An Adoptive Dad Speaks on Father’s Day. #FathersDay #adoption #parenting

I remember everything like it was yesterday.
I remember the first time the birth mother called us on the phone, as my friend was driving us to my parents house for Passover.
I remember the birth mom calling and saying she had seen some blood in her urine and why didn’t we get ready to fly out to Arizona.
I remember wondering what was happening as there was nothing on the schedule the next day at the hospital. So we hung out in the cafeteria!
I remember the first time I laid eyes on my son. My son. I knew he was my son.
I remember not being able to tell my spouse anything, I was crying so hard. I went to him in the waiting room and just gave him a thumbs up. We hugged and cried.
I remember how a nurse who did not know any of the story unfolding, was calling the baby Peter. For no reason. Peter is my husbands name. I knew Gd was saying hello, letting us know that everything would be OK.
I remember the Jewish circumcision with my parents present in the pediatricians office in Phoenix.
I remember driving for Chinese food every night for the four of us, it was “out of town” Chinese food, not what we were used to in NY!
I remember flying home with a connecting flight and changing poopy diapers in three airports!
I remember my father-in-law telling me my mother-in-law wanted to take the baby at night so we could sleep. They were living with us at the time. I resisted for a week. Then I realized new parents need to take the help they can get so that they can sleep!
I remember the digital camera the staff at work gave me at my baby shower, one of the single most useful presents I have ever received, and perfect for what we needed to be doing with our gorgeous new son!
I remember the ritual Mikvah converting my son to Judaism.
I remember spending years in the elementary school playground bonding with the other parents and watching our children grow together.
I remember when my son became taller than me at 12 years old.

And today I remember yesterday. Yesterday was Paul’s Bar Mitzvah, where he became a man in the eyes of our religion. He made us prouder than proud by performing like a star at the ceremony. The day was capped off by one of the best parties ever, that evening, with all our family and friends.

The full adoption story is below, so I always remember those details to be able to share with my son!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

How to Adopt!