Courtney's visit

Part of our open adoption agreement was that Courtney got to see Jenna once a year. So she came to St. George this week with her Grandparents, George and Sheila to visit Jenna for her first birthday. It's been three days of visits. We met them for dinner on Monday night. It really did go as well as it could have. It feels like an awkward situation for everyone involved. You can see how much love Courtney has for Jenna but it sometimes felt like she was being cautious either because she didn't want to over step or because she was protecting herself. Jenna is quickly getting the stranger danger thing so she was very hesitant to go to Courtney. It got better as the night went on though.

Yesterday, Jenna's actual birthday, we met them at the park and had a picnic. Courtney got to play with Jenna on the playground and Jenna was a much more comfortable with her. Courtney and George & Sheila each gave Jenna some birthday presents. It was nice that they got to see her unwrap them. I gave Courtney a custom frame with her and Jenna's name on it so that she could put a picture of the two of them in it when they get home.

She wants the camera so bad! It's hard to get a picture of her any more where she isn't pointing at the camera and whining!

Then this morning we joined them for breakfast on their way back out of town. Each meeting with them I am struck with what kind people they are. Just genuine, good, humble folks. Jenna had a good ole time playing with George's ice and sitting with Courtney. It was a bit killer when it was time to say our goodbyes. Everyone but me (how the hell that worked out I don't know, because I am a cry-baby) started crying, including Casey. I was reminded once again, not that I really need a reminder, just how grateful I am every day for the sacrifice that both Courtney AND her family have made in allowing Casey and I to raise Jenna. We just feel so blessed.