Family of 3

When I received the call about Allie, I was in shock.  Only 6 weeks prior our first adoption had fallen through and we were both so scared to get our hopes up.  We waited 11 days before we headed to the cities on Easter Sunday.  The next day we met "T" and we were smitten by her.  She was tall...over 6 ft (keep in mind that I'm just a little over 5 ft tall) tall, had the most beautiful eyes, was very articulate, and had a great sense of humor.  "T" had told us when she met us that she wanted us to have the closest thing to a "real hospital experience as possible."  What an amazing person she is!!!  She tried very hard to make an uncomfortable meeting a little less uncomfortable, as did "B" her social worker.  It was hard though.  You are sitting there, talking to the person that could potentially change your life forever...what do you say to that person?  What do you say  to someone that's giving you the one thing that you have been fighting for for so long?  How can you even begin to thank someone who is doing probably the most selfless thing anyone can do?  How do you even put into words how much having a child means to you?
Two days later, "T" was induced and she called us an hour or so into the labor.  We went to the hospital and waited all day and one of the nurses would come out every few hours to tell us about the labor. 
At 10:12 p.m. on March 26, 2008, Allie Grace was born.  A nurse walked out to the waiting room and asked us if we were here for the "E..." baby.  We said yes and were quickly whisked back to the labor & delivery area.  We were placed right outside a room where the door was cracked open and a baby was crying.  At this point, I think I was so in shock and wasn't really comprehending everything that was happening.  "T's" nurse came out and asked if we knew what it was yet and we said no.  She told us that it was a girl and I lost it.  I wasn't able to control my emotions...I was a mess and before I knew it they brought this little girl out and gave her to me.  I was able to walk her all the way to the nursery and even go in with her.  What an amazing experience to be able to be right there with Allie from about 3-4 minutes after she was born! 
Since the time of Allie's birth, we've experienced some of the greatest joys possible.  There is nothing better than the first time your child smiles at you, says his/her prayers, gives you an unsolicited kiss or says "mommy I love you more than pancakes!" 
The road to our children hasn't always been easy, however I wouldn't change them for the world!  God has graced our family with an overabundance of strength, love, and support and for that we are so grateful.  So as we get ready to have an amazing day tomorrow celebrating Allie's 3rd birthday, we look forward to being able to watch as God helps our family grow from a family of 3 to a family of 4.  Isn't He wonderful?!?!