Our Miracle Meg

As I sit down to write this adoption story from start to new beginning, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions. This truly has been a life-changing experience for myself and my family for which we are eternally grateful.

Over the last five years, we have tried unsuccessfully to grow our family. Cameron was always open to the idea of adoption, but I guess I never imagined myself I adopting, so it wasn't something I was really interested in pursuing. After meeting friends and hearing there incredible adoption stories, I became more and more open to learning more about it.

About four months ago, a dear friend of mine shared her experience of adoption in her testimony. I instantly felt the incredible love that comes from our Heavenly Father through the process of adoption. The next day, I started researching what it takes. I talked to Cameron about how I felt and of course, he was on board. After a couple of days, I was still interested in the idea of adoption, but I felt the need to take a step back and wait. I was very confused and didn't understand why I had such a strong impression to be open to it while at the same time, not feeling the need to take the steps necessary to adopt.

The following week, I was talking with a friend who mentioned she knew someone who was pregnant and considering adoption. She asked if Cameron and I had ever considered it. This friend told me that as soon as she knew this mother was looking into adoption, she thought of our family. I was certainly touched and so grateful that she would think of us.

Over the next couple of months, I corresponded with the mother through our mutual contact. At one point, I felt that if this were going to happen, I needed to speak with the mother directly. I got her phone number and put it away for safekeeping.

A few days later, I was driving to pick up Sara from school and felt the strong impression to call her. As she answered the phone and I explained who I was, she told me that just the night before, she and her mom had been discussing her adoption plan and she knew she needed to get in touch with me.  She was grateful I called because it was difficult for her to accept this outcome even though she knew it what was best.

We sat down a few days later to get to know each other and talk about what the process might look like. They explained that the baby would be arriving in the next four weeks.  But first we needed to know for sure that it is what God wanted for our family. Cameron and I both prayed intently for answers. We both came to the understanding that this was a blessing from our Heavenly Father and a great miracle in our lives.

The birth mom invited us to her next doctors appointment where I was able to hear the heartbeat. I instantly felt overwhelmed with love for this baby. There was a lot of anxiety and nervousness leading up to her arrival. But we were confident that this little angel was meant for our family.

The next several weeks were spent shopping, organizing, and putting things together in preparation for her arrival. From the very beginning there were countless experiences that continued to remind us that this is Heavenly Father's plan.

About a week before Meg was born, we sat Sara down and told her she was going to be a big sister. She was beaming with joy and excitement. That will always be one of my favorite moments in time. We knew we needed to keep it a secret until after the adoption papers were signed. That was extremely difficult because we wanted to share the news and excitement with our friends and family. Sara was amazing at keeping the secret. Although I know she was bursting on the inside and glowing on the outside.

The birth mother was scheduled for a C-section on June 5, 2014. We arrived at the hospital early that morning with great anticipation. We could not wait to meet our baby girl! I was able to go back to the recovery room and hold Meg shortly after she was born. He didn't know what it would feel like to hold her, but I felt an instant connection and an overwhelming feeling of love for this little girl.

The next five days, I spent at the hospital caring for her and spending time with the birth mom. I grew to understand and love her even more knowing what kind of sacrifice she was making. Cameron and Sara came up as often as they could and thanks to amazing friends, I was able to stay at the hospital those five days.

We are so thankful for the love and support from our friends and family both here and all over the world.  We truly feel your joy and love for us through this incredible experience.

On June 12, 2014 the papers were officially signed.  We are so thankful for this amazing miracle in our lives and for this angel girl, Meg.

We know that it is through small and simple things that great things are brought to pass and this has truly manifested that for us.  There are countless experiences, people, opportunities and blessings that have brought us here.  And while in and of themselves may be small and even somewhat insignificant, we know they are what brought this miracle in to our lives and for that, we are eternally thankful.  Families are forever and Meg is part of our forever family.  No empty chairs...