Keeping Up With The Jacksons

If you know me personally, then most likely you know what this post is about and knew it was coming. You know that Dylan is not biologically mine, even though I've always considered him my son. I've been in his life since he was 16 months old (and in just 2 short months he'll be 10).

TJ and I went on our first date in November 2006. It wasn't until he was home on leave for Christmas though, when I was introduced to Dylan. He was cute as a button. For the first several years of TJ and my's relationship, it was long distance, but when I could I would make the trip to visit him in North Carolina and later in South Carolina. TJ would also come home on leave when he got the chance, but if you know anything about the Marine Corps (especially being a Drill Instructor), you know I was making more trips to visit him then he was coming up here. It was during those times when I also got to know Dylan. He was (and still is) the sweetest, most loving kid you'd ever met. You couldn't help but fall in love with him.



Once TJ and I decided to take the plunge and move in together, I became an instant mom to him. TJ would go to work and I would stay home with him. We would play games, go swimming, go to the park, and do all the fun things moms get to do with their kids. I also quickly learned I had to do the not-so-fun things. Discipline was not a highlight for me, but kids have to know their boundaries, although I have to admit, he has always been a pretty well-behaved kid.



After TJ and I got married, I had mentioned adopting Dylan. Dylan hadn't had contact with his mom in a very long time. TJ was at first unsure. He always thought that maybe Dylan's mom would one day like to have a relationship with him and he didn't want to take that away from her. I definitely understood, but was understandbly a little disappointed.
Then one day over a year ago, Dylan's mom contacted TJ and asked what he thought about me adopting Dylan. It was at that point, he knew she wasn't interested in a relationship with him, and said yes. I was excited but a little sad. Yes, I will get to officially say this amazing kid is mine, but she is missing out on such a great kid at the same time. He has such a big heart, is smart and is great big brother to Jordyn.

It took us a while to find a lawyer, and save the money, but the day finally came. The day we were able to walk in the court room, well really the judge's chambers, and make it official. We walked in and all sat down. Except for Jordyn, who HAD to look the judge's fake fish on the window sill. The lawyer went through all the documents and asked Dylan, TJ and me different questions. Then the judged asked for the documents, including the background check, which turned out was never send over from the Sheriff's Department. Without that, he couldn't sign the order, but let's be honest, it's not like I have anything to worry about. I work at an elementary school. They did an extensive background check when I started.

But that was pretty much it. Before we knew it, our lawyer asked if we wanted to take a few pictures with the judge and let us know we were all set. On our way out, the sweet clerks allowed Jordyn and Dylan each pick out a toy. Dylan picked out a spider and Jordyn picked out a bunny.


The lawyer escorted us out and said even though the background check wasn't in their hand, we were still good to go.



So now, Dylan really is all mine!!!!