One Week Old

The day after Gotcha Day Ben was one week old. We celebrated with a quick trip to Starbucks. We needed to get out a little bit and we thought Ben would like for his mommy to celebrate with a cup of coffee.

 I had been texting and calling the pediatrician back home multiple times a day (obviously a new parent) and I made sure it was okay for me to bring Ben into a public place while he was so young. Starbucks was approved.

While there, all the patrons were oohing and awing over Ben. It was tons of fun showing him off.

It was also fun watching peoples’ reactions when they realized he was just a week old. Women were puzzled at how I had lost so much pregnancy weight so quickly. I was tempted to just let them think I had an amazing metabolism and ability to bounce back, but I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to tell Ben’s story which is really God’s story. My prayer throughout the adoption process was that God would be glorified and that people’s hearts would be turned toward adoption.

The next day I had to return to the lawyer’s office to sign one more piece of paperwork. When I walked into sign the secretary looked at our lawyer and said, “Do you want me to tell them or do you want to?”

I waited in anticipated while they decided who got to tell me the news. The secretary said, “We aren’t sure how this happened but your ICPC has already cleared. You are free to go home.”

They informed us that it was the fastest ICPC they had every processed in all their years working with adoption. I was thrilled and so thankful. I prayed that the paperwork would go smoothly and that we would be home within the 14 days. God answered above and beyond.

So the next day I checked out of the hotel. I was a bit reluctant to leave since it had been so nice just being with Ben. The hotel was cozy and I had nothing else to worry about but snuggling Ben. I didn’t have to do laundry or wash dishes. I didn’t have to worry about cleaning house or paying bills. It was just was. So, I was anxious to get home but hesitant to leave our little safe haven. I will cherish those days forever. They are sweet, sweet memories. But I was excited to get home and start making more memories.