Friday, September 18, 2009

Blog Carnival: What no one told me about adoption

Another wonderful blog I follow has suggested a blog carnival, with the topic "What no one told me about adoption." Parts of my contribution can be applied to any type of parenting - not just adoption. Enjoy!

  • No one told me that I would feel extremely posessive of my kids - not when we are with birth family, but when complete strangers ask if I want "my own kids." My kids ARE my own kids!
  • No one told me that I would become an expert on chromosomes, shunts, hearts and brains.
  • No one told me that I would spend the majority of my free time researching foods, supplements, therapies, and financial resources that will help my children to develop well.
  • No one told me that I may not love my children at first sight, and that I would have to spend time telling myself that I love them and praying for them and myself before an attachment would develop.
  • No one told me that I could be dealing with attachment issues in my child who was adopted as an infant.
  • No one told me that I would love my children's birth families this much.
  • No one told me how hard it would be to schedule time to see those birth families that I love so much.
  • No one told me that my heart would feel as though it's been ripped out when one of my kids are in pain or feeling sad.
  • No one told me that one day I would be sitting here typing this blog, look over, and find my beautiful son (who we were told would never function "normally") smile the biggest smile in the world at me, just because I looked at him. :)

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Family Pictures

For one of Grandma's gifts, she wanted each family to dress in a different color so that we could all take a family photo together. Here are the results of the photos I think turned out the best.





Labor Day


Labor Day was Grandma Lynn's birthday, so we all headed to the park to celebrate!






Miss I was ready for the party!






Ato T loves to swing, but if he's in it too long, he throws up!







Grandma Lynn and Miss O sporting the hats Grandma got for her birthday.





Miss O is ready for the cake!





Ato T loves to hang with his daddy!




Auntie Stef and the girls posing for some lighting tests for family pictures.

Labor Day Weekend

Saturday of Labor Day weekend we took the kids to the beach, since beaches close on Labor day and it was so nice out! Ato T always takes some time to warm up to the water, but once he's warmed up, he love it!






Thursday, September 10, 2009

First day of school

We officially started our "school year" last week. We were blessed to have Miss I's PCA with us for part of the day!


When you're homeschooled, it's okay that you want to pick out your own clothes for the first day of school - no one cares if you match or not! We love you just the same!


You're also not expected to wear shoes during school. Actually, there are times when clothes are even optional. :)

Underwater Adventures

It was a rough day for Ato T, but the girls had fun.










The Works

A few weeks ago we went to The Works in Edina with one of our homeschool groups. It's a hands-on Science activity center. Super fun!