The 411 on Some Important Subjects

We are just about finished with Christian's adoption.  Yaaaay!  Most everything is complete.  Chris signed over his rights immediately, the paper work is all filled out and filed, the bill is paid, we are just waiting on the state to tie up the loose ends - loose ends meaning a home observation.  They are notorious for taking their time (its already been about year from start to now).

Why have we taken so long to do this?  We had to have been married for a certain period of time before we could start the process.  Plus, we really didn't think about it too often since there is nothing around to remind us that Christian is not biologically related to his daddy.  I never knew this thing would cost thousands and thousands of dollars.  Ryan is already 100% Christian's father.  Why charge us just to make the state recognize it, too?  We are super lucky to work for a place that will reimburse us (at least a part of it).

Christian knows that he had a different dad when he was first born.  I told him that he and I decided we would find a better daddy, the best one we could get.  After searching for a while, we found Ryan and decided to keep him forever.  We are now stuck with him - haha!  He seemed to get it at the time, as much as a 3 year old could.  He even commented later, after noticing that the paint on his little car was scratched, "Oh!  I bet my bad dad did this." Hahaha!  Cute little guy.  We have left it at that and have never dwelled on it.  Its really only a very teeny tiny part of his life.  We have a normal loving two-parent family, nothing is different at all. 

There is a bit of Christian's life that is still left in the gray area.  Chris had a little girl, Brailyn, when Christian was 3.  Brailyn's grandmother, mother, and I agreed that it would be best to allow the kids to know each other.  They are in the same situation with Chris and we all believe it will make things easier on the kids in the future if they know they weren't singled out.  Chris has problems and it has nothing to do with those sweet babies. 

So, we introduced the kids for the first time at Brailyn's first birthday party.  I was so nervous at first... I think because I was worried about what everyone would think of us.  Unrightfully so, though, because everyone there was so very nice.  I really do enjoy talking with Brailyn's grandmother and grandfather.  They both have very tender hearts. 

Christian made this for Brailyn.  She is on the right and he is on the left.  (check out their teeth and toes!  haha!)