C,
Today was a big day.
You’re 6 months old today! You’re such a happy baby. You
love to sing and talk to anyone who will listen and smile at everyone. You’re sleeping
(for about 6 hours) well and eating like a champ. You can hardly tell you were
6 weeks early. There was an accident in April at daycare that injured your arm but
that has barely slowed you down! We spent some time in the hospital and make
sure your arm healed and while it hasn’t healed as straight as we would like…it
doesn’t seem to bother you at all! We’re working with a physical therapist to make
sure you’re back to using your arm as soon as possible!
Today a panel heard your case. The panel is made up of folks
from the community who care about foster kids and have special training in
understanding the system. I talked to your first mom (Gigi) last night and she
said she wanted to make sure to be there so we gave her a ride. While we were
there we talked about how much she loves you and how happy she is that you’re
healthy and happy. She’s so happy that you’re growing up with Sam. She is so
happy that you’re heathy and happy.
While we were at the meeting she let them know she was ready
to sign the papers that will make it faster for us to be your parents forever.
We left the meeting and went to the office where she could sign the papers.
This was a really big deal and a really big decision. Never ever doubt that
this was a hard thing for her to do. These papers mean she knows she won’t ever
be your mama and be the one to take care of you.
We had to wait a long long time for the papers to be ready
and for the right people to be there for her to sign. She held you and fed you
and sang you to sleep while we waited. She and I also talked a lot and learned
more about each other. After she signed she was very sad and talked about how
she knew she made the right decision but it was still very hard. We talked
about how her signing those papers doesn’t mean she will never see you again.
We still very much want her to know you and for you to grow up knowing who she
is. We went and had lunch together so she could have a little longer visit today.
She’s an important part of your story. She’s an important
part of our story together.
The more your first mom talked today, the more I realized
that you are a miracle. I know, I know…all babies are miracles. Some babies
just have beginnings that involve lots of doctors visits, vitamins, scans,
buying cribs, choosing car seats, and very planned arrivals. Your first months when
Gigi found out about you weren’t like that. It was about this time last year that
she told us she was expecting a baby, but it didn’t seem like you would be
healthy when you arrived. There were lots
of questions even up until your arrival about how healthy you would be. And
here you are! Sound asleep in my lap as I type. Happy and healthy. My prayer is
that we remember what a gift you are to our family, our village, and our world.
You’ve made our lives crazier, that’s for sure, but I wouldn’t trade a minute!
Speaking of crazy, I’ve got to go unload the dishwasher and clean off the dining room table. We
heard today from the lady who is coming back to our house this week to follow-up
about your accident and we need to get ready! I'm sure when we think of your first six months we'll remember that these have been some of our craziest days - but also some of our best days!
We love you, C!
Mama and Bubbie
