A Season of Hope - Our Jackson turns 4

Thursday, December 18, 2008

I have had many ask me why I was playing Christmas music on my blog right after Halloween. Why? That music has so many messages of hope and gratitude and I would play it all year if I could get away with it. And Christmas 2004 was my husband and I's Christmas of hope. We had been married nearly 10 years and all attempts to grow our family were unsuccessful. Around Labor Day that year, we were called into our social workers office to find out our greatest dream was to be fulfilled. A birthmom had chosen us for her baby boy due on December 29th!!! Now I totally understand that 9 months of carrying a child is long and uncomfortable but those were the longest 4 months of our lives!! (And with a chance she could change her mind in that time, every day slowly ticked by). Halloween came and went I could hardly wait to start playing Christmas music when in the years past, Christmas was very meloncholy. It is very much a holiday for children and we sat by year after year with no children to share it with. I didn't care that he was due after Christmas, it was truly a Christmas to look forward to. As Christmas was a week away, we got even a better surprise. Our beautiful, sweet birthmom wanted us to have our baby by Christmas so with all things developing great, she was going to be induced on the 20th! Well, Jackson was as excited for Christmas that year as much as we were! We woke up on the 19th of December - 4 years ago tomorrow - to another phone call to find our birthmom had gone into labor. And a long labor... he was born around 5 PM! Because it was a closed adoption, she had the 2 days in the hospital with him all to herself and we went and got him on the 21st. That was a spectacular day and I will write more about that on the 21st. I really wish I could post a picture of our birthmom with Jackson. She was so sweet and they both looked like angels! (it was a private adoption and confidentiality is so important.) She never waivered in her decision to place him in our family.
So now I see very common ordinary placed things and think how lucky we are. We were at a movie the other day (sans Jackson) and I was noticing the booster chairs in a corner for children. Something so simple brought a smile to my face - we actually have use for those! And at one time, the high chairs at a restaurant. And I can venture into the baby department of any store and smile instead of wanting to cry! So Happy 4th Birthday Jackson! You have blessed our lives and family in so many ways. You are such a thoughtful and happy boy. Please don't ever stop the random nearly hourly "I love you Mom" 's. I AM your mom and you ARE my son and I love you! Truly a witness to all those who hope.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to your son Jackson!! Your story brought a tears to my eyes. Children are a blessing from God and I am so happy for you and your family!! Take care and enjoy your little boy!!

Julie O'D said...

How sweet :) I have a friend who just adopted a baby boy & another who's still waiting for the approvals (foreign adoption). It's so special to be with them as they go through the process! Congratulations & Happy Bday to Jackson!

Paula said...

Your post also brought tears to my eyes. I've been there too. And now we are close to celebrating six years with our AJ. I am so glad you have so much to celebrate this time of year.

Anonymous said...

So sweet. I am glad that I saw the process you went through to get him. He is adorable and you are such great parents. Yay for another birthday! I can't believe he's 4!

Kathy said...

This is such a great story to share. Thank you. I'm glad you have 4 years to celebrate!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Have a wonderful holiday!

katiesniche said...

What a precious story. And his pictures are so sweet too. Amazing how dark he was and now he's blonde. My hubby would love to see that, our little one was born dark, like me, but he so wanted a blonde, like him...so maybe he'll have hope :) Our little one came the day before Thanksgiving.
My sister was adopted, my parents had waited a long time...so I can completely understand your joy. You are blessed with your bundle.

Katy Myhre said...

Oh my goodness is he cute or what! I love the little dimples.
Happy Birthday little Man!

Gina Lindsay said...

What a beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing that and your pictures.

Melissa Sauls said...

Oh my goodness, what a sweet sweet story! Happy Birthday little one...you have such a beautiful family!

kathie said...

Four years ago today my wonderful daughter brought home an angel who has never ceased to make me laugh inside every time I see him. After years of sorrow and waiting, Jackson is a witness that the Lord truly has a Law of Compensation for his children. He has blessed our lives more than words can tell. Happy Birthday, Jackson! Love, Nana

Conni said...

These ppictures ar too cute! Your son is such a doll

C

Unknown said...

That is such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy for you and your family. Happy Birthday, Jackson.
p.s. I could play Christmas music year round, too.

Liz Goldhawk said...

Happy Birthday Jackson! What a beautiful post... thanks so much for sharing!

Vicky said...

What a wonderful Christmas Story!! What could be better than recieving that little bundle of joy for Christmas!!! Have a great day!!
Vicky

Unknown said...

Happy birthday and merry Christmas! Thanks for the beautiful words!

Anonymous said...

Love those pics! So precious!!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!

~Jenn

specialcraftmom4 said...

How wonderful!!!! Your son is so beautiful (: What a special Christmas you will have from now on!
Happy Holidays

Sam Woodruff said...

He is just to cute! Happy New Year!

Holly VanDyne said...

What a wonderful and beautiful story! You are so blessed! :)

Twila said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us. What a very lucky little boy to have a mom and dad like you.