We spent a few hours with Zoe and her birthmother tonight. "mama-ca" really opened up and just shared about her life and what her family background was like. While watching the World Music Awards together we discussed music, sports, culture and what life will be like for zoe growing up. How she has birth grandparents who lived to be 99 and lived in a time of slavery and oppression and she herself was born in a time where an african american will be the leader of the free world when she's just days old.
We talked about mama-ca's favorite foods, music, movies... this woman was fascinating me by the minute. She loves to talk. (so if zoe's anything like her mom she'll fit right in as a chappell!:o) We really talked openly about how selfless adoption is and how she choose us because she wants this child to grow up to impact the world around her. I told mama-ca that already her heart's desire is happening in ways she could never imagine.
We held Zoe and I think she has completely captivated the heart of her daddy. He was holding her up to his ear and listening to the littlest eeks and mmms from her sweet lips. so cute! I got to see her eyes tonight and wow, they are enchanting, so deep and beautiful.
I have cried both times I've been with her and it's definitely been tears of bittersweet joy! I can't imagine her being Asher nor will she replace him in my heart or life but this has given me (and no doubt will continue to) so many opportunities of grief over not having these moments with him. Even seeing Zoe move and the slightest twitch yesterday was a reminder to me how still Asher was that day with him. But having experienced that, I am more in awe of a newborn's awkward movements and uncontrolled smiles or blowing bubbles. They are amazing!! God is amazing!
Tomorrow we will go to the hospital and be there when they are released. I get to dress her and get her ready to leave. We still don't know if the information we need will be in by then and if not she'll just go to interim care for a night or two. But we'll keep you posted and I can't wait to take more photos of this sweet sweet baby!
Thanks for all your lovin' and sweet encouragement and for already loving this new addition to our family!
Oh my goodness! She is absolutely beautiful. I want to just kiss her little cheeks. I am overjoyed for you and Dan and I am excited for little Zoe and the the great parents that she will have. What an awesome gift. We love you guys and will be praying for you in the adjustment of having a newborn in your home. Let me know if you need anything. I'm here for you, girl. Love ya, Jess
Posted by: Jessica Jones | December 04, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Congratulations Casey and Dan! I think you win the "best Christmas present" award this year! Despite your loss this summer, you have both stood firm and continued to trust God and He has now blessed you with a new child to love and care for and it couldn't have happened at a better time of the year! We're so excited for your new addition this Christmas season!
Blessings,
Julie, Dan and Ethan Miles
Posted by: Julie Miles | December 03, 2008 at 11:06 AM
God is Awesome!
We are so excited for you with the additon of baby Zoe.
Jeremy came home from NRCA so excited to be able to help you in adopting a baby. Then he didn't know anymore.... So then I got on your blog and I burst into tears of joy when I read your blog of God's divine plan for growing your family. Grace saw me crying (actually bawling my eyes out) and I was able to share how I cried tears of joy the day God brought her into our family. She is so excited to have a friend with her skin color and hear about baby Zoe's adoption story.
We have always shared with our children that God is the creator of all things and grows some families by their hearts. God has certainly enlarged and prepared your your hearts for baby Zoe during the last few months.
We will continue to pray for a spirit and mantle of peace and strength for you during next 7 days. Continue to trust in the Lord and lean on him. Rest, relax, and breathe in the Spirit of the Living God during this precious and joyous time of your lives.
Blessings,
The Boudahs
Pamela, Dan, Jeremy, and Grace
Posted by: Pamela Boudah | December 03, 2008 at 09:59 AM
SOOOO excited for you guys! She is beautiful and we hope to meet her soon! Love you guys! The Campbells
Posted by: Christy Campbell | December 03, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Praise God!!!
What a wonderful way to begin a new fresh year. We are so happy for you guys and can't wait to be part of Miss Zoe's life.
How soon can we get her in her NRCA Cheerleading uniform????????
We love you
The Winstead's
Bob, Amy, Hunter, Peyton, & Brock
Posted by: Bob Winstead | December 03, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I stand amazed. So beautiful....I know your heart must be about to burst!
God is awesome.
Stacey
Posted by: Stacey McLeod | December 03, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Tears of joy in my eyes! I can't help but think what a blessing you are to Zoe's birth mother and how, at the same time her selflessness is blessing your life, your gentleness and care for her in this time is certainly a huge blessing to her and will hopefully be a great comfort and encouragement to her in this time. Praying all the details continue to fall into place in perfect timing.
Posted by: Leslie Stanton | December 03, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Wow Casey. What a blessing that you are able to share this time with Zoe's mom. I hope she can truly see how wonderful you and Dan are and how much you will and already do love her little girl. I am praying for you guys. Thanks for being so good about keeping us updated.
Posted by: zsera | December 02, 2008 at 10:48 PM
she is so sweet and is gonna be a daddy's girl, she's already got him wrapped around her little fingers... Dan is in trouble! LOL
Posted by: Toni Reitter | December 02, 2008 at 10:47 PM
She is beautiful!
We are excited for you! And thanking God and praying for this transition, that all goes great!
Posted by: Dee Dee Rauscher | December 02, 2008 at 10:28 PM