adoption

May 3, 2012

co-sleeping. and why we do it despite my preferences otherwise.

I've alluded to the fact that we co-sleep with our kiddos, specifically our newly adopted children. But I haven't expounded much beyond that. Until now. In the past I've had a number of folks ask me how we manage so many little ones, especially at night. And with Tallula's arrival, 8 months after Poppy's arrival, we're sandwiched between two kiddos. Literally. So, seems like now is the perfect time to talk about co-sleeping. Because boy, are we co-sleeping. First a little background. I'm a information-seeker by nature. So, years ago, when I was a new momma, … [Read more...]

56 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, what works for us

April 16, 2012

Tallula: a girl and her silks

Today is our last full day in Guangzhou. Which calls for some pictures of my baby girl in her silks. Who needs the red couch when you've got Shamian Island as a backdrop? And I also figured it was a good time to share a bit more about Tallula. Because I know that although most of who she is will stay the same, much will change in the coming days and weeks. She talks. Boy, does she talk. Her referral paperwork stated that she was able to speak in three word sentences before she was 12 months old. And although I had my doubts, I doubt no more. … [Read more...]

64 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, Tallula, Tallula China trip

March 24, 2012

Created 4 Care

This retreat has been awesome so far. Surrounded by a bunch of ladies who love orphans. And love the Lord. Awed by the variety of ways to support orphans and orphan care... 147 Million 60 Feet The Sparrow Fund Sole Hope Wiphan Ordinary Hero I've met some amazing ladies. Heard some incredible stories. And gotten some much needed face time with some of my very favorite people (missing you, Amie!) P.S. I'm on a panel with some other adoptive mamas speaking about large families. Makes my tummy hurt. Pray that the … [Read more...]

14 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, wild olive

March 23, 2012

heading out…

to the Created 4 Care retreat this weekend. I can't wait. As much as I loooove to hole up at home with my peeps close by... An opportunity to talk about adoption with a bunch of other like-minded mommas? With all my meals made for me? Rooming with one of my besties, Colleen? At a lodge on Lake Lanier? Let's just say, I'm all over it. P.S. If you're going to be there, be sure to come by Wild Olive and say "hey!" … [Read more...]

5 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, wild olive

January 24, 2012

the boys’ turn

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

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

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

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

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