Before I attempt to begin to tell this story, I have to first aknowledge that God's hand was in it to begin with and He was the one that answered our prayers with such precision and exactness that we are overwhelmed and marvel that He knows us so well and loves us. We DEARLY love the birthmother to this sweet baby girl. She loves this little girl so much, and it because of that love that she had the strength to place her into our arms. We are mindful that this was an almost impossible thing to do, and yet she did it. We know that she would love to see your comments and read what she our daughter means to you and what this sacrifice means to you. We love you so much D! We love your family and friends!
This is Brielle Beatriz Owens! She was born May 12th, at 9:01 a.m. weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long. She was born in Virginia, which is where we are right now as I write. I want to share with you the significance of her name to us. I met the birthmother of this little girl about 3 months ago and we felt a very special connection to her. We knew that we both wanted to share an open adoption. We wanted to decide on a name that we both would love and so we talked for a few weeks about it. At first, Jake and I had completly different names chosen, but they did not fit our daughter's beautiful culture. She is hispanic, and her roots and ancetsry are from El Salvador. One day I blurted out the name "Brielle." (prounounced Bree-elle) I had never heard the name before, but I liked it. Immediately, D (the birthmother) said she liked the name. She said it was a bright, happy name. I looked up the meaning of her name. Her name means God is my strength. We knew that this fit perfectly. Her name reminds me every day that I can do hard things through Christ. It reminds me of the Christlike sacrifice her birthmother made.
Beatriz (prounouced Bay-uh-treece) is a name with Latin roots. It is D's middle name, and D's mothers' middle name. This name means one who brings happiness to others. Beatriz will bring so much happiness into this world. Brielle has been surrounded by so many people that love her. We want to honor them and their love for her.
D called me to say she was in labor about a week before her due date so Jake, Paige and I got on an overnight plane to try to make it forthe birth. D wanted us there. Imagine my surprise when I arrived in Virginia only 5 minutes behind her birth. I felt like Brielle waited for me to get there, and that she was able to share a special moment with her birthmother alone. It was as it should be. Her birthmother was so calm and I marveled at her strength.
Brielle was placed into our arms Monday, May 16th.
If you read this shirt that I put on Paige today, I am sure that it will bring a smile to your face. We just can't believe that Paige has a sibling. Paige's life has forever changed. Adoption has brought this gift into her life and I know that she will LOVE being a big sister.
There is so much more to the story, but I will save that for later. Right now, Jake and I are too busy staring at Brielle to do much of anything else.
We love you all! You helped pray this baby into our arms. Jake and I know that we have been surrounded by your support. Once again, WE LOVE YOU!
20 comments:
Oh my gosh!! I can't stop crying. What an amazing story. You guys are so amazing and I am so happy for you. Congrats to you guys and Paige!!
How wonderful! I know how much you guys wanted this, and sweet little Brielle has an amazing family to help her grow.
And the birth mom-- wow! It takes a woman of immense strength and maturity to do something so selfless. It's great that you've chosen an open adoption and she'll be able to see through the years that she made the best choice for Brielle. Big hugs to the birth mom for being willing to give you the most wonderful, miraculous gift possible!
I am just in tears right now, so so happy for you guys and the blessing of this precious baby girl. After our many walks last summer and talks about how you wanted another baby so much I couldn't stop thinking about you and how much you deserve to have another baby. You are such an amazing mother and I know this baby was meant for you. Remember how I told you 30 would be your best year =) haha!!! Hope you know how much I enjoy our friendship and how happy I am that you get to love and be the mother to another baby girl! You amaze me, you are so strong and I look up to you much!
How blessed you are. I am so happy to hear your news of your new addition. What a miracle for your family. Can't wait to get the email from your dad with the news and pictures!! So exciting.
Jan & Jake- This has been such an interesting experience to watch take place. Matt & talked and we both felt that God's hand was in this too much to not be right. I'm so grateful you found such a wonderful and special birthmother. From the stories I have heard I can defiantly see your family having a special relationship with not only her, but her family as well. What a wonderful gift for your new baby, to already be loved by SO many people. We can't wait to meet her, and hear all the details. She will always have a unique story to her life and family, and I think that is something that is very special. Good luck in Virgina. I hope you guys are enjoying some great family time together. I'm so glad that Paige was able to be there as well.
It always amazes me the people you meet in a life time. But this one will change your lives forever! She is beautiful and I know she is meant for your family. I can;t wait to meet her!
Brielle is such a beautiful baby! Porter says he is going to call her Bri but I told him he had to ask you all first. I am so very thankful you all were blessed with such an amazing birth mother! She brought such a beautiful little girl into this world and placed her with two of the most amazing people I have ever met. I admire her strength, courage and faith. I know Heavenly Father has big plans for her - her unwavering faith has set a wonderful example for me in my life. The world would truly be a better place if we all had her strength.
Jake, Jan and Paigey - Congrats on your new baby! I am so excited to meet her I can't hardly stand it. Brielle is so lucky to be part of your family! Jake - you are such a wonderful daddy! You definitely know how to lead your home in righteousness. Jan - when I first met you I knew some guy would be extremely lucky to have you for a wife. I knew you would make a wonderful and loving mother! I just didn't know you would marry my brother - but how lucky we all are that you did :) Congrats again to you all and big sissy Paige!
I don't think I can say this enough but Brielle is so beautiful, I just can't look at her enough. All the kids are the same. They just want to see her over and over. This morning Bennett held my phone and looked at her picture for 30 minutes. He told me how pretty she was and how she was soooo little. He also said that Paige could bring Brielle to our house to play and he would take care of her. I have never seen him react like this to a baby, but he loves her so much. Everyone he has seen today he had to tell them about beautiful Brielle.
