[mommy3]

No time is too early and, based on everything I've learned and lived with my two children via adoption, just begin to insert special loving comments here and there. "I waited for you for so long and then finally, you came to our family" or "I've always loved you, even when I was waiting to be your mommy". Since your finalization is so soon, explain what that means, esp. to your oldest. Telling their story to them is so important so both understand that they are deeply loved and they'll grow up always understanding the special way your family was formed and how they came to be your children. I wouldn't even use the word "adopted" for a while. We use it seldom, except "adoption" periodically. Children accept so much if they feel that they are being told a truthful, loving story. The problems really only occur when children find out down the road that what they grew up knowing wasn't really true. If you begin to talk now about their stories, they'll soon "get" the idea of a birthmother and birthfather, along with you and your dh. Knowledge is really not a "dangerous thing" in adoption, I've learned so strongly.

Enjoy your finalization day and when your children become your forever-children, susan