In March Ryland will have been in our family for a whole year. Today, January 20th, 2012 is his "signing ceremony" in which all the legal paperwork has been completed and his last name is changed to ours!
I have been reflecting back on our time with him so far and the adoption process, and I have many things I'd like to take the time to write about. But for today, I just want to say that I am grateful to be his mom, to have the honor of knowing and loving him.
My hope for the first year was simply that we get to know each other and he would begin to attach and trust us. Advancing in other areas would just be a bonus. I truly feel that our prayers were answered--he fits right into both our small and extended family perfectly. He has come to believe that he will stay with us and that we love him unconditionally and he returns that love.
My hope for the first year was simply that we get to know each other and he would begin to attach and trust us. Advancing in other areas would just be a bonus. I truly feel that our prayers were answered--he fits right into both our small and extended family perfectly. He has come to believe that he will stay with us and that we love him unconditionally and he returns that love.
There have been many challenges-- I am proud of him and every one of us for continuing to persevere through them. I'm so thankful for the prayers and support for our family, friends, teachers and Ryland's family members who are still involved in his life. I often remind him how many people love him and it's really true!
It's scary and humbling to become responsible for a little person who has a heart that needs healing. He is teaching me a lot. People say he is lucky to have us, but we are the most blessed to have been chosen for him.
His smiles and hugs melt my heart every day. He is a boy that is full of energy and curiosity and the desire to be constantly interacting. He is growing in his faith in God's power. He loves to joke and has quite an imagination. He is beginning to trust us to comfort him when he's hurt or scared and help to handle his anger. He is having fun making friends and trying new things.
Oh, there are many plans for celebrating in the next few weeks, but today he woke up early, full of excitement. He will have his new name! He will eat pizza and his Grandma will make a cake! He will wear his favorite plaid shirt with a snake on it! He will see some of his other siblings! (I hope he takes a nap on the drive this afternoon because he hasn't slept much the last two nights)
I have to say I am also very glad to be done with the paperwork and visit for the state--that was a long process!
Oh, there are many plans for celebrating in the next few weeks, but today he woke up early, full of excitement. He will have his new name! He will eat pizza and his Grandma will make a cake! He will wear his favorite plaid shirt with a snake on it! He will see some of his other siblings! (I hope he takes a nap on the drive this afternoon because he hasn't slept much the last two nights)
I have to say I am also very glad to be done with the paperwork and visit for the state--that was a long process!
We love you, Ryland! We are glad to have you as our son and happy to make it official today!
3 comments:
Ohhhhh, my heart is so happy for Ryland and all of you what a special day! I'm glad you get make a big deal of it for him to know how much it means to you too!
(btw today is also my brother Josh's birthday and my nephew, Joel.)
We're so happy he's part of our family! Love to you all!
So wonderful for Ryland, you and your whole family. Glad it's done and official now, congratulations!
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