Where is my baby? (Warning: LONG post)

December 1^st 2011, while checking out books at the library, I heard this unquestionable voice from the corner saying, “Ma?” My head shot in the air knowing it was Wiggly. He was calling for me! So I quickly said, “over here, Eunchee!” And then he said it again – closer to me this time, “Ma!” So I dropped my books and met him halfway, scooped him up in my arms and just gave him a big hug. Significance? That day he went from calling for “Ma” in the morning to “Mama” by the afternoon! Ahhhhhhhh! Saaahweetness! And he has been calling me “Mama” ever since. Yay! Prior to this day, he called both Dad and myself, Dad or Daddy. Imagine that! He did call for “Ma” one Fri morning in September but then promptly forgot about it and went back to calling me Dad or Daddy.

January 1^st 2012, I had Wiggly in my arms, and 0ut of the blue I asked,

“buddy, where man my bebe (for baby)?” Lo and behold, he looks up to me with a smile and points with both hands to himself! Oh what a pleasant surprise that was! He really gets it now! Let's just say he got more than his fair share of lovins from me that day. I told that to UD while we were out and about that day and he goes, “really?” So he impatiently waits for Wiggly to get up from his nap – like sitting on the bed, willing for Wiggly to wake up! So with cobwebs in his head, Wiggly gets asked by Dad, “where's my baby?” And Wiggly gets this look of huh? And then, “oh” look as he points to himself just like he did for Mommy. Ahhhhh! Pride! Heart warming!!!!!!!!

He is indeed “our baby” now. We finalized his adoption one, fine, sweet Dec 29^th day of 2011! We are now officially Eunchee's parents, and he, our son officially – FOREVER! I'm so happy to say, we are now a forever family – officially! So, this one, fine, sweet day started with us on the run. Food prep, haircut, attempting a morning nap for Wiggly, lunch, more food prep, getting spiffed up, then rushing to the lawyer's office – where we waited (with PJ and GM) for 3:00pm. While waiting, Wiggly decided he needed some pictures taken. It was the cutest thing. He would run up to the door, pose, then run to Grandma as soon as he heard the “click” to look at his picture. Seriously! We're not teaching him to be vain... really.

If you know us, LATE is our middle name. This time, we kept track of the time quite anxiously; WILLING our lawyer to hurry up with his other client so we could walk across the street to the courthouse. And so we did – jaywalking at that. But no matter; we had a lawyer with us! We went through security check without a hitch and met up with family and friends who were already there – waiting for us. Then we got off the elevator and I was pleasantly surprised to see my co-workers from Pod A (as in angels)! They had also come to witness our big day. Brought tears to my eyes. I might have squealed too. After the hugs, we went in to the courtroom; got situated and waited (not for very long) for the judge to come out. The hearing took only 5minutes – if that. Our lawyer did all the talking – then our petition was granted! Gavel sound! Wiggly is OURS and his name officially changed to the name we've given him!

We asked the judge if we could take pictures and he goes, “take all the pictures you want.” Oh yeah! Take pictures we did! Thank you GM and BUOIT for taking the pictures. And thank you to those who came to the hearing. We are so honored! Special, special time!

The judge said something to the effect of, "this is quite a crowd."

 

We then went over birth certificate requirement/paperwork and headed on home for more food prep work and attempting a nap for Wiggly. He protested loudly but lost the battle in the end.

So... food.... yes we had quite a spread. But we never would have been able to get most of it done without BOUIT, row-rower-your-boat S, and 4 of their friends who came over to help UD prep and cook all day long. That was a sight to see and listen to actually. Four young ladies and 2 young gentlemen sitting and standing around our teeny tiny table. Prior to the hearing, they put together the lumpia and potstickers – time consuming! They also helped UD cut up veggies and all that good yummy stuff cooks do. Then after the hearing, the “kids” and UD proceeded to cook up a storm – lumpia, potstickers, japchae, grilled veggies, and Korean steak barbecue. My youngest brother and his friend came after the hearing so they ended up helping with the grilling. It was very refreshing to hear young adult conversation and laughter and music. Just made for even better day. What was I doing amidst all this cooking? Running around like a chicken with its head cut off! End result... chicken scratched icing work on Wiggly's Adoption day cake. But we ate good that night! We packed our house with family, and friends – just what we had envisioned for Wiggly's finalization/adoption day. Thank you again BUOIT, RRYB S, A, B, N, and G for giving up what would have been one more day at the farm – to help us and be with us on our special day. And thank you to those who came for the hearing and to our little Korean dinner. We are so grateful.

Yesterday, we received a letter for our agency closing our file for this adoption. Does anybody know how good that feels? No more mandatory social worker visits, no more “what-if-they-decide-to-take-him-back” fears, no more of that stuff! 

 

Today, we went back to our lawyer's office to review Wiggly's birth certificate. Seeing our names as Wiggly's parents just made my day. We are forever grateful to Wiggly's birth mom for choosing life and giving us a chance to parent our son. Maybe one day, we might be able to thank her in person. Until then, prayerfully, we will do our best to bring up Wiggly to be a fine, God loving and God fearing gentleman.

AC

PS: I love the way he calls me "Mama."
PPS or is it PSS: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!