Saturday surprise

Mia's birth mom, grandmother, and great grandmother (plus a few aunts and uncles, I'm sure) sent us a package full of all sorts of fun things. It was a great Saturday surprise. In fact, it has kept the kids happy all week. Many, many thanks for being so good to our kids! We are lucky to be in touch with this great family.

Mia is in love with her new, multi-colored "baby." You can see her kissing it above. In her other hand, you can just see the fuzzy pink and brown coat that she carries around like a blanket. And what four-year-old is not thrilled with the prospect of making his own slime? Our new little ASU fans were so happy they didn't mind sharing the See's chocolates with their parents. Thanks, again!

Mia's birth mom

 

Don't they look alike? The chin dimple doesn't show up in this picture of Mia, but it's there.

Ours is an open adoption. This means that we'll stay in touch. Because of this openness (and the great kindness of Mia's birth mom), we were able to attend Mia's birth, Miles was able to feel Mia kick in-utero, and we are able to see and know Mia's biological roots so that when questions arise, we will be able to answer them. Openness can also hasten the healing process for birth moms; we hope this is the case for "our" birth mom--we love her. 

Last month, I attended Mia's birth mother's wedding in toasty Arizona. I felt lucky to share such an important day with her and her family. I'm glad this lovely person found such a good husband. The bride was stunning and radiant. I hope Mia grows up to be as kind and beautiful as her birth mom.

Mesa, Arizona

During the festivities, I stayed with Birth Mom's grandmother--Mia's biological great grandmother. She was the perfect hostess. We had some great late-night chats. I also met all seven of Mia's biological aunts and uncles for the first time. What a great family! 

I hope Mia always knows that she is loved by many, many people, some she may never meet. We're grateful we're still in touch with Birth Mom and that I've been able to meet many members of Mia's amazing gene pool.

Five months and finalization

At five months, Mia is all smiles (despite persistent ear infections) and chunkiness. And at five months, Mia legally joined our family. Thanks so much to her wonderful birth mama, who made this possible.

One of the few happy cases a judge gets to hear. Thanks to friends Tonya and Grace for getting up early to witness and photograph the event.

A couple of days later, Pam and Roger joined us for a special father's blessing. It was tender and sweet.

Pam made Mia's beautiful gown and accessories.

We moussed her hair for the occasion.

Mia's new parlor trick.

Playing with the kite -- a gift from the Willmores.

Pam watched Miles and Mia while Matt and I test-drove cars. We found a great deal on Craig's List and Miles had the time of his life building forts with his grandma.

All tuckered out after playing all day with Muga (aka Pam). Still wearing that bandana...