Introducing
Cameron Justin Douglas
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our third boy! Ever since we began the road of adoption 6.5 years ago we had heard the stories of a whirlwind adoption. The adoptive parents get a call one day saying that the baby was born, go pick him up. We knew the stories, but it seemed far fetched and we didn't think that it would ever happen to us. We were wrong.
Last week we got that phone call. We had been chosen by a couple to be the parents for their child. He had been born 3 days earlier, he was 5 weeks early, had a hole in his heart, and was born with Down Syndrome. They knew about our situation with Evan and knew that we would need to take some time thinking about our potential life together. This decision was not one that we took lightly, it was not a decision that came easily. Justin and I needed to make sure we would be able to give all of our children (no matter who they are) what they need to thrive as individuals.
We spent the next 5 days talking, crying, praying (repeat a thousand times) asking for Heaven's guidance in this big decision that we had to make. We experienced miracles!!! One of these miracles happened while we were working at the Calgary Temple open house. While we were working our shifts at the temple open house God (unbeknownst to the rest of us) led Justin and I, our social worker, and the birth parents into the same place at the same time and we were able to have an impromptu private meeting together. We had the opportunity to learn about each other, about the baby, and about his needs.
Sunday we were blessed with even more divine guidance in the form of angel friends that have been placed in our life for more ways than one. We felt good about our decision and we felt united. The responses we have gotten are interesting. We have experienced backlash, concern, excitement, love and several mixes of emotions in between. We know that some people may not understand why we are taking on another child with special needs on purpose, but we feel it is the right thing. We feel guided. We feel like we will be able handle it.
We are thoroughly in love with our little Cameron. He is still in the NICU and we are just waiting for him to be able to breathe without supplemental oxygen. We have been to the hospital every day since Monday and can't wait for our little (4lb 14oz) boy to come home.
44 comments:
I am byond THRILLED for all of you!! That is the most exciting and awesome news. I can't imagine the roller coaster you two have been through the past little while....but when I see the three of you in that last photo.....I smile the biggest smile....because I know you are so blessed. All of you. He is the most beautiful baby ever!
P.S. I know that my Aunt Lisa -- my very best childhood friend -- is smiling down on you all. And if you never had the chance to meet Lisa when living in the little R Village...then I am sure your mom and dad might be able to fill you in. Until I see you and can fill you in myself. ; )
Hugs to you all!
Congratulations! Can't wait to hear and see how the boys feel about their baby brother.
Oh...and that "quick phone call"? Yeah.....my parents got one like that too....all those years ago. lol. Fun!
Kira and Justin,
My experience with children with Downe's Syndrome is that they have a lot of love to give. A pure heart. He may never understand the gift he has been given to be blessed with such a loving family, but you will understand the gift you've been given. We wish your family a very big congratulations and an armful of love from us as you start your new journey.
Love Bruce, Susi, Dexter, Holli and Amy
He is precious! Congratulations! What a beautiful story!
Oh my gosh. Congratulations. I am so excited for you. He is BEAUTIFUL. Look at that hair. Well, you guys and us are specializing. You are specializing in boys, we are specializing in girls. It's so fun. I wish I could meet your new little guy (hey, I wish I could meet all your little guys.) Sending you my love!
Congratulations! He is so stinkin' adorable. We love him so much already!!!
Congratulations on your new sweet baby boy. And I agree with your statement that you two can handle it- you've raised your boys with such beauty and grace and there are few in the world more loving that you. Enjoy your newest tiny love!
Yay!!!! Congrats you two!!! He is seriously so cute. I'm so happy for your family. Enjoy your little one! Whohoo!!!
Cameron has been brought to the right family. I am beyond thrilled for you and I know you are the right mom, dad and brothers for this little guy.
I am so full of love for your little family right now he is beyond beautiful and so full of life you can tell already! I love his little fuzzy hair! Congrats you guys! tender tender stories. The temple experience is amazing. I have no doubt you will thrive with three boys!
