Happy Adoption Day Uthmaan.

Salaam all, 

5 yrs ago we went from a family of 3 to a family of 4. Ebrahim went to school as normal that day but it wasn't a normal day. He knew that his brother was coming home. The week before Uthmaan came home we placed photos we received all over the house. Ebrahim would look at them and talk to them.

It was a coldish morning we dropped Ebrahim at school and then went to the adoption agency in Wellington. The social workers were amazing from the beginning. Even though it was not our first adoption they still  held our hands and guided us through the whole process. The drive was not long but Ahmed and I were very quiet. Both of us having thoughts of would he bond with us? All the normal worries that any new parent would have. We arrived at the agency and we sat with our social worker just chatting. There was a knock at the door and in walked in Ouma and Oupa (the safety parents), holding Uthmaan in their arms. 

He was the most Masha Allah child, he had these round cheeks and big bushy hair, but he never smiled not once not even a smirk nothing. Ahmed held him first and recited the Athaan in both ears. I took him and kissed his hands. We were both in awe of our new little man, we looked up and Oupa had tears in his eyes. Uthmaan was there first pre-adoptive child, he had been with the family for 4 months and they had a bond. Ahmed asked Oupa to hold him again, as Uthmaan was in Oupa's arms the tears rolled down his face which made us all cry. I can only imagine that feeling. Once Oupa and Ouma had said there good byes we left, to fetch Ebrahim. 

Ahmed fetched Ebrahim at school and then came home. I remember him saying as they walked in, Ebrahim someone is home. Ebrahim walked into the lounge and looked at me and Uthmaan on the floor. He walked over hugged his brother and kissed his forehead and said I love you. Uthmaan looked up at him and smiled. That's the moment we knew that it was all going to work out. 

From that day forward Ebrahim (Dada) and Uthmaan have been inseparable, the bond they hold is truly a brotherly bond. 

Thank you Uthmaan for all that you have brought to our family, we love you to the Moon and then some. 

Welcome home Uthmaan. 

Love you always. 

Mom, Dad and Dada.