Adoption Day

We started filing our adoption papers in October 2011. Long story short, we received the final order of adoption on Wednesday, May 2nd. We celebrated by going to Aunt Ouizer's  Kentucky Derby Party. It was a Hat Party. So much fun!

Today, we go on Richard's first boat ride for the annual Blessing of the Fleet.

Adoption update

Even though Richard has been with us since birth, we could only start the legal part of adopting him last October. We did our part filling out the necessary paperwork from our agency and attorney. So we have just been waiting for all the red tape to be passed back and forth between the court, our agency/attorney and the state. We got an email from our social worker a couple of weeks ago saying that she just knew the final order of adoption would come through before his first birthday. Then around Richard's birthday the SW said she was going to check and see what was taking so long. Turns out the judge asked for something to be changed in the paperwork. Our attorney had already taken care of it and we are still waiting.

What this means is that Richard is still a ward of Children's Home Society and we are still his guardians/prospective adoptive parents. Once the final order of adoption is signed by the judge, we then have to apply for a new birth certificate and social security number for him. So it looks like we will be filing an extension on our tax return this year. But this is just a blip on the radar screen of our adoption journey. So, we are not too worried about it.

In the mean time, I saw this article about Mariska Hargitay who has adopted two children. In the article she says something Hunter and I heard several times during our adoption jouney, "Adoption is not for the faint of heart". Her description of her adoption journey really struck a chord in me. She and her husband went through a failed placement. While she acknowledges how painful the experience was, she also points out that it was the best thing for the birth parent and her child.

I think this attitude is the most important thing prospective adoptive parents have to realize. It is not about you. It is about finding the right home for the child. I know I was guilty of the "why me?" syndrome when we had infertility issues. It continued when we decided to adopt and when the waiting period dragged on and on. Then one day, it all clicked for me. The most important person in the adoption triad (birth parent, child, adoptive parent) is the child. This realization helped me redirect my frustrations about adopting into making sure I was living my life to the fullest and not just waiting for a child to come into our lives.

I'm so glad Mariska has shared her adoption experiences. She didn't have to. It's nobody's business. But, thankfully, like Nia Vardalos, she has chosen to use her celebrity to highlight just how fantastic adoption can be.

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!!