Wanna know what I did yesterday?  Good.  Because I'm gonna tell you!  I went grocery shopping at Walmart, first of all.  I know.  I've lost it completely!  Since we have moved, I have been to our local Walmart a total of five times in the last year.  I typically stick to Kroger and Target, since they are close and right next to each other.  Today, I did it.  Since I was there, I mosied on over to the holiday section.  This is one reason I do not need to frequent this place.  Too many distractions for me.  Ha!
I probably browsed each aisle twice.  Then, I settled on necessities that tend to get limited as the holidays get closer.  I stocked up on gift boxes, tape, gift tags, and cute boxes for my homemade holiday goodies. 

Too early, you say?  I don't think so!  By my estimation (and the ticker on my sidebar), we have merely 59 days left until Christmas!  Did you hear that?  And, in case you missed it, I work at the cutest little gift shop on the Square.  This means my holiday schedule is about to get extremely busy and full of glitter!  Seriously, glitter in my hair, glitter in my clothes, glitter in my nose, and probably glitter even in my bra!  So, I'm trying to get my personal gift-giving organized so that when I come home from a long day of tying bows and wrapping boxes, I will be able to smile at my supplied gift wrapping closet and wrap a few of my own.

And, yes, I've started shopping.  However, I have quite a ways to go before I get the family covered!  I'm holding out for some just in case there's something spectacular lurking around the corner.

How are you on your Christmas preparations?  Are you getting it together before the busy-ness starts?  If not, maybe you should.  I promise your holidays are so much less stressful when you start on little things early.  Just sayin'.  Take it or leave it.  Just remember...59 days.  The countdown is ON!

One Question

WARNING: This blog post is not for the faint at heart.  If you are not up to the challenge of a lengthy heart to heart, you may decide to forgo this post.  It is a post voicing my convictions and my heart.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations."  Jeremiah 1:5

One question.  There is only one question I want you to answer.  When does life begin?  Does it begin after birth?  Does it begin when you feel movement?  Does it begin when you hold that baby in your arms?  Does it begin when you hear a heartbeat?  When do you say that life begins?

On November 8, we will have the opportunity to cast our vote letting our state know when life begins.  We will vote on Amendment 26, which says:

Initiative #26
“Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Mississippi:
SECTION 1. Article III of the constitution of the state of Mississippi is hearby amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION TO READ:
SECTION 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”

This initiative, in the language listed above states that life begins at conception..."from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof."  Life begins at conception.  To be clear, it takes one sperm and one egg to form a life.  One cell from a woman and one cell from a man.  Once fertilization has occurred, the woman gives no more cells to this life.  The man gives no more cells to this life.  This new creation is not a liver, gall bladder, or any other organ of the woman's body.  This creation is genetically different from the woman and is his/her own identity separate from the mother.  This creation already has all 46 chromosomes (23 from the female and 23 from the male).  There is now a 46 chromosomed individual, with a gender, that has not previously existed.  Period.  This creation is not a fish.  It is not a lung.  This creation is nothing other than a human being.  This creation is in the early stages of human development.  This new life is living in the safest place there is to live...the belly of a woman.  This life...this baby...depends solely on the mother to nurture and keep him/her safe.  I just wanted to clear this up.  Life begins at conception...fertilization.  Cloning of a human being is the fertilization of an egg asexually as I understand it.  Still...fertilization.  The human developmental process has begun. 

There are many pretty smart people that have agreed, based on experimental evidence, that life is present at conception.  One of those is Dr. Jerome Lejeune, "The Father of Modern Genetics".  He states, "To accept the fact that after fertilization has taken place a new human has come into being is no longer a matter of taste or opinion...it is plain experimental evidence."  Another pretty intelligent man by the  name of Dr. Hymie Gordon, Chairman, Department of Genetics at the Mayo Clinic states "By all criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception."  Dr. Albert Liley, the renowned physiologist known as the "Father of Fetology" has stated, "Biologically, at no stage of development can we subscribe to the view that the unborn child is a mere appendage of the mother. Genetically, the mother and baby are separate individuals from conception."  

