If you know anything about me by now, you know I am fond of Adoption Stories on the Discovery Health Channel. If you aren’t familiar with the formula, each episode of the show follows a couple on their adoption journey. One of my favorite parts is when they show the family getting ready to go and pick up the kids – and, guess what? Tonight, that’s me!

Our good friend and brother is reprising... more

Today is the last Love Thursday I will have with only one child. As I reflect on this time with my heretofore only son, I have wonderful memories of my time with him.

After what was pretty much a textbook pregnancy, I had assurances from my OB that I’d have an uncomplicated delivery. Wrong! On the day my son was born, I took an afternoon nap, after walking most of the day with my mom. When I woke up, I realized I hadn’t felt any movement for a couple of hours. Since I’d just had a non-stress test, I replicated what I did and drank some soda to see if he would move. Nothing. I called a nurse friend of mine. She said it could just be the baby in the birth canal, which doesn’t have a... more

Usually when there is some sort of discussion raging on boards or in our articles, I tend to be fairly quiet. But I think on this one, I’ll speak up, because it helps explain my philosophy about adoption and life. Please note that my comments are not directed specifically at any of the bloggers here who have done some outstanding work justifying why they feel as they do. These are just some observations that bug me as a newcomer to adoption and adoption Political Correctness.

This discussion centers on titles. What to call a first... more

Her children rise up and bless her; (Proverbs 31:28a)

Lord willing, a week from now it will be official – I will be a mother again! Upon hearing me say this, my son said, “You’re already a mom. How can you be a mom ‘again’? You’ll just be more of a mother!”

I can’t argue with that kind of logic! I honestly view motherhood as my personal ministry. All of my children, whether by birth or placement, are blessings from above. Having two more children is a tremendous responsibility and undertaking. It blows... more

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded... more

With a mere nine days before we board the plane for the trip that will change our lives forever, much remains to be done. Today alone I’ve spoken to our social worker and lawyer (both more than once!); my daughter’s pediatric staff, and I still have to coordinate a few more adoption-related things before the end of business today.

If you’ve read this blog with any regularity, you know I’m not so good with “the small stuff”. Big stuff, no problem – just don’t drown me in... more

I lie awake, I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop. (Psalm 102:7)

Here it is – almost 3 in the morning – and what am I doing? Blogging about adoption. If I’m not up thinking about the kids, I’m writing about them … or talking about them to my husband, who coincidentally, also is having trouble sleeping (and not because I’m talking to him!)

Yes, we’re a scant ten days away from departure to pick up the kids. I have a “countdown” plug-in on my internet homepage. Each morning my son comes into my room, and we count off another... more

After I finished posting this morning’s article on the love of physical family, I received a lovely e-mail from my children’s birth grandmother in response to my e-mail wishing her a happy birthday! We are pursuing an open adoption, so I was so happy to hear back from her! Though I am an extrovert, and am rarely at a loss for words, I have been very shy in my budding relationship with our children’s birth family. Not because I have issues with them, or have... 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