What Not to Say to An Adoption Parent in Waiting

Back in May 2010 I posted “What Not to Say” to adoption parents.

Now that this process has been ever so long and hard, I have some additions that would fall under a similar category: “What Not to Say… to an adoption parent in waiting”:

“ You’re still so young!”

I’m not that young (29, and Isaac is 31) and this doesn’t make my reality and my desire any different. 

“You want kids?  Please, take mine!”

I get it.  Raising kids is hard!  But, that doesn’t mean I shouldn't desire children.

“I’ve been praying for God to give you your own kids.”

Why don’t we just pray for God’s will?  I think that would be better.

“In some countries you have to wait four or more years to complete an adoption.”

While I’m really sad for those families, it doesn’t change my reality. 

“Oh, you’re expecting?”

You can use the word “expecting” and not be pregnant. 

I don’t say these things to scare anyone off from asking questions.  I LOVE it when people ask about our adoption!   

Back from Vacation

We just returned last weekend from an amazing trip to Asia!  

First, we went to Shanghai where we spent time with Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy...

And with Cousin Abby and Josh...

 We toured the city and did a fun bike ride...

 Then, we headed to Bangkok to see my parents...

Where we visited sites like the Grand Palace (where I had to rent my lovely shirt)...

And The Reclining Buddha...

Then, we went to Phuket where we spent time on the beach together...

Reading books and relaxing...

 And did a fun bike ride...

Lastly, we went back to Shanghai to stay the night on the 89th floor at the Grand Hyatt Hotel...

Where we met back up with Bob and Judy for a wonderful dinner at the 100 Century Avenue restaurant located on the 91st floor...

It was such a fabulous trip!  I think we'll consider it our official "babymoon" (even though we've told ourselves that the last few trips)!  So, we're back...finally over jet lag... and we're watching the blogs and FB posts of our Rwanda adoption friends as there have been several approvals and referrals over the last two weeks.  

A handful of families just returned from Rwanda with their babies and a handful are traveling to pick up their babies in two weeks!  Approvals are still trickling in.  The highest number that have received an approval is rumored to be #92 (and we're #133)!  We're really hoping and praying for an approval soon because some of our paperwork is going to start expiring and it's not easy- and it's not free!