All that seems pretty clear cut for me.  I do not need modern science to tell me how valuable human life is, but it is there for us nonetheless.  Human life begins at conception.  The human body is constantly developing until natural death, barring tragedy.  The human body develops from the moment of conception until death.  So, to answer the question that the ballot asks me...YES!  I believe that a "person" should include every human being from the point of "fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof."

Now, since this initiative has become such a hot-button topic...there have been many rumors flying around about what this amendment will do to our country.  The more research I do on my own and the more I hear from others who are opposing this amendment, my heart becomes heavy.  I encourage you to check facts before taking the word of one viewpoint or the other.  Somehow, people think this is a political issue.  I, however, view it as a MORAL ISSUE.  This is a moral issue that I will take a stand on.

Some of the hot-button issues I have seen or heard brought up against this amendment, and my response based on research and counsel with medical professionals and many who have directly referenced me to check facts for myself...

• Fear of this amendment "overreaching" or having "overreaching consequences" - First of all, I still have not really heard any specific examples of "overreaching".  When someone gives me specific "overreaching consequences," we might can address those issues.  Is it "overreaching" to put human life above profit?  Must we discard ethics in the name of research?  At what stage of development is it okay to kill a baby in the womb.  Consequences?  I hope so!  Like the end of a 38 year long continual slaughter of millions of unborn babies in abortion clinics! 
• Fear that this amendment will not stop abortions - The only way I can see to reverse legalized abortion is to define "personhood."  Supreme Court decision in Roe in 1973 was that personhood does not exist prenatally.  Unless the legal status of personhood is given to the unborn I see no way the court will reverse that decision.  The best, if not the only way, given the logic of the Roe decision, is to provide the protection of the 14th Amendment to the unborn...granting the human life within the womb the legal status of personhood.  That human life within the womb seen through ultrasound is a baby.  Scientific proof and commonsense confirms that. 

For those first two concerns, let me pose this question...What solution do you offer?  For 38 YEARS we have waited and waited and waited for someone to come up with the "appropriate" plan of attack....and while we waited 50+ million precious babies ran out of time because "thoughtful" people had no answer and only critical judgements for those who dared be a voice for these babies whose silent screams were heard only by One! Thankfully, they now are with Him wrapped in His warm embrace of unconditional love!

