Happy "Family" Day

December 2, 2007

Dearest Yaya,
It is the eve of your adoption day or “Family” day as some call it. It’s hard for me to believe after tomorrow I will officially be your mom and Bird will officially be your dad. You see, in our eyes we have been your parents since the day you came home with us 8 months ago. Before tomorrow, April 10th was the happiest day of our lives. We were so thrilled that you were finally here. The wait was over and our prayers had been answered. We wanted and loved you for you and all that was part of you. After months of home studies, letters and paperwork our wait will be over. Your adoption will be finalized.
We have been so lucky to be given the opportunity to be your parents. You, my dear daughter have made our family complete. You have brought more joy and laughter to our home than you will ever know. You are our precious angel sent from heaven. Your biological mother knew how special you were when she chose your 1st given name. We have not met her in person but we know she is a very kind and loving woman. She has more love for you than we will ever know. She made the most difficult decision of her life when she chose adoption for you. She loved you so much she decided to put your life in God's hands not her own. She had faith God would help her find the right family to love and care for you. We will be forever grateful to her.
Tomorrow, your name will be changed to the one we have chosen for you. It may be confusing as to why we are changing your name when the one you were born with already has such meaning. It’s simple really. Daddy and I felt our “Faith” as well as your biological mom's is what brought us together. Daddy and I held on to scripture that stated, “Even with faith as small as a mustard seed” we would be able to move mountains. With God’s guidance and strength we were able to find you, our precious baby girl. We want to change your name because we want everyone to know what faith can do and most importantly that you are one of us now and forever.
I want you to know we don’t need a piece of paper to tell us that you are ours. The night we met I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around you so I could hold and kiss you forever. You were always meant just for us. God has known since the beginning of time that he would bring us together to be a family. You were worth the wait and all the tears and heartache we endured to find you. You will never be unloved or unwanted a day in your life. Your biological mom, daddy and I will always love you! You will forever be our child. Our precious angel sent from heaven. Welcome to our family Yaya!
Love, Mom and Dad

One year ago today, Yaya officially became our daughter.

These were the first pictures taken after the judge proclaimed she was officially our daughter. Pictured from Left to Right
(The judge, our Social Worker, myself, Yaya, Bird and our Lawyer)

Yaya's Christening