Adoption!!!

I know, I know; I've owed you all a post for over a week now.  The truth is, this week was a come-down-from-the-stress-of-the-previous-two-weeks week, for lack of a better description.

I got so keyed up doing paperwork, cleaning the house, making plans, shopping for party things and gifts, and cleaning the house some more, that I needed more of a relaxation period than I expected.  And then those last couple of days before (and the morning of) the adoption, there is that, "Oh my gosh, something is going to happen to get in the way of this!" feeling.  It's probably stronger when you've been through enough ridiculous situations that you know from experience that IT IS NOT FINAL UNTIL THE JUDGE SIGNS THE PAPER.  That feeling on top of the other stress results in very little sleep at a time when it is needed more than any ordinary week.  BUT, I am convinced that college was prep for parenthood.  I got through it, and with the help of my wonderful husband and kids, the house was nearly spotless for the party on Saturday.

The adoption was bright and early Friday morning.  We were so blessed to have a very nice group of family and close friends present for the adoption.  It was really cool to have some of the people who have been close to us throughout our entire "Liam journey" with us while he became a legal permanent member of our family.  Among them were my mom and brother; my cousin, who also happens to be one of my closest friends, and my two little "nieces;" one of my very best friends, who has been beside us on this journey since holding teensy Liam on his first Sunday at church; and Liam's awesome caseworker (who, yes, was required to be there, but who I would have asked to be there anyway - without her, this would not have happened so quickly or so smoothly). Our children were, of course, there; and Randy's older daughter was even able to be there, though she lives out of state.

I'm so so so thankful that God has led us to adoption, and brought our sweet, beautiful, wonderful children into our lives.  No, parenting them is not always easy; often it is more difficult than parenting bio children, because of all the "extras" they bring with them.  But I could not love them more if they had been born to me, I truly know that.  Adopting is such a wonderful, awesome thing that you can't even imagine unless you experience it - and it is such a great reminder every day of how God has adopted us and made us His children.

Thank you to all who have followed us through Liam's foster journey, and for all of your support and kind words.  The journey has not ended; it has only changed in definition and destination, for which we are eternally grateful, and which responsibility we will strive to uphold and live up to, and which privilege we will strive to be worthy of, to the best of our human ability.

Three Years

Three years ago today, we finalized Hunter and Kaleigh's adoption.  They had been with us nearly a year, and when they came to us, their case was supposed to be finished quickly.  They were nearly through the TPR (Termination of Parental Rights), and just needed an adoptive placement before the judge would complete the final step.

It turned out to be more complicated than that, and more than once we contemplated throwing in the towel; but God had other plans.  He kept tugging our hearts toward fighting for them, and He was faithful to see us through those difficult times.

It's hard to believe it's been a whole three years - and it's hard to believe it's been only three years.  They both continue to thrive, learn, and grow as little people.  I am very proud of the way they have handled all the changes that have come into our family the past three years.

And most of all, I am blessed that they call me "Mom."

One Week!!

There is much cleaning to commence, a bathroom to paint, a scrapbook to complete, and a blanket to sew, before the big day!

So I will leave you simply with this:

"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to Him.  Therefore I have lent him to the LORD.  As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD."  I Samuel 1:27-28

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Upcoming

In just 10 short days, Liam will legally be Liam!  And he will be a legal Shanahan!  It's so weird to look at him and think his old name - it never did fit him.  He has always been a Liam!  In fact, his paternal grandma, who we keep in touch with, told me that BD wanted to name him Liam before he was born!  I guess he really has always been a Liam :-).

Things are a tad crazy around here, what with planning for an open house (if you've been to my house you know that it definitely always looks... lived in!) and getting paperwork done for the adoption.  I'm a little anxious about the open house, since we've never had a get together bigger than just family before; it would be easier if the weather was nice so that we could expand to the patio and deck, but I am very thankful we have all the space we have this time around!

If you are coming, we look forward to seeing you!

I'll be posting all about the adoption in about a week and a half :-).  I can't wait to be able to post pics of him and show him off to the rest of my world :-).