Secrets
This story starts about a good 8 years ago really, on a flight home from Texas. At the time I had a 3 year old and was bouncing a little (big) one year old on my lap. Seated in front of me on the plane was a young Hispanic mom with two of the cutest little girls that I have ever seen.
I looked at those girls, and it hit me all at once. Some day I was going to adopt a little Hispanic girl. I just knew it.
Fast forward 4 years, I have another baby. This baby threw us for a loop, a little wilder than the other two, a little crazier. My thoughts of adopting were shoved to the back of my head while I adjusted to being a mom of three boys.
But it was always there, always in the back of my head. And when Cole turned 4, I started looking into it.
Because I was convinced that an Hispanic daughter was in my future, I started looking seriously into Guatemala. I found an agency, gathered information, scheduled an international homestudy. Of course never to do things the easy way, we started the process right smack dab in the middle of our total house remodel/addition. Our homestudy was done with the whole back of our house missing, with us living out of one room.
One of the things I love about adoption, is that once you mention it- people come out of the woodwork to talk about it. I had a lot of chats with my contractor about adoption during our remodel. At one point he said, “aren’t there a lot of Hispanic kids here in the US that need homes?”
As we got further into the process and our home became more destroyed, we made the decision to wait until we finished the house. But by the time we finished, Guatemala adoption was becoming risky at best and within a month was closed down.
We were back at square one. I started looking at other countries, since we had an international homestudy. But every time I would bring it up to Andy, he would remind me that my “dream” was for an Hispanic daughter. So I started to look into domestic. It required us to start all over with the homestudy and document gathering. In some ways it was easier than the international process and in some ways it was harder.
It is hard keeping such a big secret. The boys leaked information here and there, I knew there were lots of whispers over at the school.
Andy and I have been enjoying seeing peoples reaction to the idea of us adopting. People that we thought would never get it, surprised us by being soooooo excited about the news. People that we thought would be totally on board, disappointed us. We get a kick out of the people that tell us that we are crazy. Of course we are, I thought that was already well established.
You just never know the reason behind a reaction. But for the most part we have found that the subject of adoption brings out the best in people. I have had a couple of friends that teared up the second I told them, Andy has a lot of people at work over the moon excited for us. I have had a ton of people contact me to ask questions about adoption, because it has been in their heart too. I love that!!!
Soooo….
I have some big news to share. Our little baby girl was born last week, 4 weeks early, but still a decent size at 5 1/2 pounds. She is about to be discharged from the hospital but won’t be able to come home until icpc passes. Icpc is a process that occurs between states that basically was set in motion to combat kidnapping. It is a frustrating wait, as our state has the longest average time for the process.
We will be heading out to pick her up very soon. But until then, here is a sneak peak at the little munchkin
Meet Eva
I asked how she got the little knitted hat- they said that there are a bunch of ladies that knit hats and blankets and such for the babies at the hospital. How sweet is that?
And can you believe all of that hair?? She looks so much like Blake as a baby. I am going to look for a picture of him to compare- that was pre-digital for me.
I just look at the little face and think of all the love that is waiting here for her. 3 big brothers that CAN”T WAIT for her to come home. She even has her first Ohio State onesie waiting for her in the closet. Maybe Gramma and Grandad can make sure the other school is covered as well.
About The Author
elisa
Jenny | 28th Apr 09
She is adorable! Congrats!
jen | 28th Apr 09
congratulations! what exciting news, i can’t wait to see more pix of her as she grows.
Mary | 28th Apr 09
So amazing…I’m am totally crying. I was hoping that this was what you have been alluding to these last few weeks. I am so happy for you and wish your family BLISS as your new daughter joins the family! Congratulations! I look forward to watching Eva grow on this blog!
tracey | 28th Apr 09
sooooooooo excited for your family! this is exciting!!!
carrie | 28th Apr 09
oh she is beautiful and this post gave me chills. I love reading about your family and can’t wait to see how this beautiful addition fits in…all her big brothers are going to watch after her…
Elizabeth | 28th Apr 09
What a wonderful announcement! Congrats to your family. . . and what a wonderful lifelong gift to little Eva!
kathy | 28th Apr 09
when I saw her sweet face I cried.
