Connor, Part 2

I know some of you believe I've spent an enormous amount of time at this building, but it was actually only my second time at the court house, the first being at the retrieval of a marriage license to HH (Hot Husband). We came here on March 12, 2010 to adopt our third son, Connor (why, I cry even at this beginning paragraph).

If you know our story or have tons of time to review (look back at blog post "Connor" from March 2009), you'll know this was an incredible journey. The people on this path were all on it for the sake of Connor's best future. Connor's initial placement in foster care was due to his birth mom's struggles, but she cares so deeply for him and his future, that she desired a secure home for him. I had the pleasure of meeting his birth father, and Connor will be honored to share his roots with this amazing man.

Connor's birth, paternal Grandma Dawn (shown above before the adoption proceedings) and I originally met at the hospital after Connor's birth, and we formed a bond that made all of this possible. When I explained to Noah that we were adopting Grandma Dawn & Grandpa Gary as grandparents for all three boys, Noah patiently and politely explained, "Mommy, you can't adopt Grandparents, just kids". But now Noah is beginning to understand how someone's else's blood can run through your heart without the silly need for biology.

We had a gorgeous array of family and like-family who shared our joy with us on adoption day. 

Judge Harris made it a relaxed and celebratory time (not at all Matlock-like).

When I was preparing Noah for what to expect at the "White House" (the place where Noah told several people we were making the adoption official), I told him Daddy and I would be signing some papers. Noah said, "I want to sign some papers too". So HH created some precious "brother certificates", which the Judge kindly had them sign during the proceedings.

The Judge explained that becoming Connor's official parents was a very important responsibility, but that the most important role was becoming his brothers. When the Judge asked Noah and Ian to give a thumbs-up if they accept this responsibility, our wonderful photographer, Betsy Gregory, captured this precious moment of Ian's consent.

Throughout this process, Seth and I were in awe at the abundance of people who were involved in deciding Connor's future (case workers, attorneys, judges, etc.) and how Connor had no comprehension of how his life was being directed by all those around him. Then my most memorable moment of the proceedings happened. When Judge Harris said, "Connor is officially a Hutchins", we all cheered and clapped, including Connor, right on time. Of course, my sentimentality believes that it wasn't just Connor enjoying an enthusiastic crowd, but feeling that all was now right in his world. My faith knows that God's amazing hand made my family complete that day.

Connor's First Birthday

My blog is turning into a similar version of the Coal Hill Chronicle (the paper from my mom's hometown of 46). While news of someone's important something is included, it is not necessarily news from the current month.

So, Connor turned one a few weeks ago and it was a JOYOUS occasion. Joyous to see my baby reach a milestone and joyous to see him experience the miracle of cake.

I've been around the block, mom-wise, three times now. When my first baby turned one, I invited 36 people (almost the population of Coal Hill) and sufficiently overwhelmed his poor soul. The second time around, I included around 12 people--enough to stress out about tidying my home, but not enough to sensory overload a 12 monther. The third time, I didn't even invite my baby's daddy. Okay, baby's daddy was technically at a super important shale conference in Pittsburgh (where all significant shaling occurs, obviously), and he celebrated the following weekend at an EVEN SMALLER populated party. But local Grandmas and Grandpas (or Grandfatherly Jer Jer figures) attended the February 23rd official birthday of Connor Hutchins (this important change of his name occurred this last week, but, of course, will not be posted about currently).

And here's an overview of my little charmer's first year:

 

I missed Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day (Dec. 21st) AGAIN!!!!

Let's pretend it is SUPER normal in a January blog to include updates from Halloween, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Cat Herders Day (Dec. 15).

And my since-college bff, Christy and I visited Boston of my since-middle-school bff, Cynthia, who is the mostest, bestest tour guide in all the land:

Also, we jumped in leaves:

We had a wonderful November visit from Aunt Barb from Washington and my cousin Rick and his family in Texas:

Here's Rick's youngest daughter, Angelina, who Ian renamed "Julia" for no other reason than he is three and he can:

And a visit from our sweet Jesstine over Thanksgiving:

When we made it to December, we had our annual tree topping pictures:

And my favorite Christmas picture of the boys in front of our church's tree:

Then the boys visited with Santa (Noah informed me that the one at our mall is the real Santa, not a mascot, like some of them are) and you'll be happy to know that Santa is in good health (Noah is also concerned that Santa is going to die soon, since he has a white beard which means you're close to perishing). Connor's first experience was of intrigue of the white beard (the one that means he's old). He enjoyed pulling at the beard and everyone who has had their glasses/earring/hair piece removed by Connor, find tremendous glee in that vision. Ian did a great job of smiling, because every smile you see in the picture involves the bribe of a carousel ride after sitting nicely on Santa's lap:

And our gorgeous city now has ice skating in downtown (only in the winter, as it turns out), which makes me almost feel like we reside in New York:

Then we we prepared for the big man's arrival:

And all were happy that he arrived despite the Oklahoma blizzard conditions and 7" snow drifts:

And we even did snow joy dances:

And some of us turned 8 months old:

Then 9 months:

And, you guessed it, we even made it to ten since my last post:

And here's our sparkling grape juice toast to you for 2010:

Look what comes out of their mouths!

Noah showing off his first missing tooth. If you could will a tooth to come out, Noah has been attempting that since he was four. He was disappointed by the Tooth Fairy's quarter, until we explained that a gold dollar is four quarters.

My new favorite quote from Noah was when he angrily told me, "Ian kissed me on purpose!", meaning that Ian smacked him on the cheek just to make him mad (probably pretty accurate insight from big brother).

Ian, with his unique attire, checking out Colton's

I also enjoy when we're reading a book and Ian needs to take a potty break and he says, "Will you press pause, please?". It makes me feel like he has too much knowledge on the workings of a DVD player.

Connor's 7-Month Smile

Connor's greatest quote right now is "da da dadadadada da da da", which if you're maternal, you understand is almost the greatest thing he could say next to "ma ma mamamamama". And for those of you who don't already know, we are in the process of adopting Connor. That might sound a bit low-key of an announcement, but I feel as most of you already know this, or you already assumed it from previous posts. But as he is the MOST amazing gift our family will ever receive, I still feel a bit overwhelmed in how to adequately write about it. I will be giving a larger proclamation when everything is final and done with.

I also delight in hearing the insights from school that Noah brings home. An example from this morning:

Noah: There is definitely no kissing at school

Me: Is someone kissing someone in your class?

Noah: Yes, Beula* kissed Cecil* (names changed to protect the affectionate)

Me: Yeah, kissing is best done at home

Noah then gives me a big kiss which makes my heart do a little flip.

Also, Seth and I just celebrated our 13th anniversary, whereas Grandma Dita and Grandma Dawn gave us the gift of time alone by taking our little sweeties all weekend. Seth and I did a little "It's just us!" dance to Miley Cyrus's "Party in the USA" which makes me slightly embarrassed that I know the words to the chorus, but gleeful that Seth does too. In fact, next time you see him please start singing, "I'm noddin' my head like 'Yeah!', Movin' my hips like 'Yeah'" and watch what happens. Wow, I completely adore that man.