I'm so excited to share our photos from the day we introduced Millie Janalee to those who love her most...our families! I planned ahead, and asked a friend of mine to take pictures of this special day. I didn't want to miss a moment, and I knew my head would be swirling too much to think about getting pictures taken of everyone. Matt did a phenomenal job! He captured priceless moments that we will never forget. He and Leah worked their tails off, and I don't even have a picture of them to show for it! As soon as we get a picture of them with Millie Janalee...I will probably do an entire post in their honor. PRECIOUS friends! Can never thank them enough for these memories.
Like I told you before, my mom went with us to the hospital to pick up Millie Janalee. She served as our photographer, since Millie Janalee was ready a couple hours early. We loaded our baby girl in the car and drove ever so carefully to our hotel down the street. Matt and Leah met us there for a mini photo shoot before the placement ceremony. Precious moments with our new baby girl.
When it was time to meet the family, Russ and I freshened up and began strapping Millie Janalee into her car seat again. Still...she didn't like it. But, once she's comforted and calmed down she's golden. My stomach was in knots and butterflies and my heart was soaring. We were so excited about introducing our families to our daughter. Our families still didn't know her name either...including my mom who nicknamed her "Punkinhead" until she learned her name. Sharing the name added extra excitement!
I had Millie Janalee dressed in an adorable smocked day gown for the ceremony. However, upon strapping her in her car seat...she spit up all down the front of that white gown. I have been warned about this. So, we took a little longer switching to plan B and strapping a screaming baby back into the car seat. Not quite as much sweat this time, though, because there was no audience. Ha! Just me, my hubby, and my daughter. I texted Karen at the agency to let her know we were running behind. I asked her if everyone was there. She replied, "Yep." I asked how many. She replied, "A lot." Ha! Then she texted one last time, "The natives are restless." There were 35 people in the Bethany office, I think - a record attendance we've been told. All anxiously waiting to see their answered prayers.
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| 15 of our family members drove in from Florida where they were on vacation. |
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| Waiting patiently...or not. Ha! |
We entered through the back door, and Karen encouraged the crowd to countdown. It was so fun hearing everyone yelling as we waited behind the doors...
10....9....8....7....6....5....4....3....2....1....
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| Daddy... |
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| Mommy and baby... |
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| Party of THREE! |
Everyone cheered. Many cried. I was shaking like crazy. There were lots of "ooooo" and "ahhhh". There was laughter. Smiles all around for sure! We shared her name, and everyone cheered again. Some cried again. It was a special moment, and I couldn't have imagined anything better!
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| Aunt Julie, Mama, and Kristin |
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| Daddy, Will, and Elle |
It didn't take long for the line to form. Everyone wants to hold this precious angel sent from above. Beautiful new addition to our loving family.
Hugs were shared, glances exchanged, and more tears shed....while some were still trying to figure out exactly what her name was. And how old would she be before she will be able to spell it? Oh my! The video of the day is priceless. I find myself doubled over laughing and spilling tears all within seconds of each other.
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| Roan wrote her name down for Maw Maw so she could get it right. Ha! |
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| Meeting Auntie Kristin for the first time |
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| Russ's dad holding his wife's namesake |
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| Maw Maw LOVES sweet Millie Janalee! |
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| All she wanted to do was kiss her toes. |
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| First time Daddy hugging his dad |
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| "Aunt Clancy" and Aunt Patsy |
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| Aunt Julie has prayed and prayed and prayed for this little one! |
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| Uncie Bucket |
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| Proud Daddy |
After Millie Janalee had met and been loved by every family member at least once...it was time for the ceremony to begin. I absolutely adore this special time Bethany Christian Services offers adoptive families. It is such a special time to reflect on this gift from God and focus on scripture as we begin our new life with Millie Janalee.
I am so appreciative for Bethany's staff and their ministry! They have each touched...not only mine and Russ's hearts...but each one of our family members and countless friends. They are a huge part of such an amazing story.
Karen began with personal remarks about our story. The precious relationship we have formed with Millie Janalee's birthparents. The incredible love that four parents have for this child...Russ and myself - and her birthparents. She spoke about the respect and love we have for these two, and encouraged our family to join us as we continue to pray for them. She had some of us read scriptures that have been special to us as we journeyed this road.
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand - when I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139:14-18
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
We closed the ceremony with a family prayer where family members lifted their prayers to God in thanksgiving for this child and the decision her birthparents made out of love. It was a priceless moment, and one we will not forget.
For this child we have prayed!
Welcome to the family, Millie Janalee! We love you more than you will ever know! You are our longing fulfilled!
