Jack's Family
God "knit me together in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13), but even after we are born, we know he is working all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). This story is about how God wove us and our adoptive son Jack and his birth family together. In September of 2020, God brought what was a tragedy at the time to call us to action. We were 42 years old then and our son Dawson was 14. We had no intentions of having more children and were looking forward to being empty-nesters, having grandchildren, relaxing, and doing the things that WE wanted to do. However, someone dear to our hearts became pregnant and received a Down syndrome diagnosis and consequently terminated the pregnancy. We began learning about how doctors recommend termination when there is a Down syndrome diagnosis, and how few live births result because of this. It was heartbreaking and we felt so compelled to do something about it, and our prayer was that we could be someone's solution. We knew God was calling us to give up what would be our life of comfort, to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25). We didn't know how we would pay for it, but we knew if God was calling us to this like we believed He was, He would provide. And he has! Many friends, family, and even some strangers have contributed to Jack's adoption.
On October 21,2020 we were approved with Nightlight Christian Adoptions to begin the home study process. Little did we know, our sweet baby boy Jack was born the next day, October 22, 2020. So began our journey to each other. Many months went by as we filled out our required paperwork and took our classes, and had background checks, and created our family profile book. We took much longer than most people to finish their required paperwork, but looking back now, we see it was God timing everything just right for baby Jack and us to be brought together. Our home study was finalized on May 11, 2021, and we were registered with NDSAN on May 29, 2021. When I asked Stephanie how many couples our age get matched, she said 'few and far between'. We were presented with 4 babies in the next month and on June 24TH, we received a call from Stephanie with NDSAN that Jack's birth family would like to pursue by having an ice breaker. Jack was 8 months old at the time, and quite honestly, we wanted a newborn. But we told God we would say "yes" to every situation that was presented to us and let Him handle it. The more we looked at the two pictures given to us of Jack, the more we were falling in love with him. We met with Jack's birth family on July 25th, and left there praying they still felt we were the family God chose for him. Soon after the meeting we heard from our caseworker that they were confident and they wanted to proceed. On August 18, 2021, Jack left his birth family and was joined with us as we eagerly awaited his arrival a few miles from his home.
It was a joyous and emotional time, but we quickly realized something wasn't quite right. By this time, he was 10 months old, but his arms and legs didn't move much, and we wondered if he could see because he didn't follow objects. We noticed he was flinching, like he was startled, but it would happen every few seconds and would last for ten-minute segments. After seeing his pediatrician, we were sent to the Children's hospital for a neurology appointment. Jack was admitted for having infantile spasms, which is a type of seizure. Because he was having these, his development was being delayed. Jack began receiving a type of steroid injection daily (that we had to administer), and after a couple months, his seizures had stopped. Praise the Lord! Now this baby boy could start all over from the beginning and learn how to do most everything! We said we wanted a newborn; well, we got a 25 pound one! So, he began physical, occupational and feeding therapy multiple times per week in order to gain strength and develop his gross motor skills.
We have seen some very challenging times, especially the first five months or so. This has not all been like a fairy tale. This is real life. Our bodies ache, we're tired, we get discouraged sometimes because of how slow Jack's progress is or fearful about what things he won't be able to do. But we remind ourselves that God brought us and Jack together, He will never leave us nor forsake us. Jack was created by God for a purpose, and the name Jack means "God is gracious". That is so beautiful, it was the name given to him by his birth family, and God says to us "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."(II Corinthians 12:9)
Jack has come so far in the ten months that he has been in our family; he smiles and laughs, he looks at us in our eyes, he holds toys in both hands and transfers from one hand to another, he scoots backward, rolls all around, just learned to sit up, eats like a champ, loves water, music, lights, fans, kisses, hugs, cuddles, and baby talk. We love him dearly and so do his many extended family members, friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
On June 24th, 2022, exactly one year from getting the call about Jack, and on the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, Jack's adoption was finalized. We had 40 friends in the courtroom as the judge declared Jack was now and forever our son with all the rights and privileges of a birth child! Such a beautiful earthly example of how God adopts his children through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:5 In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.
We pray that everyone who God has called to adopt steps out into the unknown and fearful realm of trusting Him completely. Theodore Roosevelt said "What the world needs is more people that specialize in the impossible." But if God has called you to it, it is not impossible; He will be with you, He will provide for you, and enable you to finish what he called you to do.
First day of welcoming Jack to his new home
Jack’s first birthday
New Year’s Eve
Easter
Mother’s Day
First hike
Jack’s adoption
Late Summer 2022
October 2022
Jack’s birthday is the same day as the Buddy Walk. The Buddy Walk was great! They surprised us and sand Happy Birthday to Jack! I will cherish the memory!! It was so beautiful, so many voices, singing to my boy!!
The birthday boy! Happy 2nd birthday Jack.
March 2023
Jack is progressing along slowly but surely!!! He just started "school" on Monday. It is called Apparo Academy.
Apparo means to make ready, and it is for ages 6 weeks to 6 years old to help them get ready for whatever school they go to after that age.
It is mainly for kids with disabilities but all are welcome.
I've attached his cute little report from yesterday for you to see.
He seems to be adjusting well. Praying this is a good fit for us all. It is our first time away from him since he was our son - a year and a half of being together all day!
But he needs to learn more than what he was getting in his little therapy sessions.
Here is a link to the school if you want to check it out. They are Christians as well and teach Bible in school.
July 2023
Jack is really enjoying his summer. He loves to play in the water and is a very good hugger! He holds on tight and it’s so special. He purposefully puts his mouth towards ours and holds it there for a kiss. He likes to kiss for quite a while! Lol he loves to read and by that I mean, he loves to be read to, and he loves turning pages. He no longer hast to drink from his sippy cup that had like a nipple but now he drinks from a cup that has a straw. He loves music and he loves it when I sing and use hand motions. We are working on sign language, but he has not picked up on anything yet. He is eager to play with toys. As soon as I walk into his classroom, he is ready to get out of my arms and to the floor so he can play with toys. We’re currently waiting on his gait trainer to be finished and also his orthotics for his ankles.
October 2023
Happy Halloween 🎃
October 2023
Celebrated Jack’s 3rd birthday with a visit to the nearby park and a delicious lemon cake. He had such a fun time. He is pulling to standing now and taking assisted steps. We are so proud of him. What a joy he is to our family.
January 2024
Jack is walking with his walker and getting better and stronger! There will be a picture attached of him, standing up at the wall by himself. That's part of therapy! Such a big boy.
