I am officially your mum

There's no going back now Louse, you're stuck with us. And we won the jackpot with you! I never ever dared to even dream that we would end up with a child as brilliant as you are. Even Judge Jolly at the pronouncement hearing this week said you were more lovely than in the photos. Obviously he doesn't say that to everyone...

The day itself was like all of these 'just a formality' days that we have had, where you realise that it is actually a very big deal and it's not an appointment that you can take or leave if you don't feel like it, it's actually super important and yet another assessment of some sort. But anyway, it happened, we went, Judge Jolly pronounced and we took some photos. Then we all went for coffee and for the rest of the day I don't think what just took place really sank in. I think for me it wasn't until yesterday when Granny left, Pa worked, and you & I just hung out that I felt total ownership of you in the deepest possible way.

E, your social worker, gave us your Life Story book, which she has done beautifully. It's like a little bible of all the information you will need, with maps and photos and lovely simple explanations. And crucially, it doesn't end, it is only half completed, we can now add to it, continue the story. It made me a little teary reading it, but I am very proud to be your Ma. I hope that you are proud of me too, once you've stopped dribbling and eating sand, my little official Louse.