To Adele's birth mom on her birthday

Adele turns TWO today, and it is such a wonderful, blessed day! We are so lucky to have reached this milestone. Our sweet little princess is growing into such a smart, funny, loving little lady. I love her kisses and hugs, and when she wraps her arms around my neck I feel like I am dancing among the clouds; the feeling is like no other. It is pure, deep, love. The kind that cannot be explained. Only felt. Those little arms. Those smooshy cheeks. Every day with Adele is a miracle. Watching her grow lights my soul. My heart grows with her heart. 

As Adele is getting older, we have been working to incorporate her adoption story into regular, normal conversation. It's never been hidden, and adoption experts and our agency encourage regular speaking about the child's adoption journey starting at birth. The child will not understand it right away, but it will be part of regular conversation. Little pieces and parts of the story will be learned in time. And when Adele asks questions we'll answer. Our family is of the belief that Adele's adoption is a blessing, and something to be cherished. A story to be told. We want her to be proud of where she comes from. We want her to ask questions. We want her to understand her birth mommy loved her so much that she wanted to choose special people to take care of her. So that's where we came in.

The birthday girl! Adele on her 2nd birthday, April 26, 2016!

We have adoptions books that we read, and I incorporate a little of Adele's story into the book if it lines up and makes sense. Her dollies have all different skin colors. She knows she has darker skin than mommy and daddy, but doesn't understand why or what it means. And she doesn't need to. 

I always knew adoption talk would just float in when appropriate, just completely natural. It's not something you can plan; the discussion should just happen naturally. And questions should be answered as age-appropriate.

This morning as I was changing Adele's diaper (after singing Happy Birthday to her and giving her lots of kisses and tickles), I explained to her what her birthday meant. I told her she was born on this day two years ago to her beautiful birth mommy (and I used her name.) I said her birth mommy loved Adele so much that she chose Mommy and Daddy to take care of her.

Adele's eyes brightened and she looked into mine, and repeated her birth mom's name. My eyes filled with tears, and my heart filled with joy. I said yes, smiling and reassuring her. 

There are so many circumstances beyond our control with Adele's adoption journey. But the one thing we can control is how we honor Adele's birth mom by talking about her and sharing Adele's adoption journey openly and honestly, and with pride. 

Today, on Adele's birthday, we honor her birth mom for her bravery, and for what was probably the hardest thing she's ever done in her life.

We honor her strength and her compassion. We honor the beautiful baby she brought into this world, the one we've vowed to love and cherish for all eternity.