To D, as a family saying thank you does not seem like enough. We love you more than words can say. We consider you a part of us. We love you and we pray for you everyday. I am so grateful for who you are. You have tremendous faith in the Lord and you have so much strength. As a family we know you gave us this perfect gift and we want you to know, we love her so much and we will spend the rest of our lives saying thank you, by loving her and supporting her. I know the Lord loves you so much. I feel it when I pray for you. You have taught me so much about faith and turning to the Lord. You are a beautiful woman, and a very loving mother. It has been amazing to see the Lord's hand in everything that has happened. But I think about how in-tune to the spirit you were to recognize Janalyn and Jake when you saw their picture and know this is who Brielle needed to go to. You have picked the two most wonderful, loving, kind, gracious, and faithful parents. She will be loved beyond anything. We love you so much!
Janalyn's sister,
Season
Oh Jake, Janalyn, and "D"..I just can't stop crying
( good tears of course:)!! When I saw this post all of the talks we have had up until a few weeks ago I just knew it would all be meant to be and work out wonderfully for you!! She is here and amazing! Congratulations on being a new mommy again and "D", your courage, strengh, and sacrafice, is beyond words. I hope you can feel the love and hugs around you and admiration we ALL have for you!
Brielle is beyond so precious and beauitful! Noah and I our truly so happy for your WHOLE family! Paige, congrat's on becoming a big sister, I know you will a wonderful one, Jake you our now the proud father of two beautiful babys girls, and Janalyn a wonderful mommy you will be no doubt! I truly could not think of any family more deserving of this than yours. You are truly the most amazing and special family I've ever know and it's been such an amazing journey to see this unfold!
"D", there are no words to describe how brave and amazing of a women you our. We love you so much and have so much love for letting miss Brielle bring such happiness and Joy to the Owens family. Your courage is beyond words and we admire you SO much. Noah and I have been keeping you in our prayer's and will always. You are one special lady and I hope you know what an outstanding thing you have done!
We love you ALL SO MUCH! Brielle, I can't wait to come and meet you in person!! God has watched over you from day one and will continue to!
Congratulations again, and again!!
Love you,
Noah and Amy~
Dear "D",
As I was done posting I realized that I don't think there are enough hours in the day to tell you how wonderful I think you are, and how much my husband and I think of you. Adoption is one of the most precious gifts of life and there is truly not one word I can even think of to tell you how much we think of you and always will. Knowing Janalyn, and looking forward to meeting Brielle ( please know you will forever be in our thoughts and prayer's).
You have given the gift of life and SO much more. I had to sit here a moment and gather everything I was feeling as... ( Janalyn's sister Season said...there is just no way to Thank you enough). We just want you to know we think more than the world of you and always will!
Thank you "D", for giving the gift of life and the gift that will always continue to give.
Love and prayer's to you always~
Noah and Amy
Congrats, Owens family! And hooray for amazing birth mothers! We all have a very close relationship with little David's birth mother as well. Amazing woman. Hooray for family! :)
We are so excited for you and your family! What an amazing story - and amazing birth mom. She is a beautiful girl! Isn't it amazing to see how profound and personal these miracles can be? Congrats!
I am so thrilled for you and your amazing family! Words cannot even express how happy I am for you. Brielle is beautiful.
D - As an adoptive mother, I can tell you first hand that there are no words to express the love, gratitude, and awe we have for you. Your courage is inspiring, and you have blessed so many lives by making this decision. Thank you.
What a Beautiful Family Picture of the four of you, and sweet new ones of Baby Brielle as well. She is just so precious, sweet, and looks so at peace in your arms. Miss Paige looks like she is very happy and enjoying her new role as a big sister!
Noah and I are so happy for you Jake and Janalyn....( beyond words really:). We will keep staying updated with your pic's and posts! Thanks for sharing...
Love always,
Noah and Amy~
P.S. I forgot to mention in my prior post that I loved Paige's new "Big Sis" shirt!! Priceless...
I am always amazed at what faith, prayers, and dedicated effort and work can do. We really have seen a modern day miracle. This isn't just something that happened. It was supposed to happen! There is no denying the fact that God's hand was in all of this! We Love You!
We are so happy for you! We can't wait to meet this adorable angel in person! Thank you for letting us be apart of this sacred journey with you guys. Watching a miracle literally unfold before our eyes is amazing! Your strength is such a powerful example to us!
D-Thank you of course doesn't even express our gratitude for what you have done this last week! I'm at such a loss of words to express to you my feelings. You have been apart of an answer to numerous prayers! Jake & Janalyn are so blessed to have had you come into their lives. You have given them the ultimate gift. You have been and will continue to be in our prayers. We love Brielle and we love you!
Wow! Congrats to you guys! How exciting and what a blessing for your family. Adoption is such a beautiful thing.
I loved reading this blog entry. I am so happy for you and your family! How exciting! Brielle Beatriz is such a beautiful name for a beautiful baby girl. Congratulation wishes from Germany ;) - Brittany (Morris) (Kersten's friend)
I kept waiting and waiting for your name to pop up on my google reader so I could see this new babydoll and then remembered today you had gone private! So sorry for my long absence! What a beautiful baby girl you have and what a special gift. I love her name and all that it means. You are right when you say that this was all meant to be. I can't wait for more pictures and someday to get to meet your girls!
I read this post with tears streaming down my face. I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness for you. D, I don't even know you, yet my admiration for you is so strong. Words can't even describe how amazing I feel you are. Thank you for sharing your story. Brielle is beautiful.
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