I am crying with tears of joy for you! What a wonderful blessing. I hope he can come home soon. You four are amazing (five now) What a wonderful family!
As a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, I have such amazing respect for you guys and the decision you made to care for one of Heavenly Father's chosen children. I am just so touched by the amount of love in your hearts and what amazing parents you really are, you have no idea the impact you've made in the special needs world. You are going to be such an inspiration for a lot of people. Not to mention amazing parents for your boys. Thank you for your example of love and faithfulness. I really want to meet your little man! And hear more about your journey. I am crying tears of joy at this amazing experience. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my goodness, Kira! I got chills about 50 times just reading this. What a beautiful, beautiful thing! Congratulations on your sweetest new little baby boy!!!!!!!!!! I guess you never know what the Lord has planned for you!
My heart is full today and you know I am here for you the whole way! We're always one step ahead!!! Like barry told Justin, their aren't better parents than you two for this little guy!! You will love him unconditionally and he will soar to great heights. Just like Evan and Landon will!!! The Lord has a plan and we are along for the ride, and a great ride at that!!! Love you to bits!!!
pKira, you already know how I feel. We've talked many times. I'm excited to be there next week to hold Cameron and love him in person. I'm in tears reading your friends comments and supports. I will share some of the comments I've received with you as well. Love you and Justin xxoo
Thanks for smearing my mascara all down my face! I'm so happy for you and for this little sweet baby. I can't wait to see what a blessing you will be for each other. Congrats again!
Oh my goodness! You just totally made my day...my week!! I am so excited for you! Little Cameron couldn't have come to a more incredible family. He is beautiful! Will he need corrective surgery for his heart defect? If I can be of any support, I would love to help in any way. Little heart babies are the most resilient, amazing little heroes on this earth! Tears of joy for you guys!!
I'm so happy for you and so happy for little Cameron. He couldn't have gotten greater parents! Congratulations!
In all these sweet pictures of him sleeping, I just want to whisper in his ear, " Congratulations, little guy, you won the parent jack pot." Seeing how fiercely you've advocated for Evan and how tenderly you're raising Landon, I am so happy another little boy gets to have you.
I am just so giddy for you guys I can't wait to meet him love you bunches!!!! :)
When Corbin was born and we had no idea what trials he was going to face, we asked ourselves "Why us?" But over the years, I found out exactly why. We needed him. It wasn't that he needed us, we needed him. He has such a special spirit and has made our family complete and so happy, even with the surgeries and challenges he has faced and will continue to face.
Cameron is going to do that for your family (maybe not complete, who knows if there are more spirits waiting out there for you.) You are going to be so blessed and are the perfect people to be his parents. What a wonderful choice you guys are making.
I love you so much and your shining example. You're a superstar Kira!
Kira and Justin,
Congratulations on your new addition! You are truly blessed to have been chosen by your boys, as are they to be able to call you Mommy and Daddy. And Evan and Landon, you have a baby brother to love, play with and teach... and be "big brother helpers" to your Mom and Dad, too!
God Bless
Angela, Tim & Evan Mosco
xo
Kira and Justin!! Wow!!! I had no idea til I saw Sarah's post on Facebook tonight!! What a touching story. I read it, then made Mahonry listen as I reread it. I had to fight back tears. You and Justin are heroic. Period. I know little Cameron will be such a blessing to your family. Seriously, though--heroic. I can't wait to hear more details, the miracles and answers from Heaven, etc!
Do you know Kimberly Dowdell? She had a down syndrome baby a couple years ago. I went to visit Jack and Kimberly at the hospital. Jack had some serious complications, so there was a mess of tubes and cords attached to his tiny body. He was beginning life with such a struggle.
When Kimberly placed Jack in my arms I couldn't help the tears that streamed down my cheeks. Not tears of sorrow, not even empathy. I was overcome by the Spirit as I held that tiny boy. He was so small, but his spirit was incredible. Powerful. It was amazing. Kimberly said several people expressed similar feelings when they held Jack.