•  "This amendment is written by politicians rather than physicians" - This amendment is NOT written by politicians, but by attorneys who are champions of the unborn.  This is not a political issue.  It is a moral one!  Who has thier ear?! Tell them to listen and they might hear the silent scream of one they say they support crying for them to do "something"!!! If you are too afraid to lead the charge then get out of the way so that courageous men and women can rescue the perishing and care for the dieing!
• What about IVF? - This amendment would NOT prohibit IVF.  It WOULD protect unused embryos from being destroyed or sold for the harvesting of embryonic stem cells which would destroy the life of the embryo. Again, multi-billion dollar industry.  Even now some couples are limiting the number of eggs extracted to be fertilized to the number of children they would be willing to support if all the embryos implanted would survive and grow to term. On a personal note, most of you know that Russ and I considered IVF.  However, we knew from the beginning that if we did...we would make sure to use all the embryos...no matter how many that meant for us.  We chose not to pursue IVF...NOT because we thought it was wrong...but because we felt God calling us to something different for now.
• Fear of choosing to save an unborn baby over the life of the mother - This is covered by existing law.   Doctors would be compelled to save life of both if possible. But if not, and the baby is not viable the life of the mother would be saved.  If the baby is viable, the child would be delivered to save the mother.   In ectopic pregnancy the baby can not continue to term, but must be removed to save the mother's life.  I spoke with another medical professional who stated that the medical teams do not make those decisions if there must be a choice.  She said that the families make that decision.  When I asked a second opinion to a very credible, knowledgeable man, his response was, "Doctors are protected when these decisions are made by families... in consult with the physician. I assume a mother could refuse removal, but that would be a fatal decision for her...at least that is my understanding.  This was the common and legal practice before legalized abortion as I understand it."
• Fear that the right to birth control will be taken away - I'm sorry if I offend anyone, but this is the silliest rumor I've heard.  Common sense (or 6th grade biology...maybe even earlier nowadays!  Who knows!  Ha!) tells us that many forms of birth control PREVENT fertilization.  If there is no fertilization, there is no person.  What this amendment WILL ban is RU486, which is used in early pregnancies to detach the developing baby in its early stages from the lining of the uterus in the mom and cause an abortion.  There is the possibility, perhaps, that IUDs could be banned because they essentially make it unfavorable for a fertilized egg to attach itself inside the uterus and begin growing.  Other birth control methods that prevent fertilization would not be affected at all by this amendment.  I am blown away at the number of people that actually believed this rumor.
• Will this take away a woman's right to choose? - It will take away a woman's right to choose abortion.  It will give rights to the unborn, just as we have rights.
• "What about the babies whose body is "incompatible with life" or have disabilities?  Isn't it less cruel to abort those children because they will have no quality of life?" - Who's to say??  Who's to say that a child with Down's Syndrome, who gives JOY to so many will have no quality of life?  Who's to say it is more compassionate to "end a pregnancy" if the child is not going to survive?  Who is willing to play God in this role?  Who's to say that He doesn't have a purpose for these babies?  If you need personal testimony to these precious souls who have made more of an impact for Christ than I ever will, please check Blessings 4 Life and Bring the Rain.  These godly women will tell you that those precious babies fulfilled a God-given purpose far exceeding what we could ever imagine doing ourselves.  "Ending these pregnancies" is less cruel for who?  I urge you to read up on the techniques used to "end these pregnancies" and the eye witness accounts to some of these horrific events.
• What about rape and incest? - I cannot even begin to fathom being a victim to such a tragic, horrible, pathetic act.  I pray I never do.  My question still is, "When is it okay to kill a baby in the womb?"  The baby is a victim...just as the mother is a victim.  Why should this innocent, voiceless baby be killed because of the horrific crime of the father?  Again, the pain and life-changing effects of rape are unfathomable to me.  But, I do know that killing another is not the answer.  At what cost?

I think I've covered all the issues that I've seen come up, among those I know, surrounding this issue.  Will there be further challenges and unforeseen issues that come up if this passes?  Certainly.  These would need to be addressed through the legal and legislative process just like any other amendment and piece of legislation.

But, still, my question is..."When does life begin?"  If you believe that life begins with conception, it's time for you to step up and speak out with your vote.  Speak for those who have no voice.  Speak for God's children.

"Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help.  If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know - Someone not impressed with weak excuses."  Proverbs 24:11-12 (Msg)

This is not the country I grew up in.  The issues surrounding us today and the evil that surrounds us is scary.  I pray for healing for our country.  I'm sure you pray for God to heal our land too.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14 

So, what will you choose on November 8?  Realizing the danger of taking scripture out of context, I want to preface this verse by saying that it is referring to God's precepts.  God tells us to defend the rights of the weak and fatherless and rescue the needy from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 51:1-2).  God also tells us not to murder. (Exodus 20:13)  God has given us his precepts.  He has set his Word before us, and it is up to us to turn from our wicked ways and seek His face.  Then, he will hear from Heaven.  This verse refers to choosing His ways.  Choosing His ways results in healing and life.

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."  Deuteronomy 30:19

 I urge you to VOTE YES on November 8, answering the question.  When does life begin?

That's Fine With Me

There are lots of things that are not okay.

When a child is disrespectful...it's not okay.  When I step in gum...it's not okay.  When my team loses...it's not okay.  When my mom buys something that I already bought her for Christmas...it's not okay.  When we're out of milk after I've already cooked the macaroni and cheese noodles...it's definitely not okay.

