Friday, October 16, 2009

Pictures of our Daughter, Zoe

Today is our anniversary. October 16th was the day that I married my husband, Steve, 10 years ago. We both love the fall so much, we decided that a fall wedding would be perfect. We happened to pick Sweetest Day, too, which was kind of funny - Sweetest Day isn't celebrated everywhere; I think it's more just in this part of the country. Our out-of-state relatives thought it was very funny. We heard many jokes about how "sweet" we are!

I cannot imagine my life without Steve. He is just the best guy. He makes me laugh, even if I've had the worst day. He makes me feel special. He remembers the little things that I like -- gerber daisies, candy corn, and goofy cards. He helps me with things around the house -- he helps make it "our" home in many ways. He's protective, he's strong, and he has a kind heart. Most of all, he has loved me and been there for me through everything we've been through over the past 10 years (plus 6 and a half years of dating.) College, moving, new jobs, job loss, infertility, sadness, joy, celebrations...he's been by my side through all of it. He is my love.

In addition to us celebrating the "birth" of our marriage, we are also celebrating Zoe's birth -- she is one month old today! Can you believe it? We certainly can't! How fast a whole month has flown by! She is everything to us -- we have a daughter -- I can't believe that we get to say that! We have a daughter! Our little girl has already brought us such joy and happiness in such a short amount of time. We just love every minute we have with her.

Besides it being our anniversary, Sweetest Day weekend, and the one month celebration of Zoe's birth, today is also that day that Z is signing her TPR (termination of parental rights) paperwork in court. In our state, the birthmother goes to court to sign paperwork 2-8 weeks after the birth of the baby. During those weeks, the birthparents can decide to parent their child if they choose.

Z wanted Zoe to come home with us in temporary placement. That means that instead of going into host care (with another family) while Z was waiting for her court date, Z wanted the baby to leave the hospital with us. Of course, we were so happy that she made that decision.

It's a bittersweet day -- we are so happy for our family, but we feel such a sadness for the loss Z may be feeling. I can't begin to imagine how difficult today will probably be for Z and her family. I hope that we have shown her that we will keep our promise of staying connected through letters, pictures, and visits. We have emailed each other almost every day, and we have already sent many pictures back and forth. We are looking forward to the day that Z decides she wants to visit or wants us to visit. We have a picture of her and her family in Zoe's room. I already talk about Z with Zoe -- it's good practice for when she's older and understands what I'm saying!

We wanted to wait until today to post pictures of Zoe. I can't help but get teary-eyed when I see these photos of Zoe at the hospital. It was just a couple of weeks ago, but in some ways, it feels like such a long time. I don't think I have the right words to express what it was like to meet our daughter for the first time. I really don't.





















36 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for some time now and can't tell you how happy I am for you and Steve. It's been such a heartwarming story and Zoe couldn't be any more perfect!!! Congratulations to you and your new little family.

Fiona K said...

Ive been following your blog too and im so happy that you finally got the little addition you have been waiting so long for!

Shes just beautiful and you all look like such a lovely new family, its such a wonderful story and im so happy that its such a happy ending!

birthmothertalks said...

She is so cute! I am happy for you. I think it's great that the tpr's don't get signed as fast as my state. I think it's better for the birth parents, but also more of a risk for adoptive parents if they do change their mind. Thanks again for sharing your story.

Suzanne said...

She is SO cute! You guys look so happy and like naturals. This was meant to be!
Congratulations again!

kalibug said...

My, my, my, what a beautiful baby!! Been waiting eagerly to see her. What a blessing. Congrats again, and thanks for sharing the pictures.

Lana said...

Zoe is just so cutesy!! I ahve been stalking on and off waiting to see her pics and it was well worth the wait. You and your husband look so very happy. Enjoy parenthood. It suits you well, you are absolutely glowing

Dana/WiredDesign said...

Oh happy day! She's beautiful...

Lana said...

I nominated you for a blog award

Rebecca said...

OH Wendy!
Those photos are beautiful and i have tears in my eyes for you. I'm so incredibly happy for you.

I can't wait to see more photos as time goes on.

Michelle said...

