I had this all typed out and realized how incredibly long it was, so you are getting it in two installments. Check back later tomorrow for the rest! If you haven't seen "Somethin' to talk about Saturday," scroll down for the pics!
I thought I would give people the surprise yesterday without any explanation, but wanted to share a little more today. Many people are aware of why this was such a surprise, but others are not. Especially those who have met us recently.
Before Steve and I were ever at the place of beginning a family, we talked about infertility and adoption. Neither one of us had any issues that we were aware of. I think it was just a God thing. We decided as a couple that if it came to that, we would only pursue infertility treatments as far as insurance would pay. At that point, we would pursue adoption.
We (I more so that Steve initally) felt a calling to adopt a little girl from China. We had a attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in the fall of 2002. Wow, has it really been nearly 7 years since that concert? I just knew at that very moment that we would have a daughter from China. Then came the following debate:
Do we adopt first when "we can afford it" before we have a biological family? or Do we "try" first? The answer came in early June 2004. It was harder for Steve to process than me, but we worked through the news relatively smoothly. I believe that God prompted us to have that conversation about infertility early in our marriage to prepare us for that moment.
Fast forward to May 2009! I was watching a birth on TLC at Steve's apartment. I made it very clear in no uncertain terms that a baby was gross at birth and that if I ever (Ha Ha Ha) gave birth they would have to clean it up before I would hold it. On this particular episode, they put the baby immediately on the mother's abdomen (BTW, I still think that is still a little yucky).
Steve had just finished up his second semester of Pathophysiology, so that launched us into a discussion about my higher risks with certain cancers due to not ever being pregnant - let alone carrying a child to term. We also talked about how we enjoyed our family and we were VERY settled into being a transracially adoptive family. I was adament that I was happy with our life and that I had NO, NONE, NADA desire to EVER be pregnant!
Plans, perspective, and a bunch of dead plants
6 years ago
3 comments:
I would bet that after you deliver your precious newborn, you won't find it the least yucky for them to place your baby right onto your chest. It is amazing! And, I have lots of thoughts about how amazing my last birth experience was compared to my first (that was amazing as well being that it was my first...but a c-section compared to a total natural birth didn't compare in my book). I encourage you to watch The Business of Being Born on Netflix. Let me know what you think!
Thanks for the input Shannon
Jen, I agree with Shannon. I think you will want to hold you're little one asap. Also, by that point, you will not be able to care less how they look. They put all three on my chest after they were born. It's incredible (it almost brings tears to my eyes now). I've also heard that it's a bonding time (I'm not sure if that is true, but it sounds good). All that to say, I bet you hold your new baby as soon as he/she is born and you will treasure that moment forever and have no recollection as to how "yucky" they may have looked or felt. Just have fun!!
Post a Comment