Now, of course, there are many things I love too.  One of those is being an aunt.  When Russ and I were dating, I entered into a family that was already formed.  A large family that had been growing for 15 years before me.  I never knew his sister and brother before marriage or kids.  I never knew his parents before grandkids.  I was a nervous wreck at all times when we were all together.  Not because I was made to feel uncomfortable, but because I felt so young.  I felt like I wouldn't have anything in common with all these "grownups" and children.  To be completely honest, it was the children that I clung to first.  I loved those sweet babies to death!  Let's see...Olivia was 5 years old at that time, which would make Will 7 or 8.  Now, Will is 20 and Olivia is 16!  Crazy how time flies!  Of course, as you well know, I grew very very close to both my sister-in-laws.  But, it was after we had been married a while before I really felt like we weren't on different planets.  (They are probably going to die when they read that!  Ha!)

Our first piece of mail in our new apartment last fall...from Grace

One thing I've always loved is the dream of being a mother.  Since that dream hasn't quite happened yet, I'm remembering that I still have a special place.  I'm an aunt.

Drawing by Leah when we kept them overnight this past spring

I'm an aunt to eight sweet nieces and nephews who love me, I hope, as much as I love them.  I'm the aunt that buys loud toys for Christmas and lets them wear makeup and play with my hair as long as they want to.  I'm an aunt who can do all those fun things and not worry about being a disciplinarian.  I'm just the aunt, after all!  Ha!

Thank you note from Julie after Christmas one year

 Not only am I an aunt to these children, but I'm "Aunt Megan" to most of their friends too.  I hear "Aunt Megan" and I turn to find a child I've never seen before!  I love it!  It cracks me up!  Roan texted me the other day and said that the Spartans (their homeschool cross country group) wanted to know when "Aunt Megan" was coming to watch them run.  So fun!  (By the way, Spartans, I'm trying to make it to see you run!  I've been working every Saturday I'm not in Starkville.)

Sweet note from one of the new Jefcoat children...LOVE the names she gave us!

I taught second grade in VBS this year, and most of the girls were friends with one of our neices.  So, instead of Mrs. Megan, they called me "Aunt Megan."  I loved it.  We had many people VERY confused, but that's okay.  Something about these kids feeling that close to me makes me smile.

Thank you note from Clay a few years ago for Christmas gifts...also LOVE the spelling!  Keepsake!

I know that my time as a mother will come one day.  At least I pray that it does.  But, if I'm nothing more than an aunt for now...

that's fine with me!

Bulldogs Praying...More Ways Than One

Saturday morning, the Smith family loaded up and hit the road before the sun came up!  Russ and I spent the night with my parents the night before, and I woke up to a text from my mom saying, "Hail State!"  I'm pretty sure I was saying that in my head...but in a completely different context!  I am NOT a morning person.  Although we left a little later than planned, the rubber hit the road around 6 o'clock.

We arrived in time to beat the traffic and unload before the road was closed.  For those of you who don't know, our road closes three hours prior to game time.  We were not gonna carry three tents, a television, three tables, umpteen chairs, and all the food from our parking spot.  The guys got the stakes in the tents (two of which Dustin sets up the night before), the girls set out food, and Kristin put our sign up.  We invited any MSU fans who were "Praying for More" to stop by the tailgate for pictures with their shirts.

Once the sign was up, we stepped back to admire it...then we realized it looked like we were praying for more wins!  Ha!  That would be nice too!

We did our usual...relaxing around the tent, watching the fans walk by, eating the amazing food my sister prepared, and laughing at each cooler that tumps over.  Yes, I said "tump."  The origin of this word lies in my sweet college roommate, Kelly Anne Rice.  I used to make fun of her for using the word.  Now, I find myself using it now.  Lawsy!

Cute owl cookes...cinnamon.  Yum!

Our tent is across from the Junction, so when the police sirens started and we heard cowbells, we knew it was time to hop over to the Dawg Walk.  It was just Mama and me this time.  That's okay.  We found a great spot and rang to our hearts content.

Bully and "Dan the Man"

QB Tyler Russell

The rest of the day was fun for all!  We had several visitors stop by before the game.  They got pictures before the game, since they couldn't make it afterward.  Plus they always come by before game time.  We don't mess with a good routine!  Ha!

