Perfection!

I seemed to have fallen back into my lackadaisical posting pattern all too quickly. I do apologize but I've been busy with the best excuse ever.

Time doesn't pass quite the same way when you're holding a baby in your arms.

Where did we leave off? Last Wednesday? Seriously? We've got a lot of catching up to do.

The mister and I stocked up on all kinds of good breakfast things like migas and cherry pancakes and bacon and went off to meet the reason that brought us here. I know I'm completely biased but she's totally perfect. When we first saw her she was in a sleeper Ms FoodNetwork wore as a newborn. She has a head full of dark hair, big blue eyes and the most expressive eyebrows ever! I can't believe just how perfect she looked.

Ms FoodNetwork had a fairly easy time when it came to pushing (less than half an hour) to make up for all that other work she'd done. She looked amazing for all she'd been through over the previous few days.

We took turns holding BabyFood (until I think of a better nickname, feel free to submit your own ideas). We went outside and ate our feast and just talked and listened and breathed. It was magic.

We stayed for several hours then Ms FoodNetwork, her mom and the baby all headed off to the family homestead. The mister and I went out to a late celebratory dinner at a famous barbecue place. A famous bbq place in a dry county, I should add. We were the only folks around that didn't bring a cooler.

The next day we loaded up the car and ran some errands for Ms FoodNetwork including picking up a breast pump for her.  She requested a small handpump but I knew better. We went back to this amazing local store (we'd gotten her a postpartum band thingy the day before) and they were so incredibly supportive of all of us.

Then we drove down to our new encampment. The original plan had been for all of us to stay on the family homestead but they suggested we get a hotel room nearby (we were thrilled with the change in plans btw). We had a late lunch of awesome sour cream chicken enchiladas at a local spot then headed out to the homestead.

Ms FoodNetwork's mom wanted to host a celebratory dinner and she outdid herself with a 4 course extravaganza. It was just so great to be all together and celebrating.

The last few days have been fairly similar. We wake up and head over to the homestead. Sometimes we go a bit later in the day. We typically spend 10-12 hours a day there. We all take turns holding the baby, feeding the baby, changing the baby and just loving on her.

The first night home was fairly rough after we left. Grandma FoodNetwork broke into her secret stash of frozen infant formula and that allowed a bit of sleep for all. We offered up our own stash that we brought from CA as an insurance policy. Now Ms FoodNetwork is pumping and we're mixing the formula and breast milk. BabyFood loooooves to eat. She's already regained most of the weight she lost and is just thriving.

It is such a beautiful time. We're hearing all kinds of family stories and seeing photos and just sharing an over-the-top spectacularly magical time. THIS is why we wanted to do an open adoption. THIS is what it's all about. THIS baby is one of the most loved and cherished babies and she totally knows that. She's getting to know all of us and that is such an amazing thing. Really there are no words to express how thankful we are that this situation has worked out so perfectly.

Our families are over the moon about the baby and concerned that the "process moves forward". We're trying to gently educate them still. I understand this is a fearful, anxious time for them. They want papers signed and are just very nervous. They are trying to be supportive but are all clearly out of their comfort zones.

Honestly this could not be going any better. Well, there is one part that could be a little better: BioDad. He's being very supportive of Ms FoodNetwork but he's just not ready to meet his daughter. He did spend a few hours with Ms FoodNetwork the other day and I think that was really good for both of them (and those papers are signed). We sent photos and contact info for us with the message we'll always be here and open to him. Recently he's asked for pictures of BabyFood and agrees she is the most beautiful baby ever. Now he's asking for more photos and that is a really great thing. We'd love for him to meet the baby before we leave but recognize he's got to do this at his own speed.

We're planning to leave for home on Thursday. We're hoping to talk Ms FoodNetwork into the fast plane instead of the slow train followed by a long, brutal car ride. We've printed out lots of supporting documents that say the plane would be just fine and preferable to a longer trip so please cross your fingers that we can turn this into a 4 hour flying trip instead of 48 hours (at best).

I do promise to post a photo or two but that's going to have to wait until we're home. Hope y'all understand.

I'll also write about her name and how we came to it but will hold out on that for now too. Don't hate me.

Life is good. Really really really really really good. I have never seen a more beautiful sight than my mister holding BabyFood. No more extra bitter for him.

Comments

[Rachel]

I've been lurking for quite some time, kinda with baited breath. This is simply the most wonderful news, and I am very happy for you and your husband, Millie.

Here's hoping remaining papers and planes get organized, finalized and all that jazz. It does sound like things are going marvelously and that all is falling into place. What a lovely way to adopt; too bad more people can't handle it like this. I predict one very happy and healthy little girl in your future.

Perhaps we'll do a play-date at some point?

[Angela]

I'm once again bawling my eyes out. You sound so happy!!!!

I've been stalking your blog anxiously awaiting an update, and am soooooooo happy to hear that things are going so very well.

[luna]

so very happy for everyone. it does sound like perfection! just wonderful for everyone. thinking of you all as you get closer to the next transition.

[wavybrains]

Crying here too. So beautiful. I hope you can turn it into a plane ride too. Since the baby is getting breast milk, she has those added immunities AND she was a big, healthy 42 weeker. I'm hoping the travel process (and the signing process) goes without a hitch.

