Two Years of Knowing Nathaniel

Two years ago this morning we met Nathaniel.

When these days come up, I realize how new I still am to adoption. Which day is suppose to be the most significant? The day we learned he was our son? The day we met him? The day he came home? The day his adoption was finalized? This one, the first time we met and held him, feels so important.

We had known for about a week that we had been chosen as his family. We had read his file with the Department of Social Services. We were offered one meeting with him and then would have to give our answer if we would follow through with his placement in our home and adoption.

There was no decision to make on July 3, 2013. We walked into Nathaniel's foster home confident that he was our son and we were his parents and this was forever.

A year ago, I had many thoughts about what we had learned in our first year together. In this last year, I have see more of his unique personality. I like his spunk. I like that his toes are right on the line when a two-year-old and a street edge and the word no collide.

I see his timidness and hesitation too. I like that one minute he is ready to climb in with the pigs, but when the goose honks loud, he scrambles down and hides behind my legs.

I see how much he is ours. I see ways that our being his parents and his family for two years have contributed to who he is today. I like that he chases a bird at the park, turns, looks for me, silently signs bird with his thumb and first finger, waits for my equally silent nod of acknowledgment of his talking, and then runs after the robin again. We learned to say bird and to watch each other closely in a rocking chair with books when the winter and sickness prevented going outdoors. 

I see so often that his behaviors resemble his siblings' and father's way of living. I like that he studies things. I like that he takes things a part. I like that I have known him for two years. So much to thank God for today. But most of all -  that I have known Nathaniel for two years.