Adoption

[missypoohsticks]

I just wanted to start a thread about adoption for those of us that have adopted, want to adopt or just want to talk about it!

[Mamallama]

Do your kids, or your oldest anyway, ever talk about being adopted----how do you talk with her about it?

[missypoohsticks]

She doesn't really talk too much about it. She knows she is, we showed her the tape of her adoption before we finalized the adoption of her brother and sister, but I don't really think she is old enough to have too many questions yet. She knows that her brother and sister have a birthmom, because she went to visits with us, but I don't think she really understands it yet. We just plan on being very open and honest with her when she starts to ask questions.
Right now she is just starting to notice that her skin color is different than ours and her siblings, so we talk about that and how it just makes her more beautiful and special. She colors the people in her coloring books with "brown skin like her." She also has a doll that she got for her first birthday, and she just named her Emma Lee. Before that, she was known as "my brown baby." She is HILARIOUS!!!

[Big_Sissy]

I just think it's wonderful. Your children are so beautiful, and providing them with a good home and a loving set of parents is something these little ones can be very grateful for. Being that person is something else to be grateful for. I salute those that adopt, it can be very expensive, and some hard work, but in the end you are making the world a better place for everyone (including yourself).

[missypoohsticks]

, I hope that my kids know how much they are loved and that biology means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

[runamyrun]

I really look up to those of you who have adopted. You have gone through so much. You are such wonderful parents to such cute, sweet kids.

[Lovechop]

I worked in orphanages in Ecuador when I was 20 and learned A LOT. I know that your kids weren't from Ecuador or anything and probably would have had a completely different life from the kids I worked with even if you didn't adopt them, but I seriously feel like thanking parents whenever I find out they've adopted. It makes me get so emotional when I find out families are getting sealed, even if I don't know them! After viewing the things I did, I have the deepest respect and love for parents who choose to adopt--whether they originally intended to or not. Every child is so special to Heavenly Father and He knows them individually. They each deserve a loving home with two parents who will teach them what's right. THANK YOU for giving that to them! In cases where the parents choose adoption because of their struggle to conceive, I often wonder if Heavenly Father designed things that way b/c He knew there would be so many children who weren't born into ideal circumstances who would need a family--one that they really deserve. Maybe it's His way of making sure that the needs of His other children are met.

One other thing I can absolutely testify of is that actually BEARING a child doesn't give you a stronger bond to them than adopting. Although the process of receiving the child into your life is different in many ways, the emotions are very much the same. The bond is formed just as powerful. In ways I think it can be even stronger because adoptive parents yearn for the child oftentimes longer and harder and have to really work, wait and fight to get them. I have so much respect for you!