The Steps of Adoption

In addition to our attorney's name, Sarah gave us the name of a private social worker, Linda Hackett.  Linda had done the home study that is necessary for an adoption.  We called Linda and she set up an appointment to come by the next day, Monday.  Linda is another blessing in our lives!  She helped us get started quickly on the home study, and told us all the steps that would take place before the adoption would be final.  She was such a joy to work with.  Fun, kind and thorough. We were blessed continually with the right people at the right time. 

Sunday, after we had officially received guardianship of Deklan, we went home and sorted through what we had for him.  We had a few onesies, some sleepers, a package of diapers & a package of wipes, a container of formula and some bottles.  Not much but a good start.  We figured we would just get what we needed as we needed it.

That afternoon after church the doorbell rang.  It was a couple that lived across the park from us.  They had heard about Deklan and had brought bags of clothes for him to wear and some gifts.  They helped us out so much!   We even received breast milk from the wife's sister who had frozen a lot of servings and generously donated it to us.  Having nursed all my kids, this was a huge blessing to me and brought me so much peace!

Our friend Sarah put the word out that we had a new baby and were ill-prepared.  Our neighbors and ward members graciously stepped in with baby clothes, a swing, a baby chair, a baby bath, a high chair, a pak 'n play for him to sleep in, diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, etc.  Some friends even brought meals!  We were overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone.   It touched us so much to be at the receiving end of such an outpouring of love and help when we needed it most.  We will never forget those wonderful friends.

After 3 days, Deklan started to cry when he was hungry.  We were so excited.  We joked that he was turning into a 'real' baby!!  Eventually he would smile when we talked to him, laugh when we would tickle him or blow raspberries on his belly, and cry when he was wet or tired...all of these things that are usually taken for granted!   We were so happy to see that he was beginning to develop well and to gain weight.