Happy Adoption Day to us all!

Us then...

And look at us now!

Well, this is it...the year anniversary of our court date in Russia...making today Bear Cub's very first Happy Adoption Day! What an awesome journey into parenthood and family this has been for us this past year. It is hard to believe that a year has passed already...as I can vividly remember the details of July 13, 2007, as if it were just yesterday. The smells, sights, and activities of that very monumentous day in our lives -- all still there, fresh and bright in my mind and I have a very keen feeling that it will be like that for me FOREVER. It is a day that changed our lives in so many ways and it is by far the happiest day that I have ever experienced. What a year, what a miracle, what a beautiful son we have.

Here's a beautiful poem that I have kept in a notebook for Bear Cub. It was given to me by a friend before we traveled back to Russia. The author is unknown.

I know you're out there somewhere,

So very far away.

So I will keep you in my heart,

until that special day.

When we can be together,

Your daddy, you, and me.

I just can't wait until that day,

When we're a family.

Our day did come and with that day, our dreams came true.

We love you forever and always, Bear Cub!