September 21st: 1968, 1994, and 2007

One day with three reasons to celebrate.

September 21st, 1968:  I made my entrance in to this world in a small town in Southwest Louisiana.  My reasons to celebrate this day have changed in the last few years. In addition to increasing the number that describes how long its been since I was born, it is a day to be thankful for the two daughters who have called me "mom."

September 21st, 1994: "Amanda Lynn"  entered this world in a small town in Lapeer, Michigan.  When they handed her to me at 4 months old, I loved her immediately. When they told me her birthday, I knew she was mine. I knew the reason for all of those years of infertility were so we would open our hearts to other options. I remember every detail about the day we first met her. She was wearing the most adorable pair of denim overalls and had a head full of crazy curly hair.  She no longer lives in our house, and now calls us Aunt and Uncle, but she will always be a part of our family and have a place in our "home."   I earned my mommy stripes with her and nothing changes that!  When people ask how many kids we have, I say "three," but then take a moment to acknowledge her in my heart.  She is always there. 

September 21st, 2007: Samantha Jo White became Samantha Jo Fulenwider in a small courtroom in Wichita, Kansas.  The phone call you get when someone says "come get this baby," is not one you ever forget. November 2003: I was sitting at work with no idea of how my life was about to change. A series of phone calls, an urgent plea for time off work, and less than 24 hours later, I was on my way to Arkansas to "get that baby."   Three years later, we were notified that on September 21st,  a judge had granted our petition for adoption.  

September 21st! Our special day!! Three lives not bound by blood, but connected with an eternal bond.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than to celebrate two incredible girls who I get to call "mine."   

A perfect day to reflect on the journey, and to be thankful that even though Big Daddy was not sure how it would go, he opened his heart and trusted my mantra that it would be ok.  It only took him about .5 seconds to love them too!