I started buying baby clothes for a baby girl. Hung them in her closet. Bought the baby crib and decided on the room decor. Still no baby girl.
Got a call. It went like this. "I know you wanted a girl, but we have a healthy baby boy and just wanted to know if you might be interested?" I had been in adoption labor for 18 months! YES, I was *interested*.
Monday, April 13, 1992: Met foster parents and my soon-to-be son at their home where he had been since birth. We locked eyes and I loved him from that moment on. God chose the perfect baby!
Tuesday, April 14, 1992: Second visit to the foster home. Picked out an outfit for my new baby to wear home the next day. Hugged, kissed, cried with the foster parents. This had been their first foster child, so it was very emotional. Left at 2:11pm to head home and wait for the next day to hurry and get here.
Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 1992: Social Worker arrived at my door with 6-month old Taylor. What a wonderful day that was! Note: Because he was just a baby at the time of adoption, I was able to (re)name him. I named my new baby boy Taylor.
After the 6-month waiting period, we went to court for the signing of the final paperwork.
That's me swearing in in the Judges' chambers and my mother-in-law standing behind me

Me signing the papers

Judge Gray signing the final paperwork.
Did you know that I was adopted too?

Mother-in-law, Lezlei (sister-in-law/friend), me and Taylor

My (now ex) husband and I walking Taylor out of the Courthouse. I love this photo that Lezlei took of us. It looks like Taylor is looking back saying "well, it's all official now"

Christian Montessori Pre-School Days

Elementary school: First trip away from home to summer camp. And yes, I cried . . .

Junior High Graduation Day. Note: the shirt was tucked in for the ceremony!

Sitting (and and maybe thinking?) in the neighborhood Starbucks

Football

one of my favorite photos . . .

Hanging out and having a good time with his friend

Sometime this year at a friend's. Shhhhhhh, I stole this from his photos on the computer . . .

future baker???


or maybe a recording artist?

At Focus getting new skateboard for birthday (compliments of mommy) . . .

Happy 17th Birthday Taylor!
I love you sweetie, xoxoxo - Mommy