4 Years!!!

On February 21, 2009, our first adoption journey ended. Mike, Colby, and I landed in New York after a very cold month in Russia. We landed that night and were met by the most amazing sight ever, Mike's parents and my parents waiting with open arms. I was overcome by the emotion and ran with Colby in my arms to my mom. That was the best hug I have ever received. Everyone was so excited, that is except for a somewhat sleepy 22 month old. Court was over, no more visits in a baby home, no wondering when the crib would be filled. Colby was home and he was ours. Ou adoption journey to Colby was over and our journey as a family of three began. And now I was a mom! I couldn't believe it.

Now, 4 years later, my little baby is in Kindergarten and doing well. He makes me more proud of him every day. I still stop and wonder how I became so lucky to have him call me Mom. Sure there are toys everywhere, I step on Legos and cars everyday, there's a lot more laundry, and the food bill has doubled (boy can he eat!). But, I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, how are we celebrating? Well, we call this day Family Day. I picked up Colby from day care and we found a yummy looking chocolate cream pie for dessert today. And tomorrow, our social worker comes. She wrote our initial home study and hasn't seen Colby in 4 years. But, she is coming to write our next hom study for our second adoption journey. This time to China. Yes, we are starting our next adoption right where we left off with Colby's. I love these happy coincidences.

So, HAPPY FOURTH FAMILY DAY!!!

Two Years Home

Today we celebrated our second Family Day. It was two years ago today that Mike and I brought Colby home and we began our life as a family. Many families celebrate Gotcha Day, the day that they picked up their child from the baby home or orphanage. Some celebrate the court date. We have decided to celebrate our Family Day as the day we were home and the adoption journey was truly over. We reached JFK Airport late at night and were greated by both Mike's and my parents. They were a sight for sore eyes. It had been a long trip home and almost a really long wait in the Immigration office. The office was really busy and there were stacks of papers waiting. Thankfully someone new came on and happened to pick up Colby's file and we didn't have to wait too long. I guess ours was pretty straight forward to get through. Then we walked through the doors and I almost collapsed into my mom's arms and started crying. I could finally let the emotions go. Colby did great going in the car seat for the first time and fell asleep for part of the ride home.But his eyes were wide open when we walked in the house and let him explore the house and his room. We were soon all fast asleep though.

Last year we had Colby's Baptism on this day. The timing worked out, although it was a coincidence. But today was rather laid back. Colby and I were home, since it was Presidents' Day. We went and had lunch with my mom at her work and then went shopping. We had a nice laid back day. Then I cooked chicken parm and spaghetti and we enjoyed a special treat- red velvet whoopie pies! Now I find myself looking forward to our next Family Day. What changes will we have by then???

June 2008 Feb 2009 Feb 2010 Feb 2011