Our tailgate

Caroline and Natalie Praying for More

Bill, Leanne, David, and Mary Praying for More

Rachael and Hunter Praying for More

Jimbo and Russ

It didn't take long for game time!  After all, it was an 11 o'clock game.  We piled into the stadium with the sun directly overhead.  I shed my sweater and sported a lovely maroon tank top, sunglasses, and Russ's SPF 30 sunscreen.  It's crazy to think about how hot it was Saturday and how cold it was today! 

The crowd did a fairly good job at following dress code.  The top section was white, while the bottom was maroon.  On our side, the top section was maroon and our lower section was white.  I guess you can see I didn't follow directions well.  Oops!

I must admit that I didn't come expecting much against ranked South Carolina.  Isn't that the way it always goes?  When you don't expect much, we do well.  When we expect to win, we play horribly!  The game was very close and exciting, but in the end, we just couldn't pull off a win.  I have my opinions, of course.  Many may blame it on the interception at the very end during a pass to the end zone.  However, I remember SEVERAL great passes that were not caught by our receivers.  I also recall a couple of missed field goals.  The combination of those mistakes cost us the game, I believe. 

Kristin and Lee

I did hear that our family made our debut on television!  Well, it's not our debut, but it was our first time this season.  Did you see us?  I've heard it was for 5-6 seconds.  My mom, apparently, had her mouth open the entire time.  No surprise there!  Ha!  Sadly, no one recorded it so we have no way to see it for ourselves.  Poo!

After the game, we were greeted by several sweet friends and some we just met who have been "Praying for More."  In fact, we had one sweet new friend who has been reading our blog.  She just wanted to stop by to let us know she has been praying for us and to let me know about a friend of hers who is looking into adoption as well.  It was such a pleasure to meet you, Amanda.

We enjoyed visiting and playing around while we waited on friends to arrive.  We ended up taking a few separate shots, so that our friends wouldn't have to wait around if they needed to go. 

I know I thanked everyone Saturday, but I want to say it again.  I am so thankful to each one of you!  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for your prayers.  Thank you for taking time out of your game day to stop by and show your support for our sweet Baby J!  And, thank you to those new prayer warriors who stopped by to purchase a shirt!  I promise you, I will proudly show Baby J these pictures as often as I can.  Each time I see these pictures, I thank God for you. (Philippians 1:3)

Bulldogs Praying for More

New prayer warriors joined us and purchased their own shirt!  Thank you Caroline!

Mothers and Daughters Praying for More

Claire and Baby Ava Praying for More

 Kristin and Lee bought Baby J the foundation to every Baby Bulldog...a cowbell!  Dustin helped put the stickers on for us, because we just couldn't figure it out!  Thanks "Uncee Tat!"

One of my sweet friends from our Sunday school class made this precious gown!  We just cannot wait for Baby J to wear it and pose with his/her new cowbell!  It may be a while before we actually hear, "Go Dawgs!"  But, we will know that we have started right!

So...our Saturday was full of Bulldogs Praying for More!  Praying for Baby J and Praying for WINS!

Praying for Baby J on Maroon Friday

It's Maroon Friday here in Mississippi, and we are still "Praying for More!"


Praying for More at the nursing home



Praying for More at Cracker Barrel

Praying for More at the state fair

Praying for More while cleaning teeth



Corinth Dental Arts are Praying for More!

Even on such a day as Maroon Friday, Baby J is not forgotten!  Thank you so much to those of you who have sent us pictures of you and your loved ones "praying for more!"  We love looking through our collection, and we can't wait to share with our itty bitty!



For those of you diehard Bulldogs, we have a special opportunity that my sister has put together!  Tomorrow, immediately after the game, we will have a "Bulldogs Praying for More" photo op for all of those who want to be a part!  Bring your shirts and your cowbells!  Let's get Baby J started right!  We will have this sign set up at our family tent at the corner of Mafes Cheese Store right after the game!  There will be snacks and extra t-shirts in all colors if you or your friends still need one!  See you tomorrow! 

