Our Attachment Journey: Part 6- Not The End. Just The Beginning

Well, it's the end of my series but not the end of the journey. Today is all about the absolute joy we've found in Jonas. He is such a blessing!! We love him so much.

While it can be said that life takes a bit more effort these days it is also true that the rewards are tenfold. Everyday we're building up our relationship as a family. Each day brings with it victories and new joys. There's nothing more thrilling than seeing my son beam a smile at me and truly mean it. To have him rest his head on me and sigh in relaxation makes the world come to a halt in that moment. It brings me great joy to see how loving and nurturing his sisters are and how he enjoys them. And, the fun which only children can conjure up together fills my days to the brim with laughter.

As a student of all things my son (and daughters too) the more I get to know him (them) the more there is to love. He is letting me in bit by bit. Every time he gives an inch it's so rewarding. He is a remarkable child! Each new insight into his soul reveals God's amazing handy work. And, there's so much more to learn.

I wrote a long time ago, before I ever knew who Jonas was, that God had placed my Ethiopian baby in my heart so firmly that he was the only child I wanted. I would be persuaded to have no other despite the fact that I didn't even know who he was yet. That place in my heart was reserved by God for Jonas. Today Jonas is the child I want even more. He is who I love! I would NEVER, EVER trade a single moment.

I used to call my friends up and cry on the phone to them during the wait to bring Jonas home. I'd tell them I couldn't bear the distance between us anymore. That I was ready to move on and begin mothering him already- in real life. Well, my prayers have been answered. I remind myself of this when I'm roused from a deep sleep at 2 a.m. by my screaming baby. "This is the 'real' part you so desperately longed for!" Then, a smile creeps over my face and I thank God He never leaves me and that He's given me more than I could ever have dreamed in this beloved family of mine.