It’s A Girl!

Becoming parents has been a funny process for us. Not least because the getting of the Babe has been so unusual and drawn out. If pregnancy provides 9 months to “get used to the idea” of having a baby, we’ve certainly had much longer than that. But it is only recently, very recently, that we have breathed a sigh of relief. The post-labor sigh of “Hello, my sweet daughter. It’s so good to be your mother.”

The mere act of having a child (biologically or through adoption) doesn’t make you a parent. That is, you might legally be a mother or a father, but becoming a parent is a bit different. One has to grow into it. To own it. It’s been a little like trying to get the focus tight, dialing the ring back and forth until the precise spot becomes clear. Sometimes it’s tricky to get things just right.

For so long my “motherhood” was hanging by a thread. Not that I didn’t have a “mother’s heart” or that I wasn’t being motherly to the Babe. But being her mother? I am still becoming.

On Wednesday last week, the appeal period expired. On Thursday the agency called us to inform us that nothing happened, nothing was filed! And on Friday, the birth mother was at last able to sign her release with peace, making Our Little Girl free for adoption. Yesterday, we signed the placement papers.

We prayed with the social worker after all the papers were shuffled away and I looked at the Babe, who was squeezing our hands during the prayers, “You’re stuck now, Kid!” and she giggled. We’ve never been happier to be stuck.

There has been a growing confidence in my heart, since the trial in January. A budding and blossoming awareness that I am a mother. But not just a mother–her mother. Her momma (her bababap). My heart overflows, knowing that I will be able to see our smiles reflected in her darling sloe-eyes for many years to come.

This, my dear ones, is Macia (MAH-shee-uh).

Our Daughter.

 



32 comments

  1. Amanda wrote:

    Beautiful family photo!

    • renidemus wrote:

      thanks! We’re looking forward to getting some more this weekend 😉 Can’t wait to see you all!!

  2. Jen wrote:

    Oh, Anne, I cried all the way through this post! I am so, so, soooo happy for you!! 🙂 Macia is BEAUTIFUL. And you guys are a gorgeous family. Praise be to God that she is home with her family for good. 🙂

    • renidemus wrote:

      Praise Him, indeed, Jen 🙂 Thanks for your prayers all the way through–they make such a difference!

  3. Rachel N. wrote:

    I am so happy for you all. I was crying with joy as I read this today. You two will be a wonderful set of parents for Macia and she is so blessed! 🙂

  4. Caitlin wrote:

    So incredibly happy for you three! She is even more precious than I had pictured. Thanks be to God for answered prayers!

  5. Julia wrote:

    Yes, tears of joy for you- beautiful girl with her family! Praise God!!!

  6. McCanns wrote:

    We are so very happy for you guys. What an absolute blessing. She is gorgeous. Tears of joy for you this day. Glory to Jesus Christ!

  7. kayleen wrote:

    So happy for you guys.

  8. Elizabeth wrote:

    Oh, she’s SO beautiful, and you’re all so beautiful with her! She’s really, truly home in your heart now, isn’t she? You can just see the love radiating from your words.

    • renidemus wrote:

      Yes, home in our hearts. A close-the-door-and-cozy-up sort of home. It’s so wonderful to be a family at peace, now! Thanks for all your prayers, Elizabeth!

  9. Ann Bere wrote:

    Hi Annie,
    I just saw and read this. Congrats to you guys!!! I am so happy for you guys. You make a great looking family!!! Macia is adorable!!
    I wish you all the best!!
    Ann Beré

  10. Eileen wrote:

    Oh, Anne, she is BEAUTIFUL! I am crying happy tears over here. CONGRATULATIONS!

  11. Thank you so much. Many Happy Years to the three of you.

  12. Bridget wrote:

    Praise God, for His goodness. Thank God that Macia found such wonderful parents to love her, and that you are her mom and Taylor her dad.

  13. Elaine wrote:

    I’m late to the party. I’ve been following along a bit through Bethany’s posts on Facebook, of course, but only just now have I ready through some of your journey. Oh Anne! I’m crying tears of joy for you!! Congratulations. Such a sweet sweet story. What a beautiful memory to share with her some special day. Your faithfulness was well rewarded.

  14. Dianna wrote:

    She is darling 🙂 Congratulations!

  15. Papa Richard wrote:

    At last I can brag that I have 14 GRANDkids. lagbd

  16. Oh, my! I’m crying and crying…again… : )
    Thanks be to God! Congratulations and lots of love –

  17. Renee wrote:

    I love the way she is pulling you in for her kiss. 😉 Congrats for your peace. I can’t wait to see her again. I am trying to work on a plan for our hobbit reunion.

    • renidemus wrote:

      I love the way she looks like she’s presiding over the scene.. “and now, you will give me kisses. Then you will let me push the camera button.”

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