November

So, November is Adoption Awareness Month. This is a fact I knew nothing about in years past, but for some reason I find myself acutely aware of now. I had not been exposed to adoption much in my lifetime until Amy and I decided to find the love of our lives through it. Everyone who has gone through the adoption process has their own reasons, but I would like to thank them for trying to make a difference in the life of a child or young person. Adoption or foster care touches the lives of so many people, not just the adoptive parents or child. I believe my family and friends can attest to that.

So, on a more personal note, please see the pic below of our Natalie playing with her BFF Lily. OK, we don't know that they are going to be besties for life, but I certainly hope they can become good friends. Lily is the daughter of Joe and Gina Saltsman and the little sister of Lauren. They went and returned from China about a week ahead of us. Lily is just a bit older than Natalie, but they are very close in size and, it seems to me, in personality. Amy and I are very happy to have met the Saltsmans and hope that we can watch our girls grow up together. It would be great for both girls to realize that even though a family is not based on looks, there are ones out there that like just like theirs.

Also, it isn't just for the girls benefits. I know I enjoy talking to another family the gets the difficulties and joys that go along with raising a child of International Adoption.

That is Mr. Potato head they are "playing with." I think this picture was probably taken amidst a lesson of sharing for both girls. Lily was protective of her toys and Natalie wanted them to be hers. I think they worked it out by the end of the night. Lily did graciously share one of her tutus with Natalie.

As far as life with Natalie goes, everything is moving along without much difficulty. Well, change is always difficult, but we manage, right? We think Natalie is going through some attachment issues right now. While these might not be fun for the parents, they are essential for Natalie and ultimately healthy for our family. Also helpful is that Amy is no longer bombarded with work and we can spend more time together as a family. That may mean Amy and me watching TV while Natalie runs around pulling all of her toys out and drooling, but at least she sees that we are all there together. FYI, she is drooling because she has some more teeth coming in. We have been lucky in that department as she had most of them when we got her and has had no fever or, as far as we know, serious pain with these four coming in now.

Finally, below you see Amy and Carla with Natalie. Carla stopped by to visit for a while to remind me how scarily similar her and Amy really are. Thanks for stopping in Carla. Hopefully in December we will get a visit from Olivia Proulx Smith, if her parents can work us into their schedule that is. :)