Saturday night at our temporary home!

We were able to leave the hospital on Saturday.  Our first field trip to our temporary home was uneventful.  He slept the whole way.  I didn't take pictures because both cameras were packed in the suitcase.  Oh well. I did take some when we were in the hotel room. 

Me and Daddy relaxing!

Me and Daddy watching college football.  I even learned the Gator chant - but it only came out as smack - smack.  Guess I need to work on that. 

MiMi2 asked the question, "what team uniform is Will wearing in his "watching football with Dad" picture?"

Daddy's response is, "As the game went deep into the 2nd half I began to wonder which team he would root for - the obvious winner or Daddy's favorite ( Florida was getting their Gator tails 'Rolled' by the Tide of Alabama). Final score was FL 06 vs AL 31. "Oh well, you can't win 'em all", I told Will. It was apparent he was rooting for Florida though. I firmly believed it. I kept saying the chant and he would follow suit - "Chomp, Chomp, Go Gators". Well we definitely have to work on the "Go Gators" part and the hand clapping motion, but I picked up on the first part. I know in my heart that he was trying to say it. That's okay though, Daddy absolutely made the correct interpretation. I mean Alabama 's chant is "Roll Tide. Roll." He did not sound anything like that. So I thought it safe to assume that "Smack. Smack" was "Chomp. Chomp."

A few seconds after the game was over, Will became fussy. I tried explaining the rules of the game are that only one team can win a game. And besides, it's only a game. Right? It doesn't matter who wins, it's how you played that makes the difference.

"OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!". It hit me right then and there - "I sounded JUST like my Dad"

Not long after all this life changing experience happened, Mom entered the room and began to question the moment we were having. I explained everything to her.

"The smacking and fussing is because he's hungry. Give him a bottle." Mom said.

:-(~ All this time I thought we were have a lesson in life session. I mean the blue in his baseball outfit matched the little bit of blue in the Florida football uniform.

As long as they weren't side by side.

Within 20 feet.

Alabama had no blue.

Definitely a cherished moment by all three of us.

My first bath at my temporary home. 

Reading with my mommy.  Just wish she wouldn't cry!

Trying to suck my thumb but I just can't find it.

Mr. Hollywood here!!

The saying on the outfit says "Together at Last."  Seems fitting don't you think?

Photos from the hospital

I guess my mom is a photographer because she keeps taking all these photos of me.  I think Daddy needs to buy her a new camera because she keeps deleting pictures.  I guess it doesn't help that I keep moving and making the pictures blurry.

Mom feeding me! She looks tired but I did keep them up Wednesday night and all day Thursday!

Dad feeding me!

Me and Dad having a moment!

I like my paci!

Great Aunt Lisa and Uncle Don came for a visit.

Me and Dad having one of our talks.

I'm listening Daddy!

Naptime with Daddy!

My bassinet at the hospital.

Mom changing my clothes so we could go home. 

Thanks MiMi2 for the outfit I wore home.  Thanks Nanni for the blanket you crotched. Thanks Ms Sue at MiMi2's office for my monogrammed blankie!

Will has Arrived

By this time everyone should know that William Andrew Martin has arrived.  He arrived on Thursday, September 30, 2010.  He weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20 in long. 

His first picture!

I have lungs and I know how to use them!!

Mom cutting my umbilical cord.



What's going on here?



Snug as a bug in a rug!

I know my daddy's touch!

The 1st family picture!



Really!



Got Daddy wrapped around my finger!

and Mommy too!

Mommy's two favorite men!

Our world is very joyful right now and we are praising God for all he has done for us. 

Anticipation, drive and nesting

As most everybody knows Will is expected to make his arrival on my birthday, September 30th.  What a wonderful present! 

The anticipation level that both of us are experiencing right now is beyond words.  A lifelong dream is finally becoming reality.  WOW!  In a couple of days we will be parents.  God is truly blessing us. 

