A Letter to Lili on Your Finalization Day

Dear Liliane,
Today is finalization day. You are our little girl. You were always ours, but now it is official. We have been waiting for this day for a long time. We thought we would finalize four months ago and although we weren't worried your adoption would fall through, we are thrilled to have everything official.

With Dallin we went to the courthouse to finalize. Gavin's adoption was finalized over the phone at the notary's office. Your finalization happened a few states away without any of our involvement. Our part took place a week earlier when we went to Dad's work to use his notary to witness our signing and then to have lunch with Dad. The only thing different about today was waiting anxiously for the phone call giving us the good news while smothering you with hugs and kisses knowing that a few states away papers were being signed and you were given our name.

Your middle name is Joy. This is a special name as many of the women in our family have this name including me. It also describes how we felt when we were chosen to be your parents. You have brought so much joy to our lives. From the moment we saw you our family was smitten. You were so tiny and fragile. You seemed so helpless hooked up to wires and a feeding tube. Who knew that such a little thing could have so much strength in her. You are one tough girl!

 

 I have loved looking through all your pictures. There are a lot of pictures of your big brothers loving on you. Sometimes they love on you too much and I'm sorry for that. It doesn't help that you are so petite. Even a 2 year old can carry a four pound baby! You captured their heart though. They will be your protector and hopefully a good example for you. You bring out their sweet and tender side and boy do I love that! You love your brothers too. You watch their every move and if you hear them while I'm feeding you, you immediately spit out the bottle so that you can wiggle to the ground and get to them. I hope you three always have a good relationship.

 We have spent a lot of time playing dress ups. There are sure a lot of pictures with you wearing frilly dresses and big bows. I have to work hard during these photo shoots for a smile. You don't just smile at anyone. It has to be earned. Maybe it is because you get so much attention where ever we go. We get stopped by at least 3 people in a store commenting how cute you are. I'm sure you are thinking, "I know already. Now can I please just eat my cheerios!"

Thanks for putting up with my silliness in dressing you up in clothes that are hard to crawl in and bows that get annoying.  Please continue to be patient with me as I continue to learn how to do your hair. We will spend a lot of time together doing hair. I look forward to our girl time-- just you and me.

I also love watching your relationship with your dad develop. You will get pretty angry if he doesn't come to you right when he gets home from work and play with you. Your smiles come more often around your dad and when you are having a rough night, he has the ability to come you down and get you back to sleep. Your dad is an amazing man and I hope you are always close.

I couldn't end this letter without talking about your birthmom. We love her so much and are so grateful for the decision she made to let us raise you. We gave you the name Liliane because she also has Ann in her name. She is a part of you and we hope you are as courageous as she. The Ann part of your name also refers back to me too. Please know that the mom who gave you life and the mom who is raising you both love you dearly.

The next month is going to be an exciting one. Your baby blessing is this Sunday and then we will go to the temple as a family in November. Oh how we are looking forward to your temple sealing because sweetie...nothing is really official until you are ours forever.

Love, 

Mom