Happy Gotcha Day! March 6th for the Lewis clan was the most anxiety filled and the most amazing day for us. I never dreamed I would experience something so special and become a mother, let alone go through the process of fostering to adopting. But here we are now, Lewis, party of 3. So many emotions fled through me that day. The anxiety I felt for over a year was finally coming to closure. While fostering, there is always the chance the baby wouldn’t end up staying permanently. Every day, in the back of my mind, I worried of losing her. Even up to and on adoption day, I had that fear that something would change and we would lose her. Having the judge say the words that she is now our daughter just as if she was born to use was the most incredible words I could hear. The weight of the world lifted off my shoulders and I could finally not worry about losing the little angel that I have come to love with all of my being. Our immediate families joined us to celebrate that special day and having them supporting us meant the world.
I know with adoption comes loss. I know the baby is too young to understand but one day we will have to explain her adoption. We will not hide the fact that she is adopted or how she came to be our daughter. I know it is a bittersweet day for my husband’s side of the family. Our baby is a relative placement and I know in an ideal world, the baby would have never had to come into care and be adopted out. I can’t imagine that feeling of loss for them but I know they are grateful that the baby is loved beyond measure and will have the most wonderful upbringing. We are very appreciative of this opportunity to have her be our daughter.
So for anyone fostering or trying to adopt, just know that all the fear and nights spent crying are worth it. Try to be patient because the process does not go quickly. But know that you are that shining light for that child and they depend on you. Be grateful for everyday with them. Even though our Gotcha Day was March 6th, she got our hearts right from the very beginning. Baby Mya, Mommy and Daddy love you so much and can’t wait to see what adventures await our family!
