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| I didn't want to hijack the on-topic thread. I feel a bit sheepish posting about myself, since I have mostly been a lurker for the entire 9 or 10 years I've been here!
We have two birth children, Lydia (age 9.5) and Levi (almost 6). In fact, I registered here when Lydia was a month old and I was a harried new mom, chained to a chair and nursing 24/7 :o) Last year we added Isaiah, he was 11 months when we flew to get him in Ethiopia last February. We took both kids, along with my husband's wonderful parents. It was an amazing trip. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to visit a developing nation. The past year has been the hardest of my life. Isaiah adjusted fantastically well, and is healthily attached. I carried a lot of guilt because it was not as easy for me to attach to him, and even though I had read all the adoption literature I could get my hands on, I didn't think that would happen to *me*. On top of adjusting to a new child, I had a crazy defiant toddler who was into everything, not a snuggly sleeping newborn, and was trying to homeschool my oldest and drag everyone around to their swim, dance, library, etc. Then I got Mono, two months after coming home! We were expanding our dairy farm and my husband was working ALL the time, so I was, in effect, a single parent. Enough griping. I am so happy to say, 14 months later, we've hit our new normal, we've all adjusted, and we're a family. And thanks to the miracle that is Zoloft, I am once again loving my life. I wouldn't change it for anything, even if we have reached a new level of crazy! This was our first meeting:
This is one year after bringing him home:
This is just the other day (he's ticked because I told him to get down off the ladder):
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Follow-Up Postings:
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| I'm not Ianna, but loved seeing your adoption story in photos. What a special gift that Lydia and Levi were there for the process of adopting their baby brother. You have a beautiful family and a very generous spirit! |
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- Posted by lydiasmomma z4 NY (My Page) on Mon, Apr 25, 11 at 13:22
| Thank you natal. We have been blessed beyond measure. Just for kicks here's the three of them:
And here we all are in Nov. at his readoption with the judge:
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| Great pics! The sweaters are gorgeous! Did you make them? |
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- Posted by lydiasmomma z4 NY (My Page) on Tue, Apr 26, 11 at 7:11
| Thanks natal, you're very kind. I did make the sweaters, they were the kids' Christmas sweaters this past year. It's a bit hard to tell, but there are owls all around the yoke. |
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| I'm late in seeing this. I've not visited the conversations forum for some time. What a beautiful family you have! You are blessed to have had this chance. I realize it must have been a stressful adjustment at first -- It is never easy to adjust to a child who grew up in an differnt environment altogether. Please don't feel guilty if you didn't get that instantaneous bonding feeling. That rarely happens. In reality it is an adjustment for all parties. Now that he has a mom and dad and siblings to adjust to, he will come to adapt to your ways and eventually as you describe, you will find your rhythm. I can say this because I am from a Third World country and there are a few families I know who adopted children and there's always that period of having to adjust to each other. God Bless. Thanks for sharing your story and photos. (really good looking kids you have!). |
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- Posted by girlgroupgirl 8 ATL (My Page) on Tue, Apr 26, 11 at 17:33
| How could you not fall for Isaiah face! Oh, my goodness, what a cutie pie!! You have the most beautiful family, congratulations!! |
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- Posted by lydiasmomma z4 NY (My Page) on Thu, Apr 28, 11 at 7:51
| Thanks so much. They are beautiful kids, if I may say so! :o) |
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| I love, love, love reading such happy news-you have three absolutely beautiful children! Thanks for sharing the pictures and stories. |
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- Posted by aftermidnight Z8 V. Island B.C. (My Page) on Sat, Apr 30, 11 at 22:08
| Looking at your pictures you can see what a very special and loving family you have. Wishing you the very best in the years to come. Annette |
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