One year ago today...

...I took my first full breath of air since the adoption process began. Evan's adoption was finalized one year ago today. My friend Mari got a babysitter to help document the day in pictures and took one of my favorite pictures of Evan EVER. I was nervous, having never been to a courtroom or done an adoption before and though there was no reason to be nervous, I could feel the emotions at the surface. It was on a Monday so only Michael's mom and step dad could come, my friend Mari, friends Cammie & Brian and of course our Attorney, friend Christopher Westmoreland. It was small group compared to the support we recieved over the years of 'wating' for our babies and bittersweet since my family couldn't be there. The important part was that our adoption was finalized so I focused on that. http://michaelandlila.blogspot.com/2009/05/meet-official-stuteville-family.html and http://michaelandlila.blogspot.com/2009/05/official-stutevilles-part-2.html

Since that day, we have felt even more blessed every day that we are finally parents. We always plan to be open with Evan about his adoption but honestly, it is hard to remember that he is! The day his adoption was final was like he was born to me and there is no way to describe that feeling. Adoption is so special, I do not wish to forget it or ignore it but I do not define my son as "Adopted", just as my son. He is all me and all Michael and as with every child, he will also be different than us in his likes and dislikes, his goals, hobbies etc. I cannot wait to see who he will be and what he will feel inclined to do. It's like a Christmas gift to unwrap every morning when you see what new thing your child will do for you that day. I'm so excited to see who will join us next too and how our children will interact with each other. I love big families and the time they spend together.