Go DAWGS!!

Saturday's Sentences

• I'm SO glad that my beloved Bulldogs pulled off a "W" today.  I worked all day and couldn't find a live stream online, so I had to settle for radio.  The first half was almost unbearable!  I was so frustrated with our inability to get ANYTHING going offensively!  Thank goodness for "Dan the Man's" willingness to give a good talking to at halftime and switch quarterbacks.  We finally got a spark!  Next week, we battle it out with South Carolina at home.  Of course, I'm excited about another gameday in Starkvegas, but I must admit...I'm expecting our team to do some serious work this week!  Go Dawgs!
• I was giddy to have the opportunity to meet a new "friend", Barbara, today via the telephone.  Let's see if I can get the background information correct.  Barbara and Roan were sorority sisters years ago.  Barbara reads Roan's blog.  She also reads my blog through Roan's blog.  She noticed a link to The Square Cupboard one day on my blog.  Apparently, she has been following The Square Cupboard's blog since then.  For those of you who don't know, I write the blogs for The Square Cupboard, and I work there.  So, Barbara calls the store today to order a birthday gift for her family member.  Oh yeah, did I mention she lives in Connecticut?!  When I heard the strange zip code, I got nosy and asked where she was located.  Then, I got even nosier and asked how she had heard of our blog from such a long distance.  She continued to tell me about Roan and her sister-in-law, Megan (that's me).  At that moment, I started yelling, "I'm Megan!  I'm Megan!"  So, at this point, we start talking about my blog, Baby J, and her encounter with the one and only MckMama.  This lady cracks me up, and it was such fun to meet her and talk to her, even if it was by phone.  So, Barbara, I'm so glad you called!  Here's your shout-out!  Maybe we'll actually meet in person one day.  Ha!
• The hubs and I spent the evening in SEC football overload.  Unfortunately, we don't get ESPNU, so we missed the Alabama vs. Vandy game.  I saw the score and figured we didn't miss much.  But, we did spend the rest of our night flipping between the Auburn vs. Arkansas game and Georgia vs. Tennessee.  Both were great!  For the record, I cheered for Arkansas and Tennessee.  No idea why, except maybe because we lost to Auburn and Georgia recently.  Don't you love my logic!?  During our SEC frenzy and while I was glued to the games, my hubby spent a good bit of that time cleaning his gun.  It was a true Southern Saturday night, I guess.
• I joined my sister and dad at Mistletoe Merchants yesterday.  It was my first time, and I must tell you that it was grand!  I'm used to Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson.  Shoulder to shoulder crowd with waaaaaaay too many merchants to count.  There were just enough merchants and just the right number of shoppers to make me feel relaxed and enjoy the whole event.  I probably could have stayed much longer than we did, but I ran out of money.  Plus, I have three other similar events, and I need to spread out my Christmas shopping among them.  It was a pleasant day.
• Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has purchased a "Praying for More" t-shirt!  We have been incredibly blessed by your generosity and prayers for our little family.  I ordered our last batch of shirts last week, and I love the fall ones!  If you ordered in the last month, your shirts are probably in.  I have mailed a few out already.  Send your payment (along with $4.95 if you need it shipped) to me and I'll get your shirt to you ASAP!  If you live in C-town, your shirts are probably at my parents' house.  I think Kristin, my sister, has arranged a "Bulldogs Praying for More" photo op at the South Carolina game.  If you want to bring your maroon shirt to the game, meet us at our family tent and get your picture made with us!  I'm not sure of specifics, but if you know Kristin, get with her.  If not, I'll try to find out what her plans are!  Oh, and bring your cowbells!
• Russ and I will head to our hometown to take senior portraits for a family friend tomorrow afternoon.  We have two other "appointments" this month.  Next Sunday, we have family portraits to take for our sweet friends, the Jefcoats.  Then, the weekend after that, Russ is taking bridal portraits for another family friend.  Lots going on this month!  It's fall y'all, and 76 days until Christmas!  WOW!  Bring on the busy-ness!

