Brother not forgotten

During this experience there's been 'sign' after sign, moment after moment filled with reassurance and hope that we're meant to take this journey and grow our family through adoption.

One of the latest is learning we will be meeting Addison for the first time on Joel's birthday, Feb. 9. We leave this Wednesday, so will miss that special day with him, yet celebrate the 'present' we are bringing home (among others less life changing for him.). I've attached a few 'highlights' from his 5th birthday party yesterday. Some of you may recognize the uniform he put on at the start in case of 'emergency'. He wanted to be "first on the scene". The birthday cake is also inspired by Joel's passion for all things 'mergency'.

Joel's been excited? over the past months. Two years ago when we began, he'd ask if each plane he'd see was bringing sister home. Then naming his teddy bear 'sister'. Nightly prayers are often dedicated to sister and bringing her home soon. Now, as many begin asking if he's gonna share his toys with his new sibling, I think the reality of the situation is starting to sink in...