Written January 2011
As many of you know, we've been trying to have children for over 7 years now. Much to our dismay, doctors have not been able to tell us why we are unable to have children. Even through multiple tests, locally and at a Fertility Clinic in Salt Lake, all results have been inconclusive. Back in 2006, we did get pregnant, the pregnancy lasted 8 weeks, and we lost the baby. Needless to say, it's been a challenge. Adoption has always been an option, however, we didn't feel as though it was an option we would pursue actively.
In the beginning of October, Stuart was informed by one of his friends/colleague that his wife's cousin was pregnant and the baby was due in a few weeks. He told us that it was a possibility that she was going to place the baby for adoption. As weeks passed we tried not to get our hopes up or get too excited about the prospect of adopting, as most of these situations don't ever actually come about. Aliyah was born on November 2, 2010 (5 lbs. 3 oz, 17" long) with Down Syndrome. Aliyah was admitted into the NICU to make sure she was eating enough and because her oxygen levels were low. Because of her special needs, her birth mother and father felt as though it was in Aliyah's best interest to place her in a home. With the family having mentioned our names, we were informed shortly after that her birth-mother would like to meet us. On November 4th, Celeste got to go hold Aliyah for the first time and meet the birth mother and father. It was a very emotional situation at the time, but it was also very wonderful. Then Stuart got to meet the birth parents and Aliyah on November 6th. After meeting Aliyah's birth parents, her birth mother informed us that if we felt like we wanted Aliyah, we could have her. The following days we were able to visit Aliyah in the NICU, and on Wednesday November 10th, her birth mother carried Aliyah out of the hospital and entrusted her to our care.
Due to the manner in which Aliyah came to our home, the adoption process will not be finalized until May of 2011. At that time we can have her sealed to us. Aliyah has been an absolute joy in our home. We have just had the best Christmas ever. We are so excited to have her in our lives and be a part of hers. We are so thankful for all of the love and support we have received so far. Throughout this process we have been continually blessed. We are surprised at how much support there is for people with Down Syndrome. We recognize that she will have special needs her entire life, and we are excited to share in every aspect of her life.
In the beginning of October, Stuart was informed by one of his friends/colleague that his wife's cousin was pregnant and the baby was due in a few weeks. He told us that it was a possibility that she was going to place the baby for adoption. As weeks passed we tried not to get our hopes up or get too excited about the prospect of adopting, as most of these situations don't ever actually come about. Aliyah was born on November 2, 2010 (5 lbs. 3 oz, 17" long) with Down Syndrome. Aliyah was admitted into the NICU to make sure she was eating enough and because her oxygen levels were low. Because of her special needs, her birth mother and father felt as though it was in Aliyah's best interest to place her in a home. With the family having mentioned our names, we were informed shortly after that her birth-mother would like to meet us. On November 4th, Celeste got to go hold Aliyah for the first time and meet the birth mother and father. It was a very emotional situation at the time, but it was also very wonderful. Then Stuart got to meet the birth parents and Aliyah on November 6th. After meeting Aliyah's birth parents, her birth mother informed us that if we felt like we wanted Aliyah, we could have her. The following days we were able to visit Aliyah in the NICU, and on Wednesday November 10th, her birth mother carried Aliyah out of the hospital and entrusted her to our care.
Due to the manner in which Aliyah came to our home, the adoption process will not be finalized until May of 2011. At that time we can have her sealed to us. Aliyah has been an absolute joy in our home. We have just had the best Christmas ever. We are so excited to have her in our lives and be a part of hers. We are so thankful for all of the love and support we have received so far. Throughout this process we have been continually blessed. We are surprised at how much support there is for people with Down Syndrome. We recognize that she will have special needs her entire life, and we are excited to share in every aspect of her life.