Two Months

Sweet Baby J,

I can't believe it has been two months since we had our home study approved!  Time is flying by!  I hope it continues to fly by as we wait to see your itty bitty face!  We have seen several placements in the last month or two.  Although I was sad that it wasn't you, I am trusting in God's perfect timing.  Because if those placements had been for us...it wouldn't have been YOU.

Your room had one more addition this month.  Your Granmomma and Aunt Jenny made your crib skirt.  It looks so sweet!  They also made a fun pillow with owls on it!  Your room is looking nearly complete.  I'm going to put a few frames on the walls, and I'm waiting for you before I put the final touch above your crib.  So come on, Baby J!  We are ready to meet you!  I jokingly told everyone that whenever I see a placement on the Bethany website, I run out to buy you something as consolation. I stopped buying gender neutral things though.  I figured I bought all the yellow ducks I could stand for a while.  Ha!  I've started getting one boy and one girl outfit or accessory each time.  Your daddy isn't too excited about that, but I'm saving the receipts to return whichever one we don't need.  I may even save some for future baby shower gifts.  Your little closet it coming along.  You got your first piece of mail last week from "Aunt Kelly" and "Uncle Aaron."  I was very excited!  I guess you can see how things are coming together for you.    We have a few more necessities to purchase like bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.  But, I'm holding out for the phone call I guess.  Probably because I have no idea what to get!  There are way too many choices out there.  There are also lots of things on our baby registries that we have saved.  We want everything perfect for your little life.

So many people ask about you all the time.  Most of the time they ask, "Have you heard anything?" or "Where are ya'll in the process?"  We just smile and say, "Not yet.  We're just waiting on a phone call."  That's exciting to think that one phone call will change our lives.  Lots of friends and family want to know if we have picked out names yet.  We smile and shrug our shoulders.  The truth is that we do know what your name will probably be.  But, we want to tell you first!  I think it's more fun that way.  I'm sure our families would disagree.  Ha!  It's so fun for your daddy and me to refer to you by name!

We are all still "praying for more" here!  More friends, family, and even more we haven't met have asked for long sleeve shirts as reminders to pray for you.  So, we have placed two orders of long sleeve shirts already!  We branched out on our colors to True Maroon and navy.  Can you see my team spirit coming out?  To be honest, our Bulldogs aren't doing very well right now.  Maybe by the time you come to us, we will have won more games!  Ha!  We are still getting pictures of others "praying for more" all over the world.  In fact, your daddy's cousin just sent us a picture of her "praying for more" in Haiti!  Wow!  We are all praying for you, Baby J!  Praying that you are growing healthy.  Praying that you will feel all the love we have to give you.  We are praying for the angel who is/will be carrying you.  We pray that she feel God's arms wrapped around her and seek His guidance as she looks for a forever family for you.  We cannot express how thankful we are for your angel that she chose a future plan for you.  I hope you understand the difficulty of her choice and respect her as much as we do!

We are ready for you, Baby J!  Come to us soon!

We love you,
Mama

Adoption FAQ Part 2

When we first started our adoption journey, I took some time to answer frequently asked questions here.  Well, it's been nearly five months since those questions were answered.  So I thought it was time to answer the questions most recently asked.  Here ya go...

