This photo was taken on Saturday, February 23rd at Ed and Sally's house. Mark and I had the weekend to spend time with Anthony and help him transition into his new home and family before the placement day the following Wednesday. Meeting Cynthia and Anthony has been so surreal and such a God given gift. It definitely didn't happen by chance or coincidence. Anthony and his birth mommy are meant to be in our lives. Forever.As I look back I cannot believe so much time has passed. My adoption leave from school ends today and tomorrow I will go back into my classroom and resume a normal life of teaching.
I'm so thankful I had this time to bond with my son. It's been amazing watching him grow and change and having the ability to be home for all of it. My goal was when I would go back to work he would know his house, family and that this was a permanent, everyday place for him. It's so touching that in a short amount of time he gets that - he knows we are his parents and this is his home.
In the past three months I've been amazed by many things big and small. The generosity of our family, friends and co-workers is at the top of the list. We have been given so much and feel such overwhelming gratitude for all who have helped out along the way. Hopefully those individuals know how much we appreciate their giving spirit. Anthony is another source of amazement. He now shakes his head yes and no and tries to say the words as well. How did he pick that up? And how does he know how to correctly use it? Just today he said yes to being hungry, done eating and then ready for nap time. AMAZING! Also, our relationship with Cynthia is another thing that I'm amazed about daily. She is wonderful and has broken all of my stereotypes about what a birth mother would be like.
I guess it all boils down to the fact that we are blessed and love being Anthony's parents. I'm finding myself just a bit sad that tomorrow won't be another wonderful day at home, but I'm looking forward to a whole future together as a family.
An interesting side note, I realized this weekend I haven't gone through a bottle of gel or hairspray since I've been home and my make-up bag was rarely touched. I don't know if I should apologize to the people who had to endure my shabby appearance or appreciate the fact that for once in my life sweatpants was required for the job of being a mom and showers were optional.
5 comments:
Ton, this post brought a tear to my eye...very sweet! I can not believe it's time for you to return to work already! It's clear that you've had an amazing time getting to know and fall in love with your son and your gratitude for having him in your life shows. You are all so very lucky to have each other, and Anthony especially for having such an amazing mother. I hope the transition back into the classroom is a smooth one. Good luck - I'll be thinking about you! Love you.
WOW! I can't believe it is already time... who am I going to talk to every morning?? Um... now I'm not going to be able to call and get you whenever I want... AH, maybe you should stay home for another 3 months? You know, until Fall starts?? :) :) :) Good Luck with the kids tomorrow... how fun to be back into the swing of things! :)
Tonja,
You are a fantastic writer and its been a joy to vicariously experience adoption thru your heartfelt blogging! Best of luck with tomorrow's transition and I'm excited to read the future chapters of "The Hanson Hat Trick"! Only a few short weeks until you're back to the carefree (and makeup-free and hair product-free) days of summer! :)
~Mara
It is really amazing how fast the time goes by, especially when you just want it to last so badly. I know how hard it is to go back, but you're lucky to have just a little bit of work left before you get to be back home again! Although you will miss Anthony, I hope you enjoy being back in the classroom with your kids and sharing all your stories. You are such a special mommy - and teacher - and all your children are lucky to have you. Have a good day - I'll be thinking of you. Love you!
So, its Wednesday morning and I'm going through my usual daily blog tour: bainblabber for cute videos of the girls preschool graduation, lefebvre party of 4 to see there is no update (pssst, erin, update!): then to thehansonhattrick what? no update?!? oh yeah! she's at work right now!
Hope your first day back is fantastic and goes by fast!
Only a few more days and it will be summer!
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