When we first got home with our new children, my oldest son he had to have the concept of “copying is flattery” explained to him many, many times. Now, he loves when they want to be just like him, and actually goes out of his way to encourage it.

I’ve mentioned that my daughter has, what she calls, her “fake pump” to mimic that of my oldest’s insulin pump. Whatever he chooses for dessert is what she wants. Ditto with my youngest son - he loves my oldest son’s outgrown clothing... more

In addition to National Adoption Awareness Month, November is also National Novel Writing Month. For the past several years, many in the blogosphere have been participating in an event called NaNoWriMo (taken from the first few letters of each of the words in National Novel Writing Month). NaNoWriMo also has a Young Writers Program, and this year, my oldest son is (voluntarily!) participating as part of... more

Ever since his siblings met their oldest brother, they both have been intrigued with his insulin pump and things related to Type 1 diabetes. They want to check their “blood pressure” before eating (it’s blood sugar); they want to give themselves “fake beeps” on their “fake pumps” (my oldest wears an insulin pump).

Today, my daughter found an old pedometer I bought at the Dollar Spot, that wasn’t working and glommed onto it as her “pump.” All day she’s been talking about “site changes” and wanting me to double check her meter readings.

When she found it this morning, my daughter was in her pajamas, and she clipped... more

Today was truly a Love Thursday at Casa Stro! From the moment they got up, my sons were glued at the hip. They played (nicely!) together; they had a mock rock concert with dueling guitars, and my youngest watched my oldest in awe during Lego Robotics FLL Team Practice today. Interspersed throughout the day were liberal, “Hey, Buddy!” “You’re my Buddy!” and “I love you, Buddy!” comments from one to the other. While the “buddies” declared their love for each other, they would lay their heads on the other’s shoulders... more

While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:46-50

We... more

When asked if I am adopting domestically or internationally, I often pause, jokingly, to ponder our adoption from below the Mason - Dixon Line, “Hmmm … takes us 14 hours to get there … they have their own unique cuisine … and they speak another language!” Example, you ask? Our social worker (a Southern belle herself), known for poking fun at “Southern-speak,” wrote me an e-mail to inform me that the congregation my children and their foster family currently attend... more

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that our adoption is scheduled for finalization at the end of this month. Being “crazy busy” getting ready for our lives to drastically change overnight has been a tremendous adrenaline buzz as well. We’re all so very excited, and tonight it culminated with my very emotionally sensitive biological son crying at bedtime, “in the happy way” because, “God has been so very good to us” and blessed us with his brother... more

Okay, so I’ve convinced you of the need for personal time; I’ve even shown you how to get it. So, maybe it’s gone to my head a little and made me cocky, because now I’m going to suggest Couple Time and how to make it.

Let me preface this “cockiness” with a confession - one oft repeated here on the blog - I don’t always write from a place of “knowing... more

My birth child had a tonsillectomy last week (on Love Thursday, ironically!). Knowing that it might be a few days before he could talk again, we called the children we are adopting to let them know about their brother’s surgery, and give them an opportunity to talk before the surgery. Before hanging up, my daughter (who is 5 going on 35), asked me to call her to let her know how the surgery went.

I thought this “sisterly concern” was adorable, especially in light of the fact that the kids aren’t even here yet. Clearly, they have bonded over these many months of phone calls, letters and our road trip... more

We had a friend and her two daughters visiting with us today (not important to the story, but the girls were adopted – just a cool side note – back to the article in progress!).

One of the girls broke a pen my son was attached to … it had arms that moved when you clicked these little buttons in back. I thought it might be time to acclimate my only child to “Life With Siblings!”

Get input: When my husband and I first learned of our adoption opportunity, we consulted our son before committing to the process. Since it would impact... more