Details! Details!

We are still so excited.
Really excited.
Just in case you were wondering.
We are.
Still.
Excited.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an amazing time for our family!  We just walked in the door after spending the afternoon in San Jose with Briana.  Today's meeting was a bit more "formal" because we actually had some "business" to discuss, but it was also really relaxed and enjoyable.

Some of the highlights of our time together:
*We were able to meet Briana's two youngest siblings.  So cute.  Really friendly and excited to meet us.
*Thea, Briana's mom, was at the meeting again.  We enjoy getting to know her better.  She is so open and warm with us.  Makes everything nicer!
*Talked through birth and hospital plans.  Ben and I will most likely not be in the delivery room (just Briana and her mom at this point), but will be welcome at the hospital otherwise.  Briana will call us when labor is regular/heading to the hospital so we can drive the 3 hours to San Jose and be there ASAP.
*Briana is going to breastfeed AND continue to pump and ship breastmilk as long as she can!!!!!!  This is especially exciting to me (Ashley) as I was scrambling to learn about formula.... AND a really amazing way for Briana to continue to show her love for this child!  Since I still have our top of the line breast pump from Ethan's birth (thanks, GJohn and Grammie!), we will be able to let Briana borrow it!  Great provisions all around, right?!
*Talked generally about our open adoption plan.  This will be interesting since Briana is planning on enlisting in the Navy in March 2011.  We are very much on the same page, however...2 visits a year and monthly updates via email including pictures.  Obviously, this agreement is not written in stone, but will be something with which we are flexible.  The big thing is to keep open communication for the sake of this new child!!
*Had a really nice Italian dinner after the meeting with Briana and her family.  Just enjoyed visiting and learning more about each other.  A very blessed time enjoying each other's company!

Thank you for your prayers.  We feel a very tangible wall of protection and peace around us.  We are so very thankful for your encouragement and support....the Lord is faithful in answering our requests!  A few specifics to pray for:
*Briana in her last few weeks of pregnancy.  REST and good health.  Her last Dr's appointment was on Monday...everything was normal and healthy!  Praise the Lord!
*Patience as we wait and try to focus on the tasks the Lord has for us NOW.
*Open, honest, and loving communication between us, our families, Briana, and her family.  There are a lot people involved/invested in this new little life!!!
*Emotional protection...especially at the hospital.
*Stress levels...*whew*  Happy stress is still stress!

Isaiah 30:18
Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious to you, that He may be exalted, and that He may have mercy upon you; for the Lord is a God of judgment; blessed are they that wait for Him!