One Step at a Time

Rights were terminated today!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!

We are now one major step closer to adopting our little man! Things went very smoothly this morning. We were told it would be short, and it was, except there was a lot more questioning involved than we expected. There were 4 attorneys present (1 for Nate, 1 for birthmom, 1 for birthfather, and 1 for the state), so I guess it makes sense that all four of them would need to make their presence known and ask questions to represent their client. Nate's CPS caseworker did a fantastic job answering the questions with confidence and clarity. We are so grateful for all her work on this case.

To be honest, though, I was surprised by the emotions I felt after I said goodbye to Mr. Wonderful and drove back home by myself. It was a very bittersweet morning for me. Sweet for the obvious reasons: I am beyond grateful to be past this hurdle in our journey, we are one step closer to Nate being legally recognized as the son he already is to us in our hearts, and I would have been devastated had today gone any other way. However, I shed some tears in the car this morning grieving for Nate's birthfamily. Circumstances a side, they are people with hearts and souls, and I am sad for them that they are missing out on the life of this precious little boy. Everyone who knows Nate is aware that he is beyond special - he is such a content, easy-going, HAPPY little guy who brings joy into any room. I am humbled that God saw fit to entrust him to us.

What a huge day! I am physically exhausted from all the emotions, and am so thankful to have seen the Lord's hand today in our journey. Thank you, Lord, for this precious little boy squealing with joy as he plays right now. Every good and perfect gift comes from You! And what a wonderful present you gave to exactly 8 months ago today.

Speaking of presents, I am now the proud owner of this beauty...


Thank you, Carissa, for my surprise last night! I LOVE it and am so excited to get this baby signed in a few weeks with you!!

A couple of weekends ago I helped Carissa get ready for a photo shoot with her hubby. It was fun to pick out clothes and play make-up artist before her big shoot! :) The super talented, Jennifer, did a wonderful job, and the pictures turned out AMAZING!! (Check out Carissa's sneak peek here!) I'm telling you all this as a shameless plug for Jennifer's photography work. She has captured priceless memories for my family in the past several months, and she is the absolute warmest, funniest easy-going photographer. So if your family is in need of some updated, fun photos (and honestly, who isn't?!), contact her (or me) soon!!

Thank you again for your prayers today!