And he shall be called...

'One who hunts' and 'beloved' or in other words our baby's name will be Hunter David Burns.  We have had this name picked out for quite some time.  Let me tell you the story behind his name.  After we were first married we talked about baby names.  Noel always said he liked the name Brody.  Well, 2 1/2 years ago my nephew was born and was named Brody.  The funny part is that my brother always said he wanted the name Hunter for a boy.  They decided to not use that name because their friend's son is named Hunter.  So good news for us because we always liked that name too.  It also has special meaning because Hunter is the maiden name of Noel's mom.  We picked David for two reasons as well.  David is Noel's dad's middle name and also for David of the bible.  He was a man after God's own heart and we pray that our son will be also.

And in other adoption news, we got the "cooperative plan" in the mail yesterday.  This is the plan Stephanie came up with for the birth and contact afterwards.  I was a little anxious about this, but it was absolutely perfect.  She wants me in the delivery room with her and then see and hold Hunter just after he is born.  After that he will go to the nursery where we can visit and bond with him.  At the 48th hour after his birth, she will sign her rights away and he will be ours.  She would also like to communicate afterwards with letters and pictures until he is 18.  This is exactly what we were hoping for.  I am just so thankful that the Lord has blessed us with such a wonderful birth mom.  I can't help but wonder how she is going to be feeling during this time.  I know this must be a very hard decision and I pray that she gets through it with as little emotional pain as possible.  I can't even imagine the sacrifice she must feel.  Again, I am so grateful for such an amazing person that Stephanie is.

Only about 8 more weeks to go!  We can't wait to meet you baby Hunter!

A special day

Today was a special day for us.  We were able to meet with our birthmom, Stephanie, and take her to lunch.  She brought her younger sister with her and we all had a great time.  You might be asking why this day is so special?  I have two reasons for you.  The first reason is that Noel got to be with his son on Father's day.  This is not something that many adoptive parents can say while they are still in the process.  It was just neat for us to know he was just inches away and kicking up a storm.  The second reason is that Stephanie was baptized today!!  We picked her up at her house right after church.  She and her sister hopped in the car and one of the first things out of her mouth was "I was baptized today!"  Her hair was still wet from the water that changed her life.  She seemed so happy and excited.  We decided immediately that this lunch meeting was going to be a celebration.  So we celebrated with her and pigged out!  It was a lot fun being with her, meeting her sister, and growing in our relationship.

Stephanie told us that the baby is moving a lot and kicking her in the ribs.  She said he is already in "upside down mode" and the doctor said that he will be here a little early.  We are expecting him to be here around mid August, which would only be about two weeks early.  We don't want our little guy to make too early of an appearance. 

Yesterday we decided to brave the crazy heat wave and join my brother and his family at Fiesta Texas.  I think it was 105 degrees.  We only lasted four hours but had a great time.  The only casualty was my cell phone which is probably somewhere between the Whirligig and the park exit.  We had a blast with our niece and nephew, Natalie and Brody.  It seems like Natalie takes after her dear ol' aunty and is scared of every ride.  She did ride the kid rides but only if I rode with her and she could wrap her little arms around me in a death grip.  Here are a few pictures:

 The first ride of the day; Brody wasn't convinced yet

 The Kiddie Koster-  that is about all the excitement I can handle

Watch it Scooby!

After a fun filled weekend I am exhausted but grateful.  Please continue in prayer over baby "H" and rejoice with us for Stephanie's decision this weekend.