I can't believe our little monkey is 1. This past year has flown by. I never thought this day would come.It is still hard for me to believe that I'm a mother. It has been hard and not what I expected, but I wouldn't have it any other way. This never would have been possible without Everett's birth parents. What amazing people they are. They fully understand the meaning of sacrifice, courage and love. They will always hold a special place in my heart and every time Everett sees their picture, he smiles. Melt my heart. He knows who they are and why they're so important.
Before Nic and I adopted, I bought a journal to track the progress of the adoption process. Since Everett was born, I always wrote an entry for each month. I want him to know the journey we took to follow the red thread and the beginnings of his life. I would like to share Everett's birth story:
"I got a text message for K (Everett's birth mom) November 4 around 10:20 PM. She was checked into the hospital and dilated to a 5. I was praying for K when I got that text. Nic and I were at Gramzee and Grandpa Stewart's house for dinner earlier that night...I do love them and they love you! Anyways, K and her sister K2 texted me all night with updates. You entered this world November 4 around 2:44 AM - 6 lbs 10 oz, 19.5 in long. K2: 'Your beautiful baby just entered the world.' How sweet! She sent us a picture. Your dad and I looked at you and didn't know if you'd be Nolan or Everett. Everett wasn't one of our original names. I had asked your dad about it and his response was 'eh, it's not my favorite.' It started growing on him as he paired it with Jay. We wanted to see you in person before we decided. K told us to come up to Bend on Monday and 'try to get some rest.' Monday morning brought a mad dash of finishing/buying last minute things. Luckily the diaper bag was packed. I went out with Gramzee while dad went to work. We loaded up the car and drove to Bend.
"After buying K flowers we headed to the Family Birthing Center at the hospital. We first met with Meredith, hospital Social Worker. She let us know how K and her family were doing. K was doing well and wants to sign papers that night. Meredith brought us to her room. I was so nervous to see her. We talked a little bit and she told us to go meet you. We walked over to you and you were sleeping. I said hello to you and your eyes opened. I know you couldn't see anything, but I felt you knew we were there. You were so handsome and precious. I couldn't believe you were finally here. We held you and fed you before getting dinner. We wanted K to spend time with you too. When we got back we said goodbye to D (Everett's birth dad). Before he left, we discussed the name: Everett Jay. When dad and I first met you, we knew you were an Everett. They loved it! I don't think they were expecting us to use Jay as a middle name. They also liked the nickname Rev - this was dad's idea. We said goodbye to D and shared some tears. Jodi and Joseph (LDSFS social workers) arrived along with more K's friends. K signed papers and we spent more time together. K decided that she wanted you to spend the night with us. You did pretty well - more awake than I thought. We did well together. I didn't sleep very much because I woke up at every noise and move you made.
"Tuesday, November 6. We finished up the paperwork in K's room. She rested and you spent time with her. You and K were both discharged today. K wanted us all to walk out together. I couldn't stop crying. I was filled with so many emotions. I felt guilty because I could see the heartache in K's and her parent's eyes. I also felt joyous because you were finally here. Gratitude was so overwhelming. We all hugged and said our goodbyes. I felt like I hugged K so hard multiple times. It was bittersweet. Her parents reminded us that you were in the right place with the right family.
"You slept the whole way home and Gramzee was waiting for us when we got home. She couldn't wait to get her hands on you. Aunt Dani decorated the garage for your homecoming. She later came over with Beckett. Grandpa Paul also paid us a visit. What a whirlwind of emotions. You were finally here and our lives began."
I wanted to share this with you because this is a day I will never forget and the days leading up to his birth. We couldn't imagine our lives without him.
At 1 year Everett LIKES:
- Eating. He loves pears, peaches, dry cereal, ice cream.
- Barney
- Playing with daddy
- Playing the piano
- Looking out the front window
- Talking
- Dogs
- Crawling and standing
- Baths
- Phones, laptops, IPad, TV. He will do anything to see what you're doing on any device.
- Crawling around with a toy in his hand. Always.
At 1 year Everett DISLIKES:
- Being told "no"
- Getting in and out of his carseat. Sometimes.
- Diaper changes
- Peas
- Nose wiped or face wiped off (what kid likes this)
Happy Birthday Everett, Rev, Rev-a-lev, monkey, goober, little man, Rev-a-lev-a-ding-dong.
