Some time ago Adoption-net published a diary written by Ann and Rob. The Diary took readers through their approval process up to the point of being placed with a child.

Ann and Rob agreed to write regular updates that would be published on the site. Here is the second of those updates.

It is now 12 months that we have had our daughter Ruth. 12 months of joy, and sometimes tears too. A few nights in hospital (panic stations all round then)!

Funny times when she makes us laugh so very much we cannot tell her off, times when I could scream (but don't!), moments of priceless memories captured on camera, two birthday parties to organise (never again I keep saying, but I do!)

Learning to talk (and boy, does she talk!) testing the water with Mummy and Daddy, who will let her get away with it, beginning to be independent and temper tantrums, stamping your feet..hard! What they say about the terrible two's are correct!

But, ever little thing that happens in our lives is worth every single stressful moment of the adoption assessment. There is nothing we would change at all.

We treasure every moment with Ruth, as these are moments we thought we would never have in our lives.

We now go to Mother and toddler group most mornings, where Ruth is finding new little playmates and really enjoys her time there.

We go swimming, splashing Mummy is the best bit! She can now feed herself..messy, but she does it! She learns new things everyday.

It just never ceases to amaze me how much children change once they hit the age of two. Every day she has a few new words, or can do something new.

Life is just the best.....it can't get any better. Our lives are complete.
Ann, Rob and Ruth xx