Our Miracle

On November 27th we all went to an ultra sound appointment where they told us that Henslee was already 8lbs 1 oz. We thought for sure the Dr would induce Lindsey because she was already getting so big and still had 2 weeks to go. The following Monday Nov. 30th we had a Doctors appointment with Lindsey's regular OB. The Doctor told us that it would be to soon to induce Lindsey and that Henslee would probably not make her grand entrance until her due date. The very next day (December 1st at about 2:30PM), Lindsey called me and told me that she thought her water had broke but she wasn't sure. Lindsey started driving herself to the hospital as I freaked out and went and picked up Jesse from work. It takes us about an hour to get to the hospital from our house. Jesse greeted me with 2 white roses one for me and one for Lindsey. What a sweet hubby! Meanwhile Lindsey has checked herself into the hospital, (everyone shocked that she had driven herself there) After a few tests it was determined....... Lindsey's water had broken and Henslee was on her way : ) Lindsey was admitted at 4:00 pm. It ended up being a very long night. She stayed dialated at a 1 until they started her on petocin at 2:00 am. and by 3:00 am the contractions were getting stronger and a lot more painful. Lindsey went through about 6 hours of really intense contractions until the doctor decided to give her an epidural. It was such a hard thing for Jesse and I to watch. Can you imagine someone going through that much pain for you ? There was nothing that we could do. Our love for Lindsey through this whole process has been strengthened beyond anything I can express. Things went pretty quick after they gave her the epidural. Finally at 3:01 pm December 2nd 2009 Henlsee L Maughan was born. Lindsey told the Doctor and nurses that she wanted me to be the first one to hold her. Can you believe that......Lindsey just went through all that she went through for me to be the first one to touch and hold that sweet precious baby girl. Henslee opened her eyes as they handed her to me. I can't even describe the emotions that came over me at that moment. It makes me tear up even just thinking about it. Jesse the new daddy cut the cord. How many adoption stories do you hear that, that happens. ????

We were able to stay in the hospital with Lindsey and Henslee over the next 2 days. We slept on about a twin size bed : ) in the room with Lindsey. It was a good chance for us to snuggle. It was actually pretty entertaining. Nurses, hospital staff ,etc would come into the room and see the 3 of us. First they would assume Jesse was Lindsey's husband. Then after telling them no..... it left them a little confused : ) I don't think a whole lot of open adoption go through that hospital. (well at least as open as we are : ) It was neat to be able to tell them what our story was. It was amazing, we haven't missed a second of our sweet little girls life.

We brought Henslee home on December 4th 2009. Jesse and I cried the whole drive home. We couldn't believe what was happening. We couldn't believe that there was a precious baby girl in our back seat, that was going to be ours. After years of countless tears, prayers and trials we were bringing our sweet baby girl home. There has been so many moments over the last few years of asking WHY?? Isn't this a righteous desire?? Am I not worthy?? What are we doing wrong???? I know now why.... Heavenly Father has a precious plan for us. That plan was to wait for our little Henslee!! The drive home we felt the spirit so strong. We felt such a strong love for Lindsey and for Henslee. How could Lindsey do what she did for us??? Lindsey has a strong testimony and knows Heavenly Fathers eternal plan. Families to be sealed together forever. I know Heavenly Father is there. I know that we have been comforted and surrounded by angels through this whole process. I know Heavenly Father loves us so much, he hears and truly answers prayers. It was a night I will never forget.

When we got home there were lots of pink balloons, and a dozen pink roses for Henslee's arrival. Both sets of grandparents drove a really long time to be able to be there. The day after Henslee came home, we went back over to Lindsey's. We met with our case workers Sharron and Hannah from LDS adoption agency and both of our families. Hannah and Sharon both have been a huge part of this process with us. They were the ones we went to with our tears, joy, questions, concerns. It was a bitter sweet night. After all paper work was signed stating that we could officially adopt Henslee we all sat together and talked about how amazing Lindsey is. Everyone told Lindsey how strong and amazing we think she is and how much we love her. How do you describe in words the way you feel towards someone that has just given you everything you have every wished for? She has been our earthy angel. I know it was a really hard night for Lindsey. I am so glad that she will always be a part of Henslee's life. Henslee will be a better person to be able to have Lindsey be a part of her life. I feel such a strong testimony of adoption and open adoption it has been such a huge blessing in our family. She sacrificed so much for us. We are eternally grateful.