In a Nutshell

So I know that many of you didn't even know that we have been anticipating McCallum... so this is the story in a nutshell.

About two months ago Jared's mom and dad sat us down and told us that there was a birth mother looking to place a baby and that she had already decided that she really liked us as the adoptive family. Due to the fact that we were not working with any agency at the time, we were a little perplexed. Then they went on to tell us that the Eileen Morris, a close family friend, had mentioned that her niece was looking for a family and wanted to look into the agency that Lynn (Jared's mom) works with. Being a wonderful mother, Lynn suggested that Eileen show Her Niece, Nithra, our family and see what she thought about a private adoption. So that is just what happened. Without Jared or my knowledge they got onto our blog and cut a number of pictures and words that I had written. I guess Nithra felt really good about us, because we got to meet her the next day after hearing about her. We met with Nithra and her mother and talked for about two hours and then just waited to hear if they liked us. I assume that they did because she picked us to be the family that would raise her little guy! A few weeks later we had dinner with her again so that we could meet her dad as well. (Let me just say, this family is so neat! We just fell in love with them from the get go!!)

Time passed and we finally got around to having the baby born... It went by so fast! The family invited us up to hold McCallum the night he was born. He was just the most perfect little baby boy we have ever seen! We got to spend time with Nithra and her parents as well as meet one of her little brothers. I can't even tell you how comforting it was to meet these people and just love them instantly. They were fantastic to us! I can't imagine it was easy for them to share their time with us, but I am grateful that they did!

The next day we came to the hospital to take McCallum home. It's so hard to put into words the confusing emotions that go on! We were so excited to bring him home, but so heart broken to see this wonderful family hurt so much. We came with Ryan and our attorney Mike and spent some time filling out paperwork and enjoying each others company. Ryan took to Scott and Lu so quick. She was dancing and singing for them. She even felt comfortable enough to go on walks with them and try to scare them by growling at them! (That's the real test. If Ryan will scare you, you know she likes you!)

Finally, after waiting for an eternity for us to be discharged, we all walked out to our cars together. We exchanged hugs and some words and drove away! I wish that words were able to describe the emotion and love, but they just can't! I hope Nithra and her entire family knows how much we love them! They are all a part of our family now! We are so grateful to them for providing us a way to grow and expand our family in a way that we couldn't do on our own.

McCallum William Park

So just as I had decided that I was ok with waiting for this little guy to come on the 11th I get a call that Nithra was admitted into the hospital! She went in around 5ish on September 3rd and ended up delivering this little one at 5:13am on September 4th! He is such a good little baby! He is so chill, and is just such a good sleeper, eater, and looker!! He is perfect!!

6 Pounds 5 Ounces and 19.5 inches

So, we just got this little doll home today; and, as you can imagine things are crazy here at the house. So I will get some pictures and a our story up later. Stay posted!!

Still nothin'

So... it's been a while now...and there is still nothing happening as far as the labor process g0es. I am sure that Nithra is tired of being pregnant, and it's killing me to wait!! The doctors stripped her membranes on Tuesday and there has been no signs of labor. I guess we will just have to wait more and see. If she does not go into labor by this next Tuesday, Sept 7, they will strip them one more time. If she still does not go into labor after that, they have set an induction for September 11! What a day to be born huh!! The attack on the United States, as well as the day that Jared went into the MTC! I wish it would be the 10th or even the 12th, but I don't get to decide these things! Oh man... I really need to work on being PATIENT!!

Also, now that we have had time to think more about names, we are liking McCallum William. But be honest. Is that too much? They both end in um. It's Jared's middle name, but I am not really a fan of naming my children based on tradition. I think McCallum Clyde sounds pretty cool. How many Clyde's do you know that get beat up at school? Naming boys is so hard!!!

NEWS-- and NAMES

So I am sitting at home just going stir crazy. Jared is at the gym and Ryan is watching a movie while eating her breakfast. However, my mind is spinning. I normally would not announce anything until it was a for sure thing, but I am thinking it might calm my nerves a little if I write about it.

So what's the news... We are waiting for a baby boy to be born! He should come any day now... but he is taking his sweet time! I know that our birth mom probably could use a break from being pregnant! And I know I could use a break from anxiously awaiting him so... just come already!

So while we wait why not let the public weigh in on our name selection. Keep in mind that the middle name we leave open to the birth mother unless she doesn't have any names. however we are going back and forth between...

Ryder McCallum AND Fisher William

I think that I would also go for McCallum Hinkley. And we have thought about Hinkley McCallum as well.

Leave some other names for me to chew on the next few days while I wait as patiently as I can. At least weigh in on you thought about the names too!

"We are excited for you to come to our home little boy! Just come healthy and happy! LOVE YA!"

The Great state of WY

So my little sister and Jared's little brother, Steph and Jordan, have officially left us for pharmacy school in WY. I know this sounds horrible, but I really am glad to see them go. First because this will be a great experience for them. Second, one day Steph will be able to get me my drugs at cost--provided she passes and becomes a pharmacist. Finally, now that they are gone we have been able to move into the basement apartment that they once occupied. Good riddance! Just kidding, Steph is my chum and best friend and I will miss her. Jordan is going to be missed as well. Those to are going to do great out there though! Good luck with everything you guys!!

Here is a picture of Steph and Jordan right after her white coat ceremony. What a good looking coat! It makes her look so smart and so able to distribute drugs!

2.5 and Cute as a bug

So I took my little sister Andrea out for new year pictures and decided to try and get some of Ryan while out. You know, kill two birds with one stone. This little girl is so cute and fun the camera can't even capture it!! Here is a taste of what I get every day all day.


This we coined "lady look"

Birthday and Crazy Race!

So Jared had his 27th birthday... what an old FART! We had a good day though. You always know it's a good day when you see Jared give in and eat two helpings of birthday cake!!

Also, Jared decided to do a huge race on the spur of the moment. A week before the Jupiter Peak Steeple Chase in Park City, Jared decided to give it a try. This is no run in the park. It is a freakin' 16 mile mountain climb. 8 miles to the peak and 8 miles back. However, he did really well. He finished in 3 hours and 9 min. Nice job for no training and never running in any sort of race before!