the “small” secret we’ve been keeping …

Posted in Fridays, Life, Love, Misc, Ramblings on July 20, 2010

our entire lives changed in April when we got the call from the agency that a birth mom wanted to meet us. It was in that moment that I knew this story was meant to be ours. Two and a half months later we finally welcomed our baby girl into the world (this past Thursday, July 15th @ 6:15 pm). 6 lbs, 11 ounces and 19.5 inches long she is the most perfect little baby we have ever laid our eyes on. She has opened doors in our heart and filled our lives with more love than we thought possible.

Her name is Charlotte Louise and we are calling her “Charley” for short.

Lots more photos and stories to share very soon. For now, we’re just enjoying her every breath ….

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo!

p.s. 503 is on hold indefinitely.

http://refrigerator-art.blogspot.com Becca

Oh my! Congratulations! I almost never comment on here (admitted lurker), but I was a year or two behind you in high school. I happened upon your blog through mutual friends at BHS. And I just grinned and got goosebumps when I pulled up your blog. What a wonderful sight! Praise the Lord for this precious new life!!!
http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife Lee Currie

So wonderful. Enjoy!
Antje

Jess, I am so overjoyed for you both! Enjoy each precious minute with little Charley! Can’t wait to see more pics and to meet her at some point.
AmyC

Oh my goodness!! I wondered what you’ve been up to I am so happy for you all. She has a beautiful name. You will adore this adventure, and yes it is an adventure . I can’t wait to hear more and see more photos! Congratulations!!!!! Soak it all in!
Erin T.

GOD IS GOOD!!! How wonderful! So very very excited for all of you. Sending love and hugs!
http://destineeblau.com Destinee

Just found your blog through a repost at creative mama. Can’t wait to look at more of your work but I just wanted to say congratulations! What a sweet blessing!
http://www.amyherndonphotography.com amy

hi jessica!! i was in one of your 503 workshops last summer. you changed my life in ways i never dreamed possible. ever since i “met” you, i have been praying that you would one day hold a baby of your own. my best friend has adopted two little girls and over many years, i watched her go through the heartbreak of infertility to the joys of finally becoming a mother. my friend (who is also a beginning photog) recently did a photo shoot for another mom who had just adopted and my friend wrote a beautiful piece about adoption. if you’re interested in reading it, it’s at http://shannonladukephotography.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-r-sneak-peek.html. you may need a tissue though! i am so thrilled for you and can’t wait to watch your precious baby grow on your blog! congratulations on your family of three!!! xoxoxo
http://www.karenrussell.typepad.com Karen Russell

Wow – congratulations to you!!! What an amazing, beautiful blessing!!! Congrats again!
http://brookesnow.com Brooke Snow

Oh my oh my!!!!!

I’m just absolutely delighted for you! You will LOVE being a mom! It is amazing! I’m beyond thrilled for your new little family! Can’t wait to see more pictures!
Tracey Lapin

I had a funny feeling we would be hearing something along these lines soon…
There is one very happy student of yours clapping with joy all the way in Sydney, Australia…

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter – xxx
Michelle

Congratulations!!!! What wonderful news. God bless.
http://jobrinahofleitphotography.com Jobrina Hofleit

OMGoodness!!!!! She is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! Congratulations to you and your husband, Jessica! I was in your 503 Workshop back in November and have always had you in my thoughts with all your struggles (as I have had myself) and am so unbelievably happy for you! “Unanswered Prayers” are truly a miracle. You will LOVE being a mommy, it truly is the most amazing job we could ever hope to have!!!!! Looking forward to seeing endless pictures of Charley!
Kimberly

Oh My! HOW AWESOME!

Congratulations!
http://www.sweetdaisyphotography.blogspot.com MelissaFoscardo

Just fantastic!! I’m so happy for you and your husband. Congratulations. Can’t wait to see more pictures of your little bundle of joy
kristin hayes

jess. i. CA!!!!!!!

oh my goodness. that is the best news in the universe. i am over the moon for the three of you (and everyone else in your world).

you are a parent! you are somebody’s MOM! you ahve a DAUGHTER for goodness sake!!!

she is pure perfection, i can’t wait to watch her grow via your breathtaking images.

looks like you’ve found yourself another soulmate there, sister…
http://schiranotriplets.blogspot.com rachael s

congratulations…enjoy these first few moments as a new family!
http://mattandari.blogspot.com ari

So happy for you Jess. I know you’ve waited so long to be a mommy and now is your time! You’re going to love having a baby girl….they’re the best!
ari
http://heathershortphotography.wordpress.com Heather

Congrats to you, what a lovely name~
Bridgette

LOVE this picture – it says so much! So happy for you both. Enjoy every second of being a mommy. Charley is ADORABLE, so precious.
http://www.kristinbrownphotography.com kristin

oh YAY! i don’t know you even a little bit but congratulations!! i can tell from your blog that this has been a long time coming so when i saw that picture i gasped in happiness for you. have fun!
http://www.parismillerphoto.com Tammy

This just made me cry. I know I don’t really “know” y’all, but I’m am so incredibly happy for you. CONGRATULATIONS! This is just wonderful news!
http://www.reneeyemmaphotography.blogspot.com Renee

OMG!! Jessica!! I saw someone post this yesterday saying CONGRATS and I thought it was you, but then I said, hmm…I’m not sure b/c I couldn’t tell by the picture. I’m so used to your black and white one! YAAAAAAY!!! It is you!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I wish you amazing new parenthood bliss!!!! YAAAAY!
http://isuloribell.blogspot.com Lori K

