The Best Day of My Life.

Yesterday was a day I wasn't always sure would happen. A day that I have envisioned and dreamed about for some time, but which was not a certainty. What would happen, if it did occur? What would it feel like?

Well, the day I have dreamed of for a couple of years now has finally arrived. I am Anna's legal parent. So is Heidi.  Yesterday, Heidi and I adopted her, and so the law has officially caught up with the reality that we are Anna's parents. Needless to say, we are both thrilled.

Family photo, June 2012

In one sense, this day isn't all that remarkable for the simple fact that we have been Anna's caregivers since she was 3 days old. At first, we didn't know we'd end up raising her. The future was uncertain. But we kept on the path that unfolded before us, open to any possibility - including the possibility that she would not always be with us. We simply took care of her and loved her with all our hearts. We trusted that everything happens for a reason and that we were meant to be a special part of this little girl's life, and just let fate take its course.

At the same time, there is something priceless about the fact that we are now officially a family unit. We stood in court yesterday grateful beyond measure. We're grateful that this day finally came. We're grateful that Anna's biological parents agreed that this was what was best for Anna. We're grateful to our family and friends for always supporting us, being there through the emotionally difficult parts of the past few years, and also enjoying the wonderful parts with us.

We're grateful we live in a state where we can both be Anna's legal parents so that she has important legal safeguards that we both can provide. We're grateful that this process was a smooth and happy one, unlike many family law matters. We're grateful that after over three and a half years of hard work, love, dedication, sacrifice, tears and immense joy, we are finally recognized as the parents that we are. Not guardians, not aunts, not care providers. Parents.

She is no longer our "ward." We no longer have to answer questions and offer awkward explanations or struggle to find words that encompass who she is to us. She is our daughter. Forever.

Most of all, though, we're simply grateful for Anna. She is a precious, smart, beautiful, gifted little girl who is truly, as the translation of her name indicates, a gift from above. A gift from God. I will forever be thankful for her.

Our beautiful daughter!