I'm certain tiny Cameron has a similar impact. What special people you and Justin are to be chosen to care for one of God's most choice, valiant sons.
I think some of his pics look like Evan. Do you?
Anyway, congratulations to you. What a beautiful experience for you all!
Love,
Molly
Kira and Justin, my heart has been full since I heard the news from Mom and Dad. Knowing the both of you it does not surprise me that you would bring into your lives another child with special needs. You all are my heros!!! I have been crying tears of joy ever since. He is beautiful and we hope to one day meet him. All our kids were excited to see his pictures. They kept on saying, "awe... He is so cute"!!! Sending lots of love your way!!--love Gladys (Laly)
Congratulations on a special family for you . Happy that you made this hard choice, but the love you will receive will be overwhelming. May the Lord bless and give you strength. Lots of love Aunt Nola
Sooo precious!! I am sooo happy for you and your family!! What a beautiful story. I love to read stories of how the Lord guides our path and our lives. Congrats!! :)
I'm so happy for you and your growing family. What a blessing for everyone! Love, love, love this story.
Oh! He's absolutely beautiful! <3 Congratulations! This is just so wonderful. I love to see how God works through things the way we would *never* expect. I'm sure the Lord has an amazing plan for little Cameron. <3 <3 Love!
xx
{P.S. I found your blog through Crowley Party! totally following. ^_^}
He is the most precious little gift and you two are angels, truly angels.
God bless you.
You guys are angels. This seriously made me ball. I just had my first baby and he is so precious to me. I am overly emotional I think, but seriously God bless you both!
We're so happy for you. Cameron is so blessed to be a member of your family.
Came to your blog from Crowley Party and wanted to say CONGRATS on your beautiful Cameron!
My ten year old brother has Down syndrome, and I write about him frequently on my blog. Feel free to drop by and read some of Austin's stories. And if you ever need anything at all, please e-mail me, I'd love to share with you the ups and downs of having a loved one (in my case, a brother) with Down syndrome.
Love, Lauren
oolalalauren.
I too found this post through the crowley party and was beyond touched by it. You and your husband are two pretty inspiring people in my book. And as I was just sharing your story with my boyfriend with a shaky voice and tears threatening to spill over, we both agreed how incredible it is to have people like you two on this planet. God bless you and your family on this journey! Sara
simplysaragrace.com
Kira and Justin,
Congratulations on your newest addition to your family! You are truly AMAZING ppeople! I know Our Heavenly Father will Bless you tremendously! How Wonderful for Cameron to be placed in the Hearts, Hands and Home of a LOVING Earthly Family! I have always admired you! Your Strength and Courage ceases to Amaze me!
What a beautiful story! Congrats to you both! xo
Mom and I are reading and crying together...Love you
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration! What a cutie
Wow. He's so tiny! I'm sure he'll be such a blessing to your family. I send my love and hope to get to meet him (and see you all) sometime in the near future!
Congrats on the new addition to the family! What an amazing story.
I met Alycia working at the PAC back in San Diego, and I can truly say that there is something so special about your family!! I'm glad I found your blog through hers :) You and your husband are such angels, and your children will be so, so blessed. Can't wait to follow along on your journey :)
Congratulations Kira and Justin! He is adorable!
Oh, Kira, I am so happy for you guys!! Cameron is so, so cute. You and Justin seem like the perfect parents for him, and I admire all that you do for your children and your family. You are an inspiration to me. Big time. Congratulations again! We'll be thinking of you! Three is so much fun!
I teach a boy with Down Syndrome and while it will be hard work, I know that you will be blessed a million times over by Cameron.
You are such a great mother Kira, I have tears in my face just to know that there's wonderful people like you in this World. Kira and Justin I just wanted you to know that I think you guys are amazing! God Bless your family always!
Love.
I know this post is old but I just stumbled upon it from your Instagram feed. My son has Down syndrome too and I just wanted to say that reading this story really touched my heart. He is one lucky boy to have such a supporting, loving, and strong momma :) --Carianne
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