January 24, 2012

the boys’ turn

CNYJudeShepherd-13

Today our Chinese New Year festivities continued. It was the boys' turn. And, thankfully, the sun decided to show itself today. Not only that, but the temperatures were in the 60's. I'll take a day like that any day I can get it. Decked out in their new silks, the boys were ready to go. All they needed was some well placed spit to keep their hair from sticking up excessively. Ahhh. The joy of boys. And on this day, they were extra pumped to be wearing their Chinese outfits. They had a little extra "cha" in their Kung … [Read more...]

8 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, celebrations, China, Jude, Shepherd
January 23, 2012

Gong Xi Fa Cai

CNYSophieIsabelle-12

Today is the start of Chinese New Year. And, around these parts, that means bringing out the Chinese silks. And celebrating our kids' Chinese heritage. I had every intention of trying to get everyone in their silks today. And pictures taken. But the sun just did not want to cooperate. Eventually, I just quit waiting and took the girls out on the porch for some pictures. That is, after dressing them in their new silks. And fixing their hair. And grabbing a few of their favorite things. And I'm so glad I did. We ended … [Read more...]

29 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, celebrations, China, Isabelle, Sophie
January 6, 2012

language acquistion. and poppy.

As I have shared, and shared, Poppy is doing marvelously. She has even made the leap from sleeping in mom and dad's bed to her very own toddler bed. Placed within arm's reach of me, but in her own bed nonetheless. And, since we made the big switch a few weeks ago, she's been just fine with it. Which, to me, is an indicator that she's truly feeling 'settled' and safe. Yay for Poppy! And yay for no more midnight karate chops to the head for Poppy's mom and dad! Really, in every way, sweet Poppy has been finding her way incredibly well. Except one. … [Read more...]

26 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Poppy, special needs adoption
November 29, 2011

she sleeps

poppysleeps-1

Adoption is such a journey. Twists and turns. Highs and lows. Joy and sorrow. Sometimes both in one day. And sometimes both in one hour. Our precious, beautiful Poppy is doing so well. She continues to blossom and is such a joy to parent. Laughing big, hearty, fearless belly laughs. Feeling safe enough to not only be happy, but to be sad sometimes, too. And sassy. And silly. And somber. And on and on. But sometimes. Our sweet girl takes a few steps back. And when I find her asleep by herself, on a chair or even sometimes on the … [Read more...]

30 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Poppy, special needs adoption
November 11, 2011

Poppy: then and now

poppynow-4

I was digging through some of old drafts today. And I found this. I guess I never published it because I didn't finish it. I wrote it when I was in China and, things were a bit *ahem* crazy then. But now - well, things might still be crazy, but it's a different crazy. A comfortable, predictable crazy. And, in reading what I wrote just 3 and a half months ago, I realize just how wonderfully far our girl has come. Written on August 2, 2011: I want to get a few things down because, to be completely honest... I forget stuff. Important stuff. And I … [Read more...]

30 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Poppy, Poppy China Trip
April 16, 2011

a tidbit

797

I posted this on FB last night. A picture of our new I797... approval to bring both our girlies home. WOOT! What I didn't share was a little tidbit I noticed later. A tidbit worth mentioning. The approval date. April 11th, y'all. The anniversary date, of sorts, of this adoption adventure. The date I just wrote about on Thursday. The day before our new 797 arrived. Pretty cool, I think. … [Read more...]

24 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Esther, Poppy
April 14, 2011

one year ago.

spring-1001

Okay, it was one year and two days ago. Today. April 11th, in fact. And Vivienne had settled into our fold so beautifully. I was infrequently, but most definitely, feeling the weight of considering adoption. Again. Vivienne in April 2010 The process of watching Vivienne blossom, well... it changed me. When she and I met in the Civil Affairs office I worried if she was all there. The way she nodded her head back and forth and stared blankly away, I'm not gonna lie, I was freaked out. But a few months home - as she received therapy, gained strength and … [Read more...]

14 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Esther, my faith, Poppy, special needs adoption, Vivienne
February 5, 2011

she loves me.

iloveyou-1184

It's been 390 days since I first held Vivienne in my arms.55 weeks.9360 hours.561,600 minutes.More or less.Before coming into our family she had more transitions than any child should have to endure. She spent four months with her birth family.Eight months in an orphanage.And one year with a loving foster family.I've often wondered how all these transitions would impact her ability to love again.How long she might need to allow herself to believe, somehow, that we would not leave her.And to know that she her love would be safe with us.Yesterday, during one of the most … [Read more...]

24 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Vivienne
February 1, 2011

a whopper

chris

This is my crazy husband.Not.Although he looks silly in this picture, my husband is typically quite serious.Calculated.Disciplined.Since we began the adoption process for Isabelle in 2004, we've had numerous discussions about adoption...Should we?Again?And, as you might have guessed, most of the time I am the one doing the asking.Most of the time my husband is the one doing the answering.NO.A while ago I mentioned wanting to share my thoughts on reluctant husbands.You know... husbands who - even though their wives desperately want to - do not want to adopt.And, … [Read more...]

65 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Q and A
December 28, 2010

sending our love

poppycarepackage-0383

We had to wait until we received LOA to send a care package to Poppy.And then I had to actually get a the stuff together to send a care package to Poppy.Which meant it was just a few days ago that said care package was, at last, winging its way to our girl.Hopefully the contents will make up for the tardiness.Because although it may not look like much...but there's a whole lotta love in that box. … [Read more...]

31 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Poppy