Introducing Blythe Thatcher (Adoption Update)

On late Saturday night we finally had the dream of holding our precious daughter fulfilled. After 28 hours of labor and lots of hard work our brave birthmother was taken in for a c-section. Unfortunately the labor did not progress like the doctor had hoped and she felt the baby needed to be delivered quickly before she became too distressed. So, at 9:16 pm we welcomed Blythe Thatcher into the world. She weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and has a head full of hair. She is absolutely beautiful!Reggie was such a trooper during the 28 hour wait. He hung out in the waiting room and even made few buddies who were also waiting. It always amazes me how guys can bond over the subject fantasy football. It was one of my favorite moments when I saw Reggie holding her and feeding her first bottle only a few minutes after she was born. I can tell she already has his heart!

My experience was truly blessed. The birthmother allowed me in the labor room the entire time. It was more than I ever dreamed would be possible with an adoption and because of it I can tell Blythe every detail of the night she was born. Seeing her for the first time was overwhelming and surreal. The birthmother desired for me to be the first one to hold the baby to help solidify her decision for adoption. The feeling of finally holding her is really hard to put into words. I felt pure joy, but I also felt such sorrow knowing this young woman watched me as I began my role as mother and her's was ending. I have never been apart of something so special and sacrificial.

Since Saturday night we have been in the hospital room beside the birthmother. Reggie and I take care of Blythe at night and during the day we spend time with the birth family and also try to give them time alone with Blythe before the final goodbyes are said. Going into the adoption experience I didn't think I wanted to know the birth family, but God challenged me to open my heart to His plan. So, after lots of prayer and I trusted that God wouldn't give us something that we couldn't handle. The reward has been that we have developed a love for this family and enjoy being with them so much. I will have so many fond memories of the last several days to share with Blythe as she grows up.


Tomorrow is the day that Reggie and I have tried so desperately to prepare for. It is a day of beginnings and ending. A beginning of a new journey for us as a family of four and an ending for the birthmother of a journey that she handled with such grace. My heart is so heavy tonight as I try prepare for what tomorrow will bring. I am asking God for strength, compassion and for Him to direct my words as I try to leave the birthmother with peace in her decision in choosing us to parent her child. May it be a sweet time together that we can always treasure.