1. Where are ya'll in the process?  We are in the waiting stage of the adoption process.  We have completed all the paperwork needed, turned in our profiles, and have our online profile on the agency's website.  The only thing left for us to do is WAIT.  Although I thought this would be the easier part, it turns out to be the most difficult.  It's difficult to make future plans.  It's difficult to watch other families get placements.  It's difficult to see an unknown number pop up on your phone thinking it may be "the call."  I have to say that it is also the most exciting part.  It's exciting to see families getting placements knowing we could be next.  It's exciting to wait for "the call."  It's exciting to think that future plans may be interrupted.  We are doing our best to wait on God's timing for our itty bitty.  It's difficult for sure, but it is also exciting!
2. Have ya'll heard anything?  No.  We haven't heard anything except answers to questions I might email here and there.  We were told that we won't hear much of anything until we have been chosen by a birthmother.  We should get periodic updates, but nothing major.  We do keep up with placements on the Bethany website.  There have been several placements the last couple of months.  This is unusual but exciting for those families.  Some of those families have been waiting over two years.  Some had been waiting less than a month.  Just goes to show that you never know!
3. What is the cost of adoption?  Well, that's a difficult question to answer.  I can give you estimates based on my research and the agencies we have talked with over the last two years.  International adoption can be very expensive...averaging between $30,000-50,000 including travel.  Domestic adoption tends to be less, but it is still expensive.  Luckily, we live in Mississippi.  This is one reason we chose to go through Mississippi's Bethany office instead of Memphis.  Mississippi's domestic adoption through Bethany ranges from $8,500-18,000...depending on your income.  We have been blessed to have tremendous support from our family and friends (aka...all of YOU) to help minimize our cost.  When we moved last year, we chose to live in an apartment to help save up for our adoption as well.  There are many ways adoptive families choose to save money for adoption.
4. How does a match work?  Well, all adoption situations are very different.  What will most likely happen is that a birthmother, or birth family, will look through many many profile books.  Eventually ours will be chosen.  We may be the only family chosen, or we may be one of two or three families chosen.  Some birthparents like to interview couples to help choose the family that will raise their child.  Some birthparents do not want to meet.  Some will choose only us from our profile book.  Either way, we will more than likely meet the birthmother, or birth family, at least once.  Then, we will work out a plan for openness and communication.  I've seen adoptions be so open as the adoptive parents go to doctor appointments with birthparents.  I've also seen birthparents choose the adoptive family, but never want to meet them.  It all depends on what the birthparents and adoptive parents are open to.  We are pretty open, so it will depend on the birthparents.  Once we are matched, we will be thrilled!  However, this is not final.  Nothing is final until the birthparents sign the papers.  In Mississippi, this happens three days after birth.  In other states, it can be longer.  Once those papers are signed, the placement will be final.  Adoption is certainly a journey of faith, risk, and unknowns.
5. When will the adoption be final?  Each agency handles this differently.  With Bethany, the adoption is final about six months after the placement.  Once the placement occurs and the birthparents sign the papers, our adoption worker will make visits to make sure all is going well.  This is just policy.  After they make the recommendation, the agency's attorney will begin the work to finalize the adoption.  At that time, our names will be on the baby's birth certificate, along with the name we have given him/her.  It will be as if the baby was born to us.
6. Are you scared the birthmother will change her mind?  Well, let's work on getting a match first.  Ha!  It is always a possibility that the birthparents will change their minds.  It's their right.  The child belongs to them.  Although, there is always that fear.  We know that if that happens, the baby was never meant to be ours anyway.  We continue to pray for, what we call, "our angel" to allow God to guide her through this process...including allowing Him to guide her as she chooses the forever family for her baby.  That's all we can do.
7. When do you hope to receive the call?  I always have to smile at this question.  Of course, we are ready after over five years of waiting to grow our family.  However, it is very important during the adoption journey to have realistic expectations.  I think every family waiting for a match would love to have their baby in time to celebrate the holidays.  And, if I'm honest, I'd have to say that I would love that too!  But, I am trying to be realistic and not get my hopes up for anything.  I wish my heart would follow my head.  Ha!  If our baby doesn't arrive in time for the holidays, there will be future holidays to celebrate.

I hope this answers some of your questions about our journey, or the adoption process in general.  We love sharing our journey with others.  Whether it be about our infertility journey or our adoption journey.  I strongly believe this was a path God gave us to help others and learn more about ourselves and our complete dependence on Him.  I'm thankful for this path.  I've grown so much through it, and I continue to do so.  If you have any more questions, leave them in the comments or feel free to email me!  I get emails pretty often, and I am incredibly grateful for the friendships built through our journey.  We are a part of an awesome community of friends!

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!

Praying for more...