July 21- Home Coming

I've sorta of blogged about this day, but not really. Every morning while I brush my teeth, I see a photo of this day. The moment right before D handed Connor over to us to begin our life as a family.  We are all smiling through our tears.  I will forever have that photo where I can see it everyday so I can remember the blessing she is to us. I am torn to post it, so I won't. But, it is wonderful.

In Ohio, we had to wait 72 hours before Connor's birth parents could terminate their rights. All with a single signature.  We had hoped all the "paper work" would be complete by the time we arrived at the hospital to bring Connor home. But, due to a late social worker, we got to be outside the room as D signed away her parental rights.  Her Mother was by her side, her boyfriend was in the hall pacing. Talk about heart wrenching and high anxiety. That was a moment during the adoption process I did not want to be present for.  For her, the finality of it all was right there on paper.  Then 10 minutes later, the same pen was handed to me, then Jeff for our signatures for Foster Placement (adoptive placement happened a few days later after BirthFather terminated his rights). The same pen. Amazing how quickly rights were revoked and given. No more questioning either of our decisions; they were essentially final. 

After our signatures, per hospital policy, D had to ride in a wheelchair out of the hospital with Connor on her lap to be discharged.  We went outside, then had to ride around the parking lot with her - as per the hospital - she had to be in the car with her baby, ok my baby; all of ours baby.  We then stopped to take pictures and then gave tearful good-byes and see you soons. 

This day was more emotional than Connor's actual birth.  But, we got to bring our baby home.  OUR SON... to OUR HOME... He was finally home, and we could finally breathe.   Being adoptive parents, we had to have a social worker visit within 24 hours at our home, then we had one within the week, then our visits were monthly until our adoption was final.  Our parenting adventure really began on this day, July 21, 2008. Three years later, let me tell you what an adventure this has been; I can't wait to see what is next.

Welcome Home Connor
Our neighbors were so surprised...no one knew we were expecting

Connor the day he left the hospital
His going home outfit was chosen by his birth mother

Connor's Birth Mother, Birth Grandmother and his hands

Connor at home

The Howell's