The Day God Gave Me a New Name

It's been one year. ONE YEAR. It's hard to believe, but true. Time really does fly. A year literally seems like just a few instants and sleepless nights.

In May 2010

And yet, here I am, a year later.

My favorite shot of him. Feb 2010. He was the lion for our class circus.

April 10, 2010 was (probably) the best day in my life up to this point. We were told 4 days earlier that our soon-to-be-adopted-son would be moving in on 4/10. I remember every little moment about this day. I will spare you the details, but I won't ever forget the anticipation. I wondered how he would be. I wondered if he would come willingly or with tears. He, in fact, came willingly, excitedly, and actually called me "Momma" as we pulled away. {He was ready...}

His first night with us. Superman jammies and all.

We had been waiting since October, when we first learned he would be up for adoption. Those 5 months were some rough months, but we did learn a lot about God's timing, worshiping while we waited, and enjoyed many "kidless moments" as we awaited our sweet brown-eyed boy.

D with his favorite person - Daddy

Before that special day, I was Joslyn. I have mild OCD which annoys everyone I know (sorry!). I was a teacher, referred to as "Mrs. K" by 80+ previous students, the families, and other students in the school where I taught. {In fact, I was "Mrs. K" to my brown-eyed boy the day before I became Momma.} I would sleep until noon if I could. I would go to sleep at 10 p.m. if I could. {I love sleep!} I crafted on weekends while watching chick-flicks when Aaron worked {out of sheer boredom}.

Swinging...seems we go to parks to do this more than anything else.

Now, I'm still mildly OCD. I can't help myself. I am only "Momma." It's rare to hear my old name anymore, and since I'm staying home with him, there are no "Mrs. K" references. I am still a teacher...most moments are "teachable moments" with a 5 year old. I rarely go to bed before midnight, and I usually am up before the 8 o'clock hour. The latest I've slept in this year is 9 a.m. {and that was the one and only night we have been away from him in this year!}. I craft now because I love it (and because I'm cheap), but I have to fit it in 15 minute segments or when he's napping (which is rare).

Family Night downtown. Fall 2010

His laughter and silliness fills my days now. His mischievousness (if that's a word) now keeps me alert and on my toes at all times. His "energy" (aka hyper-activeness) helps us stay active and busy. There is literally never a dull moment around here. His snuggles warm me all the way to my toes, and when he touches my face and says, "I love you, Momma," there is no greater feeling. Sneaking kisses and tricking him into the next time I can kiss him (he is 5 now, you know...he's starting to like them less :-( ) is the next thing on my to-do list always.

My boy does like his ice cream. Cooling off on a hot day over the summer 2010.

I'm a Mom now. It's exhausting and fulfilling. It's purposeful and draining. It's rewarding & meaningful always. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the whole world. Seriously...the BEST.JOB.EVER.

Can't get enough sleeping shots of him. He falls asleep all the time in the car now that we don't take naps!

God, thank you for the gift that my sweet brown-eyed boy is. Thank you for your timing, and the way you had this worked out long before I did.