HAPPY Mother's Day.

During our years of infertility struggles, Mother's day was NOT my favorite day. I would try to keep a stiff upper lip, but half way through church I would start bawling like a baby. I just couldn't listen to all those talks about motherhood, while the fear of NEVER becoming a mother grew in my chest, until I could hardly breathe.

One night, as I was telling my friend about the dread of an upcoming Mother's Day, she told me: "You know, you don't have to go to church that day." And it was like a revelation. So the next two years, I just didn't go to church on Mother's Day, and it was a much easier day.

Of course, this Mother's Day was very different. As I hugged my sweet little boy, my heart was full of gratitude for the privilege of being Leo's mom. And I didn't have to hide when they were passing out flowers to all the moms. Like a trophy, I happily accepted the tiny plant in a Styrofoam cup.

Our hearts were also full of gratitude for Leo's birth mother, Melissa. We will be eternally grateful that she gave Leo life, and that she chose us to be his family. She is a very special mother (in every sense of the word), and the most selfless person we know. We love you Mimi!