Someone Who Changes You

This page was the very first project I created in my mind for the Leadership Display boards. As soon as I saw this sentiment from the See Ya Later stamp set (which can be earned FREE during Sale-A-Bration), I instantly knew I would be creating a page regarding the moment I met my son, and how far we have come on our journey together.

My son was first place into my arms when he was just 2 days old. My life was forever changed. I fell in love at that very moment, but at the same time I was so very scared about the unknown. . .

After many years of fertility issues, and finally accepting the reality that I would not be able to bear children on my own, my husband and I knew that we would grow our family through adoption. After prayerful thought and consideration, we decided that we would adopt through the Fost-Adopt program. We had helped a few children out, providing them a safe environment in which their needs were met while the work was being done to reunite them with their biological parents. But with my son, it was different. From the moment we met, I knew deep down that he was mine, yet I couldn't know for sure what would happen. . . if we would get to keep him. . . or if he would, in the end, return home to his biological parents. With very conflicting feelings, it was hard for me. I knew that I would love this precious little boy with all my heart, mind, and soul, yet part of me was hesitant to let myself believe that he would be mine forever. I needed to protect myself from the heartache and loss for when this boy who was mine would be going home to his biological parents. It is hard to describe all of the feelings attached to this little guy, but my life WAS forever changed from the moment I laid eyes on him and the RFC placed him in my arms. An instantaneous flood of emotions came over me. . . love. . . excitement. . . nervousness. . . anxiety. . . fear. . . desire to make sure that no matter what was to happen, this precious spirit would know that he is loved.

It was a long, emotionally hard road (not just for our little family, but for the case workers, GAs, extended family, and biological family involved as well). Finally, after 11 months of loving this little guy and working with the bio parents to try and reunite, the Judge ultimately decided it just wasn't possible or in the best interest for this little guy to return to his bio parents. By 18 months, the adoption was finalized with no more possibility of appeals, and he was officially a Cowley! Who knew that one little soul could change the lives of so many people, and have such a profound impact on our sense of love!

Our boy is now six years old, and we have had quite the journey! At just 6 months old, the doctors came to the conclusion that the trauma this little baby endured while in utero (as well as some very traumatic things that occurred during visits with the bio father) had had a huge impact on his development, and that he would need extra help. Weekly Physical and Occupational Therapy, as well as a scheduled regimen of sensory play have helped him out tremendously! Though he was diagnosed as being on the Autism Scale and having Sensory Processing Disorder, his progress has been truly amazing, and without a trained eye you would now never know his hardships! I cannot even begin to imagine what life would be like for this little guy had he not had so many people in his life advocating for him.

Though it is a very tough process, this Fost-Adopt thing. . . crazy us! We have decided to go through the Fost-Adopt program again! Scarey, but also very excited about the possibilities too!

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!

(search Leadership Display on their blogs)

Becky Cowley- you are here!
Cathy Caines - In The Cat Cave
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Supplies used: See Ya Later and Banner Blast stamp sets; Sweet Sorbet DSP; Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe, Summer Starfruit, Calypso Coral, and Whisper White cardstock;  Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe, Summer Starfruit, Calypso Coral, and Whisper White ink pads; Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe, and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers; Tea Lace Paper Doilies; Pool Party 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim; Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack; Vintage Faceted Buttons; Hung Up Cute Clips; Chalk Marker; Hearts Collection Framelites Dies; Banner Punch; Decorative Dots Embossing Folder; Expression Thinlits Dies; Feathered Woodcuts MDS download; other: Silhouette.