Friday, May 20, 2011

Adoption Day - 5/20/11

Joshua officially became a member of our family on May 20, 2009. I looked up the word family at dictionary.com and here is what it says: a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group. So, according to this definition, Chris and I weren't a true family until Joshua came along. Sure, we were a couple - but a family is defined by the group - parents and children.

In the courtroom that day, I remember waiting for the judge - surrounded by our extended family - and being so nervous. I don't really know why - I wasn't expecting any hurdles or obstacles. Josh was already in every way my son and nothing the judge said would change it. The moment the judge began talking, I started to cry. There was something so incredibly meaningful in the act of adopting - (choosing or taking as one's own). A family was created that day. A family of love.


I don't remember much of what the judge said. I know Josh will not remember that day. Maybe I'm like Mary, pondering these things in my heart. My heart became a mother before Josh was even born - but being actually a "mom" - really legally recognized as one - healed a place in my heart I didn't really even know was broken. The place that still grieved a bit when friends announced their pregnancies or I held a new baby. The place that knew I was meant to be a mom and couldn't wait.



Being a mom. Having a son. A ball of curiosity, imagination, stubbornness, innocence, childlike faith. And now - contemplating a new one. Another link in our family. Another wait - another step forward - another round of faith and hope. Another child to adopt - God knows the perfect conclusion to the creation of our family - and I trust Him to make it just as wonderful.

5 Question Friday

1. Do you and your spouse go to bed at the same time?
No - Chris works in the evenings, so I am usually in bed by the time he gets home.

2. A question for the ladies...What kind of facial hair do you like on your man?
I really like Chris's goatee. He's had it for a while, and it's my favorite he's ever had.

3. What's the worst vacation you've ever taken?
I don't remember a bad vacation. There were bad moments on vacations - but they didn't ruin the whole thing. The worst experience was getting off a train at the wrong stop at 1 a.m. in the middle of Germany.

4. What's the first-ever blog you followed?
I don't remember that!

5. Do you enjoy amusement parks?
I do - but many of the rides make me sick. I used to do great reading in the car and all that, but now they make me ill... I can do ferris wheels and water slides, but nothing that goes around horizontally.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Experiment

We're experimenting with some "naked" time after dinner every night in preparation for potty training. We remind Josh that if he has to go, to tell us and go to the potty. Tonight he came running and said, "mama, poop!" I rushed him to the bathroom, praised him, and realized he had already done it - all over the kitchen floor and himself. We cleaned it up, and he still got his reward for going on the potty...after all, he did tell me!

5 Question Friday

1. Tube socks, calf socks, crew, ankle, none?
Ankle socks - other socks leave marks.

2. Was your childs (children's) name a mutual decision or was it a debate?
Chris & I both liked the name Joshua and his middle name was chosen by his birthmom.

3. What is your favorite type of weather?
Sunny and about 70 with a bit of a breeze

4. If left to your own devices, what time would you wake up every day?
Probably around 8:30 or 9 - but 7:30 feels late.

5. Have you bought your cemetery plots yet?
Not a chance - I want to be cremated, so don't really need a plot.

Friday, May 6, 2011

5 Question Friday!

1. Have you ever had roommates?
I lived in the dorms for 2 years in college, and then with my friend in an apartment for the following two years. Always just 1 person at a time.

2. How many names do you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)
3 - first, middle, last

3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding?
I watched the TLC thingy the next day. I wasn't about to get up at 4 a.m.!

4. What is the messiest room in your house?
Wait - I'm supposed to contain the mess to just one room???

5. What is your ideal mothers day?
Being with my boy and my mom...quiet day, simple dinner, beautiful weather.