Random Thoughts About Adoption

The other day I was talking to a friend about how things are going with our current journey of trying to grow our family through adoption.  I was asked "Is there anything about Leah's adoption that you wish would have been different?"  Without hesitation I answered, "Yes, I really wish I could meet her birth parents."

Leah's adoption is considered a closed adoption, this was the birth parents' decision.  We never met the birth parents, we don't know their names, we only know what little medical history they provided for us on a form they filled out.  In fact, they really didn't even choose us to be the parents, the agency we went through did.  At first we thought that this would be easier and that it was the perfect set up for our family.  We even had friends and family say "isn't it better that way?"  Three years ago when we brought Leah home I wasn't sure about the answer to that question.  Now I am!!

Everyday when I look at Leah I know that she is meant to be in our family and that the Lord had his hand in bringing her to us.  I also look at her and wonder how her birthparents are doing?  What do they look like (especially since she looks just like us)?  Do they worry about whether or not Leah is having the life that they hoped for?  From there the list goes on and on.  I have never met them, but I have a deep love for them.  There is a part of my heart that is reserved for when I can throw my arms around them and tell them thank you for answering our prayers and bringing this miracle into our lives.  I want to reassure them that Leah is strong and healthy, and that she has a good life in a loving home.  When the day comes that Leah decides she wants to seek them out and meet them we will be right by her side helping her with just as much nervousness, excitement, and probably even a little fear of the unknown.  I can't wait until that day comes!

So to answer the question is it better that way...for the birth parents...maybe (I can't really answer for them)...for me...no, but that is where I have to put my selfish desires aside to respect their wishes.  So for now until we meet Leah's birth parents, I will continue to hug every birth parent I meet and tell them thank you.      

Christmas 2011

We are so thankful and blessed to be living within driving distance of family.  Travis had a few days off so we packed the car and drove to Utah to spend Christmas with our families.  Any trip, no matter how short, is worth it when we get to spend time with family.  Here are some pictures of our favorite things from this trip:

     

Making a stop during our drive because Leah saw snow and just had to play in it.

Taking Leah ice skating for the first time

Spending time with Travis' family which included reading the story of Christ' birth from the Bible, and Leah painting her daddy's and Uncle Braeden's toenails.

My family's annual Christmas party.  I loved watching the excitement on the kids faces while they were opening presents from each other and listening to our siblings joke around and laugh together.

  

Disneyland

We took a wonderful trip in November to the happiest place on Earth...Disneyland.  All I can say is that it IS the happiest place on Earth.  Travis and I were so giddy walking through the front gates into Disneyland, we felt like little kids again.  Leah had no idea what she was about to experience but once she saw the castle she was in Heaven!  We went at the perfect time of year...the lines were short, everything was decorated for Christmas, and Santa and his reindeer were there.  Leah was not as excited to see Santa as we were.

Leah is a fearless little girl...she loved ALL the rides especially the tea cups that spin and spin and spin.  Her favorite ride of all was Buzz Lightyear where she got to shoot a laser gun the entire time and help defeat Emperor Zurg, 7 times!!

One of my favorite parts was watching Leah meet all the characters and just watching her face as they talked to her.  Here are some of the characters that we met:

Leah waving at Cinderella

Leah even gave Rapunzel a hug

We had to see Mickey

Leah didn't know what to think

Here are just a few more pictures to help sum up our trip:

This picture is worth a thousand words

She was very determined to pull the sword out

Whoooaaa!! 

Is rained a little bit, but that didn't stop us

A little worn out

 This was a great trip and I have to say it is different when you take your own kid there.  I was so excited to go to Disneyland again after 11 years and I felt like a little kid the entire time.  But nothing is better than watching your child's face light up when she sees a princess, Mickey, the castle or watching her smile through the entire ride "It's a Small World!" 

Here is a little video of Leah on the tea cups for your enjoyment!