Adoption

3 years ago we got a call that has changed our lives. We were in Idaho with Mike's family when we received a call telling us that we would be able to start the adoption process. Words can't even begin to express what was in our hearts.

We started the paperwork as soon as we returned from Idaho. I felt a strong need to get the paperwork done as soon as possible. I didn't want anything to be waiting on us ... so we worked hard for the next 4 months to get as much of the paperwork in as possible. Our caseworker came on a Thursday to do our home study. He told us there was a birth mother due in June and if we could get our paperwork finished ... we just lacked signing some papers, photo collage, letter to the birth mother and then approval ... he would really like to show her our profile. Wow ... we weren't expecting that. I asked him to email the forms and we would get it taken care of.

The following Tuesday, April 17, 2007, Mike was at work and I was headed home from my moms after printing off all the papers we needed to complete. The entire way home I kept going back and forth about taking the papers by the station to have Mike sign them. After going back and forth for a little bit I finally decided to go ahead and get it done. As soon as I got home there was a message from the caseworker, Matt, he was on his way to Nashville, TN (from Atlanta, GA) ... the baby was 10 weeks early, was there any way we could get the photo collage together, letter to the birth mother and one of the forms signed? He would come by to pick them up.

I put Constance back in the car and headed back to my mom and dad's (my computer was acting up). On the way I called my sister-in-law, Carol, and asked if there was any way she could come help me. She got her boys and met me. We quickly got the photo collage done. The letter to the birth mother came together after we found out a little about her. It was amazing. Matt came by at 10:30 pm.

The next day we went about our day. We were out running errands when we got the call telling us "Congratulations, you have a baby boy! How soon can you get down to the Hospital?" We told Matt we would be there in an hour, then the phone calls started, we had to find someone to babysit Constance.

We got to the hospital and met E. She was so sweet. We got the chance to talk to her for a little bit. She had picked out a name and we found out that she really like the middle name, "Emmanuel". We wanted to keep that. We picked out the name Jordan. E. walked with us down to the NICU so we could see him for the first time.

Words can't even begin to express how we felt. Love for E. for the sacrifice and the love she had and still has for Jordan and for the gift she has given us. Love for our little boy.

Jordan Emmanuel Cook was born on April 17, 2007 at 4:40am. He was 3 lbs 8 3/4 oz. and 16 1/2 inches long.

Constance had been praying for at least 1-2 years for twins, One boy and one girl. We told her about her little brother on her birthday, April 19. She was so excited. We took her to meet him. She was a bit overwhelmed with all the stuff they have in the NICU and couldn't wait to get him home.

Jordan was in the NICU for 2 weeks. We were given "grandparent passes" so we could come and see Jordan anytime we wanted to. I was there every day, Mike went when with me when he wasn't at the Fire Department. I am so thankful for all the friends and family who watched Constance so we could go and spend time with Jordan.

The adoption was finalized, after few little hiccups along the way on March 18, 2008.
We were able to be sealed at the Nashville Tennessee Temple on March 23, 2008.

Jordan has been such a blessing. He brings such joy and much laughter into our lives on a daily basis. We are grateful each and every day for the many miracles that brought us all together!