The time is getting closer - we are preparing to adopt! Later this month, we will meet and bring home our little boys for the first time. This season has got me thinking back to when our birth children were born, and the differences between bringing home a newborn and bringing home an adopted … [Read more...] about 7 WAYS ADOPTION IS DIFFERENT FROM BRINGING HOME A NEWBORN
WHY I’M NOT AS EXCITED ABOUT ADOPTION AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE
We are preparing to adopt. People keep asking me "Are you excited?" or pre-empting with "I bet you're excited!". Usually, for a quiet life, I respond with a simple "Yes, I'm excited!", and that ends an otherwise awkward conversation. Apologies if you're one of the friends I've fobbed off in … [Read more...] about WHY I’M NOT AS EXCITED ABOUT ADOPTION AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE
ADOPTION IS FOR EVERYONE
Think adoption is a 'niche' issue? Think again. Adoption is for me, as I've felt the nudge, made the call, navigated the process. Adoption is for me as I redecorate, order curtains and choose furniture. Adoption is for me as I cock my head to one side, screw up my face, and try to work out just how … [Read more...] about ADOPTION IS FOR EVERYONE
MINION-THEMED 6TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
I'll be honest and tell you that this wasn't my son's first choice for birthday party theme. He's known for picking quirky themes (like a Robot party for his 4th birthday, or his Peter Rabbit 5th birthday party), and this year he decided he wanted a Home Alone party. Of course. Like I'm going to … [Read more...] about MINION-THEMED 6TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
FROZEN-THEMED 4TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
I am no Pinterest-able Super Mum, but I do like a good party - and, ever since I started to blog about my kids' birthday parties, distant friends and families have started to ask what I did for the latest party. So here goes... Traditionally, my kids have been spot-on at picking interesting, … [Read more...] about FROZEN-THEMED 4TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
FIVE WAYS TO BLESS YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL THIS YEAR
It's September - which means back-to-school for lots of us, and first-time-at-school for some of us. Whether your child is just starting, or returning after many years, here are some ways that your school will be blessed for counting you amongst its families this year. Be actively … [Read more...] about FIVE WAYS TO BLESS YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL THIS YEAR
ADOPTION: ACCEPTING UNCERTAINTY
It is a phrase that my husband and I are becoming all too familiar with. "This child requires a family who can accept the uncertainties surrounding his future." Any child who has been placed for adoption has an uncertain future - and this is truer the younger they are. Of course, none of … [Read more...] about ADOPTION: ACCEPTING UNCERTAINTY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BREADMAKER! (OUR MARRIAGE IS 13 TODAY)
This is our breadmaker, and it is 13 years old today. Through four different homes, it has consistently produced beautiful, fresh loaves, as well as pizza dough, ciabatta, focaccia and numerous other variants. To me, it has always been a total miracle of a machine: the fact you can tip in … [Read more...] about HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BREADMAKER! (OUR MARRIAGE IS 13 TODAY)
ON BEING APPROVED FOR ADOPTION
So that's it, we've done it. Apparently. We've crossed the most important hurdle in this very bizarre process. Our status has shifted from 'prospective adopter' to 'approved adopter'. "Does it feel like the burden's been lifted?" asks one friend. Hmmm. I know what she means. And yes, in one sense … [Read more...] about ON BEING APPROVED FOR ADOPTION