Just Biological

Ann, Derek and baby Ben, who isn't a fan of bright sunlight

I know that counts for a lot, because without that there would be no Ben. But now it’s official.

This past memorial weekend, Ben was sealed to his adoptive parents in the Los Angeles temple. This was a big deal for me. When I first looked into adoption, it was definitely a necessity that the parents were temple worthy so that they could be sealed together. The adoption process went pretty quickly, only taking two months where others can take much, much longer. He is officially all theirs now.

Proud daddy at Ben's baby blessing

 But pretty much, Ben is the cutest thing ever. He’s a little over three months old now, he has the biggest head ever, and therefore an invisible neck. And they were able to record his first laugh! Derek is such an amazing dad and has been looking forward to making Ben laugh since before he was even born. I am SO excited to hear it in person though. I know that eventually, children laugh at practically everything unless they’re crying, but it’s so much sweeter because it’ll be such a rare opportunity for me.

Hopefully, at the end of June, they’ll be traveling here as part of a new agreement that I can see Ben four times a year. I am so excited: because I get to see him again (duh), because my best friend can see him for the first time (she was angry that he “decided” to be born the day after she went back to school), and because my dad even agreed to meeting Ben and his parents, which if you know him and our relationship, is a HUGE step forward.

While I was working the other day, I saw another girl my age very pregnant. And I admit it still pulls my heartstrings. I don’t have to wonder if she’ll parent, because it’s pretty obvious to me that most everyone I see will parent. I’m that rare .00001%. But honestly, good for her. Motherhood is wonderful, and no one ever regrets having their baby so she’ll figure it out.

If on mobile: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cxgnk5lkf96veck/Bens%201st%20laugh.mp4?dl=0

I would love to be and advocate for adoption, to go around and inform girls and women of their options when they find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy. I just want people to know that their bodies can handle so much more than they think, that no one regrets having their baby, and that there are so many couples out there that are unable to have their own children but would pay anything to raise yours. Becoming informed, even if you don’t choose adoption, will change your perspective of parenthood and also the miracle that is our bodies. 

Strong, sturdy legs

Where is his neck?