One Year

One year ago today, we brought Richard home.

He is our love. He is our companion. We love you Richard!

Happy Birthday, sweet Richard!

March 31, 2011

March 30, 2012

The Birthday Week Kickoff!

Richard held court at the Southern Ladies Social Club's monthly lunch. He was the guest of honor for his upcoming birthday.

 Auntie J gave him a Bullseye Rocking Horse.

It's a big hit! Good thing his birthday is coming up because I think he needs a few more toys ;)

He is practicing for Auntie Ouizer's Kentucky Derby Party

Richard's cousin M is going to make him an Otter cake for the big day

The otters were his favorite part of visiting the NC Aquarium back in October.

This year has gone so fast. I know it's a cliche, but it's true. Happy Birthday week, my little buddy!

Sweet Child of Mine

I took Richard to the local elementary school's book fair today. I was signed in by the lovely wife of a schoolmate of mine. Found out another schoolmate was working in the office today. Great to see her. Then I got to the library. Kids were going through one by one. Very encouraging to see them wanting to buy books. I made my choices for my boy and stood in line to pay. A lady in the library looked at Richard and asked, "does he have a brother here at school". I said, "No, he is an only child." She then asked, "Whose child is he?" I said, "I'm sorry". Thought I had not heard her correctly. She repeated, "Whose child is he?".

All I could think to say was "He is mine".

This is on top of being referred to as Richard's "Grandma" this week at the grocery store.

I suppose things could be worse...

Nature Boy

March weather has been crazy. Earlier in the month, Richard got to see snow falling for the first time. It was brief and melted almost immediately, but he was fascinated.

Next thing you know, it's so nice we decided to go for a walk. We picked daffodils. They are Mama's favorite.

Then, on St. Patrick's Day, Hunter decided to do some work outside. It's his favorite thing to do. And last summer he had to curtail his outdoor activities to help with the little guy. I had stuff to do inside, so I said, "take him outside with you." So, we strapped Richard on Hunter's back and away they went for about an hour and a half.

I thought the baby would be miserable. But, he was actually laughing when Hunter was raking the leaves. He couldn't stop watching Daddy rake. So cute!

On the adoption front, we got an email from our social worker that all the final paperwork had been filed with our local court and should be finalized before Richard's first birthday on March 30th.

And the birthday countdown begins!!

A day we will always remember!

It was exactly one year ago today that I received a call from our adoption agency telling us Richard's Birth Mother wanted to meet us. I don't think I can ever forget all the emotions of that day. Hopeful, ecstatic, cautious and so curious about this possible match. You can read my post from a year ago here. Adoption is not the easiest way to grow a family. But, it can be so rewarding! We know how lucky we are to have been chosen to be this little guy's parents. Can't believe his 1st birthday is coming up so soon.

No more "Me Time"

I have a confession. I really want some "me time".

This morning the baby woke up at 6:30am. That was after we didn't get home until after 9pm last night. His bath was late. He got to bed late. We thought he would sleep late. But he didn't. *sigh*

So this morning, we fed him, changed his diaper, fed him again, changed his diaper again. This is the week Hunter's church just has Sunday school and Hunter likes to take Richard with him because they have a nursery. I like the idea too, 'cause it gives me a little piece of "me time". Well, this morning, 9:30 couldn't come soon enough. I kept watching the clock wishing 9:30 would get here. I had all kinds of plans for my time. Catching up on "Glee" maybe, or finally watching "Bridesmaids".

And when the two of them left, I just couldn't seem to sit still. I really wanted a nap, but I just couldn't do it. There were clothes to be folded and washed. The bathroom really needed cleaning. What were we going to have for dinner?? So I started my chores. Initially I was in a bad mood about it all. Why do I have to do all this and why can't I enjoy a little peace and quiet??

And then as I was folding my baby boy's clothes, I knew why. Because I'm a MOM! This time last year I was in a very low place emotionally. Today, every time I folded a piece of clothing or stepped over a toy, I just looked to the sky and thanked God for my husband and my little boy! I am so fortunate and hope I never lose sight of that.

By the way, we had snow last night. Not much, but it's Richard's first snow. Had to take a picture.