Ally was just a little over 2 and a half years old when I first met her...Running around in her undies, and looked just like Boo from "Monster's Inc." Justin was a single father, raising Ally, when he and I became friends...That was January 2002. Justin and I became closer as time went on. He gave me advice about my relationships, I gave him advice about his, we'd go to church together, take Ally to the park and the Zoo. We were Best Friends. We started spending a lot of time together and I got really close to his beautiful lil girl. One thing led to another, and Justin and I took a leap of faith and started dating...That was seven years ago...
In these last 7 years Justin, Ally and I have been through a lot together, but one thing never changed, our relationships with each other. There were many trials and tribulations that we have all been through in the last 7 years, though I am not ready to fully share those experiences on this blog, just yet. But back to the matter at hand.......
One of the GREATEST day of my life was when I adopted Ally. I have been co-raising Ally since she was 4yrs old. I've been there everyday, through the years, through the good times, the illnesses, the hard times, the court dates, the back to school nights, the soccer games, the cheer performances, the laughing and the tears. I don't remember the exact moment Ally became my daughter, but most importantly, I don't remember a time when she wasn't. In June 2009 Ally's biological mother relinquished her rights which allowed me to adopt Ally. It is the greatest thing she ever did for Ally and for me.
The adoption process is a VERY timely process. I started the initial paperwork in July 2009. We went through forms, paperwork, filing fees, probation officers, you name it... and I was FINALLY able to pick our Adoption date. February was the month they gave us, and they told me to pick a date. I was going to go with February 5th since 5 was my favorite number, but Ally and I were so excited, we ended up going with the first available date. February 1st 2010.
February 1st was one of the GREATEST days of my life... Ally was now my daughter...MINE...so surreal. Though we all hoped for it, we never thought it would actually happen. So now, according to the USA, the state of California, in my heart, and MOST IMPORTANTLY in Ally's heart, I am mom and I couldn't be more blessed with such a beautiful, brilliant loving individual as my oldest daughter...
My daughter and I <3
The Judge, Ally, and I.. she was so sweet, and soooo happy for us.
The Lawler family (pre-Brooklyn)
This is Ally's NEW legal birth certificate...When I got this is the mail, it made it all so surreal.
xoxox,
The Cupcake Queen
6 comments:
That made me teary eyed...I am glad everything has worked out for you and most important Ally. She is now in a strong home which in turn will make her a strong woman.
Such a heart felt post, I love it! Thank you for letting us be there for you both during the process. We are SOOO happy for you and your amazing family :)
So well written and heartfelt. The changes in all of your lives have been amazing and God touched.
Ashley, I truly believe Ally was a both a gift to you as you are to her. You've shown her what its like to have a mother, someone who sticks around no matter what. You've made your house a home and built it with love. She is very lucky to have you to show her how a real woman is, she can look to you for inspiration and guidance as she grows older. She loves you so much and now (finally) all the tough stuff is over and you both got what you want! Congrats momma!
Aww this was so sweet, Ally was a gift to you as you are to her. I'm so glad everything finally worked out and all the hard stuff is over with! You've been mom for years now but its gotta be great to know you're not step mom but MOM! You're a great role model for Ally and even now she looks to you for guidance and you show her she can rely on you. You've made your house a home and now you've got your kids and hubby to share it with. I'm so happy for you and Ally!
Thank you all for the kind words. the experience was quite a blessing, though nothing in our household really changed. lol Ally and I joke about how "everything is different, yet exactly the same." lol
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