Danuell is an amazing women. She told us about her pregnancy with Ryder, he wasn’t always nice, doing lots of kicking in the ribs, punching, and causing her tons of heartburn. She told us more about her growing up years in Florida. She grew up riding 4 wheelers, barrel racing, riding horses, and growing up on the farm. We were amazed by her strength, her attitude, her desire to provide for her little girl, and this little man and make the best for all of them.

I can’t wait to tell Ryder about her strength and her love for him. The more we are around adoption the more I know that adoption is about love. The tremendous amount of love that a birth mom has for a child and their intense desire to provide a better situation for the child to be raised in. We know of the enormous responsibility and privilege we have to care for this little guy.

Danuell doesn’t love Utah, you might even go to say she hates Utah weather so she was anxious to get back to the warm and sunny Florida. She is a trooper, she was discharged Friday night so she could go sleep in a comfy bed… a hotel bed…or at least more comfortable than a hospital bed!

We were so grateful for the couple hours we got to spend with her, Billy, and Ryder. It was a pleasure to get to know her. We left with hugs and tears as she entrusted her sweet little boy into our arms. She gave us something we cannot give ourselves…a family. We love you Danuell and have the most respect for her.

Saturday morning before leaving on her flight she signed the necessary paperwork for us to adopt little Ryder. We are blessed.

 

Sometimes fighting with pictures on blogs isn't worth it! :) These are not in any order!

Grandma and Grandpa K

 

Grandma Susie

Papa Steve