One Year Ago

One year ago we met our sons. One year ago we became a family. Two precious boys who stole my heart forever with their beautiful brown eyes and contagious smiles. A day I will never forget. A day that has forever changed my life. A journey that took years to make, but would readily walk again for the moment to hold them in my arms.

Our first family picture in Ghana.

I will never forget the nerves, anxiety and excitement as we awaited to see our sons for the first time. A flood of emotions. Emotions that still bring me to tears as I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift and honor of being their mommy.

When I reflect back it still seems all surreal packing up and flying to Africa the day after Christmas. In the midst of our travels the obstacles were insurmountable. Only the hand of God could have orchestrated the paperwork, passports and visas. A God who is so faithful that the impossible was made possible, hills made into plains.

God had his hand in every last detail, including giving me the most amazing birthday present I will ever receive, becoming a mom. Becoming a mother on my birthday was more than I could ever ask for and every year we will celebrate the day as a family. The day is now more than just the day I was born, it is also the day our family was born.

And one year later!

So this year more so than my birthday we celebrated our sons adoption day. We started the morning with my favorite french toast and strawberry sauce and then took them ice skating to break in their new hockey skates. We went out for dinner and for dessert we enjoyed Coldstone and then finished the day by watching our videos from Ghana.

While the day was theirs they both made me the most beautiful birthday cards that melted my heart, “Happy Birthday Momme!”

Looking back I can’t believe how much the boys have changed in one year. Growing incredibly tall, learning English, reading, maturing, adjusting, playing and still loving the snow!!

I look to the next year with great excitement as they are still discovering so many new adventures. Although our family dynamic will change in just six short weeks, I also look forward to seeing them shine as amazing big brothers!

In the busyness of this season in our lives I am often left wondering which is more crazy that we were in Africa one year ago or that we will be having a baby in six weeks. The short answer neither, because we have a God who is forever faithful. Faithful in the storm and faithful in the calm.