As you may or may not know, I have another beautiful baby in this world. His name is Andrew and he is already 11 years old as of this past March. During my college years, I was faced with the most challenging time in my life - an unplanned pregnancy. I spent every second of that 9 months praying to God for answers of what I was to do. You see, I have always wanted to be a mom. I always loved babies and children and knew that I would be a mother - one day. I had no idea how much Andrew would change my life once I found out he was growing inside me. After months of seeing a counselor and going back and forth with my choice, I finally made a heartbreaking decision. Sitting in the hospital with my mom and my pregnancy counselor, I made a plan to place Andrew for adoption. This perfect baby who was a few hours old would be someone else's perfect baby to love and raise forever. After taking Andrew home for 6 weeks, nursing him and just loving every minute with him, I found an amazing family whom I knew God had placed into my life to become Andrew's parents.
Although forever in my mind and heart, that is not the story I think about today. The story I celebrate in my heart today is from last summer. The story of Jayden and Andrew meeting for the very first time. Tears fill my eyes as I think about that day. Every summer, Andrew's family and mine get together to visit and spend some quality time with one another. The first year I had Jayden, Matt and I were unable to meet up with Andrew's family due to conflicting schedules. With them living in Michigan and Matt and I living in Arizona, we do our very best to make it happen each year.
That cloudy Ohio morning, we woke up at Matt's brother's home and packed the car to dive to Toledo with plans to meet at a science center. I remember being filled with many emotions as I talked through it all with Matt on our drive over. What would Andrew think of Jayden? Would he feel angry with me as I now had another baby? Oh how much I hoped for the start of a wonderful relationship between Andrew and Jayden. My worries, anxieties and fears were put on hold the moment I saw my 11 year old birthson. He was beautiful and, wow, big. I remember holding him as a newborn, so every year it always amazes me how much he changes.
Needless to say, the day was perfect! Andrew and I enjoyed some time together playing in one of the science center exhibits and just talking. We had lunch with the whole family and laughed about memories of Andrew at Jayden's age. Matt and I spent time with Andrew's little brother Daniel, who also stole our hearts. I remember thinking, I don't want this day to ever end.
As for what Andrew thought of Jayden, well, I'll leave you with these pictures:
What a joyful soul little Andrew has! He took Jayden under his wing and just loved on him. It always amazes me how God knows the perfect plans for us, even when we cannot possibly see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Thank you God for revealing just how perfect your plans always are! My heart is filled and I celebrate this Mother's day with appreciation and an overwhelming love for all three of my babies.
