So Grateful!

Each month we send a letter and pictures to Christopher's birth mother. We are only asked to fill out a form, but I have been writing a letter to her too...plus it is a great way for me to keep up with what he has been doing each month for the first year. As I finished writing her letter this evening I looked at the pictures we are sending to her and I started to get emotional. I'm so thankful and grateful to his birth mother for making an adoption plan for him and trusting us to raise and love him! It makes me sad that she is missing out on such a wonderful little guy. The strength she had to make such an important decision about his life amazes me! We haven't met her, but we are open to it if she ever reaches out to us through the agency. Some people may think that having a closed adoption is the only way to go, but I disagree. I'm not saying we want to visit her every month, but he has half siblings that I would like for him to eventually meet one day. No matter what happens in the future Christopher will always know that his birth mother loved him so much that she made one of the hardest decisions of her life. We will share with him everything we know about her and his half siblings. If we never meet her and he decides he wants to one day he will have that option through the agency. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is for sure...we are SO blessed to have been picked to raise such a precious little boy who has brought nothing but joy to our lives since we first met him almost 4 months ago!

Other Side

On Friday afternoon Michael and I spoke to future adoptive parents at a meeting put on by our agency. We spoke along with another couple that adopted twin girls 18 months ago. We told our story and then they asked us questions. They not only asked about our adoption of Christopher, but they also asked Michael questions about his adoption. I remember being in the exact place of the 6 couples we spoke to and I have to admit it was nice being on the other side. I understand all the emotions that those couples are dealing with and will pray that their journey to adopt a child is a smooth one that ends with as much happiness as Michael and I have had with Christopher!

Babysitter Time

Christopher starts at the babysitter's tomorrow! I'm a little on edge about it right now. He is in great hands, but I worry about how his routine will be disrupted. We have been so fortunate to have him at home for as long as we have. He will be staying with one of my student's mothers and her 2 year old little girl. I think Christopher will love being around another child who can entertain him...a little. I'm also a little worried about morning time. Michael is gone before I even get up so it is all me, but at least Michael will be able to pick him up each day around 3:00pm so I can get work done at school and not feel guilty! Wish us luck!!

3 Months Already

Happy 3 Months!

A few things to remember about this month...

* The biggest achievement of the month...you started sleeping through the night!!! 

* We still swaddle you in a swaddle "bag" and somehow you move from one end of he crib to the other during the night.

* You visited the beach (Hilton Head) for the first time. It was a little chilly, but we will get you in the ocean in June.

* We had your pictures taken and you smiled the entire time.

* We took you out to dinner (for the first time) at Carrabba's with Grandpa and Grandma Miller and Aunt Madison. You slept most of the time. 

* You still like reading Jungle Babies, but you also really enjoy Dr. Suess's ABC. Mommy and Daddy might have that book memorized soon! 

* Mommy went back to work and you hung out with daddy for about a week and a half. 

* You really enjoy sitting up so you can see what is going around around you.

* You have found your right forearm and like to "suck" on it. 

* You still love to look at toys that light up and make noise.

* Aunt Madison introduced you to a baby app, from Fischer Price, on her iphone that calmed you down...mommy has since put some on her phone.

* You are moving into 3-6 month clothing.

* You started sitting in your Bumbo seat for small amounts of time.

* Your "talking" more to us.

* We think you have noticed Trixie and are interested in what she is.

* Mr. Kitty doesn't excite you as much as it used to.

* We have really noticed how much you like to be around people. You will go to anyone without getting fussy. 
* You are starting to like bath time! Last night was your first bath with no screaming. 

We are so blessed to have you as our son! You have been such a easy going, loveable baby! Next month will be a transition because you will start going to Miss Maria's, but we know you will have a great time with her and Emiline. Summer is right around the corner and we will be able to hang out 24/7 again. We love you bunches!

Grandma Barnhart reading you Dr. Suess's ABC.

Getting stronger everyday!

First time to the beach!

Having fun with Grandpa Miller!