[tobeafamily]

We are in a fully open integrated adoption with our son. I think it's a great idea to invite your child's bmom and give her some time before the party to spend together. There may be some emotion. Ryan's bmom got a little teary and gushed about how beautiful he is. After about 1/2 hour though we all felt very normal, she played with Ryan and we all went shopping.

The first time he saw his bdad after placement was very normal. His bgrandma's first words were 'Yep, he's got [baunt]'s hair." She squealed and said "Yep, that's my hair. Lucky kid." Then we made cookies and he was, well, his cute self.

Have you also thought about getting together with her before the 'big day' so you can spend time without feeling like you're rushing about, etc. and she's not apprehensive about being around a ton of people?

Good luck, I think this will be a great day for all of you. Birthday parties are so much fun when they're 1. Ryan destroyed his cake, seemed more interested in smushing it than eating it.

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas