"Yes. And yes." I've been an adoptive mom for nine years. By now I've learned when folks mean well with their questions or comments, and I've learned not to get offended. Unless people are part of an adopted family (extended or immediate) or have close friends who have adopted, they may not realize what terminology could be construed as hurtful. … [Read more...] about Are they yours? Or are they adopted?
adoption
Our best summer ever: 3 things that helped
Perhaps the biggest lesson parenting has taught me is not to judge. I never understood parents who did the happy dance at the bus stop on the first day of school. For years I happily spent my days with my kid, homeschooling, and enjoyed the vast majority of those days. I was judgey about those bus stop happy-dancers. But then life humbled me as … [Read more...] about Our best summer ever: 3 things that helped
Top adoption blog (again!) thanks to YOU
Y'all!!! I'm honored to once again have been named one of the Best Adoption Blogs by Healthline for the third year in a row. Appearing on a list with some of my favorite online adoptive parents is downright awesome. It's all because of y'all, you know; what I write wouldn't matter all that much without you reading and sharing my posts. Nifty … [Read more...] about Top adoption blog (again!) thanks to YOU
For the adoptive mom who feels hopeless, frustrated, or crazy
Blergh. That, my friends, is eloquent talk for how frustrated I sometimes feel in this life as an adoptive mom. It's exhausting, and I'm not talking about the usual parenting-is-tiring stuff, which all moms know can be plenty challenging, especially at certain stages of life. Remember that movie "Groundhog Day," where Bill Murray's … [Read more...] about For the adoptive mom who feels hopeless, frustrated, or crazy
Adopting a teen: 8 years later
As of last Sunday, it has been eight years since the day we finalized Lindsey's adoption. In the courtroom on Lindsey's adoption day, 2009: Eight years. In many ways, that feels like a lifetime ago. I look at that picture and I can hardly remember who we were then. Some of you have been reading and following that long, praying us … [Read more...] about Adopting a teen: 8 years later
Adoption: greatest hits collection
In honor of National Adoption Month, I'm resharing some of my previous posts on the topic. If you're a longtime reader, you already know this is an issue close to my heart. If you're new, or if you (like me) tend toward a little motherhood-induced amnesia occasionally, I'll tell our story in a nutshell before we move on. The super-condensed … [Read more...] about Adoption: greatest hits collection