What great pictures. I am really happy for you! I started following your blog the day Zoe was born, ironically, and have been checking in ever since. It is really neat to follow other stories with a happy ending! Congrats!

LL said...

She is absolutely gorgeous! I love your new header! We have the same dress for Shelby but we just bought it (9 mos size).

Congrats again on your daughter and a very Happy Anniversary!

Mrs H said...

Omgosh she looks so teeny tiny! And adorabale :-) Congratulations on your anniversary and your beautiful daughter!!!

RB said...

Zoe is a cutie pie! I'm so happy for you guys :)

'Murgdan' said...

Oh she is just so beautiful. This post brought tears to my eyes. So so happy for you.

Bella said...

She is sooooo precious! I am just so happy for all three of you!

Wendy said...

Thank you, everyone! We're so very happy. :)

Lana -- I'm not able to look at your blog because it's set to private...but thank you for nominating me!

Unknown said...

She is sooooooo precious!!!!! I've been following your blog as a lurker just waiting for these pics. What an amazing gift!

Karen said...

I'm so happy for you Wendy. And so excited to see pictures of Zoe. She's gorgeous!

Just Believing said...

just perfect happy one month zoey!!!

Jess said...

I'm a new follower to your blog and wanted to wish you and your husband a big Congratulations on both your anniversary and the celebration of your daughter!
My husband and I are in the waiting process with domestic adoption- it's great to read stories like yours to help pass the time and give us faith.
Jess

Anonymous said...

She's beautiful!

E said...

What a beautiful picture on your header! Love it. Happy 10th Anniversary! And happy 1 month Z! The three of you make a beautiful family:)

Tiger said...

Zoe is beautiful and I am so happy for you.

Leah said...

She's so beautiful Wendy!

Congrats to you and Steve. :-D

Wendy said...

LL - I love the outfit - that's so neat that you bought it for your daughter, too! I bought another little outfit that was displayed with it - a little pink top with a flower and flowered brown and pink pants. Then someone gave us the little brown velour pants and jacket that match, too. So cute.

Jess -- Good luck with the whole process...congratulations on being a waiting family!

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments. :) It's so nice to come on here and read them!

Kellie said...

Oh my gosh, she is darling!!! Congrats you guys! I can't wait for us to finally be home with our little one too. You are very blessed!

Next in Line said...

What a special day! Thanks for sharing your pictures.

Allie said...

Wow! I fall off the blog-cruising radar for a little while and things change! So much has happened in blogland when I was busy with work and then with the sudden advent of The Boy. Congratulations! She's gorgeous!

I've also nominated you as a Kreativ Blogger! Congrats!

--Allie

Dee said...

Zoe is beautiful! The family picture brought a tear of happiness to my eye for you. Congratulations again

Jamie said...

absolutely beautiful :) what a blessing! happy anniversary ~ happy 1 month birthday to Zoe. Congratulations to all of you! :)

Jenn said...

oh how perfect is she????? what a beautiful little girl. soooooo happy for you guys!!!

Lost in Space said...

Oh, I'm so happy you get to post pictures of little Miss Zoe here now!! You already know how much I adore her. (-;

Congrats on 10 years together. I suspect this is one of those anniversaries that will stand out above the rest.

My Two Army Brats said...

How sweet! I just happened to stumble on your blog today and plan to read more about your family!

Melba said...

Yes, YOU have a daughter, and she's absolutely darling!! I know exactly what you mean about how much she means to you in such a short time. And trust me...it only keeps getting better!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY...what a great way to celebrate, with your baby girl by your side!

I will keep Z. in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure that this past weekend was difficult for her, but I would also be willing to bet that she takes great comfort from the (clearly) excellent parents you and Steve are!!

Hugs,

Melba

Gaijin Wife said...

She is adorable. Congratulations on your new family.

Julia said...

I just found your blog, me and my husband have decided to adopt due to infertility issues I have. I was searching the internet looking for stories of successful open adoptions. Your story is so lovely and I can only hope I will soon have a baby as precious as Zoe. I am very nervous to start the process but seeing that you were so happy and successful is giving me hope.
God bless and thank you,
Julia