Birthday with Birthmom!

Two weeks ago, Abigail turned ONE!  I still can't believe it!  We were extra blessed because my aunt and her family came to visit us for a few days and they arrived on Abigail's birthday!  My Aunt and Uncle are more like my friends, as they're only a few years older than I am.  My uncle is my Dad's youngest brother and I positively adore his wife...my aunt!  My uncle takes amazing pictures and really captured Abigail's expressions and personality!  (He also took pictures of our family on the beach- including the new header!)

In the weeks leading up to Abigail's birthday, J and I prayed about how to include her birth mom.  We considered inviting her to the Peter Rabbit party or going out over the weekend for dinner.  In the end, we invited her to join us on her actual birthday- but were upfront that our family would be in town.  She jumped at the invitation and was so excited!  It made me so excited!

The first time she came over, I had everything perfect.  The table was set with our best dishes and linens.  Dinner was ready with very little last minute prep necessary.  Wine was chilled and the atmosphere was set.

This time, however, the day had not gone as planned and I was not even close to ready.  Not only was dinner not ready, I hadn't even made the icing for the cupcakes yet, let alone frosted them!  (Side note- I am such a control freak.  It is a testimony to my aunt that her very presence kept me calm and easy-going.  Without her I would have had a heart-attack.)  So when Abigail's sweet birth mom and her best friend arrived, we chit-chatted for a few minutes, and then I threw some dishes at her and asked her to set the table!

Did you hear that?  I put her to work!  Me!  The control freak!!!

It was perfect!

My cousins, full of energy after being cooped up in the car for two days, were running around and cracking themselves and us up.  My Aunt and Uncle were very comfortable and easily conversed with A's birth mom and her BF.  It was such a homey atmosphere!  We were relaxed and had a great time!  You can't see her birth mom in this picture, but I think it really witnesses to the mood of the evening!

After dinner and cupcakes, my family left for the hotel and Abigail needed a bath.  (See above picture!!)  I asked the girls if they wanted to join me.  They perched on the lid of the toilet and leaned against the door-frame and we chatted and laughed at Abigail's adorable-ness.  It was amazingly intimate and comfortable.  I shared with them the story of our almost adoption a few weeks ago, and they were so enthusiastic about our adopting again.  We were able to talk comfortably about some things that I've wondered about.  It was amazing.  After Abigail was dressed, they read her a story, played for a few minutes, then left so we could put her to bed.

 Not all adoptions are or should be this open.  In fact, in our "Dear Birth Mother" letter for our profile, we say we are open to discussing ways to keep in touch, but only promise letters and pictures.  But J and I are in awe at the blessings that have come from this relationship.  I never dreamed this was possible and am blown away by how beautiful it is!  I pray Abigail will reap many blessings from all the love being poured out to her!!