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Hi, that is exciting news for you! We adopted my niece's baby 2 years ago. My niece lives in another state so I only had phone contact with her during the pregnancy. Our family was really excited the baby would be staying in the family. It took me awhile to come to grips with relationships changing (my brother goes from grandpa to uncle, etc.) but that is all working out fine too.
Our journey was emotional because although my niece knew it was financially and emotionally the best decision to have us raise the baby, she had a hard time always believing it. Had her circumstances been different, she would have kept it. At one point she called and said she thought she wanted to keep it and as disappointed as I was, could only tell her I supported her in whatever decision she made. Having never been pregnant, I couldn't even begin to imagine the enormity of the decision she was making when she could feel the baby moving inside her. Two weeks later she called back and told us she had changed her mind. At this point, I was working overtime not getting my hopes up because I was concerned she would again struggle with her decision once the baby was born.
The baby was born 6 weeks early, so during the baby's week stay in the hospital, my niece and the birth father contemplated how they could afford to keep and raise their baby. I know it was a particularily difficult time for them (and for me) but really had to fight (again) not to show my disappointment. In the end, they decided it was in the child's best interest if they let us raise her.
Thus far, I think it has worked out well. I think my daughter is very fortunate that she will know her birth family and they get to see her grow up. As soon as she is old enough she will know my niece is her birthmother and not just her cousin. Your child will have this too.
A lot of people found the whole situation weird, but I've learned to shrug off the comments that are made. I know that our daughter is blessed to have so many people who love her and she will always know her roots. Our second child we are in the process of adopting has a completely different situation and will never know her birth family.
Anyway, best wishes to you with your new addition!
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