Eri-Rose

Eri-Rose is a great blessing to David and I.  We are so thankful for her and that she is a part of our family.  

We heard about her the day after she was born and had to wait a week to find out if she would be coming home with us when she left the hospital.  It seemed like forever.  Once we knew she was going to be with us we started visiting her in the NICU.  We visited her for a week and when she was two weeks old we got to bring her home...the day before Thanksgiving.  

She was the tiniest thing!  It was hard to even change her diaper.

We were told from the first day with her that we should be able to adopt her but the foster care system is crazy.  We hoped and prayed.  We learned to take things a day at a time.  We were in and out of court.  It was so hard to not know for sure what would happen and it was scary to think about the possibility of her leaving us.  

When she was around three and four months old, she began having some health problems.  We spent some time in the hospital and had some scares.  It was a process to figure out exactly what was going on and how to deal with it.  During that time we learned so much about community and were reminded again...take it a day at a time.  

Many many tests, medications, a small surgery and a feeding tube later...we were able to get things under control.  She had therapists working with her for a long time to help her continue to develop and deal with some struggles.  She still has several medications she has to have and her drinks have to be made a special way. She has continued to have her ups and downs health wise but seems to be improving and getting stronger. 

In April of 2012, right before Eri turned 18 months we were able to finalize her adoption.  It was such a wonderful day of celebration with family and friends.  It took place on April 24, my birthday, and it was the best birthday present!  It was such a relief to know she will be part of our family...forever!

Now, she is getting so big.  She is our big girl...not a baby anymore.  She will be two in November.  She continues to develop her own personality...and it is a BIG personality.  She never meets a stranger. She is very animated. She is loud. She is funny. And most of the time she is such a sweet girl.  

We can't imagine our lives without her!