It’s not your typical birth story.
There were no 2 happy lines staring back at me from a pregnancy test.
There was no 9 months to prepare for your arrival.
There was no crossing the days off the calendar until we saw your face.
There were no weekly or monthly photos showing my expanding belly.
There were no kicks telling me “Hello, I’m here!”
There was no morning sickness, swollen feet or exhaustion.
There were no interesting food cravings.
There was no cute maternity clothing.
There was no ultrasound photos to share with family and friends.
There was no “Gender Reveal Party.”
There was no wondering whose features you’d have.
There was no birthing class.
There was no baby shower in anticipation of your arrival.
There was no epidural, labor pains or contractions.
There was no bond so close that can only be experienced by an expectant mother.
But here’s what there was:
A yearning so strong for someone we never met.
Years of waiting, praying, tears and hope.
Tons of paperwork, social worker visits, background checks, fingerprints, home studies, profiles, meetings with lawyers and draining bank accounts.
A pain in our hearts that lasted for 4 years.
A test in patience, trust and faith.
Wondering who God had chosen especially for us.
The glimmer of hope when our adoption laywer called.
Utter disbelief and happiness when the birth parents chose us that very same night to be your adoptive parents.
Less than 24 hours to prepare for a new addition to the family!
Our world turning topsy turvy overnight!
Knowing that we had one last night of solid sleep, but being too excited to care!
Pulling into the hospital parking lot the next day knowing that our lives were about to change forever.
Knots of anxiety in our stomaches as we walked up to the hospital knowing our boy was waiting for us.
Trying to wake from a dream as we prepped ourselves by washing our hands and arms in the nurse’s station.
Feelings of weightlessness as we walked down the hall into the NICU.
A floodgate of pure bliss when we saw your sweet face and held you in our arms for the very first time.
An immediate bond that was undeniable!
A mandatory hands-on crash course in caring for a preemie.
A feeling of immense gratitude for 2 very special birth parents who gave us such a precious gift.
Staring in awe as you were carefully placed in your car seat knowing that you were coming home with us.
The inability to wipe the smile from our faces as we drove you home.
Finally realizing that there was a reason why it took 4 long years for our dream to come true!
Knowing that this was all God’s plan, and all those questions we had vanished –
you were made for us!
As your 5 month birthday approaches, I still can’t believe the happy, bubbly little sweetheart you are!
You have grown so much from the 4lb 15oz preemie you were to a strong, healthy boy!
You bring us so much joy, and I honestly can’t picture our lives without you!
Since then, Sam has been showered with so much love and joy, and he charms the pants off everyone!!!
All I can say is what a blessing you are Sam!
Your Mommy & Daddy love you!
Now that’s bliss, baby!
There was no rushing off the ship for us…
Our port of call, Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, St. Maarten.
I love their logo! So colorful, cheerful & fun!
If you want an easy day without going too far from the ship, this is it!
Walking down cobblestone alleyways, there was always something around the corner…like this courthouse…
…or this quaint Roman Catholic Church, St. Martin of Tours.
And don’t get me started on the many amazing shopping opportunities!!!
Say “Bonjour” to Orient Bay Beach!
Yep, that’s the rocky divider!
Tis the life!
With our relaxation mission accomplished, it was time to go back on the ship & enjoy our last night on the Valor.
Built in 1883 and modeled after Piccadilly in London, The Berkeley Memorial is
The stunning Government House.
Royston gathering sugar cane.
Feeding time!
Royston knew exactly where to take us for superb photo opportunities!
My hubby found his Jeep twin in St. Kitts on a random cliff overlooking the ocean!
Did I mention Royston was funny?
Bath, anyone?
My tarzan swinging on a vine!
The lush rainforest was a sight to behold…
…and so was my hubby! 🙂
Colorful batik products
You can’t tell from looking, but Royston pulled that van right up to the edge for a simply stunning outlook of the Peninsula!
Happy day!
If this is a dream, don’t wake me!
South Friar’s Bay
During the tour, Royston stopped by his dad’s house to pick something up.
Until next time St. Kitts…
Fear of deep water…me? Nah!
Kim sprinkled out num-nums for the turtles, and they got close enough to touch!
Filling my passport with family, travel and bliss 
