"She's all yours" (chapter 5)

Chris and I had been to the drive-in when our phone rang about midnight. It was Jenn's boyfriend and they were on their way to the hospital. He called us back less than and hour later when the hospital admitted her. We grabbed our packed bags and left for the 3 hour drive to Nashville to catch the earliest possible flight. I couldn't believe this was happening. As excited as I was, I was equally as frightened. Would we get Kennedy...hold her, care for her and love her for days only to have to give her back? Even though I had a peace about the situation, it was definitely scary to walk through.

When we arrived at the airport, the earliest flight we could get (due to 9/11) was at 10 am. After we explained to the angel at the ticket counter (she could probably see the desperation in my eyes) she bumped us to an 8am flight. We had an hour layover (though I don't remember where!) and I called our adoption coordinator, Deanna, to see how far along Jenn* was. She said she was already fully dilated and almost ready to push. We were going to miss the birth of our baby.

I can't remember ever being more nervous, excited and scared in my entire life. Because the last plane was only carrying 10 people, including us, it didn't take long for those around us to find out we were on our way to meet our daughter. Several people offered to drive us to the hospital and one woman gave me her phone number in case I needed anything. The minute we could exit, the stewardess hurried us out of the plane. Wouldn't you know I didn't have a signal until I was at the luggage carousel? Deanna answered the phone with "Lori, you have the most beautiful baby waiting on you! Jenn* has spent about an hour with her and she is doing great."

The drive to the hospital was a complete fog. I couldn't cry. I couldn't speak. When we finally walked around the corner to Jenn*'s room, we were greeted by Jenn's mother, Ann*. She embraced me and asked me if I wanted to be shown our room or go by Jenn's room first. Of course, we wanted to see Jenn*.

Jenn was propped up in the bed waiting on us. I went to her bedside and took her in my arms. I had no idea what to expect, but Jenn* quickly whispered, "Your daughter is beautiful Lori. I can't wait for you to see her and I'm so thankful I could do this for you." Overcome with emotion, the nurse asked, "Are you ready to meet your daughter?"

Chris led me to an empty chair and we waited for an eternity for the nurse to bring Kennedy in. When the bassinet wheeled in, she gently took her out and placed her in my arms. She was asleep. She was perfect. She was mine.

I'll never be able to convey what I felt that moment. Not only was I overtook with the wonder of this tiny baby, but also immeasurable gratitude at the magnitude of this gift entrusted to me. I heard Jenn say, "she's all yours" and I knew God had just answered my prayers.