The Light at the End of the Tunnel

December 16, 2009 was a wonderful day. We reached the light at the end of Madilyn's adoption tunnel. Of course it is only the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as an adoptive family and it's a happy beginning.

I remember the day Madilyn was placed in my arms and entrusted to myself and Scot on June 15, 2009. Never did I think I would feel so happy and emotional. However, my experience on Wednesday was just as euphoric and emotional. I began to tear up immediately as the Judge entered the courtroom. The past 6 months of waiting to officially become Madilyn's parents culminated in one instant moment when the Judge said those words...

"Up until this moment your responsibility to Madilyn has only been moral, however, once I sign this document you both will have all rights and responsibilities as Madilyn's legal parents. Do you understand?"

I tear up now as I think about Wednesday and the meaning of those words. Scot and I both completely understood the Judge. To actually hear those words spoken to us was so emotional and meaningful. Scot even mentioned to me later that day that in that very moment he thought back to all of those Adoption Stories and Diaries we watched, and he couldn't believe it was our "Adoption Story" coming to fruition. It was even more wonderful to have our family and friends there with us and to give testimony that they believed this was in the best interest of Madilyn.

I've included some pictures with music from Wednesday so please enjoy and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Just in case I don't post again prior to 2010. OH and I threw in her Santa picture too! She wouldn't smile for anything.

Love,
B

Want to Learn About how the Gladney Center for Adoption Came to Be??!!

Set your DVRs to tape "Blossoms in the Dust" on TCM, Dec. 24, at 6:30 a.m. (CT). BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST is the story of Edna Gladney. For 33 years Edna served as Superintendent of The Texas Children's Home and Aid Society (now known as Gladney Center for Adoption).

She's a Mover & a Shaker

How time flies when life is something you look forward to everyday! That's how my life has been for the past 6 months. Sure I'm overworked, exhausted, and can't find time to get anything completed but it doesn't matter because everyday when I get home my Mads smiles, laughs and crawls towards me because I'm home.

I can't believe Madilyn is 7 months old and the official court hearing is December 16th to finalize her adoption. Scot and I are so excited and anxious. All of our family and closest friends will be in attendance.



As far as her movin' and shakin'...she started crawling right after she turned 6 months old. She loves to roll, pivot on her booty, sit up and crawl everywhere. Last week she started pulling herself up on her own and she loves the downward dog yoga pose as well. She's hilarious and the light of our lives.

This past weekend we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa (Scot's parents) to celebrate Christmas early. It was cold but we all had a blast. I was extra excited because Madie now gives mommy her open-mouth kisses. We're also working on clapping and giving "high 5's".



I hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving!! Now it's time to prepare for Madilyn's very first Christmas!!! We'll be visiting SANTA.