Meet Addi!

Our dear friends Ryan and Gretchen have a new baby girl!!!

Advent Evangeline MertesThey are calling her Addi. She was born on Tuesday, March 3 at 4:28pm in Portland, Oregon, weighing almost 7 lbs and 20 inches long. Addi has been adopted by Gretchen and Ryan and here is the Mertes three with the birthmother, Cassandra. She is one of the most amazing, strong, and brave women I have ever met. Gretchen and Ryan began the adoption process back in October, and after one other situation that didn't work out, were connected with Cassandra in December. She graciously allowed the proud parents to be a part of the pregnancy, attending all of her medical appointments and being present for the birth. Unfortunately, Ryan was unable to always get time off from work to travel to Portland with Gretchen for Cassandra's adoption appointments, but fortunately, that meant I was able to accompany Gretchen on the adventures three different times, and get to know Cassandra up close and personal myself! It's been a crazy, emotional, joyous up and down adoption journey for sure. Gretchen and Ryan did their best to keep all of the details private until the adoption was finalized, which finally happened Friday afternoon. This is pretty difficult when you work for a church! Jon and I have been absolutely blessed to build such a close relationship with Gretchen and Ryan and we truly are "family" now.

A tearful Gretchen called me on Thursday night, looking for comfort and support and asking that Jon and I join them at the hotel in Portland! We scrambled to wrap up loose ends at work and find an emergency pet sitter, but by lunchtime on Friday we were on the road. I cannot find the words to describe how special it was to be able to hold Addi at just days old, and to give Gretchen and Ryan some much needed reassurance and opportunities to rest. Don't we look good holding babies? So sorry to all of you who thought I was going to say I am pregnant, because I am not, and we're not even trying just yet, but let me tell you, I am very anxious and excited for our time to come! We have been very wrapped up in the Mertes adoption journey, and although it's been crazy, it is truly a joy, and we are so very excited to be Uncle Jon and Auntie Cole for precious little Addi. It feels so good to finally tell you all about the adventure that has been consuming much of our time, energy, and emotions over the past week and even months.

One more picture....here are Gretchen and Ryan with the 5 ft tall stuffed giraffe Jon and I gave to them for the nursery the night before they left for the birth in Portland; another special evening, sharing dinner and spending final time together before we were a party of 5 instead of 4! This is just the beginning of the presents. Jon and I will be busy helping to plan and host both a personal and church baby shower for The Mertes Family over the next few weeks. There is MUCH to celebrate!