Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Adventure


Our adventure started last Thursday, June 24th at 3:00 p.m. We had decided to work through another agency the Tuesday before, and on Thursday they contacted us for the first time. They let us know they got our application and oh by the way we have a birth mom due on Friday, are you interested? Zane and I had very little time to discuss and pray. When we thought about the baby, we felt peace. When we thought about leaving our home and traveling to another state for who knows how long with a two-year-old and everything else about the adoption process, we felt fear. We went on faith though, packed up the car and headed out on a two day drive. Dallin did wonderful as long as he was watching his movies. We have been potty training before we left and he did a great job on the road and throughout our whole trip. We haven't had any accidents! Amazing for a two-year-old whose life went crazy all of sudden.

We arrived and went straight to the hospital at 5 p.m. It wasn't the ideal time for Dallin so he and Zane didn't stay long, but I enjoyed a nice long visit with our birthmom, her mom, and her 17-year-old daughter. We hit it off and I enjoyed spending the next two days with them. I think Gavin knew we were driving out instead of flying, so he waited to be born on Saturday morning instead of Friday. One of the first questions we were asked when we arrived at the hospital was what we were going to name the baby. We threw out three names with Gavin being the last. Everyone shouted out that they liked that name the best, so that is how Gavin got his name. (On a side note, Gavin's birthmom thought all our names were fake because they are on the unusual side. We just like unusual names.)

Placement is the hardest part of an adoption process. It is hard to watch someone you care about go through something so hard and painful. Thank you doesn't seem to cover how much we appreciate Gavin's birthmom. We appreciate her strength and courage to choose to give her son a life that she couldn't offer at this time. We are eternally grateful for her sacrifice and love she had for her son.

Gavin stayed in the hospital an extra day, and then we picked him up Tuesday afternoon and brought him back to the hotel. He has been very sleepy and a wonderful baby so far. Dallin has enjoyed having a brother and is very proud of him. We thought we would be out here for at least two weeks, but we just heard that the courts have cleared us to leave. Living in a hotel with a two-year-old and a newborn isn't the ideal situation so we are thrilled to be heading home. This trip has been an adventure, but we feel so lucky that we were picked to be a part of it.

13 comments:

Sylvia said...

Such a great story and what an adventure. Whoosh!

I love the picture of you holding Gavin. So sweet. I'm glad he is such a superstar!!

brandif10 said...

I heard from the greatvine that you guys were going to be new parents again. I am so excited for you and he is so cute! What a great blessing for your family.

Steve and Jen said...

Thanks for sharing! Love the beginning of Gavin's life! Can't wait to hear more about the two cute boys in the Dockstader's Fam!

Shels said...

What an exciting beginning to a great life! Such a blessing.

You got yourself some good lookin' boys!

Melissa Turner said...

Congratulations, What an amazing blessing to be able to adopt two wonderful children, we are so happy for you.

Sarah said...

CONGRATS!!! I'm so happy for you guys!!!! Two boys are so much fun! Congrats again!

Rhonda said...

Dear Ariane & Zane... we are so happy for your family. Congratulations! Love, Rhonda & Kevin

simple mom/wife said...

Justin and I are thrilled for you! I couldn't believe it when we heard you had taken off . . . we had just talked and you were making bread!

Gavin is one good lookin baby--those boys better watch out! You guys are the perfect family!!!!

Melissa Bell said...

Congratulations! Gavin is beautiful!

Jennifer said...

Congratulations I am so happy for you guys.

eden and david said...

what an amazing story!!! congrats. two perfect little boys.

Elise said...

This whole thing made me cry! I know it's been a long time since I've seen you and Zane, but I am so happy for you both. Congrats - what a whirlwind change, but such a good one!!!

Carla said...

Congratulations! I love all the pictures of Dallin & Gavin together. My mother-in-law says that one of the best gifts you can give your children is a sibling. Those pictures definitely show that's true!