Jackie | 28th Apr 09
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time (came from Cathy Z) but I’ve never commented until now. Congrats on a beautiful baby girl! And to her birth Mom: the most selfless gift she could give her duaghter. How loved is she . . .
Emily (scoopy) | 28th Apr 09
Congratulations – how exciting for you and your family!
jennifer | 28th Apr 09
I follow your blog and I *had a feeling* that was the secret 🙂
That is WONDERFUL amazing news and Eva is GORGEOUS! What a great family she will be a part of!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
karen | 28th Apr 09
Welcome Eva!! Why did I think, for a moment, that her name might start with a ‘D’? 🙂
What a wonderful secret you have – I can’t wait for you all to put your arms around her!
love, Karen
Melanie | 28th Apr 09
Congratulations! I am SO surprised that she came a month early. I was waiting for you to tell us the news next month but she had other ideas. I am so happy for your family. I know that the brothers are excited for her to make her way home. She is one lucky girl.
Liz | 28th Apr 09
I’m adopted from Vietnam. Came over when I was almost 2. Beautiful story..got me teary eyed have to admit! Lucky her and lucky you!!!!!! 3 boys and this little sweet girl..is she gonna get spoiled???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nicki | 28th Apr 09
OH.MY.GOSH!!!!!
I knew it!!!! 🙂
I told my husband last week I thought you were adopting a baby…I had no idea she would be a brand new baby!!!. A family member of mine is adopted and I have to tell you you are doing a wonderful thing. How exciting! I can’t wait to see more of your beautiful daughter Eva 🙂 :-). I am jealous…you get to buy pink!
Nancy | 28th Apr 09
Congratulations. What a special little girl to be welcomed into your wonderful household.
diana | 28th Apr 09
Hi Elisa,
Congrats to you and your family!!! What a wonderful secret.
She is a lucky girl to get to grow up with 3 big brothers.
Best wishes to all of you, such an exciting time.
Dawn Morgan | 28th Apr 09
Oh Elisa. She is so beautiful. Congratulations to you, your hubby and the boys. You all must be so excited. Can’t wait to see all the “girly” posts!
Christi | 28th Apr 09
Whew! What a big relief.
She’s finally here, and she looks just like a Kennemer.
What a lucky little girl she is!
Amy | 28th Apr 09
CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family! Such exiting news and I am sure she will be so, so loved (by humans AND canine form)!!!
Julie | 28th Apr 09
Christi’s right – she does look like she belongs in the family! Grace can’t wait to meet her at Cousin Camp. Alex told me he prefers baby animals to baby people, but maybe we can win him over (or he’s just bummed at no longer being the youngest in the family).
Sally | 28th Apr 09
Elisa, I have been eagerly awaiting your news and feel over the moon happy for you. I don’t know you but have reading your blog like I have for the past year or two and I know you are such a fantastic person and fantastic family to do this. You are blessed and little Eva is blessed too. I wish you and your family all the very best.
Theresa | 28th Apr 09
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your family!
Teresa | 28th Apr 09
Congratulations!!!!
That is sooooo cool! Your baby girl is beautiful! 🙂
L | 28th Apr 09
How wonderful for you and your family.
She is beautiful.
Ginky and Ginky John | 28th Apr 09
She looks like she is smiling in the last picture, think she knows that she is entering a family that will spoil her rotten? Can’t wait to hold and rock her. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greg Coon | 28th Apr 09
Yea guys!!!! We could not be happier for you.
We love and miss you tons.
Greg & Julie Coon
Jordyn | 28th Apr 09
I cant wait for her!!! Finally a girl cousin out of both sides of the family 🙂 Im going to love watching her grow up
Andy | 28th Apr 09
Congrats Andy and Elisa! You guys are amazing people. Sounds like we should finish off the garage now. Ready?
Brett | 28th Apr 09
Congratulations! A very noble thing to do and you guys are great people. You will give her a huge gift in life.
Dinah | 28th Apr 09
Andy – I am so excited for you & your family!!!! WOW!!!! Very Awesome! Enjoy your new bundle of joy. God Bless.
maureen | 28th Apr 09
Congrats! I have been following your blog but never commented. So happy for your family!!
kelly | 29th Apr 09
Guys – I am really pleased for you all. Congratulations on the new addition to family.
