Oh, Happy Adoption Day!!

Wow...here it is...another VERY important and special day in our family...July 13...Bear Cub's ADOPTION DAY! Three years ago, we officially became the proud parents of our little man. My tiny baby boy, at 1 year and 4 days old, was only about 15 pounds, could barely sit up on his own, and had a cautious, reserved spirit about him. He was curious...but again, so cautious. We had to work hard for a smile and work even more so to get a courtesy chuckle out him. He was beautiful - so sweet, innocent, and STRONG for having lived a long 12 months basically meeting his own emotional needs. So not fair for a baby to have to do that, but I know those months in the baby hospital are what gave him his strength and determination in life. We each have our own history which shapes our lives. It's how we all become who we are and I will say, that I am very proud of who my son is!

July 13, 2007, was a day filled with SO many wonderful emotions. Nervousness about our court appointment, giddiness with the feeling that we'd made it to that point, and extreme happiness knowing that Bear Cub was going to be ours forever. I don't know what it feels like to have a newborn baby placed up on my chest after delivery, but I DO know how it feels to have my child placed into my arms and feel his soft skin on mine. I have to think it's the same feeling of awe and joy, no matter how that baby comes into your life. It was a magical moment for us...and to walk out of the baby hospital, with him in my arms...I think I could've skipped all the way back to the hotel! :) What special memories...forever etched in my mind.

It honestly seems like a lifetime ago. Bear Cub has grown and changed SO much in three years, as I know any baby would. He had a lot of catching up to do though and we still continue to work through some issues that I know stem from his early days of not having a Mommy and Daddy there to love him constantly. But he is SMART, funny, well-spoken, and has firecracker kind of spirit that can be oh-so frustrating, yet oh-so engaging at the same time! :) It feels like he's been with us forever, so sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that he is adopted...and I think, "How can that be??" He seems so...us...that it's nearly impossible to think we didn't create him ourselves. Oh my...he's our boy and I could never put into words what we feel for him. Just love and more love!! :)

We're not doing anything too exciting TODAY, as he's recovering from yesterday's bout of fever, but we do have exciting plans for the weekend in order to celebrate this special family day of ours. He has been DYING to go to The Rainforest Cafe...you know...it's all frog themed, which is a dream come true for him! So, we'll be taking him there for lunch...and I'm sure a little frog souvenir shopping...in honor to celebrate him AND July 13. Oh, what a happy day!! :)

Happy Adoption Day, Bear Cub!! Mommy & Daddy love you forever and always! Thank heaven you are ours!!