Summer time Fun

June 2014

Over the summer we had tons of fun in the sun! Gary and I took Brighton to the pool! Brighton loved to kick and splash in the water! We had heaps of fun when family would come along.  Sage, Siera, and Shiloh loved being aunts and uncles at the pool! They each enjoyed taking a turn swimming and playing with Brighton.

Gary and I spent many weekends with Gary’s dad and step-mom.  They would come up to Logan from Salt Lake and spend 3 or 4 days with us having movie parties, barbecues, and go fishing to relax. Grandpa and Gary frequently would jam out on their guitars and sing together.  It’s always a party when they stay with us!!! Grandpa and Grandma loved giving us a night off by taking care of Brighton. Gary and I would go out date nights to Texas Road house and then out to the movies.   

Happy 4th of July!!!

This year for the 4^th of July, we had the special opportunity to go the Salt Lake Bee’s baseball game to watch Aunt Siera sing the National Anthem. It was Brighton’s first baseball game EVER! Our entire family dressed up in Bee’s gear and went down to support her!  The atmosphere was filled with excitement for the fireworks and for the Bee’s to win!
Aunt Siera didn’t miss a note! She was phenomenal! After the nation anthem, she joined our boisterous group.  Our taste buds marveled on the popcorn, peanuts, shaved ice, and of course…the foot long dogs. Yummy!!!

August 2014

As summer wound down, our last adventure before school started was a trip to Cedar City. My entire family planned a two day trip in southern Utah to do the “Subway” hike.  My mom and I stayed in Cedar and went shopping with my Grandma who we stayed with.  It was her first time seeing her great grandson! My Grandma Hamilton just adored Brighton! This trip was Brighton’s first trip away from home.  It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.  Brighton didn’t sleep or eat very well.  I got to hang out with a grumpy fussy baby over the weekend. Despite the fussy baby, I was happy for Gary that he was able to get out and go for a once in a life time hike with my dad and siblings!  

Our Adoption Journey

Being Sealed as A Family

Chosen

In late February 2014, Gary and I were contacted by a 21 year birth mother who was due to have her baby on April 4.  She was pregnant with her second child and was not in a position to take care of the child she was carrying.

Throughout March, we went through ups and downs not knowing if she was going to choose us as the adoptive parents. We had little contact with the birth mother, which led us to believe that she may have other adoptive couples in mind or if she was going to keep the baby.

About two weeks before the baby was born, the birth mother contacted us and schedule a face to face.  We were elated with joy and excitement!

On March 22 (Gary’s 30^th birthday), we drove to the birth mom’s dads’ house.  Gary and I were excited but really nervous to meet this brave girl. We visited with her and her dad for about 3 hours. Everything went very well! Toward the end of the visit, we asked what gender of baby she was having.  She said with great joy- “A BOY!”  She told us that she was 100% sure about us as the adoptive parents.  She informed us that the doctor had her schedule to deliver in 10 days!  

On Monday, March 31, Gary and I drove to the hospital (3 hours from where we lived).  It was the most incredible, emotional, special day for our family!  We had the opportunity to be in the delivery room with the birth mom during the birth.  She requested that I cut the umbilical cord (what an amazing experience!).  Brighton was healthy and strong.  Our sweet birth mom signed the adoption papers and placed Brighton with us at 24 hours after he was born. She wanted a closed adoption at first when we first met her, but then changed her outlook on open adoption when she got to know Gary and I.  We were prepared for either, but were hoping for openness. We agreed to phone calls/ text messages, pictures, and occasional visits. Gary and I frequently visited with our birth mother in her hospital room while she physically and emotionally recovered. We laugh and cried together as we all went through this amazing experience.  We spent 3 days in the hospital, bonding and loving every minute with Brighton.  

It is a Beautiful thing when a Career and a Passion come Together!

We are so excited! Gary interviewed for a 5^th grade position at Nibley Elementary, the school where I work. He rocked the interview and got the job! The teacher he is replacing is getting married.  Things just worked out perfectly, Gary will finish out the last 3 months of the school year and have a foot in the door for next year! One awesome thing about him taking the job is…drum roll please… We get to team teach together for 80 minute during math every day! This year I have been going into the 5^th grade class to support the resource students.  The previous teacher and I took turns all year teaching math lessons! I can’t wait to tag-team teach with Gary!