The adventure of driving to Colorado Springs has been quite an experience.  We had decided to leave on Sunday AFTER Church, Sunday School and lunch.  We figured we would be on the road by 1:00 at the latest.  Well, Sunday morning came and little Miss Biscuit decided for us that it was time to go get the little one.  Arthur usually is up around 4:30 to 5:00 and feeds her.  Well at 5:30 he was not up to feed her so she decided to let him have it.  At 6:00 he said he was ready to head out and I was too.  So we got up showered and put the last of the necessities in the truck.  Arthur asked if we needed to bring the kitchen sink but I told him no that wouldn't be necessary.  There is one in the hotel we are staying at. HA!  

So at 7:15 we started our journey.  We were determined to get thru Dallas, TX before we stopped.  Well, Dallas came and it was only 3:30 so we decided to drive to Wichita Falls, TX.  (It was little over 100 miles away.)  We arrived in Wichita Falls.  We were going to look for a place to eat and then drive for a little longer before we settled in for the night.  There were no signs to tell us about places to eat in Wichita Falls and before we knew it we were out Wichita Falls.  Ok then next town was Vernon.  In Vernon they roll up the sidewalks on Sunday.  Nothing was open and the Cracker Barrel that was advertised was no Cracker Barrel I had ever seen before.  Ok the next town maybe we will find something to eat. Quanan was the next map dot on the roadmap.  Quanan was not alive either.  So we decided we would drive onto Childress and find something there even if it was a McDonald's.  We arrived in Childress sometime around 7:00 and drove thru the town with no luck finding a restuarant.  When we turned around to go to the Dairy Queen, I found a Holiday Inn Express.  We whipped in and got us a room there.  I asked the front desk clerk if there was a good restuarant to eat at.  He said there was a place called Jakson's right up the road that was really good.
We hopped back in the truck and headed to Jakson's.  It was a little diner just like you would find in a small town.  The food was ok and the service was awful.  It took us 2 hours in that place but at least our bellies were full.  Back at the hotel, we turned on the football game and fell asleep. 

The next morning we ate the continental breakfast at the hotel and was on our way.  On Sunday we saw maybe 1 highway patrolman but Monday within 15 minutes of being on the highway we saw 3.  We pushed on thru Amarillo and was on Hwy 335 north out of Amarillo when......    Yes we got pulled over.  Trooper Lopez very politely told us that the speed limit was 70.  We were doing 75.  He asked if we had a medical emergency and Arthur told him no.  He asked where we were headed and Arthur told him Colorado Springs.  He asked if we were vacationing and Arthur told him no that we were adopting a baby and he was due on Thursday.  After a quick glance of the backseat of the car, Trooper Lopez said that he would give us a warning.  With that over Arthur pulled back on the highway and keep the cruise control set at the speed limit for the remainder of the journey.

The drive from Dumas, TX to Raton, NM was very slow going.  There were several places were there was road construction.  We finally made it to Raton and ate at a restuarant suggested by Arthur's uncle.  His uncle then told us of the NRA Whittington Center that was about 10 miles south of Raton that we needed to check out if we had a few minutes.  So we decided to stretch our legs and check it out.  It was a very nice place. 

Back on the road we took I25-N to Colorado.  Thanks to Garmin and the Map Nerd (me), we made it to the hotel without any glitches.  We checked in the hotel and started our nesting.  Getting the pack-n-play set up and just arranging our clothes.  We then went to a very nice Italian restuarant for supper and then to WalMart for some necessities (breakfast food and milk).  Back at the hotel we nested a little more before it was time for the ballgame and the bed. 

This morning we tried to sleep in some but was unable to.  We got up this morning and went shopping again. 

We talked with our birthmother.  She asked me how involved I wanted to be.  I told her we would be there for the long haul.  If for some reason she did not feel comfortable with us there, to just tell us and we would leave the room.  She then told me that she told the doctor that she wanted me to catch Will when he comes out.  HOLY COW!!!  

Nerves, anticipation and excitement are all getting the best of us now.  Tomorrow we are to go to the hospital (2nd floor - Birthing Center) at 6:00pm to get everything started. 

