During our initial home study visit our social worker talked about the fact that during the adoption process we need to reach a point where we “claim” the kids as ours. Not just in words as “these are the kids we are going to adopt” but truly claim them as part of our family.
I’m not exactly sure at what point that happened for me, but I had realized it a few days earlier when we received the updated medical profiles on W-boy and B-girl. As I was pouring over the details I was excited to find birthdays. But then my heart plummeted. B-girl had turned seven just 18 days before. I had missed my little girls birthday. I felt horrible. Rationally, I know there was nothing to be done and it wasn’t my fault but I still felt like I had missed a major event.
Well, it seems as if someone else has “claimed” W-boy and B-girl. Today I was going through stacks of papers from the kids and found a folded up sheet. I almost tossed it without looking, but boy am I glad I didn’t. This comes from Noah, our 8 year old, who is a rather quiet and reserved kid (well at least when it comes to emotional stuff).
Can you read that – under “My Family” he has listed 2 sisters and 1 brother. He counted W-boy and B-girl.
It honestly made me cry 🙂
Of course I haven’t told him that, cuz that would be “embarrassing” and he’d roll his eyes at me. Cuz he’s 8.
*Updated: Okay, I just showed this to Mark and the first thing he noticed? He doesn’t list his mom and dad. So I guess he’s not claiming us. Probably cuz we’re embarassing 🙂