Berkley got an early Christmas present from Marmie and JT. She was given the opportunity to adopt a baby of her own. Since Berkley was going to be the mommy, they decided she needed to be the one to pick out the baby. (And go through the entire adoption process!) So... Marmie, Amy, Berkley and I headed to the Newborn Nursery in Plano the week before Christmas.
We had explained to Berkley all of the things she was going to get to do when she adopted her baby. We had also shown her a website online that explained the adoption process at the Newborn Nursery so that she would know what to expect.
The day of our road trip, Berkley was SO excited. She dressed herself in "mommy clothes" so that she would be completely prepared for the adoption. (After all, it is always important to dress the part!) She had also instructed Amy to bring along the baby name book that she had borrowed from us so that we could help Berkley pick out the perfect name for her new baby. Since Berkley is indeed such a planner, she also instructed Marmie to bring the extra car seat so that her new baby would have a place to ride on the way home! She was completely prepared and totally excited about her adventure ahead.
On the way to Plano, we had lots of fun picking our favorite baby names. We made a list of several names so Berkley could make her final decision. She originally had said she was going to name her new baby Clara, like the girl in the Nutcracker; but she decided on Claire. Berkley picked Claire's middle name pretty quickly. We all agreed that she had picked a beautiful name... Claire Elizabeth. We couldn't wait to meet her!
When we got to the Newborn Nursery, Berkley immediately went up to the nursery window to look at all of the babies. There were so many to pick from, and they were all so cute.
The nurse soon greeted us and explained that Berkley needed to answer some questions first and sign an adoption agreement before she could pick out her baby. Although Berkley was a little shy, she did a great job listening to the nurse and answering all of the questions she had for Berkley. 
Here are the questions she had to answer:
*Will you sing your new baby to sleep if it is upset?
*Will you read to your baby?
*Will you provide clothes for your baby to wear?
*Will you take your baby on special outings?
*Will you change your baby when needed?
*Do you promise to love and care for your new baby?
She, of course, answered "yes" to them all! Next, she needed to sign the agreement she had just made. She took it very seriously!
Now that she had officially completed her paperwork, it was time to pick out her new baby! The nurse instructed her to pick certain babies that she wanted to see closer and the nurse would bring them to the window. As Berkley looked at all of the babies, she decided that she wanted a baby with blond hair and blue eyes just like her. She quickly had it narrowed down to two babies. The nurse held both of the babies side by side, and Berkley instantly knew which baby would be Claire. In fact, it was the baby that Amy had spotted right from the beginning. She thought that particular baby had been looking at Berkley from the moment we got to the nursery!
Once Berkley picked her baby, she got to go into the nursery to hold her baby and make sure she was indeed the perfect choice. Berkley put on a hospital gown and sat down in the rocking chair to hold Claire for the very first time.
She told the nurse that she was happy with the baby she had picked. The nurse then took the baby from Berkley to weigh and measure her so that she could fill out Claire's birth certificate. She also asked Berkley for the baby's name, and the nurse was so impressed when Berkley replied with "Claire Elizabeth Paul." The nurse told Berkley that a lot of mommies didn't always have a name picked out when they came to adopt a baby. The nurse completed the birth certificate and shared all of the information with Berkley. She listened closely to all of the information.
Here are the stats for Claire Elizabeth...
Claire Elizabeth Paul
born December 13, 2008
6 pounds 4 ounces, 19 inches
Berkley was officially the mommy of Claire. She proudly showed off her new baby.
Once all of the paperwork was complete, Berkley got to take off her hospital gown. I think she began to feel a little more comfortable. She soon showered her new baby with hugs and kisses.
She was definitely a proud mommy!
Marmie got a chance to meet Claire next. Berkley really enjoyed showing her off!
What an exciting experience!!!
Once we left the nursery, Berkley turned into a little mommy. She got Claire strapped into her carseat and quickly began taking care of all of her needs. She was having so much fun!Since we were already in Dallas, we decided to do a little shopping. Claire had her first girl's shopping day. I think she takes after her mommy, because she truly seemed to enjoy herself.
After a full day of shopping, we were all ready to get home. We stopped in Weatherford at Rosa's for a quick dinner to break up our trip back to Abilene. Berkley got Claire a booster seat so she could join us at the table.
I think Claire is one lucky baby. She got one great mommy! We look forward to all the adventures we will have with her in the future!
Thanks Marmie and JT for giving Berkley such an amazing experience. I know it is something that she will always remember. I know Claire thanks you as well. (You know this adoption kind of makes you her great-grandparents!!!)
1 comment:
What will they come up with next??? Wow, what a fun experience. Enjoyed reading about it all. And Plano, huh? That is right here in our backyard. Oh yeah, I have boys. I guess I will have to tell my nieces.
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