Just Like Heaven

The Brophy Family, November 21, 2009, Bountiful Utah Temple

11 Months (and 4 Days)

How can so much joy come in such a tiny and very busy package??

Sub For Santa

I love the magic of Christmas. I believe in Santa Clause. I love the excitement and the look on children's faces on Christmas morning. I love Toys 4 Tots. Since we've been married, Ryan and I have always made a little room in our Christmas budget to buy a little something for that great charity. A few years ago, Braxton began to understand why we put toys in the big box at Albertsons and he loves it too. Today, I received an email from the Adoption Exchange regarding their Sub For Santa program. They provide Christmas presents for over 300 foster children in the State of Utah. Since our Emma was in foster care, this program holds a special place in my heart. I know that times are tough, especially this time of the year, but if you have a little extra and are looking for a great way to give this Christmas season, please contact Lindsay or Michelle @ 801-265-0444 or use this link https://secure2.convio.net/tae/site/SSurvey?JServSessionIdr003=l1lchgbim1.app1a&SURVEY_ID=7560&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS

I cannot wait for Christmas!!! I am already blasting my Christmas music at home.

Today, I Became A Mother of Two. For Real

With it being National Adoption Awareness Month. I think that this month was the perfect month for Emma's adoption to be finalized. What an incredible experience it was today to be at Court, surrounded by some very special friends, and have the Judge tell us that our adoption journey is now complete, Emma is now legally a Brophy, our daughter and Braxton's sister.

I am so happy that now:

• I do not have to email and call 3 people when I want to take my child out of state on a family vacation. We can visit Grandma in Wyoming, whenever we want now!!! Or even go to Canada!!!
• I do not have to fill out paperwork and talk to 2 people whenever I have to take her to the doctor.
• I no longer have to update "the purple binder".
• I do not have to save my receipts when I buy diapers.
• I will no longer have dreams about random men coming forward to say that they are Emma's birth father and that they want to contest the adoption. Although it was sort of fun to wake up from those dreams and try to figure out where in my subconscious did "that guy" came from.
• I do not have to carry the magical paper around in my diaper bag that says that I can make ordinary and routine medical decisions for Emma. Today I got another magical paper that says that the State of Utah agrees with what has been in my heart all along, Emma is our daughter.

I am sad that:

• I will no longer have monthly visits with our sweet case worker, Laura. We were so lucky to have had her in our corner all these months. Thanks Laura.
• I am no longer a licensed foster parent, something that I would have never done if it wasn't for Emma, yet I now have very tender feelings towards foster care. I so admire those foster parents who love the children in their care and fight everyday for what is best for them.

Here is a picture of us with Judge Bachman. We took other pictures outside of the courthouse, but those are not for public viewing. I cried through most of the hearing, I think it was a combination of pure joy and pure relief and I am an ugly crier. Some people can cry and look just fine in the aftermath. Not me. I have puffy eyes, nose, etc. So those pictures will not be posted on my blog or facebook. Luckily, Judge Bachman keeps his courtroom a little dark.

I have such a loving family and wonderful friends. I really could not have made it through this whole experience without their support. I am so grateful for my faith that has sustained me and kept me functional during the early stages of Emma's adoption when things went terribly wrong. There were days that were dark and sad, but I never felt alone and that is a special gift and a blessing. I love adoption. I don't like it when people say that it's "the easy way" to have a baby because it is the most emotionally draining thing I have ever done. But by some miracle, children always seem find their families. It is so amazing. We waited 7 years for Emma and I would do it all again for her in a heartbeat. She was so worth the wait.

PS: Braxton told us today on the way home from Court, that he really wants a brother now!!

Halloween 2009

Yesterday was so fun. The weather was perfect, I really can't complain. We went to a trunk or treat at our Stake Center. The kids got so much candy. But, of course, that was only the beginning. We went trick or treating around the neighborhood with Kara and Sarah. Emma aka Sleeping Beauty fell asleep, so Ryan took her home. Sarah and I stayed with the kids. One of Kara's straps on her cupcake costume broke, so we decide to go home and have her change her costume, take a potty break and head out for round two. The kids had so much fun and got way too much candy. We couldn't convince them that it was getting late and it was time to go home. Braxton thought that since Halloween was over at midnight, then they should be allowed to trick or treat until midnight. (I think he's ready to go home to Canada and trick or treat with that mind-set..)

I am happy that Ryan was able to come home for Halloween, even if he was only home for about 14 hours. The great thing was that we "fell back" last night so he was home an extra hour.

Look What I Helped Make (sort of)

About three years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. Maybe she thought I needed help being domestic or something. I can sew, but not very well. I can sew in a straight line (usually). This week, I dusted off my sewing machine and for three fun-filled afternoons Lisa came over and taught me how to sew. Lisa usually makes her kids' Halloween costumes. She has quite a great talent. This year is the first year that she will not be sewing a costume for her kids. So, she was kind enough to offer to help me make Emma's Sleeping Beauty costume. I did sew a little bit, I would say that I made 5% of the costume. I think if I had to sew the whole thing, it maybe would have been done by Christmas. The costume is so cute, but I think the best part of the whole experience was getting to know Lisa better. We had a great time. Thanks you Lisa for all your help. I owe you big time.

Daddy's Girl

Ryan is now working in Cheyenne during the week and coming home on the weekends. So far, this is working out okay, but I really can't see it lasting too much longer. I am sad to leave all my friends in Utah behind, but I do look forward to living with my husband again. I miss him and the weekends go by way too fast. When he does come home, Emma will not let him out of her sight for very long. I snapped these pictures as she sat on his lap on Saturday and watched the Utah game with him.

Frightmares 2009

10 Months

Emma is now 10 months old........she is the most happy, busy and beautiful little girl. (I'm not biased at all) She is really keeping us on our toes, I had forgotten how much fun it is to chase a baby around the house. We found out last week that her adoption will be finalized on November 10th (at 11:15am :). We are thrilled beyond words. We will take her to the temple on November 21st. Braxton put it best when he said, "I can't wait for her to finally be my sister forever."

I Heart Fall

We went to a pumpkin patch a few weeks ago just outside of Fort Collins. I just love being outside in the crisp fall air. They had a corn maze at the pumpkin patch, we got lost a few times. But eventually all made it out safe and sound.

The entrance to the corn maze.

So many pumpkins to choose from. Taking a ride in the wagon.

Emma will not keep her socks on.

Finally found one in his favorite color.