Adoption Day

This past week I have had adoption on my mind. Yesterday my little family celebrated adoption day- it's our way of celebrating the anniversary of going to court and to the Temple. We do things kind of like a big birthday party- and my kiddos LOVE it. The dates for both kids just happened to fall in August- so we combine the two and do them both at once. It makes for a really great family day.

I remember so vividly my feelings as we were driving to the courthouse. After months of waiting and wishing I knew that the precious baby in the backseat would be legally declared my daughter/son. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on them that they were...but it was so wonderful to have the rest of the world know it as well. The court proceedings are very simple- and pretty quick, as far as most things in open court go. When we adopted Kennedy, there is one moment where the judge looked at my husband and I and asked us why we wanted to adopt her. My heart welled up with so much love and emotion- and I started crying and all I could squeak out was "because I love her." What I wanted the judge to know, was that ever since the moment she was placed in my arms I had never loved anyone more. That every time she cried my arms would ache until I could hold her to comfort her, and that my life would be forever dedicated to making sure that she would grow up healthy, happy and confidant. That I honestly felt like I wouldn't be able to breathe if I could not be her mother. But all I could get out was "Because I love her."

I told myself that for sure- when we were going to court with Elijah that I would have more control over my emotions, and I would be able to express everything I felt when the judge asked me "Why do you want to adopt this little boy." But again- my weepiness took over and I could hardly squeak out an answer. I felt better about that one though- because the judge got a little emotional also...so it wasn't just me. :)

Yesterday I woke up to two beautiful children jumping on my chest and screaming for me to wake up and start our fun family day. My little girl offered to do my hair for me- and proceeded to spray me with copious amounts of apple scented detangler. My tiny one- sat on my chest/neck with his huge and soggy morning diaper and told me he loved me. It was magic. Then I went in the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day and my little girl snuck into the bathroom and flushed the toilet and ran away squealing while the ensuing cold water made me scream. Then my husband and Elijah came in- and proceeded to let loose 2 rocket balloons that blew all over the room and scared me to death. I have never been so grateful for such an interrupted shower. I am so grateful to "L" and "D" for my family!! So happy that I have two incredible, amazing children that I love to the moon and back! Happy adoption day Kennedy and Elijah!