After paperwork was signed we had to wait for the state of Utah & the state of Arizona to give us clearance to come back home. It ended up taking a while because the offices were closed over Labor Day, but we were able to see Cassie & her family again which was really great for all of us. Cassie & her family invited us to her family reunion in Park City so we got to meet all of her extended family & they even had us in their family pictures which was so sweet.
I know openness in adoption is something that scares a lot of people & is a hard thing to understand. Tyler & I didn't feel like we really understood it until after Ruby was born. Cassie in no way tries to be Ruby's mom. She's her birthmom & that role is clearly defined. When someone you love so much gives you the most incredible gift you develop a bond that is deep & unique. We want to share Ruby's life with Cassie because we love her & we love Ruby. I don't think anyone can understand this unless they've experienced what we have, but all I can say is that this relationship is a healthy & happy one. We don't feel threatened in our role as Ruby's parents because Cassie is so wonderful to us. And it's an amazing thing to have another person in the world that loves your daughter like you do. We say time & again what a lucky baby Ruby is. She has an incredible story. (Sorry for my adoption tangents, I can't help myself.)
Loving this picture
