Not If. WHEN.

My husband called me in the middle of the work day, oh, about a month ago. He calls me in the middle of the day all of the time but this day was different. 

This was a turning point day. This was a day to remember. 

He said: " I am following Little Flower Project." 

(Check them out here: http://www.chunmiaolittleflower.org/)

"Oh?"

He wanted to tell me that he was captivated by the beautiful photographs and how happy and beautiful all of the children were. He noted that many of them were obviously ill with blue lips and tubes taped to their baby faces. However, what he found really compelling was the prevailing feeling in each of the pictures that allowed the child to be seen before the illness. The children were opening packages, playing with toys and laughing together. He first took notice of the beauty and joy of childhood; he saw right past the obvious signs of illness. 

Pete didn't get much work done that day. He sent tons of pictures and text messages to me throughout the day. Lots of questions: 

"what is Tetrology of Fallot" 

"what is the tube in the nose for" 

"do they all need surgery" 

"how long does this take" 

"when  can we start" 

This adoption has always been a concrete plan for me. I am the one who hangs out on the blogs and message boards. I am the one that does all of the research and gathers the information. I am prepared for this adoption for real, for real. For Pete, on the other hand, this has always been a "someday" conversation that we started in October 2005. We knew we had to get married first. Then we had to be married the allotted amount of time...and of course the money! We can't forget the fundraising. He talked about adopting but it wasn't tangible yet. Something changed for him on this November day and we are now full steam ahead. 

According to our agency we cannot officially apply until February so we have more time to fund raise, research special needs and get paperwork in order. Perfect. 

This is a very exciting time for us. 

As my dear husband said to me: 

We are no longer talking about if we can adopt we are talking about when we will adopt. 

Tears. Of. Joy.