Here's the Story....

The last month at the Brophy household has been filled with every emotion known to man. I am happy to say that things are finally starting to be filled with joy and happiness. I am starting to realize just how blessed we are. Here is the short story of a very LONG story/process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. :) On December 23rd, our adoption agency called to tell us about a little baby girl that was born on December 15th. She was born addicted to cocaine and her birth mother ("bmom") wanted to place her for adoption so that she wouldn't go into State custody. Ryan and I talked about it and began to think about whether or not we would be able to provide for a child who would probably have some special needs as she gets older. We felt that maybe a family with more experience with this sort of thing would be better, we were kind of being cowards, but we decided to go and meet with Laraine, the caseworker from the other agency. Laraine is wonderful. She was really the only person who was visiting the baby and we could see she really loved her. We saw the baby and it was love at first sight. I cried the whole way home from the hospital because I was sure I wanted to be her mother, but was still worried whether I could provide her with the best care. Over the next few weeks, we met with doctors and specialists. We prayed and prayed to know what to do. We met with Laraine at the hospital. The baby was doing great. She was doing everything that little babies are suppose to do, she would be discharged from the hospital soon. Ryan and I knew soon after that we wanted her to come home with us, but then things got complicated. To summarize days of traumatic phone calls and dark moments, about a week ago, we were received a phone call that the State had taken her into custody, she was now in a foster home and we had no idea where she was or what to do. We were crushed. I felt abandoned and betrayed by the State and by our agency. They all told us that we would be able to adopt her but things had changed. The next day, we were told that DCFS and the AG's office were aware of our situation and since the bmom was no longer in the picture, they all wanted us to have the baby. But, of course, we have to go through all the necessary procedures. So, Ryan and I are now taking classes to become licensed foster parents. We are being licensed as kinship foster parents, which means once our reference letters come back and our home safety visit is done, we will be able to bring the baby home while we are waiting to complete our training. We are thrilled beyond words. Another wonderful thing is that our little one is with a wonderful foster family, we honestly couldn't ask for better people to be caring for her. They are a cute grandma and grandpa, who have welcomed us into their home. Yes, we do have daily visitation, what a blessing that is. So, here she is.....my little girl!!! We will name her Emma Laraine Brophy. Emma after my aunt, and Laraine for the amazing woman who first introduced us. (SHHHH.....The State calls her something else for the time being, but we will only call her that at meetings and in Court)

I have to say, "THANK YOU" to those of you in blog land who have been there for us and continue to be a big support. There have been times this past month when I have felt exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but I have always been able to move forward. I have an amazing family and group of friends. Some who have been a strength to me through their prayers, phone calls and hugs, others who have sat with me on the couch and cried right along side me. The journey isn't over yet, but I am starting to feel like it will have a happy ending.