Our adoption anniversary is quickly approaching, and I am getting more excited by the day. Even though our plates here are packed full with extra life stresses, I am still thinking about the adoption day, and how we are going to make it special. Hubby and I have some things planned during the day while the kids are at school, as he is taking this very special day off from work, but we have yet to decide what we are going to do as a family once the children return from school.

We tend to celebrate the day as a family birthday, it was the day that our family was born, so we tend to think of it as the family's birthday and usually have cake and presents for all!

So far my adopted stepson has done great with his adoption anniversary days. We have not encountered attitude, acting out, or any of the other negative behaviors that parents often face when a child is struggling with adoption issues. I am so proud that he is able to enjoy himself and his life, and not dwell on the past. Getting over trauma is terribly difficult and to see how far he has come, the strength that he has to be able to rise above the pain that he has suffered is incredible. Sitting here gazing at the adoption announcement that I leave next to my bed, just fills my heart with pride, joy, love, and admiration for the special boy that I get to call my son.

Do you consider your stepparent adoption day to be a family birthday? Do you celebrate the family, or the child? We chose to celebrate the family because we did not want my adopted stepson to be singled out. It was a day that all of us became a family, not just him joining in with the rest of us, so the focus is more on family and not on the child's adoption. I have even been thinking about decorating the house this year, perhaps some streamers and balloons throughout the house to make it feel more festive!

Anyone out there throw big parties for adoption anniversaries? Do you have a good story to share? Log in and post your comment below!