Jackpot!

This weekend started just like any other. But as of 1pm today our lives have been changed forever.

About a year ago Jenn and I attended an adoption fair in downtown CLT. We sat in a seminar where a couple was sharing about their journey to adopt a baby boy from Las Vegas, NV. They spoke of the long, agonizing wait they had in LV before the paperwork cleared and they were allowed to return home. I thought to myself, 'agonizing'?? I leaned over to Jenn and said "Um, I think God is calling us to adopt from Las Vegas too!" :)

Friday night Jenn and I ditched the kids for a quiet dinner together followed by a surprise party for a friend. We hadn't been out in a while, and I wanted a goooood meal. So it was when she suggested fondue that I about threw-up in my mouth. Seriously? Months without a date night and you want melted cheese?? I'll go to my grave believing that my willingness to speak her love language and stomach fondue is the cause of what happened next.

As we sat and stared into the bowl of boiling broth, Jenn checked her Blackberry only to find an email about a new adoption case opportunity that matched our interests exactly (newborn: bi-racial + female). The catch was that this was a BOG or baby-on-ground: a premie born at 33 weeks in where else but Las Vegas, NV. I immediately asked for a bigger glass of wine.

After a late stop into the surprise party and 3 hours of email exchanges with our adoption consultant on the west coast, we had our paperwork submitted for consideration and were in bed by 2am. After the boys flag football game Saturday morning, our lunch had barely digested when we learned the NV agency was going to formally recommend us to the birthmom.

If being stuck in Vegas is 'agonizing' then the last 24 hours were inhumane torture. At church today I spoke to 1st-5th graders about how God created each of us for a unique purpose. All I wanted to know is if we would have a role in this specific baby girl's purpose. The minute I sat down at home after church I opened this laptop and our answer awaited.

Jackpot!

So we're headed to LV, and after a few days at grandpa Stewart's house the boys will join us. We'll update you once we're settled. Our little one is expected to be in the NICU for a min. of 2 more weeks, so our Thanksgiving buffet is sure to be at the local hotel/casino and all-you-can-eat. Good thing too, as we have A LOT to be thankful for.