Monday, October 12, 2009

Megan's Story

Introducing Megan Roberts! (du-du-du-duuuuuuu... imagine trumpets). Our angel is finally here on earth with us. She arrived at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2009. She weighed in at 6 lb 5 oz, with a length of 19 inches. We had quite an adventure getting here, but she is well worth the wait. If you'd like to learn more about how she came to be with our little family, keep on reading. Here's one of my favorite pictures of our little treasure.


As you might know, Megan was the 5th baby presented to us for adoption. Every adoption "situation" in the past has seemed perfect. Every situation seemed ideal in every way, and it was heartbreaking every time we didn't receive a little one. It was really hard, and, unless you've been through it, you have no idea what it is like. Maybe it's something like a miscarriage; I don't know because I've never had one. All I know is that all the heartbreak and sad tears are being replaced. Our hearts are being sewn back together, and our only tears are tears of joy. Megan is the only baby we ever wanted. We didn't want any of those other babies; we only wanted Megan, even though we didn't know at the time. We call Megan our Black Pearl, because the name Megan means pearl. She truly is our precious treasure and we can't imagine life without her.

Here's another picture to keep you occupied as you read (because I'm far from done):

Megan's Story: We were in Virginia about 3 weeks ago attempting to adopt a baby boy. When it didn't work out, the Agency told us they had another baby for us. The birthmom is from Louisiana and was already in Utah waiting to have the baby, and she wanted the Agency to pick a family for her. She also didn't care to meet the family (which was GREAT for us, because by this point we were really sick of talking to birthmom after birthmom after birthmom...). So, we went home heartbroken from the little boy we never received, and had only an ounce of hope that we might get the next one. Megan would be Baby #5.

We waited around for her to be born , just going about life as normal. Luckily, I had already gotten baby showers (with boy stuff nonetheless) so we didn't have to worry about buying anything. We just waited. Then, birthmom was induced on October 8. Megan was born, and the Agency called to tell us she was here. Then we had to wait 24 hours for birthmom to sign relinquishment papers (giving up all parental rights). The wait was very hard, because if she didn't sign we would have to wait for yet another baby to come into the picture.

Well, we went to the Agency to sign our documents. While we were there, the Social Worker with us was beside herself because there was another baby girl born in Louisiana and they didn't have any adoptive parents for her. They asked us if we had money to go get a second baby girl, but, of course we didn't. Then she asked us out of desperation if we knew anyone that was paperwork-ready that might be able to fly out and get that baby. Well, we had some friends that have been waiting with LDS Social Services for 2 1/2 years, and so we called them and told them about the baby. They tranferred all their paperwork to our agency and they were able to fly out to Louisiana that same day and adopt the other baby girl!

I don't tell the story of the two girls very well, but it's pretty amazing. You see, my friend Christa and I have worked together in Scouts for the past year, we have both been teachers and we're pretty good friends. I always wanted them to get a baby first, because they've been waiting so long, and they're just so wonderful. Also, a couple weeks ago, our Relief Society President in our ward asked all the sisters to pray for those of us that couldn't have children. She said she knew those blessings would come to us if everyone prayed. And, you see, if we hadn't gotten Megan, we wouldn't have been signing papers at the moment we did, and the agency wouldn't have asked us if we knew anyone that could take this other baby. And, get this- the two baby girls were both from Louisiana (although ours was born here), they were born within 30 minutes of each other, they're both little black girls, and they were adopted by two couples who live right around the corner from each other. Coincidence? I think not.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. We all think we know what we want, and we think we know what we need. We think we know best. But, we don't. The Lord does. These past few months were so tough, getting our hopes up for baby after baby after baby. I had a really hard time understanding why we had so many failed adoptions. Now I see that every one of those failed adoptions had to happen for us to receive our precious Megan, and for our friends to receive their precious little girl. It amazes me. I never would have thought that the Lord had something so grand in the works; I never would have thought that we would help be an instrument for someone else to have a family. It is so incredible, and I'm so grateful that it happened this way. We couldn't be happier for our friends, and of course for ourselves.

Here's Megan, one more time. I know you were dying for one more picture. Isn't she just the most beautiful thing?

