The FINAL piece of adoption paperwork EVER!!!!

Today we went to LA superior family court to "re-adopt" Ethan. Not that this was necessary. His adoption was final in Chongqing on May 19, 2008. However, in order to get a US vital records birth certificate, we had to go through this process in the US. So it is official. Today we saw the very nice judge who honored our request to "re-adopt". Although this process was voluntary, it is quite a big deal, as it is actually the LAST piece of adoption related paperwork we will EVER have to do for Ethan!!!!! Yes...it is REALLY finished!!!!!

Ethan turns 6!

On (approximately) January 20, Ethan turned 6! His birthdate is an estimate, as there was no information left with him when he was found. When he entered the orphanage, he appeared to be approximately 6 weeks old. That's all we will ever know. Last year, I had a difficult time with the idea that his birthday might not actually be his birthday. For a couple weeks before and a couple weeks after, I kept thinking, "maybe today is actually his birthday." This year, somehow, it kind of just didn't matter. I wonder if, when he is old enough to understand, it will ever bother him; if he will have to come to terms with the estimate of his birthdate. What never ceases to amaze me is the span of time between January 20th and March 1st, which is the day he entered the orphanage. 6 weeks...someone tried to care for him for 6 weeks before realizing they were unable. I will never be able to wrap my mind around the circumstances. So many possible explanations...that I will one day have to share with Ethan...with no real answers...

..but enough of the "emotional adoptive mother" stuff...

He had a great time at his party! His birthday was on a Wednesday, so we went out to dinner and opened family presents at home. On Sunday we went to McDonald's with some friends and cousins. He continues to be the most happy and resiliant child I've ever met!!!!

Our first trip to Disneyland

A pic from our 1 year anniversary

The Long Beach Aquarium



Mother's Day breakfast in bed




At the beach

A year ago today.....

A picture from our first day




A couple weeks ago at the beach



Last weekend at the Aquarium


A year ago today, I became a mother in the most unconventional way: not after becoming pregnant-but after months of paperwork; not after labor and delivery-but after a 12 hours on an airplane; not in a hospital-but in a hotel on the 29th floor in a city of 30 million people.

A year ago today, a little boy walked into our hotel room and became our son. In some ways it feels like yesterday, and in some ways, it feels like he's just always been with us. It still feels surreal. Sometimes, late at night when I'm finally alone with my thoughts, I still can't quite believe that it all came together and I have a little boy asleep in the next room.

It has been the most amazing year. I have watched my little boy grow in so many ways: He is getting bigger and stronger every day; seeing his language skills develop has shed new light on my career of working with language delayed children. With his fludent English skills, he expresses his feelings and his silly sense of humor. He talks about what he remembers in China and we have had conversations about his birth mother. He is truly resilient.

In this year, I have learned so much about myself. A year ago, I knew I was ready for "motherhood." I knew I was ready to love my son unconditionally. But motherhood is so much more...I'm not sure I was ready for "so much more"! I learned that motherhood is completely different than "working motherhood." I had to come to terms with my career as well as defining my role as a mother. I learned that I'm very Type A, obsessive, compulsive, and controlling. To "lighten up", to "not stress out", and to "let it go" and skills I continue to work on! I learned that I'm NOT superwoman--even though I try really hard! I also learned what to do when heads get bumped on the coffee table, or when throwing up happens in the car.

It's been a year of firsts, lasts (hopefully), fun times, and abundant blessings.

One thing is for sure:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21

Our first "birth mother" talk

So we're at a restaurant for dinner eating our pizza and Ethan says something to the effect of, "When I a baby in China, I in your tummy."

...wow...think fast...I knew this question would come eventually....here's my big moment to say exactly the right thing....

"No, honey. When you were a baby you were not in my tummy. You were in a different mommy's tummy."

"Why? What different mommy?"

"Well, we could call her your birth mother. She's a very special lady that lives in China. In Chongqing."

"Was it Ayi?" (our agency guide that was with us during the adoption)

"No, it wasn't Ayi."

"Was it Linda?" (I think he's referring to a mom from our adoption playgroup who happens to be Chinese)

"No, it wasn't Linda. I don't know her name."

"Oh, OK."

...back to conversation about the pizza

A bittersweet anniversary

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of my little boy being found at #58 Xinglong Road in Chongqing China. He was found on March 1st and he was estimated to be 6 weeks old. I can't imagine how painful it must be to parent a child for 6 weeks, only to find that you are unable. I can't imagine the circumstances that forced a birth mother to have to make this decision. She is in my prayers today. I pray that she knows in her heart that her son has found a family that loves him.