April 9, 2008

We're Having A Bridger!

OK, so regulations require that we not post or email any identifying information or pictures of our absolutely precious sweet beautiful perfect bright eyed makes-me-melt every time I look at his picture little man, so in lieu of his picture I'll share a picture of our first little man (Bridger) who is approximately the same weight of our new little man, Ashton McGregor. And although I would never say this to Bridger, I must say that Ashton wins hands-down on looks. Did I mention how beautiful he is?

Call details:
So, Toni sent out the bat signal as we previously arranged, but evidently it wasn't visible from the meeting room where I was giving a presentation to a client in Virginia while my husband sent me multiple text messages from New York wondering WHY ON EARTH I wasn't answering my cell phone! It was on vibrate in my purse so I didn't even look to see if there were messages until after my meeting, and when I got to the car turned to my colleague and said, "Um, I think YOU'RE going to have to drive us back to the airport..." I noticed multiple texts from my husband with the obvious "where are you???" titles and knew something was up. So my colleague took the drivers seat and I called my husband and Toni to get the news. The next 20 minutes or so are still a bit of a blur, but essentially we learned of an 11 month old little man with huge bright eyes who we just can't wait to meet.

We sped to the airport in hopes of making an earlier flight home, and realized when we got to there that my name was the only one on the rental car so I should probably be the one driving it to the rental car return. So literally a block from the return center we pulled over and I took the wheel (still shaking head to toe) and proceeded to drive to the lot...on the wrong side of the road! Let's just say I was a bit beside myself with emotions and definitely should not have been behind the wheel. Thankfully the humongous airport transfer bus meeting us head-on wasn't too mean while I meandered back to the right side of the street...My colleague forgave me thank goodness but note to all waiting families: Hide the keys to the car on referral day - your state of mind will NOT be in any condition to drive!

So, about 6 hours and 3 flight delay/changes later my husband met me at the airport with the pictures of our son printed and tulips in hand. Our hearts are still racing and our eyes have literally been pinned on his picture all day. We are beside ourselves with emotions that I can't quite seem to find words to describe.

So now we wait for a court date when Ethiopia will officially recognize us as Ashton's parents (currently this court date averages 6-8 weeks after the referral call) and then it will be another 2 weeks or so before we travel. So, if all goes well we'll be traveling sometime in June! Once we pass a successful court date we can share more details about his given name, meaning, and other information however for now you'll just have to trust us - his story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, the heroics of his mother more humbling than anything I could ever imagine, and his face simply the sweetest most I-want-him-in-my-arms-now face I've ever seen.

16 comments:

Gamma! said...

God is good . . . SO good, and we thank Him for making you a family. We can't wait to meet your precious Ashton, and will endure the wait with you . . . loving, and bursting with joy. Your miracle has begun! Stay save sweet Baby Ashton - we love you!

Annie said...

Yes, God is good :) I am so excited for you!!!! I am over here cracking up at the driving story...I could relate so much to it! At one point, I was at a red light. I was leaving a message and heard the beep on the voicemail and automatically pressed the gas pedal, as if "beep" meant "go" . Thank God I quickly stopped and no one was ahead of me.

Thank God you are safely home, back in each other's presence and with pictures of your sweet son!!!Would love to travel with you :)

Amanda said...

This post made me cry in an oh-so-wonderful way.
I love how you described all the details-down to M meeting you at the airport with flowers and the photos.
Gah.
Just...gah.
I'm so happy.

:)

Stacie said...

OH MY GOODNESS! What great news!!!! I just got all excited about getting an email about Annie's referral and then saw your comment on her blog - rushed over to see if it was true!!! And, it is! Congratulations!!!!

Erica said...

Horray!!! I'm so so happy for you. Tears of joy - what an AWesOME God we serve! Can't wait to see his sweet face.

Sandi said...

I am so happy for you. Your story brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. What a wonderful day!

Dan, Misty & Ashar said...

Incredibly awesome news! I am sooo happy for you guys. I think we all knew it was coming soon, but to actually see it on your blog is AWESOME! HUGE congrats to you guys. You get to travel and get your little guys soooo soon! HOORAY!!!

Dan, Misty & Ashar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie said...

Crying here. What a fabulous story. I will pray the wait is not to long before you are holding your sweet boy.

Congratulations!!!!

Julie

Brooke said...

So, so, so happy for you guys. I can't wait to see a picture of his sweet face. Congrats to you both!!!!

Anonymous said...

loved reading this- congratulations!!!

Brad and Fran Hoagland said...

This was just a very sweet blog. I know your little man is very fortunate to be blessed with your family. Cannot wait to see his little face. Now, lets hope for a quick court date! Congratulations!

Cloverland Farm said...

yeeee haw!

los cazadores said...

Just Fantastic!!! I can't wait to see pics and hear more of him!

Cindy

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! So, you really do get a referral someday? It can happen? It can happen for me too?

I am thrilled for you and your cute family. I hear boys are a blast. :)

Can't wait to see pics!! I'm sure he is STUNNING.

Jamie

Sarah and Tim said...

Just found your blog today. Congrats on this stellar news. I've been imagining how the referral day will be for us, so it's good to know that chaos is ok and normal. Wishing you all well!!!