Until then..................................................

Our Last Month of Freedom

Tonight I am finally able to take a few minutes and update everybody on Will's progress!

First I will let everyone know that we went and met the birth mother and her family.  All of us were very nervous to say the least.  We left Thursday morning at 7:00 from Gulfport.  We arrived in Dallas with no problems.  The flight from Dallas was where problems were encounter.  Our flight was to leave at 11:05 and we were to arrive in CO at 12:15.  At 11:30 the pilot came over the intercom and said they were having technical difficulties.  He said that they were having to turn the plane off and reboot it.  Around 11:45 we FINALLY departed from Dallas.  We arrived in CO at 12:45 and had a doctor's appointment at 1:30.  Being on the very last row of the plane, we were the last people off the plane.  Arthur went to grab the baggage (only 1 suitcase) and I grabbed the rental car.  It just so happened as I was walking to get the car, he was walking to meet me.  We basically ran to our rental car!  We jump in our car and I crank up the Garmin so we could get to the doctor's appointment.  While driving to doc's appointment, I called all parents to let them know that we had arrived safely.  I was telling them that we had a wind-up car for our rental.  I mean we were passed by a motorcycle with a side cart.  Here is a picture of our rental car.

We had already called the birth mother (Becca)  to let her know where we were.  Thanks to the Garmin we drove right up to the office but came around the back of the building so we didn't see the building number.  I called and talked with the birth mother's mom (Ann).  She said we were in the right place, she would be waiting for us in the main lobby.  We walked inside and knew each other right off.  As we were walking in the doctor's office, the nurse was calling the Becca back. *PERFECT TIMING*  As we walked back to the exam room we talked a little.  The nurse asked several questions and then left us and said the nurse practioner would be seeing us.  While waiting on the NP, we introduced and talked a little more.  The NP came in a was a little shocked with all of us in the room.  She introduced herself and went around the room as we introduced ourselves.  I introduced myself as the "adopting" mom and Arthur was the "adopting" dad.  The NP turned to Becca and told her that she was doing the most wonderful and mature thing.  The NP then said that we would listen to Will's heartbeat.  Wow - what a sound that was.  His heart was beating at 155 beats/minute which was good.  Then she did an ultrasound so that we could see our little man. Here's a picture.

 After the doctor's appointment, we went outside to the big lobby where Ann gave us the phone number to Bethany office there.  We all had an appointment with Becca's case worker at 2:00 on Friday.  After a few minutes of talking we went our separate ways.  We went and checked in at the hotel and called our family in town.  We unpacked and started settling in and then received a call from the cousins inviting us to their house for supper.  We plugged the address into the Garmin and away we went.  We had a very pleasant visit with Joe, Allie, Alex, Joey, Destiny and Aunt Lisa.  And a very good supper!  Thanks again Allie.   Around 10 that night we went back to the hotel and crashed.  We got up Friday and went to Denny's! (Yum!Yum!) We had breakfast and then explored a little of the city.  We received a call from Aunt Lisa who volunteered to be our tour guide for the morning.  She took us to the Broadmoor Hotel and showed us around.  The Broadmoor is very beautiful.  Here are a few pictures.

 

 

After a quick snack at the bistro, we were off to the Bethany office.  The Garmin once again did the job.  We went directly to the office.  We met Becca's case worker and all sat down and started talking.  We talked about everything.  It was during this meeting that Becca stated that she wanted both of us in the delivery room with her.  Her mom and Arthur would hold her hands and I would get to be the first to hold him.  Then the case worker let Becca and her mom go and talked with us for a while.  She just wanted to go over some of the fees and asked if we had any questions.  We found out that as soon as Becca is released from the hospital, she will sign the papers.  The papers get taken to the judge who takes about 5-10 days to sign off on them.  We get to take Will back to the hotel with us.  We will not be able to leave Colorado with him until all paperwork with the ICPS ? (Interstate Child Placement Services?) is complete. Colorado sends paperwork to MS and MS has to send back the paperwork to Colorado.  Once all correct paperwork is received then we will be able to start trip home.  Yeah! 

