our eternal family

I will never forget October 26, 2011. We had the wonderful opportunity of taking Lillian to the Salt Lake Temple to be sealed to us for time and all eternity. This is a dream come true for Dave and I, and our hearts couldn't be more full of love.

My eyes were overflowing with tears as I saw this sweet face in the temple, all dressed in white. We know all of our children were there with us, celebrating Lillian's official arrival into our forever family. Top two pictures: credit to Peg Watkins Photography

Lillian's birth parents, Heidi and Alejandro, love her so much and are so grateful she is sealed to our family forever. They are both wonderful people with hearts of gold, whom we love dearly.

I love the feeling of her hand in mine. I plan on holding her hand when she gets shots at the doctor, on her first day of school, when her heart breaks for the first time, on her wedding day as I help her into her beautiful dress, and as she gets ready to deliver her precious babies. I hope she will hold my hand as I watch her grow up, as I get old, and when I need some extra help getting around. And during all of these special times, I will always be reminded of when she was a baby and we held hands in the temple to become an eternal family.

finalization

Lillian's adoption is now legally finalized! We felt so official as we sat in the judge's chambers, got sworn in, and answered questions "on the record." Our lawyer Doug and our case worker Katrina couldn't have been more supportive and helpful during the whole adoption process. Our judge was so nice (and young!- I thought all judges looked like Perry Mason), and he was impressed with how well-behaved Lillian was. It was quite an eventful day, especially since I fainted in the courthouse right before our hearing, but that's another story...

who would have thought...

Who would have thought that our journey to parenthood would take the course it has? Looking back on the past three years, we have experienced quite the roller coaster of emotions and experiences. Through our journey I have spent time in many new and unexpected lands including fertility treatment, multiples, infant loss, miscarriage, high-risk pregnancy, still birth, and adoption.

Who would have thought I would learn so much and meet so many people because of these paths we have walked? At times when I felt so alone, people seemed to come out of the wood work with support, love, encouragement, and stories of their own experiences that gave me hope for the future. My relationships with both the Lord and with Dave have been strengthened beyond understanding, giving me faith, patience, and a deeper meaning of Love for every member of our family. These trials have helped mold me into the person I am today and I hope that this new version of myself is more kind, understanding, sympathetic, faithful, prayerful, and strong.

Who would have thought that adoption would bring about such miracles? It has been a beautiful journey, full of happiness, answered prayers, deepest appreciation, fulfillment, and joy. Each experience in the past has led me and prepared me for the next, creating a better mom for Lillian than I ever could have been before. Our world has changed for the better over the past 4 months as we have learned first-hand that adoption truly is about pure, unselfish love. Lillian is our pride and joy, the love of our lives, the sun and the moon. She knows her 3 older brothers and older sister in Heaven, and we are counting down the days until we can take Lillian to the temple and have her sealed to us for time and all eternity.

Who would have thought I would get pregnant again? Without procedures, needles, or ultrasounds. Trust me, nobody is more shocked than myself. We are expecting a baby girl in January, and couldn't be more thrilled!! Having two girls will be so much fun- I know how close I am to my 2 sisters and can think of no greater gift to my daughters than each other. Lillian can't wait to have a little playmate to share life with. Saying I'm nervous, scared, and worried is an understatement. But I'm coming to the realization that I don't have much control concerning this area of my life; I can only do my best and leave the rest up to the Lord. So please send your prayers, luck, and positive energy our way for the next 5 months!

Who would have thought life would be so interesting?

She's here!!

Lillian Gabriella Watkins

April 18, 2011

8:57 am

7 lbs 12 oz, 19 inches

There are no words to express the amount of love, gratitude, and great appreciation we feel right now. Our deepest prayers have been answered, and the joy that we have experienced over the last two days is indescribable. Lillian's birth parents are two wonderful people with huge hearts full of selflessness and love. Lillian is truly a gift from God, and we are so blessed to have her as part of our family.

it's official!

We've been approved for adoption!! Our profile is up and running on itsaboutlove.org. Check us out here and please spread the word. We are so very excited about this, and know that through our faith, our prayers can and will be answered.

our new address

Thanks for coming to our new blog address. I've transferred all our posts, but unfortunately the comments didn't come with. I'll remember all your sweet, thoughtful, encouraging comments in my heart and hope for more to come!

The adoption application and process has brought hope and optimism to Dave and I over the past few months. We're excited about this new journey and the wonderful joy it can bring to us. We're still waiting to be officially "approved," and once that happens our online profile will be visible on the LDS Family Service's adoption website (itsaboutlove.org). Please spread the word, and if you know of anyone that is looking to place their baby for adoption, please tell them about us. We kindly ask for your prayers, thoughts, and positive energy as we travel this amazing path.