Today is Joseph's 11th birthday. It is hard to believe that it has been so long since I had little baby Joseph in my tummy and in my arms. He is the light of my life and all I have ever cared about is that he is happy and healthy. I did whatever I needed to ensure his eternal happiness no matter how much it hurt me. Isn't that what Mother's do? I would do anything for him then and I would still do anything for him now. If you love someone unconditionally and with your whole heart, then you will do what ever is best for them, not you.
Joseph's first bottle feeding (I was nursing most of the time for the 4 days I had him). This picture was in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. That is an IV in his head:
Smiling at Joseph! Still in the NICU. The cords coming out of the bottom of his blanket are to his monitors like his heart monitor:
Spending quality time with Joseph in the Extended Care Nursery. It was hard not being able to be alone with him at the hospital and having wires everywhere with machines beeping:
In the Extended Care Nursery. Joseph loved to lye on my chest like that. There was a radio behind us and we would often fall asleep rocking to the music:
Joseph had his hand over his eyes all day. It was hilarious. He wasn't used to the bright natural light coming through the window of the adoption agency.
Joseph and I. Not long before I said my good-byes.
"I NEVER SAID IT WOULD BE EASY, I ONLY SAID IT WOULD BE WORTH IT"...
Happy 11th birthday to the most precious boy that I love so dearly!!
Happy 11th birthday to the most precious boy that I love so dearly!!
7 comments:
April - that is sweet. You did a selfless act that forever made an impact in so many lifes! I'm proud of you for the choice you made. birth mom's ROCK! :) Love you!
I hope you know how amazing you are!
Thank you Christa and Jill. It means a lot to me. This year has been hard for some odd reason. Your words mean so much! I'm glad I'm going to Albuquerque Monday to see my grandpa but it will be hard to be there on the day that I signed the relinquishment papers 11 years ago. 7/7/99. I'm glad that Brian will be with me today. He is my rock lately!
April, I don't know exactly what to say because I don't have any personal experiences with adoption but I feel compelled to say something. All that runs through my head is unbelievably brave, selfless, strong...Joseph and his family will be forever grateful for you and your selfless actions. You deserve so much love in your life! Have a good cry, then enjoy all the good things around you.
Janelle, that is INCREDIBLY nice of you. Your words brought tears to my eyes. So many people don't understand the love behind my decision and I appreciate you making me feel so good! Thank you very much.
What a great post. I am amazed that you have done such a wonderful thing. Your sacrifice wasn't just a one time thing; I see that the sacrifice never stops affecting you. Someday soon you will see him again.
Very sweet pictures. He's a beautiful boy. Happy birthday to him. I'm giving my baby up for adoption, too. Pregnant right now.
Post a Comment