Welcome Home, Little Josiah!

We, Family of THREE (well, six, including the three dogs), are home!  We got the call that we were released to go home and within two hours were at the airport to go home yesterday.  We got into Denver late last night and went straight to Jim's sister's house.  The next morning we bought new tires (because of the bold incident on the way to the airport two weeks ago) and took off towards home to arrive this afternoon.  Our dogs were over the moon to see us and have all already loved on the baby.  We are unpacked for the most part and even had dinner from one of my favorite restaurants with two of my favorite people.  My parents are here for the next couple of days as well, which is great.  We are so ready to settle into our small town routine with our small baby Josiah.


I know there are tons of questions left unanswered and so many people who are anxious to meet our little one.  And trust me, we want to show him off to all of you, too.  I may not have any claim in his adorableness as I had nothing to do with his genetic makeup, but I can sure proudly agree with you that we have one cute little kid.

However, I have realized after receiving dozens of messages of encouragement, that I may need to ask a few more favors of our dear friends. 

1. Pictures.  This is a big one, because we have gotten so many requests. Because our adoption isn't officially final for 6 months after his birth, we are not allowed to post pictures identifying our son on social media.  There are tons of pictures, don't get me wrong, and if you aren't in our direct area and would like to see him, please feel free to request a little something.  But you won't be seeing a selfie of Josiah for a long while.  We would also really, really appreciate it if those who do spend time with our son would avoid posting pictures of him as well, as we aren't entirely sure what the laws regarding others posting pictures of him is.  In these first few months, you may see a hand or a back of the head on social media, but until his birth certificate is finalized, he won't have an online presence beyond that.

2. We love you all and we know so many who want to hold the baby but we will probably refrain from a round of pass around the baby or let someone walk off with him for a while.  This isn't because we are afraid of germs or don't trust anyone with our baby... something we got over quickly with having to travel with him at two weeks old and introducing him to strangers to us but his biological family and having him passed around.
In adoption situations, it is important to establish a strong bond with your baby.  He didn't hear my voice until he was born.  As far as he's concerned, he was handed over to a stranger (a stranger that spoils him and loves him like crazy, but still a stranger) and the pros recommend as little baby passing as possible, so that trust is developed between mom, dad, and baby.
This isn't to say that you won't have baby holding time.  Please just don't be offended if we ask that your holds are brief, or if we don't let others hold him in a large group of people.   For the most part, Jim and I will be doing most of the feedings, diaper changes and what not.  Of course, I have yet to turn anyone down who has offered a diaper change (though now that I think about it, no one other than Jim has offered a diaper change...).

3. Visiting is great, but I have to be real with you here.  I never drop by someone's house unannounced, it's just something I was raised not to do.  And we have dogs who will bark and scare the baby and a chain reaction will occur that you want to be a part of.  So please, feel free to drop by, but a call or text guarantees the dogs are outside and I'm fully dressed before you arrive, which will make all of us a little happier.


4.  There may be more details to his history now that he is ours, but there will still be things that we won't answer.  So please don't be offended if we don't answer specific questions.  Out of respect for our son we will let him share these things.

Thank you, again, for all of the prayers, encouragement and for being a part of the biggest story in our lives.  We never thought that at the end of this we would not only have gained a son, but that we would see an entire community of people rally behind us.  We never expected such an amazing amount of love.  We are humbled beyond words and Josiah is so fortunate to be raised with you as a part of his life.

With that said I'm beat.   If you are dying for that picture or that drop by to see the baby, you won't be hearing from me until tomorrow because this new mama is going to bed.  Night!