Adoption

Mom and Brooklynn

I've just been reading the articles on adoption in the February Ensign and of course, it has made me think once again of how adoption, apart from the Atonement, has been the greatest gift in my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of the way our family has come together and of the sacrifices that have helped us to be so happy. Part of me likes to think that I love my kids more than anyone else could possibly love theirs because I waited and prayed and pleaded and cried for them for so long. I know from talking to and reading blogs by people who have received their children the "normal way" that this isn't really true--they all REALLY love their kids and that's a good thing. I've realized it isn't a contest. My love and appreciation for the gifts that they are stand alone and are special to me. It is the first thing that I thank God for every time I pray.

Oftentimes, when Brooklynn sees words printed somewhere--from the "Dakota" on the side of our truck to the "Eddie Bauer" on her high chair, she'll trace her finger along the letters and "read" what it says. It makes me extremely happy that she reads them aloud all the same way: "It says Mommy loves Brooklynn!"

I know people are often interested in our relationship with Brooklynn's and Ian's birth parents. I thought I would share a few excerpts from some of the notes their birth mom has sent us over the last couple years. (I've edited just a tad so they are easier to read. They are in order from oldest to newest and each paragraph is from a separate communication.)

Dad and Ian

"You guys are wonderful and remind me that i made a very good decision to give her to you and to give you to her. i know she'll thank me for giving her a good mom and dad. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. I AM PROUD TO SAY I GAVE YOU YOUR FIRST AND ALL THE REST TO COME."

"I love you guys for being the wonderful people you are and for being so good to Brooklynn. I love Brooklynn so so much and think of her everyday."

". . . also wanted to tell you that as hard as parts of this is you guys gave me another experience that I can't even explain. Just completely amazing. With Gods help and yours. To see the way your faces changed, even when not smiling made me feel so--Wow! That's the only way I can explain. There are no words for it. Other than having my own, it's just the most amazing thing. I thank God for letting me have them so that I could do this for someone. And after asking why would God give me more than I can handle? Now i know why. And you 2 being so wonderful also made it to be this wonderful for me. I don't think anyone else could make this one of the best feelings I've ever had, and now I have to thank God and you guys for giving me that. Everything happens for a reason, and you were my reason. I no longer question why. So glad we were brought together to give each other these life changing experiences. It's a wonderful way to end the miracle God has blessed me with, the gift of children. I love u guys. It's still hard, but you have also made it at the same time so incredible."

"LOVE U ALL, But that baby most of all. God bless."

Our Week

Monday

Max and Maya came to play. Brooklynn was a great help--she brought the babies toys, played peek-a-boo and helped me make them laugh. In the picture below, Maya had just fallen over into Ian's lap. Neither of them seemed to mind being up close and personal (I think there was even a small head sucking incident).

Afterwards, we rushed off to the pediatrician. Ian was still wheezing and I figured I'd just go in for a quick check up. I was so convinced the doctor would say there wasn't much they could do that I didn't take anything with me--no diapers, no bottles, no snacks. What was I thinking? Three hours and a visit to the hospital for x-rays later we were on our way home. Fortunately, there were no meltdowns, the receptionist in radiology was terrific (bringing us snacks and pictures to color), and Brooklynn was a great big sister. No pneumonia or RSV. They're calling it his first episode of Reactive Airway Distress (a possible precurser to asthma). For now, he is on a nebulizer every 4 hours (yep, even at night). Brooklynn calls it his elephant. It has taken its toll on our happy little boy and he has been more grumpy than normal. He is smiling in the picture below though, even if you can't see it.
Tuesday

The day of the great kid swap. I love Tuesdays--both the days when I have the kids and the days when I have three hours to myself. Addie joined the usual group this day.

Addie, William, Brooklynn, and Anna.

Afterwards, Marci, Shannon, and I (along with the kids) hit Denny's for the free grand slam. Mmmm . . . there is nothing like free food! While the other kids sat nicely next to their moms, Brooklynn brushed up on one of her latest skills in the aisle--spinning until she is dizzy. She's so talented!

Wednesday
After my very first Relief Society pres. meeting, we ran off for Brooklynn's first trip to the dentist! The picture below was taken before the crying started. It was a very nice office and Brooklynn LOVED the train above the receptionists' desk (she said "Whoa! That's amazin!")

Ian turned 8 months old on Wednesday! I can hardly believe it has been that long! We are so in love with our little Ian! His smile has saved my day on more than one occasion. He celebrated in part with Max and Maya while we were at the dentist. Thursday
We met Jennifer and Brayden for a shopping extravaganza at Carters and then lunch at the food court. Brooklynn's highlight was hiding in the clothes racks and the carousal ride. She still wears size 18 months (and even those can be a little big) but she is a darn cute little wipper snapper!

Shannon was nice enough to watch the kids for me while I ran off to my doctor appointment and then it was home for naps before meeting up with Jennifer and her kids again at Panera to "celebrate" the fact that we always seem to be alone at night (and that we both love to eat out). As luck would have it, it turned out to be the one night that John and Brad left work at a somewhat reasonable hour so they met us there.

Friday

After Little Gym, we went to Marci's for a fab little birthday party. Thanks again for letting us come and share your cupcakes!

Brooklynn and Addie (Brooklynn was totally fascinated by this windmill)

That night the kids were off to the Careys again so John and I could join the Bonds at the Alamo to see He's Just not that into You. The food and company were great--the movie wasn't my favorite. Oh, well--two out of three ain't bad and it was a night out so I'm not complaining!

Saturday

It has been a horrible week for allergies around here and as you can imagine, it is probably ten times worse in our house. John gave up trying to sleep around 4 am and headed into work where they have better filtration (and no dogs and cats). Plus he needed to work anyway. He did brave the great outdoors to go with us to Clay's where we met up with the Gouges and the Mireleses. Brooklynn loved being able to visit the horses and chickens and play in the sandbox while we ate outside enjoying our beautiful 75 degree weather. My only concern was that I hadn't brought sunscreen--yep it was just that sunny and nice (eat your heart out Utahns!)

The lip pursing thing is Brooklynn's smile on demand smile.

And for those of you wondering about our latest sleeping arrangements, Brooklynn has taken to sleeping in her papasan chair which is fine by me and I think gives her a sense of control. She usually stuffs it full of blankets, books, and stuffed animals (which is less than she managed to fit in her bed, thank heavens!).

Brooklynn amidst about 7 books, 1 dvd, 6 blankets, two hairclips, a hairbow, 6 stuffed animals, a sippy cup and . . . a ball? No wonder she is hanging off the bed!

After 3 consecutive nights of leaks (and therefore, three sheet changes) we have decided that Huggies really are best on boys (at night anyway). Poor Ian had to make due with pink flowered sheets and a pink blanket until his mom got around to washing his other ones. I hope he's not scarred for life.

Finally, Harley has taken up residence in the bouncer.

Phew! I'm exhausted! I think I'll head to bed before we have to start this all over again tomorrow.