Houghtons Adopt: A Year at a Glance

Last year at this very same time, New Years Eve, we were going around the table as a family and sharing our new years resolutions. I jokingly stated that I wanted to adopt and be a mom. That same day I called into Faithful Adoption Consultants and stated that we wanted to begin the process. Little did we know what would quickly unfold this year.

We quickly began filling out the paper work and started our fundraising. It seriously couldn't have all been possible had it not been for the prayers and financial support of our friends and family. On a cold blistery day we met with our dear friend, Kelsey to begin taking pictures for our adoption book. It seems just yesterday, and yet a lifetime ago.

The journey was not an easy one... Not only were we going through the adoption process, which is time consuming and emotionally draining, but we lost two grandfathers during that season. Both were godly men who we are thankful were able to be a part of our Wedding day just two and half years ago. How we wish that they could have met our little Olive. Oh how they would have adored this little girl.

On April 30th, during the school day, I received a phone call while in the copy room of my school. I quietly answered, knowing good and well that it was Courtney from FAC. "You're going to be a Mama!" She stated. To which I responded, "To who?" Haha...we had 4 active cases at the same time. "The baby in Florida!" "Which one?" (We had two cases in Florida) Finally she explained that we were matched with the baby girl in Florida due at the end of July. I was floored...I quickly called my principal (who I couldn't find) and asked if I could "leave campus" for a bit. She understood why. I ran to the grocery store and picked out 7 pink and white balloons. I then drove to Jeremy's campus and texted him: "Come outside!" He was already crying before I got to share the amazing news that we were going to be parents. I will never forget that moment.

That evening, after we both finished our school days (Seriously one of the hardest things possible) we put on our "mama" and "papa" bear shirts and got to drive around announcing the news to our friends and family! It was wonderful! Thank you for all of your wonderful reactions, they were priceless!

Later on we received this wonderful email with our precious little girls face! I mean look at that face! That was still her go to stance, fist to the face. I love those kiss lips.

In the middle of June we drove down to Florida to meet our birth mama, we even packed a bag just-in-case, as we had been warned that things were progressing rather quickly. We drove the 18 hours, after attending my husband's grandfather's funeral. It was such a surreal time.

When the time came to meet her, we were so anxious. We were both so jittery and yet the moment couldn't have been better. We met with her 3 times, including a doctor's appointment where we got to hear our little girl's heartbeat. It was amazing. We cried. We hugged. And then we said our goodbyes until the time came.

Little did we know that a week later the time would come.

On July 9th we met our little girl. Olive. She's one of a kind and she was well worth the wait.