Hudson's Birth

A little about our journey to adopting our son and his amazing birth. 

We received "the call" 147 days before Hudson's birth. We were excited to know for this length of time but then we knew it would be a long five months of waiting. We formed a great relationship with Hudson's birth mother and she helped make "the wait" much easier and we really grew to love her. Of course we still had times where we would become scared of the possibilities because any mother going through this decision could change their mind at any point. I think that is one of the hardest parts because you are constantly getting sooo excited but then pulling yourself back because you could possibly become hurt and that is one of the scariest feelings. So we prayed about it. We prayed every night and continued to feel that God was reminding us that this was our son. After all, HE had this all planned out and we just needed to trust in HIM.

Hudson's due date was July 8th but his birth mother was induced on July 1st. We took guesses on his weight, thought of what he would look like, how he would act, what his first breath would like. We weren't there for Harper's birth, so we were very excited to cherish this beautiful moment. We thought that was so kind of Hudson's birth mother to allow us to experience this moment with her. Something we will forever be grateful for because we never knew if we would get to experience the birth of any of our children. 

We arrived at the hospital around 10am, talked with one another and enjoyed each others company. It was probably around 3:30pm when Jarod and I decided to go take a little walk. We came back and waited outside the room and didn't know exactly what was going on, we were just told to hold on. Soon after the doctor comes out and says, we are about to have a baby. What!? We were in shock!!! Dilating from 5-6 to a 10 in a matter of 45 minutes is what just happened! My heart starts racing and it wasn't long after that the most precious little boy took his first breathe. It was amazing and something we will never ever forget. We were in awe and even more in love. Of course we took lots of pictures and started snuggling right away. 

I know placing your child for adoption is never easy, it's a selfless act and you do it all out of love, love for this child. Adoption has truly touched us and we know without a doubt this is how God wanted us to form our family. Ohana- Ohana means family and family is everything, whether it be through blood, adoption or intentional. I love my little family and they are my everything! 

  

Harper has here suitcase packed and ready to head to Nana and Papa's while mommy and daddy head to the hospital. Our little girl is getting so big!

 The big day

Soon after Hudson's birth

 Finding out how much Hudson weighs......7lb 4oz

I think he kinda looks like his sister 

First photo with mommy and daddy 

Harper meeting her lil' bro for the first time 

Harper wouldn't hold Hudson but would give him a half hug

Looking at this picture makes me so happy!

BIG announcement!!

Meet Hudson Brooks

We are so in love and thank God for this blessing.

Hudson was truly meant to be with us.

Born July 1, 2016 at 1652

7lb. 4oz and 20in long

Rewind to August 2015. I decided to have an elective laparoscopic procedure to rule out endometriosis, but the day of my surgery cancelled. I felt awful and was sitting in the car on the side of the road with Jarod crying. As much as I wanted to do it, we just didn't feel like it was something we should do at the time. A couple weeks later I called the adoption agency that we used when we decided to adopt in 2013. We knew what to expect and we were going to take it slow, complete all the paperwork/home study/background check, and go active when we felt we were ready. 

We originally thought we were going to active in January 2016 but decided no big rush and we would wait a few months. Well......somehow our agency made us active on Jarod's birthday and one week later a birth mother chose our profile!!! We received the call in February on a Saturday. We had no clue why they would be calling us, especially on a Saturday. We were shocked to say the least! We got off the phone and let everything process.....I'm thinking are we ready for this....oh my gosh.....this may be our baby that we have been praying for...and then I start crying. We didn't know at the time if Hudson was a boy or girl but we knew this baby was searching for us! A couple weeks later we found out that Hudson was a BOY!!!! Myself and his birth mother weren't surprised because we both thought she was having a boy. 

All I can do is think how amazing our God is! I look at Hudson and fall more in love with him everyday. I never would have imagined 6.5 years ago struggling with infertility that we would  be able to start a family, and now we have two amazing children and so much love to give them. 

     

September 2015- taking a photo for our profile book. 

Little did we know that Hudson was conceived this month.

February 2016

The shirts we picked out for when Harper met little bro, Hudson:) 

Until my next post......with more baby pictures!

Walt Disney 2016

We went back for the Mouse!!!!

We decided to go to Disney a little earlier than planned and had such a great time!!! Who wouldn't at Disney, though;) This was Harper's first time flying and she did wonderful!!! I made sure to buy a few new things for the plane at the dollar section in Target and it worked out great! I brought stickers, slime, tiny blocks/legos, snacks and Melissa and Doug magic coloring book. She played with her slime almost the entire way to Orlando and I totally recommend getting some! It was our first time flying Southwest and we will definitely be flying with them again. Everything went so smooth and it was so nice not having to drive for fourteen hours. 

On the way to the airport

Burning some energy 

We see our plane

We didn't even get to check in and Harper was already asleep

This girl loves slides and water....put them together and even better 

Harper loves the carousel 

Walking around our resort

More swimming 

Our sweets lovin' girl 

We resort hopped and ate at Boma (one of our favorites) and walked around looking at the animals

Being silly 

Ready for her big day

We found the castle  

Harper loved the tea cups

We took plenty of boat rides this trip

At Ohana for breakfast (really an early lunch but we wanted a cheaper character breakfast) and we really love breakfast food

Harper wasn't sure who this was

Joining in on the fun

Awe, Harper loves her Mickey Mouse

Chasing the cute ducks around

Watching the parade

Last year Harper hugged Mickey for at least two minutes and she did it once again. These are the moments!

Family photo

Harper wanted the ball, so they incorporated it into the picture. lol  

I'm sure she was waving at Mickey or Minnie;)

Enjoying Disney Springs

Harper loved these slippers and they ended up being her souvenir for this trip. She loves wearing them!

The fun came to end......until next time