~Birth Siblings~

     When we decided on open adoption for our kids, we knew the day would come when their Birth Parents would have more children. I remember when Sawyer's Birth Father told us he was expecting another child. I was unsure of how our adoption would change or where we would fit in now that he was creating his own little family. Where would Sawyer's place be in their family? Would they tell this child that she had an older brother? Having not been in a situation like this, we just didn't know our place but we wanted to be fully supportive and sustain their decisions they made as a family. Wondering was driving me crazy so I called Jason and talked to him about it. I told him we would LOVE to meet his girlfriend and so they planned a visit to come have dinner with us.  The moment they got there, we just LOVED her! She let me squeeze her and rub that cute pregnant belly of hers. From that visit, I knew it would be ok. We adopted Gabby and she adopted us. I can't even put into words just how grateful we are for her. For her love, her willingness to be so open with us, and for her support she has given to Jason. She embraced us and let us in their life when she didn't have to and we are so thankful for her tender heart. 

When their sweet baby girl was born, we were so SO happy for them. She was born around the same time as Jamison so we weren't in Texas at the time of her birth. When we finally saw that sweet little baby though... it was so delicious! Her spirit was so tender and I could feel it. It was beautiful to see the happiness in Jason & Gabby's eyes. 

Sawyer meeting his baby sister Madelyn

Proud Big Brother!

 Madelyn, Sawyer, & Jamison

LOVE!

It's been over 3 years now since that sweet little girl was born and we still see them whenever possible. We are so SO thankful that they want us there. Gabby... you will never know how precious you are to us. Thank you for loving us when you didn't have to. Thank you for letting us adopt you and for adopting us in return. Thank you for all of your love and support. It takes a special person to be that loving. You and Jason are wonderful parents and we are so proud of you both. 

When Sawyer's Birth Mother told us she was pregnant with baby #2, I cried the happiest tears for her. It was her turn to be a full time Mother. She was finally going to know first hand the gift she gave me.... Motherhood. To know the kind of joy I had been able to feel for so long because of her.  I felt so honored to be one of the first to know her news. I was a little unsure of how our adoption would change but I was ready to be supportive in what every she chose. On the day her little boy was born, I loaded up the car and drove 5 hours to Texas to see her. We had already packed our bags because we knew he would be born any day so we were just waiting for the phone call. 

Meeting his baby brother Jax Man!!

It has been almost a year and a half since that little buddy was born and OH MY GOODNESS... he is YUMMY!! It has been so awesome to see Lauren have Motherhood. She is one of the BEST Mommas I know. We are so thankful she is on the same page of openness with the kids as we are. There will be no secrets. The kids will always know their special story.

Here are some recent pictures of our trip to TEXAS!! My only regret is that Jamison wasn't there this trip to be in on the brotherly bonding. Next time for sure!! 

 
 

AHHHH... he is so cute!!

One thing I get asked quite often is "Do you think you will "confuse" the kids with how you do things?" My response... ABSOLUTELY NOT! That is just silly to me a little bit. Whenever there is a need for clarity with the kids, we are right here to clarify. There are no secrets... no mystery to solve. We have taught our kids from a very young age their story. It's something they are proud of. It's kind of like a cousin relationship. You don't see your cousin every day, but you know who they are. You know that your relationship with them is special. You love them and are excited to see them and when you're all together... it's a party! 

I just can't imagine doing it any other way. Every time we have visits with Birth Families I think to myself how sad it would have been had we ALL chosen not to do it this way. So many missed opportunities to love, to bond, to embrace what is. Every parent wants the best for their child and for us, this is what feels best to us. All the hugs, kisses, love, snuggles, etc would have been lost. Mystery would have remained and wounds may have never healed. When Jamison's Birth Momma has more kids, we hope to do the same with them too.  

 So....

these are our boys. 

They have One Mom and One Dad. They each have One Birth Mom & One Birth Dad. Together they have one little brother and one little sister. Together they have 8 GREAT-Grandparents, 11 Grandmas & Grandpas, to MANY cousins to count,  MANY Aunts, & MANY Uncles. MANY, MANY, MANY people that LOVE them. 

How do WE feel about this?? So so Lucky!