Vera Jae

Baby girl came home today.  Her name is Vera Jae.

Vera (pronounced “Veer-ah”) was my grandmother’s name.  Her impact on my life was profound.  She was there for all the important moments as well as all the seemingly unimportant moments.  She was adventurous, smart, brave, curious, strong, kind, and godly.  When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

Jae (pronounced “Jay”) was one of the names given to Vera by her birthmom.  We wanted to keep it for her, as it is part of her story and identity, and a little piece of birthmom for her to hold onto. 

Vera is now at home and is sound asleep – and we will be too, soon, we hope!

Due to the ongoing legal situation, we can’t post any of her pictures on any kind of social media, including this blog.  Hopefully, that situation will be resolved within the next few months, and then we’ll be able to post a whole slew of pictures.  In the meantime, if you want pictures, and are willing to promise us that you won’t post them anywhere or send them to anyone else, email us at jeannineshannon@gmail.com or text us at 301-613-5790 and we would be thrilled to send you some!

Waiting Lessons

Baby girl was born 11 weeks ago.  We thought we’d only have to wait a month before bringing her home.  It has felt like a long wait.

Someone asked me the other day if I’ve figured out yet what God has been trying to teach me through the wait.  The obvious answers would be patience and reliance on Him.  And I’ve been stretched in those areas for sure.  But the most important lesson I think I’ve learned is about the value of community.  Of opening myself up to other women, and being vulnerable, and letting them care for me.  I have stronger relationships with more women now than I did three months ago.  And I am positive that this would not be the case if we had not been forced to wait.

I’ve had friends whom I haven’t talked with in years email or text me out of the blue to say they were thinking about me, or praying for me, or to give me encouragement through their own stories about waiting.  I’ve had friends open up their homes to me and let me come in and just hang out for the day.  I’ve had friends stop and pray with me.  I’ve had friends give me baby stuff and (welcome) parenting advice.  I’ve had friends laugh with me.  I’ve had friends help me figure out how the heck one assembles a pack-n-play.  I’ve had friends set up showers and meals.  I’ve had friends send cards and stupid pictures that made me laugh.  I’ve had friends willing to drive long distances just to celebrate with us.  For heavens’ sake, I have a friend who gave me her frozen breastmilk – how much better does it get than that? 

And I’ve learned that I desperately need those friends.  I’ve learned that it is ok to be vulnerable.  It is ok to need help.  It is ok to need your village.

Love to all,

Jeannine