We still can hardly believe she belongs to us. She was 5 years in the waiting, and she is more-than-5-years-worth-the-wait. Granted, she's been keeping us up all night and we're extremely tired, but we don't mind. It's a treat for us to be able to love her and take care of her. We need her just as much as she needs us. What a wonderful thing.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

She's darling! I'm so happy for you guys! I've been told that can be very hard waiting for the right baby.

Raven said...

What an amazing story! I'm so happy for you and for Christa. What a miracle. I'm just overjoyed that your angel is finally here with you and you can hug her and kiss her and smell her sweetness. She is so blessed to be coming to your family. I can't wait to meet her! Let me know when life slows down a bit so I can come for a visit. I'll try to be patient :)

Joanna said...

What a beautiful story of two miracle babies. Congratulations! We're so happy for you.

Barb said...

Such an amazing story! The Lord does work in mysterious ways. This is such a testimony builder for me! Thanks for sharing this amazing story. I miss the ward! The relief society there is awesome. Prayers really are answered, and he really does listen. Its all in the Lords time, not ours. She's precious Harmony, I'm so happy for you guys.

Michelle said...

Harmony I am in tears, what an amazing story for you and your friend!

Ruth said...

Oh my gosh! I am so, so, so excited for you and Jared. She is beautiful. Congratulations.

Lisa K said...

Harmony, I'm so unbelievably happy for you! And the Twitchells! I can't wait to meet her and cuddle her to death!

Jasmin said...

Wonderfully told Harmony! Very touching. Thank you for sharing your journey and being such an example of faith. I LOVE that last picture of Megan.

Amy said...

She's so stinking cute!!! You're going to be the best mom in the world! I'm so happy that the three of you can finally be together

Sarah said...

I've been waiting for you to post the story so I could say congrats! Your mom, the very proud grandma, sent me an email with the great news and I am so happy for all of you! The Lord's plan is often an intricate pattern that we can't appreciate until it all the threads come together. Much love from the Tario clan!

kristi said...

She really is the most precious little beauty. Congratulations, she is truely meant for your eternal family.

Tami said...

She is ADORABLE!! I can't wait to come and see her! I am so happy for you guys and so glad to hear such an amazing end to a long journey...but I guess this is just the beginning.

The Jessee Journal said...

What a beautiful baby! (no really ... I'm not just saying that ;) What a remarkable story too -- truly the Lord works in mysterious ways to bless us so incredibly! Btw, the offer still stands to take some baby pictures! My car is on the fritz (overheating every 5 feet), but if you are able to come to my duplex I could do them pretty much any time -- just let me know :D

Stephanie said...

What a wonderful new family! You are going to be awesome parents. Congratulations!

cassie said...

I'm soooo excited! I had heard a rumor that you had gotten a baby, but I didn't hear about Christa until I found your blog. I have a little gift for you that I would love to bring by!

Adam and Shari Crawford said...

Ahhhhh....... I LOVE it!!! I love the amazing double-adoption also!!! Congratulations!! She is adorable

Ben and Jenny Peterson Clan said...

It is a happy day for all involved. To think that you (Harmony) are a mom now. I feel for your family. There is joy in every soul, when there is love at home. Good luck!

Dusty and Amy said...

Harmony, thank you for sharing yours and Megan's story and testimony. What a beautiful and touching story. I can't wait to meet her.

Allie said...

Harmony-

I'm a complete stranger to you and your blog, but you may remember my sister, Debbie Thompson, who worked with you at Freedom Academy. My husband and I have been trying to have children for five years. My sister gives me little up-dates on what is happening with your adoption process. I have a feeling my husband and I may well venture onto the same road you and your husband have been on. Your story
is heartbreaking yet incredibly encouraging, and I appreciate you sharing it the world. Best to you and your new little baby girl.
Allie

J, C, and E said...

She is amazing Harmony! Thank you for sharing your story and a little bit of mine and Jeff's. I can't wait to get these two together!

rad6 said...

what an amazing story... she is a sweet and lucky little girl. I can feel your love for her as I read. Beautiful story and I love the last paragraph about how we always think we know what we want...
thanks for sharing.