Happy Adoption Day!

Our Anthony is officially our Anthony forever! 

I'm sure I wrote a similar post with Anna, but well, I'll write it again :-).

This day means a lot to us.  And at the same time, it means nothing.  Anthony's always been our son.  And he'll always be our son.  However, today, it's legal. 

Today we have no worries that something will go wrong.  We no longer have to ask permission to leave the state.  Or have papers signed if he needs medical treatment.  Or have anyone tell us what vaccinations he does or doesn't need to have.  Today they declared that "Anthony Xavier is now your son just as if he had been naturally born to you".  And hearing those words makes me cry.

My children are no different than biological children.  They are my children.  They are, forever, and for always my babies.  And while no court can tell my heart that this is true or untrue, it feels great to have it legal.

What a beautiful day to celebrate.  I am so blessed to have my son and my daughter in my life.  I don't want life to be any other way.  And on such a wonderful day, the second ever feast day of Blessed Pope John Paul II.  And on the day of my sister and brother-in-law's first Anniversary.  And a day after their cousin's Baptism.

Our family truly has reason to celebrate.  And celebrate we did.  I"ll post on our festive weekend later, but for now, here's the picture that means the world to me today :-)  And below it, I've put Anna's Adoption picture.  It cracks me up that it's only been 13 months, it was the same judge, and the pictures are remarkably similar, except, of course, for the addition of "brudder"!

Anthony's Adoption Finalization - October 22, 2012

Anna's Adoption Finalization - September 19, 2011

Anthony's Adoption Day Cake!