Lincoln - 1 Year Ago

With it being Lincoln's first birthday yesterday, we can't help but reflect on the days leading up to his birth and when we met him for the first time.

We were chosen by his birthparents in the middle of November, which left us about 5 or 6 weeks to prepare for his birth as his due date was December 27th.

That date came and went and the waiting continued. Finally, on December 30th, we got a call in the evening that Lincoln was born that afternoon, just after 4! Healthy! And things are going well with the birth family, as best as they could be going during a time like this. We tried to get some sleep that night but it sure was hard, knowing that we were about to meet a little boy the next day who we hoped would become our son.

The next morning we sent Keziah to her friend's house for the next few days. I don't think we told her what was going on, as we weren't sure if Lincoln's birth family was still going to go through with the adoption plan (You never are sure until those days of waiting are over).

We came to the hospital around 3 and finally met him, a time that is ingrained in our minds forever.

Here he is, all of 7 pounds and 20.5 inches

Within 3 hours of meeting him, Lincoln was buckled into the carseat and put into the back of our car. We met him at 3, left at 6 and had him home just after 6:30. Talk about a whilrlwind!!! It all happened very fast! Things were rushed a bit due to it being New Year's Eve. I don't think we'll ever have a New Year's Eve like this one!!

Another thing that went so fast was calling everyone. I was able to call everyone on the way home and by the time we got home I was done!! We couldn't help but compare all this with Keziah's. Keziah was born on a Thursday and didn't come home till Sunday; and calling everyone took over 2.5 hours. All of this was mostly due to her birthmark. But with Lincoln, we didn't have any of that and so things went so quick.

Home, without a care in the world.

Keziah came home the next day and was instantly enthralled with this new "doll"

She took on her role of big sister right away and was my righthand "maid" from then on

Lincoln was a very easy baby. He got into a routine really quickly, even sleeping through the night since about 8 weeks old. He loved to snuggle and I treasured every. single. moment. of this. Good thing as he sure didn't stay little for long!

And life hasn't been the same since! To which we are so thankful for!! Lincoln remains to be a very easy kid. He is determined and keeps me more on my toes than Keziah did, but has a happy and spunky disposition just like his sister! We are so thankful for him and pray that God will continue to bless him in his second year. Gulp. My baby is growing up! I just need to post a few more pictures of him as a baby so I can remember him again, so tiny and sweet-smelling

Oh, and as for his name. We chose "Lincoln". Lincoln has been Nathan's pick since before we got married, so that name has been his favourite for over 14 years. He always said if we ever had a boy, his name will be "Lincoln Edward". Who knew that this would be the case??! Lincoln has two middle names: Denver was chosen by his birth mother, and Edward. But get this, we didn't choose Edward. His birth father did!! His birth father wanted Edward without knowing that that is actually Nathan's first name! (Edward Nathaniel). Isn't that the coolest thing??! And so that is how his name came to be: Lincoln Denver Edward.

And while we celebrate, we know this day has come and gone for a family that is sad. We pray for Lincoln's birth family, that they may receive the strength they need to carry on. We know they are very happy for Lincoln for where he is, but it doesn't earse the hole that has been made. May God be with them all.