We'd like to wish a happy birthday to a local boy named Carlos, who turned seven-years-old last week. And he celebrated his big day, with his parents, something that most kids wouldn't even think twice about, but Carlos was adopted less than two years ago. And, as you'll see in this Adopt 8 Success Story, it's as if he's been part of his family from the start.
Parents James and Karen have big dreams for their son Carlos. They call him a true blessing who came to them on Christmas Day 2010.
"I came, and it was like, right on Christmas, but not right when Santa Claus went through there," said Carlos.
"Sure enough, we got the call, and he moved into our house on Christmas Day and that's been really nice, and it's been great sharing this time with him and watching him grow up," explained Karen.
Since Carlos joined their family a year and a half ago, they've shared so many wonderful memories together - like planting a family garden, Carlos catching his first fish and his first trip to Legoland.
"And it's just been really fun to watch him develop and we get to play a lot more, and found a new appreciation for Legos and being out at a park," added Karen.
Carlos now has a dad and a mom to help him reach new heights and to cheer him on, on the sidelines.
"On the soccer field, he's a force. He can break away toward the wrong goal, and you can't stop him he's that fast, but he also breaks away going to his own goal and he scores," James said.
It's a whole new world for Carlos.
"It's fun being in a house, and a family," he said.
With parents and an older sister who love him and support him.
"James has a daughter who is 11, so they're close enough in age they can play together," noted Karen. "He's kind of a ham, he likes to have the attention. So sometimes he'll make up a song, and he'll sing it, and do a little dance along with it."
And Karen and James are savoring every minute - so proud of their son, as he becomes more independent and confident each day.
Karen and James, who were inspired to adopt by friends who went through San Diego County Adoptions, encourage other prospective parents to do the same and to keep your options open to welcoming an older child into your home.
"There's a list a mile long as far as waiting periods, and everyone wants an infant and you know, there aren't that many infants to go around," said James. "So you have to be able to accept a child at any age."
"And we know that older children are harder to place, so we wanted to adopt an older child," Karen added.
And they say there couldn't have asked for a better son.
"He just, enjoys life," Karen stated.
If you're interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U. And to meet other children in foster care and discover how you can help restore their hope, please click here.