Congratulations, Jessica – how exciting! Very happy for you and your expanding family!
Karyn Collins

Bright Blissed out Blessings! Enjoy every wonderful mommy moment. Congratulations!!
michelle

What an incredible surprise to click on over to your blog today and see this sweet post!!! I know you and your husband must be over-the-moon filled with JOY!!! ) Congratulations on your beautiful daughter!!!!! Breathe in every. single. second. (((hugs)))
Emilee

Oh, Jess! I’m literally crying with JOY for you and your family! You’re a MOMMY and I am so extremely happy for you. Words can’t express the happiness I feel for y’all. Charley is beautiful and I praise the Lord for her!

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” -Psalm 28:7
anna

sweet. beautiful. perfect.
http://www.accidentaldiscoveries.blogspot.com shaina

oh jess, i am so beyond words happy for you. thank you for sharing your precious new gift with us. i can’t wait to watch her grow.
love from me to you and yours….
<3
MartaV

Congratulations! I am over the moon excited for you both. You absolutely deserve all the best. You will be amazing parents. Welcome to parenthood!! Best wishes to you both.
http://nicolasamoreau.blogspot.com Nicolasa

Wow! I am SO excited for you two! This is just fantastic! I can’t wait to hear more and see more!
Tara

Congratulations, Jessica! I am filled with joy for you and your family. I can see the sheer happiness in your smiles. Thanks for sharing this with us. Can’t wait to see more pictures of beautiful little Charley (love the name).
Tracy

I am so very happy for you and for your new family. When I took your workshop, I hadn’t read your blog for very long and so didn’t know your story. That changed a few weeks ago, as I found myself going back and reading your older posts. Congratulations. I wish you all the best. (I have my own Charlie — a boy — it’s a terrific name!!!)
Emily

Oh my goodness, Jess! I’m so thrilled for you and Corey! Enjoy being a momma…it’s the greatest!
Melissa

Oh Jess! This post made me tear up and get goosebumps! I’m so excited for you guys. Contratulations to you both!!
Jessica

Congrats to you and your husband! That is such wonderful news! I was a student in your last workshop and have followed your blog for a while. Enjoy every moment!!
http://www.yolo-photography.com Erica

Jess, as an adoptive mama I just want to say welcome to the family and a big congratulations to the 3 of you! I am so, so happy for you! Even now I sit and stare at my son when he isn’t paying attention and I sneak in his room and watch him sleep. He still brings tears of happiness to my eyes even after 2 years.

Enjoy the moment, savor it even when times get tough. Enjoy her baby scent and each little smile. Motherhood is the greatest gift of love I have ever experienced. I had no idea I could so love so fiercely until my son.
http://www.davidstephenphoto.com David Stephen Kalonick

Hip Hip Hooray!!! Congratulations! We can’t wait for pictures!

-David and Kristen
http://thelittlefeet.blogspot.com/ Jen

Congratulations!!! What wonderful news!
Sparklebutt

Just Perfect! I am so happy for you all. ENJOY this special time!
Lauren Dvorscak

I knew it!!! I just knew and hoped that there was baby news with all of your hint dropping comments! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so thrilled for you, your husband, and Charley.

Take peace in knowing that the first month is the hardest and it DOES get better every month. And take comfort in knowing that bonding takes time, even with a biological baby. It will come, and it will knock your socks off! It’s so wonderful and amazing to watch your baby grow. After 13 months now, I still keep saying “I know I just said this 3 months ago, but THIS is my favorite stage so far!”. She will teach you everything you need to know.

Congrats to you all. I am full of joy for you!

~Lauren
Former 6/10 503 student
Moderator of the auditors’ yahoo group
http://lappegaardfamily.blogspot.com Molly in MN

Oh my goodness! So happy for you!
Can’t wait to have more Charley love!
http://www.michellegardella.com michelle gardella

I love this: 503 is on hold indefinitely. welcome to the marvelous world of balancing! i cannot wait to see more beautiful pictures!! congrats!!
Misty

So, so, SO happy for you! Congratulations!
http://reginamphotography.com Regina

SO Happy for you guys!! Congratulations!
Summer C.

Congrats!!! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and am so thrilled for you momma! She is going to be so loved!
http://www.jasminejohnsonphotography.com/blog jasmine

jessica! i’m thrilled for you. thank you for sharing so much with us… congratulations on your sweet new baby girl!
http://www.kristenreedphotography.com Kristen Reed

Jessica.
PRAISE.THE.LORD. I am SO thrilled for you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your post literally took my breath away…ok, maybe it was just the photo (holy wow!).
I’m SOOOOO excited for your family and CANT wait to see more pictures and stories and I know that this little girl will have the most amazing mom and dad ever! Congrats on your new love! And praise God for his wonderful and marvelous timing and plan!

Kristen Reed
jenn

you know my heart hasn’t stopped smiling~~~xoxoxo! love her and love you!
Jenna H

CONGRATS!! Enjoy your new little family!
http://www.HalinaV.com Galina

oh my!!!!
this is just … wow!!!
Congratulations to you!!!
I’ve been reading your blog for months and I know how you’ve awaited this moment!!! CONGRATS!!!!!

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the story {part 1}

the “small” secret we’ve been keeping …

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