Kate | 29th Apr 09
Wow – what fantastic news! I am so happy for the both of you.
Eva is so beautiful. She has alot of love waiting for her.
Congrats!
Kate
Donna | 29th Apr 09
She is so beautiful – congratulations. You both are wonderful parents and should adopt 10 more!
Kevin Strawbridge | 29th Apr 09
Congrats Kennemers!!! You are an awesome family and this is a blessing for you. I suppose Andy will have to change his Yahoo screen name…. All the best. The Strawbridges.
Karla | 29th Apr 09
This is such wonderful news! I am so happy for you both. Thanks for sharing Andy.
Helen | 29th Apr 09
Congratulations! She is truly gorgeous! It’s wonderful that you decided to adopt. I’m adopted and I thank my lucky stars everyday that my parents chose me. I’m sure Eva will do the same. Best wishes. x
Missy | 29th Apr 09
OH MY GOODNESS ELISA!!
How did I miss this???
(I’m blaming my craptastic cold)
Congratulations! I am so happy for you guys.
Ok, now we REALLY need to get together.
Quick.
Well, after this cold goes away, I don’t want to infect you guys.
I am so so so thrilled for you 🙂
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Caroline | 29th Apr 09
How exciting!!! I am so happy for you. We communicated a while ago through the adoption.com forum. I have 2 boys from Guatemala. When you said you had a secret, I just knew it was an adoption! I hope she’s home soon! Caroline
Shannon | 29th Apr 09
congrats to the entire family! i am so happy for you. you are blessed to have such an amazing addition and she is lucky to be a part of such a wonderful family.
SallyW | 29th Apr 09
What a wonderful secret. As the proud auntie of 2 adopted nieces I know what a wonderful gift you are giving Eva. And a little sister for the boys too, how nice. Good luck!
Carrie S. | 29th Apr 09
WOW ELISA! This is HUGE! Congratulations! A girl!!!! As another mom with 3 boys, I can *feel* your excitement! I can’t wait to see more photos and hear more details. What a wonderful gift to your family. XO
Aunt Debbie | 30th Apr 09
Oh Elisa, I remember as though it were yesterday, when Jessica was adopted into our ‘clan’. We had tried so hard to have a baby that everyone was extremely excited to receive her. Friends and family were lined up outside the bedroom to get a first peak at the precious little one who was so small she fit in my hand. I am thrilled for you, Andy and the boys. Your Uncle Jack would have been very proud for you and with you . . . until the day he left us, he wanted to adopt all the hurting and homeless. We’re blessed that you also have so much room in your hearts and in your home to receive such a tremendous blessing. Much love, Aunt Debbie
Kathy T | 30th Apr 09
Oh my! I’m away from your blog for a few days and see what I miss!! Congrats to you. Best wishes. Have fun. Enjoy. I’m very excited for you. Girls are cool.
My very best to you and your family on your new journey. How long do you think it will take for Eva to wrap your hubby around her little finger?…
Congrats again.
Kim | 30th Apr 09
OMGOSH….I can’t believe it…that is so so so SO awesome. What a beautiful little girl and so lucky to come into such a great family.
This is such great news.
Alice | 2nd May 09
That is theeee most wonderfully bundled sweetness I’ve ever seen! Congrats to you and you family =0)
Rich Last | 3rd May 09
Congratulations ! She is beautiful ! What a wonderful story !
Sandy | 4th May 09
What a wonderful story and a beautiful new addition to your family. I think anyone who opens their home to children should be commended. I wouldn’t worry so much about those who don’t agree with your decision, it’s not for them to judge. You will be making a difference in this little girls life. Congraulations to you all.
rachel carlson | 10th May 09
WHEW, here it is. i had to go back a few posts but found it. i did miss a lot, SO SORRY. i’ve had a lot going on, a lot. i’m SO happy that you guys did this, SO proud of you, so excited for you! cheers to all of you! hugs, rachel
Eva’s Story- Prologue » elisalou designs | 7th Oct 09
[…] I told the story about how I always knew that I would adopt, and how I knew she would be Hispanic here. […]