Oh, Happy Day! Ava's Adoption Day!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or imagine, to Him be the glory forever and ever." Ephesians 3:20

The story of Ava Faith began in this bakery, Sweet Celebrations, in the spring of 2008, just an everyday normal kind of day, a day that would forever change our lives. The tying of my apron strings that day would soon be followed by a divine appointment for me and my now dear friend, Patty, who was from Atlanta and knew Ava's birth family. This is where the journey began, in a very sweet place...



Ava Faith was to be born at Southern Regional Hospital in Riverdale, GA. We got the call late Wednesday afternoon, August 20, to jump in the car and come! A baby was on the way, and we were invited to be in the delivery room for the birth!



We finally arrived in Riverdale, GA at the hospital at around 9:00 p.m. Patty drove from Tyrone to meet us to share in the excitement and wonder at God's plan in her being chosen to bring the good news of a baby to us!



We officially arrived at the Women's Life Center where we could hear the beating of little heartbeats on machines in every room, monitoring babies about to be born! Here we are stepping out in faith, walking through doors as they open. The door to the delivery room was behind us, and we were about to enter, trusting, trusting, trusting...



This little bundle of joy, who we named Ava Faith, came into this world at 1:56 a.m., August 21, 2008, weighing 8lbs 15 oz and measuring 20 inches long.




After spending time with Ava's birth family, who we truly grew to love, and giving them time to spend with Ava, we were about to hold our future daughter for the very first time. I honestly wish I could tell you in words what that moment felt like. It was indescribable! You can imagine all of the emotions running through our hearts and thoughts running through our minds, as we really didn't know for sure in this moment if everything would work out in the end. I will tell you that we had an unbelievable peace, though, standing there in that moment.



Ava's birthmom looks at Ava and places her in my arms. I felt so much love in my heart for her and for Ava in this moment.



Ava's birthfather places Ava in Ben's arms. The love in that room for this little girl was spilling over. It was pouring out of all of us, as we took in the magnitude of this moment.



This is our first picture taken as a family in the delivery room. The time was close to 3:00 a.m. I think.



We were about to be discharged from the hospital. Here we are in the moment right before we left the birthmom's hospital room. We all left the hospital at the same time.



It was homeward bound on the following Saturday to Tennessee! At this point, the birthparents had until Tuesday to change their minds.



My family had decorated the front of our house and were waiting to celebrate with us! Next door neighbors streamed down the hill to see Ava for the first time.



Remember the bow picture?! We kept very busy during the waiting days just loving Ava and visiting with friends and family near and far!



On the 11th day of the waiting at about 5:00 - 3..2..1! She's our daughter! A GREAT celebration was held to mark this momentous day!



Saying goodbye to the pain and the waiting of the last eight years, represented by white, green and pink balloons. Off they go!



Six months of celebrating as a family would pass, and fast forward to today, March 3, 2009 - Ava's official adoption day! Today was a day that marked the wonderful and amazing fulfillment of God's plan for our family! He did this. We had no idea what He had in store last summer!! I can just see His face smiling with us today. Oh, thank you, Lord! You are so good and so faithful to us all of the time, even in the midst of the valleys and the dark places. Your light comes shining through those dark clouds!

My Aunt Syd met us at the Justice Center to celebrate with us. My parents were out of town and well as Ben's Mom and Dad. My aunt adopted my precious cousin, Lacy, from South Korea in 1986 and remembers this moment well!



To finalize an adoption takes a team! This is team Ava Faith! From left to right are Dawn, our TN attorney, us, and Pam, our dear friend who has completed home study after home study for us throughout our quest to bring Maia home from China and Ava home from GA! Thank you, dear women, who have such an amazing, tireless heart for adoption!



I had to take a picture of this gentlemen, uh hem, officer! He surprised us by giving a stuffed little alligator to Ava. He was quite taken with her, and they had their picture made together. We told him that we'd "see him around town." Hopefully from a distance! ha!



The adoption ceremony was completed in Judge Young's chambers. Here we are watching him sign the official papers! He was such a nice man and just LOVES adoption day!



Our adoption day picture with Judge Young in his chambers. Ava kept staring at his orange tie!



It's official! They did such a wonderful job making the ceremony special for us. Here we are with a congratulatory folder with certificate and picture to keep.



After the ceremony, we celebrated by eating lunch at Cracker Barrel! Yum! It was so relaxing just to sit down and celebrate while eating Uncle Herschel's favorite and a smokehouse breakfast, while Ava napped. Next, we headed to, you guessed it, Sweet Celebrations bakery!!!



No apron this time - just me and Ava behind the register!



Ah... it's finally time to come home and take a NAP!



The End!