This night we were invited to eat at Becca's grandparents.  We met and everything just clicked.  When we sat down to supper, they said the prayer that Arthur's mother and grandmother say on special occasions.  Then we had potato casserole - the one that I make.  For dessert, we had sopadilla cheesecake - like I make.  After supper, we all sat around and talked.  I took the computer with us so that I could show them pictures of us, our family, our house and just what we like to do for fun.  We arrived at their house around 5:30 and left around 10:30.  We were really impressed with them and I believe they felt the same with us.

Saturday morning we got up and had our Denny's breakfast again.  Then we went shopping for a little while - Babies R Us.  Once we were thru there, we called Aunt Lisa who wanted to take us to Pikes Peak.  We met at our hotel and then followed them to the Peak.  Both Arthur and I were shock that our little Versa make it up and down Pikes Peak like a champ.  Here are some pictures from Pikes Peak.

  

As you are going in the gate.

If you don't make the curve, you be going over the cliff.

That's is the road we are going to be on in a minute.

Yes there was snow on 7/17/10

We made it to Pikes Peak!!

Here's us, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Don

The city below

Garmin showing us the way!!

This is a mandatory stop.  You have to stop and let them get the temperature on your brakes.  We got out just to look around and look at the gift shop!!

After Pikes Peak, we went back to Joe and Allie's for a cookout.  Becca and her family were invited too.  Ann, Becca and I sat at the kitchen table and talked for hours.  Ann let me know that her mom was very apprehensive about the whole adoption.  She said that her mom had been upset with the whole situation but after she met us, she had a peace about her.  Her mom woke up Saturday in a good mood which Ann said had not happened in a while.  Ann also told me that Becca was sooooo glad that this baby was going to us.  She said that he will have a mom and dad who will love and care for him.  Becca said that we could give him a life that they could not.  Becca is at peace with it and that makes us sooooo happy. Becca told us that when people ask, she tells them, "This is Sonya and Arthur's baby Will - I'm just the incubator!"  Here is a picture of me, Becca and Arthur.

And a picture of me and Becca

We finally left Joe and Allie's and went back to the hotel to pack for the trip back home.  Needless to say we had lots of extras coming back.  We got up Sunday morning and had our Denny's breakfast for the last time on this trip.  We drove to the airport, returned the car and checked in.  The flight home was unadventurous.  Both sets of parents met us at the airport.  The trip was the topic of conversation on the way home. 

And before I forget, here is the funniest picture that I took the whole trip.

My man!  Gotta love him!

God's WILL

Well, we certainly know that God has a plan for every single one of us.  While completing our home study with Bethany, a child has found us.  He is scheduled to arrive here in October.  We have decided to name him William Andrew and call him Will. 

I cannot type the excitement that we are feeling right now.  Progress has not stopped with Bethany and will not.  Who knows we may even have 2 children before we know it.

We have talked with the birthmother and her family.  They are excited that they have found a family for the child. We are excited that they have found us.

Arthur told his mom and dad.  Then I told my mom and dad.  We told them that we wanted to keep it quiet for now.  So a BIG secret was kept.  Finally, Arthur and I decided that we were ready to tell the rest of the family.  We decided that we would have a crawfish boil to let the rest of the family here know.  Then the idea of shirts with our names on them came up - Mommy, Daddy, MiMi2, Pop T, Nanny and Paw Paw.  So the "grandparents" get here and I show them the set up of how I was going to tell everyone.  First,  I brought Michelle in to ask her opinion of Will's room. Then Alec and MiMi2 came looking along with Mama Vee, Aunt Sara and Uncle Butch.  Everyone is just as thrilled about it as we are.  Alec can even say Will's name. 

Here are some pictures of the crawfish boil and all of us in our special shirts.

Pop T, MiMi2, Nanny, Paw Paw, Arthur and me

The shop - Alec proofed!

An ultrasound picture of our little man and a picture of us.