One Happy Family!

Hello everyone! I wanted to write one last post...with some pictures of Peyton! We have settled in and are doing great! So...this is what has been happening in the last few weeks...

 

          Since we have been home, we have been in contact with Peyton's birth mom. We have been sending picture text messages of Peyton almost every other day. She will write back with joy on how Peyton is doing and just how adorable he is! We have also talked with Mom on the phone after each of Peyton's doctor's appointments...which have also been fine. He is one healthy, perfect boy!! He is eating like a piglet though!! He already eats as much as his 3 month older cousin! His feet and hands are the same size as Riley's already, too! I think he will be taking after his birth mom's side...as she is 5'9"! We have all discussed if Peyton is to be gifted enough to play in tbe NBA, then it is only for the Miami Heat, as it's his birth mom's favorite team! :)

Peyton's birth mom had 60 days to decide and sign to release her legal rights, but was so sure of her decision that she made the appointment prior to discharge from the hospital. On Monday, October 22nd, we got the call from Mom's social worker that she had signed, and more importantly, she is doing good with the decision!  After the phone call, I could feel myself relax. I didn't realize how tense I was waiting for that news. I think I was more guarded than I realized! We then moved into a 10 business day waiting period. This is a period that mom has by law to change her mind...so we weren't completely legal yet...kinda felt like one more hump to get over before truly letting go of my guard.

        Then we moved into deer hunting, of which Jerrod is like a little kid at Christmas. He takes advantage of the once a year 'holiday' and hunts all week! Peyton and I spent most of the week in Staples so we could see Jerrod a lot and so Peyton could meet more family! We had a great week...but the 10 day legal risk period was looming over me. Not Jerrod, by the way...he never gave it a second thought! He was able to let it go and rejoice right away. I never had any worries that Mom would change her mind, but I just couldn't let my guard down 100%. So, on Monday, November 5th at 4:30 p.m. the legal risk period ended and Peyton was legally ours!! I still can't hardly believe it! We got a Reeses Blizzard DQ cake to celebrate that said "Peyton, your ours!" It was so nice to celebrate this long awaited gift from God!

          I think now it's setting in a bit more that we are parents to a beautiful baby boy. He is such a blessing and an answer to many, many prayers. Wow!! We have also been blessed with many friends and family that have come to visit Peyton. And there have been baby showers to help us with the many things we did not have. I am in awe and overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and love. It has brought tears to my eyes on many occasions. So much to celebrate. So much worry to let go of, as God has provided everything and more! Thank you to everyone for your many prayers and to those that have had a hand in helping Peyton with more than we can imagine!