Meeting Ryker

He was in Jon's arms, the caring home father, watching football and sound asleep.  He has the most precious little face and his lips were pursed together because he had just finished eating.  His eyes were closed and he was wrapped up tightly in a blanket.  Jon placed him in my arms and it took everything in me not to break down at that moment.  This was our baby, God had orchestrated all of this and now he was lying in my arms.  Tyler took photo's and then we sat on the couch and marveled at this beautiful baby boy, who we decided to name Ryker Lawerance Gray.  He was perfect in every way and it felt surreal to finally be with him. 

We spent a couple hours alone with our new little one and some wonderful bonding time.  Mary and Jon had left over Christmas dinner and we sat around the table with their two girls talking for hours.  We talked later that evening how overwhelming it was to realize how blessed we are.  The Raterman's are some of the nicest people and have completely welcomed us into their home.  They're so helpful to us new parents, who are clueless about a lot of things :)  That evening I fell in love and finally realized what my mom meant when she said so many times, "you have no idea how much I love you."

Monday, the 27th, was a special day.  We spent the morning walking around a local mall as a family.  Ryker got his first lego, which was a police officer and his K-9 (we couldn't resist).  That afternoon we signed the papers, stating Ryker was legally ours as long as the mother does not choose to reclaim her rights by January 3rd.  The birthmom's social worker was there with us and really helped us to feel confident that this is our baby and that the birthmom still feels she made the right decision.  What a beautiful moment!

The Raterman's, Valeeria and us with our baby Ryker!

Mary, Ryker and Valeeria signing papers :-)

Today was filled with lots of sight seeing and fun photo's so here we go....

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Museum was incredibly humbling

Alright Bronco's I think we might be the first in line for the Georgia game :-) GO BSU!

Laura and Mary with Ryker :)

Mary and Carol....we love them!

We're a varsity family

Ryker bleeds orange and blue, thanks to the beautiful blanket Carol made for him and his BSU onsie Grandpa Bower got him....so cute!

Ok everyone,  I will do my best to keep you updated with photo's.  We are so enjoying our time with Ryker and we have lots to see here in Atlanta.  Please keep us in your prayers.  We have to remember that the birthmom still has until January 3rd to change her mind.  God has really given us a peace that this is His plan for us and that Ryker is our baby, but we still appreciate the prayers.  We are so in love and so thankful to those of you who have been faithfully praying and supporting us through this process.