[Lut C.]

It's amazing how such a small bundle can wipe away the extra bitter in one big swoop.

I'm glad things are unfolding in such a satisfying way for you. Your family will get over it. :-)

[PBfish]

Oh yay! It sounds great and exactly what an open adoption should be. I'm so happy for you!!!

[Thalia]

Oh millie, this post is perfection and your second line made the tears start flowing again. I'm so so so happy for you. For all of you but especially for you.

[Jen]

So very thrilled for you all. What a long time coming, and what a beautiful time.

[Michell]

So good to hear from you and to hear that all is going well. I bet she's beautiful. Good luck with talking them into the plane idea. It is so much faster and more comfortable that way.

[Tammy]

Congratulations!!!! I am so thrilled for all of you. What a beautiful way to bring a baby into the world - surrounded by love and blended families who adore you. I have never heard of an adoption story like this and am enthralled with how you are all handling this. I have a few questions for you because I am so curious about all of this.

1. How big was BabyFood when she was born? (how about BabyLove as a nickname?)
2. Is Ms. FoodNetwork brestfeeding directly or only pumping?
3. Are you at all jealous of the time she is in other's arms?
4. What are you calling all of the adults including yourselves(grandma? mommy? first names?)

I have a million more, but that'll have to do for now :-)

Thank you so much for your update...I have been checking in several times a day and was so excited to see a new post (good thing I just got my 3 down for their naps so I could enjoy this!)

[maggie]

You have been thru so much and this is wonderful news. I have to ask, is it a done deal? Did everyone sign the papers and she is legally yours now? I could not stand it if anything bad happened and you have sucked me in!!!

[elana]

tears, my dear.

[Anna H.]

YEEEESSSSSS!

Beautiful. All of it.

xoxo

[Sharon]

Awesome news all around! Can't wait for pics and to here what you all named the baby!

[Jen]

so very happy to read this post and the few before it. I know how happy you are it's oozing thru in every word you write. congratulations mom even without a photo it goes without saying your little muffin is beyond perfection here's to many sleepless nights and burp cloths.

[Becc]

Millie, I am so overjoyed with the safe arrival of your little bundle of joy. As i am sitting here typing tears are flowing, so please excuse me if I have any spelling mistakes. I cannot believe how wonderful everything is going and it sounds like your little cherub will be forever surrounded by love. I really wish you and the mister all the best as you begin your new family.

[Red Headed Momma]

Thanks for the update! So glad to hear how well it's all going. Enjoy. (And I hope she agrees on the plane!)

[Tracy in Canada]

WOW!!! i am so happy for you. I have been following your blog for a long time now and am sooooo happy for you. I will say a prayer for you and Ms Food Network tonight. I hope the road remains short without many bumps!!!

[Sue]

This is lovely to read and I'm so happy for you. My husband is adopted and it's nice to know things have changed for the better since his standard closed adoption in 1969.

[Heather]

We're wishing you guys the best,

[daysgoby]

Oh just so, so happy for all of you!

[louise]

Aww, loved your update. And your last sentence made me cry!! Keep us posted! Wishing you all the best,

[tubelessinstl]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. one more time with me here.... aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, relaxing, this is soothing knowing it is really going so well for you all. let the little bumps be a little stick in the sidewalk you stepped on and nothing more. May your return trip home be one of remembering the wonderful trip you journeyed to bring her home. Blessings abound

[kristylynne]

Now that's the update I have been waiting for. I'm so happy for you!

[Yellowgirl]

What about just calling her Gerber? You know, that cute Gerber baby on all the baby food jars, onesies, etc....? Or if Gerber is too masculine, you could always go with Beech-Nut? (Beechie for short)?

Glad to hear about your weekend and can't wait to learn little Beechie's real name!

[MollyMorgan]

Oh yes, perfect.
Crying again.

[zhl]

Thank you for the update! All sounds wonderful. I really hope you are able to talk Ms FoodNetwork into the plane. Can't wait to see the photos. So happy for all of you.

[Francine]

Dear Millie and Mister, I am over the moon thrilled for you both. I can not wait to see my new niece. I'm all ready to join the 'Babyfood' Adoration Fan Club. Life just doesn't get much better, is what I'm thinking right now. xo

[Not On Fire]

This is such great news. I am happy for you.

[Sue]

Wow, that sounds like such an incredible experience. Thanks for finding time and words to share with us. Delays on posts are expected. You need all of your energy to absorb all the family, and squishy-baby goodness. The fact that you were able to string multiple sentences together to share the beautiful story is impressive. I'm imagining some very intense physical and emotional days. Wishing you all, all the best!

[Selmada]

Congratulations!!!!! It sounds wonderful.

[Mrs. Chop]

Wonderful! So very happy for you!

[Summer]

So glad things are going well. Very teary eyed here reading your post.

My husband said to me once, that he believed you can never have too many people love your child. I don't think I completely understood what he meant until I read this post. It's beyond priceless how many people love and care about this baby. So, so happy for you all.

[chris]

Congrats, Millie.

I do want to know about that secret stash of formula though. I've never heard of frozen formula.