// Happy Gotcha Day, Toby!


It's been two years since Toby came to live with us full-time, and in many ways that's so hard to believe. Two years! Part of me feels like it was just yesterday and it still feels so new, but the other part of me feels like he's been with us for decades haha I guess that's what it's like when you're parents to a 5 year old! 

We celebrated yesterday with a custom TMNT cake and Turtle Tracks ice cream. We spent most of the morning out teaching Toby how to ride his new bike, and then capped off the evening by playing with his new styrofoam airplane. It only got stuck on top of the house a few times haha It was a very, very good day.

When I think about the circumstances surrounding our custody situation I often feel like maybe it's "wrong" or "weird" to celebrate such a day, but then I remember that we're all in a better place because he's here. We gave Toby a safe, loving environment to grow and flourish, and he gave us stability and the foundation of a home. We all came out on top.

I'm so grateful we were able to bring him into our home and show him what unconditional love truly feels like. I can't even begin to explain how much I feel I have grown in these past two years. And Toby! He's such a blossoming little dude now. He's full of so much personality and excitement. He couldn't be more different than the Friday we brought him home with us. I've also been able to watch Mike melt into this puddle each and every time Toby is around. He'll sneak a kiss on the top of his head when he walks by, or give him a hug "just because."

We'll always celebrate birthdays and things like that, but I'm especially fond of Toby's "Gotcha Day" because that's when the three of us became a family. I feel blessed each and every day when he wakes up and calls for "Mom" or when he asks me to read him a bedtime story each night. He's going to be the very best big brother, just like he's the very best son. 

Happy Gotcha Day, Toby! We love you more than words can say!

PS; Here's the post about bringing him home, and here's his first Gotcha Day!

21 comments:

  1. I teared up reading this, I really did..!
    So sweet! He is a very, very lucky boy to have you in his life. And now it's going to be four of you! I might sound weird and even stalkerish because I don't really know you, but I do feel so happy for you guys!
    Oh, and even mommies to 3-year-olds feel the same way haha... (like Tommy has been around FOREVER and I can't remember what life was like before him, but it also feels like it was just yesterday when I was having morning sickness and all those fun little things that come with growing a tiny human!)

    Veronica @ http://happylifeofacitygirl.blogspot.com/

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  2. Aww! I've loved seeing all the posts about your little family Kaelah! Toby is a handsome little fella, He's gonna be a right little heartbreaker when he is older. You and Mike have done a fab job and I think you are all such a cute little family hehe!

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  3. Gosh. In that photo? I can physically see the man Toby will become. I hope that's not out of line as a comment!

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  4. That TMNT cake is AHmazing. So glad you guys are celebrating another year with Toby. Ya'll make such a cute family and Toby seems like such an awesome kid!

    XOXO
    Becca | Ladyface Blog

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  5. I've never commented on here before but I've been reading your blog for a while now (I'm such a lurker, so bad) and I just had to comment today. I am so so happy for the three of you! I never really knew how Toby came to be a part of your family and it didn't feel right to ask, but I'm so glad you posted this and shared such a special day! You all truly deserve to be happy. Oh and also congratulations on your pregnancy!

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  6. Im such a lurker too! I love all your amazing posts....This one made me tear up how sweet definitely a reason to celebrate! Love the cake!

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  7. I think "Gotcha Day" is awesome. What is a birthday other than all of us celebrating a different kind of "gotcha day", really? Toby's just super lucky because he gets a birthday AND gotcha day :)

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  8. Beautiful! I know exactly how you feel. It seems like just yesterday we brought Josie home as a little peanut, but it also feels like I've never lived a day without her.

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  9. This is such a sweet story! :')
    Love, Tatjana
    http://missfuckingfashion.blogspot.de

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  10. I totally thought Toby was yours until a post about a month ago mentioned something other than giving birth to him. I've been curious ever since! I can't wait to read the story.

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  11. I don't know the details but so happy for you guys! A friend on mine officially ended up adopting her husband's son and they celebrate his adoption day every year. He's a great kid and I can't imagine him not living with them full time. You're gonna raise awesome kids!

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  12. This is so touching! I think all of your followers celebrate Toby's Gotcha Day as well, because we love reading about him (at least I do!) I remember reading the post about bringing him home and its hard to believe it was that long ago!

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  13. Happy Gotcha Day, little buddy!!!

    This is such a heart warming story, and gives me hope for my future. We're in a very similar situation, and I hope one day we can take in my boyfriend's son and give him the safe and loving home he deserves.

    Much love to your beautiful family!!!

    xo.

    Holly
    http://happinessbrand.blogspot.com/

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  14. Such a beautiful post from such a beautiful mama! :) Toby is lucky to have y'all! You have a precious story - thank you for sharing it with us!

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  15. Happy Gotcha Day to your sweet family! xo

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  16. This is so sweet - I love that you all celebrate Gotcha Day! Hope that the three of you had a great one <3

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  17. Oh my god, this post is so heartwarming! I just melted! That cake is the sweetest thing ever, brings me back to my own childhood too...!

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  18. So sweet! Doesn't seem like it's been that long ago! That was back when I was still just a lurker and not commenting, haha. So happy for you all. :)

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  19. You made me tear up - I don't know if it's the preggo hormones, or just because it's such a lovely and heartwarming story (probably a combination of both!). It's so lovely that you celebrate this day, because it's so special and unique to YOU guys! Toby is super lucky to call you and Mike his parents for all the love and attention you give him. It gives me goosebumps when I think how lovely you all are! And I will be cheering you all the way, especially in the next months of this beautiful journey you're all experiencing. You and Mike can be incredibly proud of yourselves for giving Toby such a loving environment to grow in!

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  20. This is so wonderful and beautiful and I love it! What a cool thing to be able to celebrate - so amazing and so important. And a TMNT cake? Baller. That is out-freaking-standing! Happy (very belated) Gotcha Day! :)

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB