Ava at almost two weeks with the bunny from her birth mom. In Idaho. Waiting for the green light to fly *home*.

This photo is with her bunny, Amorae,  from her birth mom. We took the photo about a week after she was born while we were waiting for the green light to fly her from Idaho to California.

One morning we heard a voice from Ava’s bedroom.We thought it was strange because we weren’t aware of any of her stuffed toys having sound. When we entered her room, we found our little Westie dog, Dexter, with the bunny. He always tries to play with her toys. That is how we learned when you squeeze the bunny’s hand, her birth mom’s voice says, “Hi Ava. I love you.”

Talk about an emotional moment. We love her birth mom and we know how much her birth mom loves her. That morning I could not stop crying. There’s been so much sacrifice on both ends–all for the love of one very special little girl.

to here…

Ava at 2 1/2 months in Cali.

Fast forward to the present. The second photo was taken just this past weekend, here in California, the place we call home. Ava is now over 2 1/2 months and changing so fast! She’s doubled in weight. She’s smiling and cooing. She smiles and cackles at herself in the mirror. Grandma Cathy said she is turned from her back to her side today more than once. It’s amazing how much she has grown already and it’s amazing how much our lives have changed. I’m loving every single minute.

Every day I fall deeper and deeper in love with her. Every day I feel like I’m in a dream, but she’s here. She’s really here! She came just when I was about to give up on being a mom and thought maybe it just wasn’t in the cards for me. We went through a lot of trials and failures with infertility, and at least one previous adoption attempt. And now there’s nothing else that I can believe except the reason we were not successful all those times is everything had to fall right into place for Ava to be here *now* with us.

Meet our baby girl, Ava. She is the most precious gift we have received–ever.

She was born on Superbowl Sunday. We got the call in the wee hours of the morning the birth mom was in labor, a week earlier than we expected. We spent the entire morning packing and rearranging our travel. Our flight was delayed, and the check-in agent felt so bad she didn’t charge us for our luggage. We arrived at the hospital 4 hours after she was born and spent the next three days shuffling back-and-forth to the hospital room where she stayed with her birth mom.

It was the strangest, most wonderful, most nerve-wrecking time of our life. Not only was she in her birth mom’s room most of the time, but there seemed to be a revolving door of friends coming to visit the birth mom and the baby, which left us with less time than anticipated holding our little one. But, at the same time, it was great to see that the birth mom had so much support. Her friends were a testament to her giving and loving nature, and they all congratulated us. One of her best friends and roommate stayed the entire time.

The third day, and the last day before checkout, the birth mom wanted to spend the majority of time with Ava. We visited for about an hour or so in the morning. During that time, we shared a special moment. She said, “This is going to sound strange, but I want to sit next to you.” She walked over with Ava and we sat side by side with our beautiful girl. She said she was glad it was us.

That night when we came to check out and pick up Ava, it was an emotional time for us all. I can only imagine what the birth mom was going through. Even though we only spent a few days together, I felt like we were family. We all hugged. I hugged the birth mom and told her I loved her. Her roomy gave me the biggest, longest, heartfelt hug and said, “Thank you!”

There’s more to write, but even now, I’m tearing up with emotions. Let’s just say, it’s good to be home, and it’s good to finally be a mom.

Auntie Liz started giving me things she’s been saving for you. Grandma Cathy is coming with us to your hometown to help out when you arrive. Grandma Cheryl and Auntie Tammy have volunteered to buy you a portable crib/playpen. Auntie Lyn wants to come help take care of you. Grandma Beth has been praying her rosary for you every night since she found out you were coming. Some have offered to take Dexter doggie, but, well, he’s big brother and he will be sticking around. I’m sure he’ll be giving you a lot of kisses.

You should see how happy everyone is. We are preparing for you as much as we can. We are now frequent shoppers at Buy Buy Baby and Babies ‘R’ Us. Family and friends have been giving us a lot of the things you’ll need, too, and have already volunteered to babysit. This includes your cousins, Ryan and Logan. But, they are 11 and 4, so those will be supervised babysitting sessions.

Right now I’m working on your room. It’s not pink because I’ve never really been a real girly girl. But, there’s plenty of green, purple, and blue. I hope you like butterflies.

The next step is up to you. We’re waiting for your grand entrance.