Picked for a baby!

Yesterday morning I was waiting for the shuttle at the parking lot at work and kicking myself for forgetting to bring coffee for the coffeemaker yet again. I was trying to figure out how to convince Papa_D to go home, get the coffee and bring it to me ;). As I see the bus coming down the street, my cell phone started to ring. I didn't recognize the number and couldn't figure out if it was coming from CA or OH. I answered the phone and heard "Hi myname, this is so-and-so from our-attorney's office. We were able to send out your profile to the woman we talked to you about a couple of weeks ago and she looked at all the profiles we sent her and she pick picked you and Papa_D."

My response: A cross between "uh" and a squeek and a grunt. I saw the bus pulling up and couldn't figure out what exactly was happening.

I think I said "Wow."

Then the person on the phone gave me some instructions. I honestly couldn't remember much. She confirmed we were still interested (we were) and that we were willing to meet the young woman before the baby is born (absolutely, very important to us) and told me we may need to travel to where she is (about 150 miles from here). I told her we had no problem with going up there and our schedules were pretty flexible so most times would work for us. We said goodbye and I hung up and got on the bus.

Immediately I started trying to get hold of Papa_D who was in a meeting. I was shaking and trying my hardest to not cry. I had this immense thing, and it wasn't only mine. I got to my desk, put my lunch away and walked all over to find Papa_D. After a while I checked his calendar and discovered he would still be in a meeting for another hour. So I headed back to my desk and sat on my hands until Papa_D called and I told him to start walking and meet me. We met in between our buildings and I shared our good news. I think it's safe to say he was happy. At that point we were able to start sharing the news.

I called our attorney back and confirmed some details. We're waiting to hear when we will go up to meet with the young woman who has picked us. The attorney's office has shared some details with us that we'll share when it is appropriate. I'm still trying to figure out that part.

So many things can happen between now and late January. From what we understand she 'definitely' chose us. But she may have a change of heart about us, or about adoption in general. While I'm grateful to have 4 months to prepare logistically and emotionally, it's longer than I ever expected to have. She can't sign her consent until at least 72 hours after she gives birth and she can change her mind at any time. Despite any relationship we might build with her, none of this is a promise. Her needs, her child's needs and her family's needs trump our desires any day of the week. Adoption must always be this way.

For now we remain cautiously optimistic....