Introducing Adam

I've been waiting my whole life to show you this.

He's spunky, he's silly, he's lovable, mischievous, and smart.  He's seven, we call him Nino,

and he's mine.

If you're new here, you can read a little bit about our foster care journey  {here}, {here} or {here}.

This little boy was taken into foster care when he was five.  His first foster mom was Gwennie, a sweet lady who loved and nurtured him for the first six months.  

Our family had been waiting for a call from our agency for over 7 months and when they asked us to care for Adam, it just felt right.

We knew that there was a chance he would leave and go live with a family member from another state, but it would take at least nine months to complete the paperwork required for him to move and whether he stayed nine months or nineteen years, we knew we could make a difference.

Early on, I knew this little boy was special.  He was so resilient, so teachable, so sweet, and so meant to be part of our family.  He loved our family and we loved him. 

The first couple of months were uncertain and a little challenging, but with lots of love, consistency, and lots more love, this little boy flourished.  For the first time in his life he had a dad and a brother, he had  cousins, friends, neighbors, and a family who were all invested in his success.

For the next 18 months we went camping, to the beach, the zoo, fishing, and swimming.  He had his own little job chart, learned to sleep in his bed all night, and learned about our Heavenly Father.  We taught him how to eat without getting spaghetti in his hair and took him to primary every Sunday.  In this time we also faced some of the biggest trials of our lives.  We endured many, many legal battles with his biological family members, sleepless nights, overwhelming stress, but through it all, we knew Adam was worth it and that he would end up exactly where he was supposed to. 

I can't even begin to tell you what kind of emotional roller coaster our family has been on for the past 22 months.  I can tell you that this was the most challenging thing I've ever been through.  I can tell you it was so painful at times I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up until it was over. 

Finally, on Febuary 4th, after many prayers and the support of so many friends and family, the Judge decided Adam's best interest was to remain with our family. 

This little boy is officially part of our family!!!

I get to be his mom forever.

He has an older brother who has waited for him for 17 years. 

and a family who will love him and do whatever it takes for his success and happiness.

I know for sure it is no coincidence that Adam is part of our family.  I know that because of this experience, our family has grown closer in ways that we never could have.  I know that sometimes life gets hard.  Really hard.  But these are the times that define who we are.  I know there is a God in heaven, I know there's always something better waiting on the other side,

and I know I can't wait for the next chapter of my life, as the mother of two.

Thank you Jaci for these priceless photos. (follow her on Instagram @jacimariephotography)  Between two boys who'd rather be eating brussel sprouts, one husband who'd conveniently thrown out his back, and a horse that had just been separated from her baby, when's the last time you had this much fun! 

You never cease to amaze me!