Love at First Sight...

Today is a day I will never forget.  It has been etched into my heart, where I will protect it and cherish it, forever...

The GPS said 1 hour 29 minutes as we set out to meet our babies.  We were prepared for the ride...DS's, Mad Libs, snacks, waters, camera.  The drive went by pretty fast, only one potty break and a trip to the store for flowers.  We pulled up to the house and found our caseworker already waiting for us.  Instantly, we felt a little better, just knowing she was there for us. 

We took a deep breath and rang the bell.  Foster mom answered right away and greeted us in.  After brief introductions, we met Isaiah.  He was sitting up so good in his Bumbo seat, just checking us all out.  Foster mom placed him in my lap, and we just stared into each other's eyes.  His eyes are so beautiful and expressive.  He smiled at me and giggled when my hair tickled his face.  He and Hailey had fun playing toss and retrieve with the stuffed animal we brought him.  Josh and I played 'pass the baby' all hour and he just smiled and babbled.  It was amazing.   

Elijah hid behind his foster dad for the first half hour, leery of the new strangers.  Zach was able to break through by getting down on the floor and playing with him.  They played there for most of the visit, throwing balls and running to get them.  Josh and I each tried to hold Elijah, but he whined and wanted down right away.  As he watched us talk to his foster parents and play with his brother, he seemed to get more comfortable.  He started offering toys to Josh to play with and posing for pictures.  He was absolutely adorable! 

The hour went by all too fast.  We all felt sad when it was time to go, Hailey even teared up a little.  We agreed that one more visit before our overnight would be good for Elijah.  So we are meeting for a lunch date next Sunday, and can't wait!!!  Then we'll pick them up again on Monday for our overnight visit.  The kids don't have school that  day, so they are really excited!

Josh decided to try one last time, and scooped up Elijah for a hug.  This time, Elijah just smiled and babbled at him, posing for pictures.  I reached out to see if he'd come to me, and he did.  It felt so good to hold him.  I told him goodbye and gave him a kiss, but he started to cry and reach for me when I tried to set him down.  I picked him back up and he stopped.  We played this game a few more times, before foster dad had to just take him inside. 

Our visit was ending, so foster mom and I exchanged phone numbers and email addresses.  I asked if I could give her a hug.  She said sure, so we leaned in to hug and accidentally almost kissed.  We both laughed and it really eased the tension.  She asked if we could stay in touch.  I assured her that we would, and said I'd love for her to be a part of our extended family too.  I really hope we can, and believe we will.

The boys could not have been sweeter.  They are both so special and amazing in their own unique ways.  They touched us so deeply.  Everything we've been through up until now, has been worth the wait.  We can't stop smiling and going over and over the details of the day. 

What a perfect day.  I couldn't not have asked for more.  I've never felt more blessed.