Adoption False Labor

Take a deep breath.
Take several deep breaths.

Change position. Maybe take a walk. Maybe rest.

Perhaps a warm bath to help the body relax.

More deep breaths. Slow, deep breaths.


Women with traditional pregnancies aren't the only ones who experience the pains of false labor. Those of us who have "paper pregnancies" can also need the same advice when time is getting close but it isn't really the time yet.

Our paperwork for fost-adoption certification in California is being finalized as I type. And yesterday, I received a phone call from our social worker. The voicemail I picked up later (I'm going to be re-thinking that technology-free meeting during this "labor" period of our process), it didn't start with the "You're certified!" I expected.

Instead, it was "There are three children..."

*insert heart rate increase here*

And then she began to describe them a bit, their current situation, that they are adoptive free (aka - their .26 hearing to terminate parental rights has already taken place), and that she has info pages to forward to me if we'd like.

For months - well, honestly, YEARS, we've been waiting for this phone call. And here it is, before I thought it would arrive. But at the same time, what we have to pray through, discern through, is whether or not it's really labor - if these are really our kids about to arrive. Because there's also a good chance it's just false labor, and this too, shall pass.

That may sound cold and inconsiderate - it's not. We need to hear from God on what is best for these three adorable kids, and whether our home and family is going to be that. We know what we feel God has already placed in our hearts, so if these cuties don't line up with His direction - we have to make those decisions.

Keep breathing, Kathy.
Just keep breathing.
Because it's definitely not a time to push.