Telling Our Story

I've finally done it. Brielle is now 2 months old and I've finally caught up enough to spit this story out. If you look on the sidebar of my blog under pages- it is listed as Brielle's Story- Our Adoption Adventure.

I have 2 reasons for keeping our adoption pretty quiet before it happened. I was hoping everyone would forgive me later. For the most part we were bursting at the seams and wanted to shout it from the mountaintops. But after some serious thought we decided-

#1-We wanted to respect D's privacy before the adoption was a done deal. In the Hispanic culture, it is not the typical or usually even the acceptable choice to place the baby for adoption. Both of Brielle's birth parents are from El Salvador but moved to the U.S. 4 years ago. If Brielle would have been born in El Salvador, it would have taken over 7 years to adopt her because the laws are not accommodating. It breaks our hearts, but many people have been more than unkind to D. Because of the treatment she received, she did not tell many people about the adoption. She still hasn't. She gave us full permission to use her name and even pictures with our friends and family but because we feel so protective of her, we have chosen not to. Though we would love for you all to meet her one day. She is such a beautiful woman, inside and out.

#2- I have to admit, we were scared. What if we told everyone all the details and came back from Virginia without this little girl? We had faith that it would all work out, we certainly knew it was right, but that didn't mean it would happen.

I aoplogize that my story is so long. In my family, I have a reputation for being a talker. I tried to condense and edit, but I always seemed to end up with the same story. I didn't even come close to sharing every detail, although you will read that I am very open about our journey.

I could say that our adoption happened because Jake and I and our family and friends and even D had many special realizations and things come together at the right time for us. But that is only part of it. Yes, things happened because we all put forth our best efforts, but the amazing part of the story is that it also happened in spite of us.  We are not perfect and heaven knows that Jake and I aren't! The true miracle is that God orcehstrated it all, and I hope when you read our story, you will see that He has a hand in all of our lives.  He can turn something sad and broken into something beautiful.  That is how it happened for us.

I came to the realization lately that our story is something that has not only changed my life, but other people's lives too. I have been amazed by this time and time again. I only share it with people who are willing to listen and love us. (In other words, you) I have been surprised that lately I have had more opportunities than ever to share a little bit about our IVF story. Because Brielle is adopted, some people have asked us, "So, is Paige yours?" Meaning is Paige ours biologically. I laugh and say that both girls are mine, but they came to us in different ways.

And I share the story.

Brielle's Slideshow

Customize a picture slideshow

Brielle

Our Angel Baby Daughter

 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!

First of all...

To us, there is nothing more important we can say to you than Thank You!  If you don't know us, we are so excited that we have the chance for you to see a glimpse of our family.  If you are considering adoption, we hope you know that we cannot help but feel amazement and love for you.  We know that all we can do is pray for you, so we do that often. No matter your circumstances, please know that we hope the very best for you.  If you are family and friends checking the progress on our adoption, please come and visit, and come back often.  We can't wait for the day we get to share our adoption story with all of you.