Adoption Advocate

Lately I've been thinking a lot about adoption and our experiences over the past 4 years. I think mostly because I wrote a book about going about how we became a family. I didn't realize how much I love writing and enjoy expressing myself through poetry. I have written several poems since I wrote my book. I'm trying to come up with enough poems of my own to replace the ones I put into my original book. I hear it's quite difficult and expensive to get copyright from the authors. I have to say I have been so lucky with both of my children to have such great experiences and I absolutely adore their birth parents!

Most people who have not been involved on either side of adoption can't fathom the idea of an open adoption, but I just tell them you never know until your in that position. Even when I was younger when I would think about my family I would always picture myself adopting a child. Maybe that's strange, but I think it was something that prepared me for what was to come. Never did I imagine adding such wonderful people into my family circle, my children's biological families. I love the way my children have come to me and can't imagine it being any different! Stella and Tristan are such a blessing and I thank God everyday that I get to be with them. They truly are the lights of my life!!! I have some final editing to do on "I Carried You In My Heart", but I have enjoyed re-living the past 8 years. They have been amazing! Here is a poem I wrote for my book.

You're not of my flesh, but still my own

Of this I can't deny

You came from another who carried you

Who would look at you and cry

Tears of sadness, tears of joy

Both intertwined into one

I'm proud of where you come from

Who you are and who you'll become

Although in my womb I didn't carry you

I carried you in my heart

And from this wonderful woman

Gave me a fresh new magical start

Such gratitude and love I feel

I may never fully express

But, this I promise to you today

I will give it all my very best

I'll love this child with all my might

I've waited for so long

To have a child to call my own

To whom I can belong

So trust me child when I say

My love will never die

You may not be of my flesh, but you're still my own

I'll give you wings to fly

Keepin' Cool

Today we hung out at the Eichelbergers for a few hours. Stella and Tristan had fun playing on Kaden's slip n' slide. Here they are taking a drink from the Water Rocket. Tristan was not dressed for the part, but got in on the action. Now I need to get one for our house! Why bother tho when you can walk two doors down!

Summer Lovin' Had Me A Blast!

I'm already updating my blog and it's only been one month! Can you believe it? I have to admit I am not a fan of summer time, it's too hot! However, we have been trying to make the most of it while it's here. Last weekend we escaped to Moon Lake. I had never been there before, so when Bart and Melissa invited us to tag along with their family we jumped at the chance. It was really beautiful! For the most part our camping trip was a success.

Stella had so much fun going on buggy rides with Kaden and his grandpa. We also attempted several fishing trips. After the first time we decided it best to leave the dogs at camp. Not such a good idea! We did all the fun things that come along with camping: s'mores, a short hike, fishing, a trip on the fishing boat, and pigging out. Stella's favorite thing though was throwing rocks in the lake. Go figure! Tristan, poor little guy, was a little bit clumsy. He biffed it on several occasions and managed to land himself a giant goose-egg on his forehead our first night there! He seemed to enjoy himself and loved playing in the dirt. Nap time and bedtime were quite stressful. He is at an age that is hard for him to fall asleep anywhere other than his crib. Needless to say, we ended up coming home a day early. We are hoping our next trip will be a little easier.

It's strange to think that now I am the mom taking my family camping and trying to entertain my kids. It doesn't seem too long ago when I was the kid needing to be entertained. Jason and Suzanne (with kids in tow) joined us Friday night. I was so glad they were able to make it even if it was just for a night. Jason and I were in complete awe as we stared at the stars. It has a way of making someone feel very small. All in all we had a wonderful time and are thankful to the Eichelbergers for letting us tag along and for their hospitality. We can't wait to do it again. Right Melissa?!

On the home front, Bill has almost completed our basement! He has installed the flooring, lighting and molding. We can't wait to have the extra room, and have a cool place to hang out in the summer. I can't believe he has done all of this on his own! I am really proud of him. Last week he took a week off work. He decided it was time for some much needed R&R.

As for me, I am staying busy keeping up with my two little ones. They manage to always keep me on my toes. Tristan is at such a fun age. He is starting to talk more and figure things out. I love the one year to three year time frame. Stella is still my angel, however these past few months she is starting to really test her limits and our patience. I have to say, four is not my favorite age so far! I hear it only gets worse. Oh well. At least her cute moments and priceless expressions save her.