[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

I am so sorry to read about your and Lauranda's loss.

My parents lost our family dog of 18 years last year. My Parents still miss Fudge a great deal. I think he was like their child after we all left for college.

[Age of adoptive parents]

This has been a topic of discussion in our home, too.

If/ when we decide to start the adoption journey again we might be over 40. Yes, 40 is not old but our ages is still something that we have to factor in to our decision.

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Mari-

Thanks for the post this morning. This is the quote that I have been reading a lot lately:

"When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal."

― Napoleon Hill

Leah x

[What I Did For Love]

Thanks for your post Ellen. We appreciate you sharing your answers with us.

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

We read the original 5 Love Language book and loved it. I did not know there were some concerning kids.

I will need to check those out.

[Speaking of "real parents"]

Good article. This is something we chat about in our adoption group at church. How to handle it, etc.

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Congratulations on your anniversary!

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Mari-

Thanks for the wise words.

Have wonderful weekend.

Leah x

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Thanks for posting this poem.

I hope your day got a little better!

Leah x

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

I love when you catch yourself in one of those 'perfect moments'. Kevin, Alexander and I were reading a book on Thursday evening and for a moment I caught myself looking around and feeling pure contentment. It was such a woderful feeling.

[The Adoption Tax Credit]

We are meeting with the CPA this Monday.

I applied for the extension last March so we only have a month left to the October 15th deadline.

I went back and forth about whether to do it myself but I thought it was best to have a CPA do it that know about the adoption credit, etc.

We met with someone prior and I hope that they will be able to help us with it. She gave a overview at church last year and she really knew her stuff.

I think it's best to pay $350 to have it done right the 1st time.

Finger's crossed the meeting is successful Monday and we are able to file!

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Happy Grandparent's Day, Mari!

[Speaking of "real parents"]

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Education is key.

[Growing Spiritual Children]

I am very excited that the church we attend is starting a sermon series on this very topic this Sunday.

Ollie sounds like such a sweet boy. I hope Boo-Boo Kitty gets better soon.

[Speaking of "real parents"]

Someone today at work told me that, 'Alexander could be my real son, since we look so much a like'.

I never really know how to handle that because it has happened a few times but never with the 'real parent' comment.

Anyway, I said I think he favors his Birth-Mother and By The Way I am his real parent.

Of course, they then proceed to just dig themselves deeper and I told them to just let it go.

Geez........

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Mari,

When I used to travel 10 days out of the month for work, I would listen to books on CD all of the time. I loved it!

For the last 2 years I have been in a office environment so I do not get to listed to that many any more.

I was given a Kindle for my birthday last April. I have yet to download any books as I am still trying to work my way through some books I have had since Christmas.

Thanks for all of the tips!

Leah x

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

Mari,

Thanks. I usually purchase books but I have decided to try to start utilizing the library. There is a nice one not too far from us.

I have watched Super Soul Sunday a few times when the topic is of interest. It has been good.

L x

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

I need to read this book.

I think I will see if they have it at the library.

[APPLICATION]

Hi-

Also, your social worker might require a family reference. Our's did and my dad was more than happy to write us a beautiful letter.

[Odd Lives, Parental Wish Lists & Timothy Green]

Monica,

I was hoping to chat with you about it when we actually get to meet up.

Let's shoot for September.

[Odd Lives, Parental Wish Lists & Timothy Green]

Marjory,

Thanks for your overview. I think we have decided to see it now. We are just waiting for it to make it to DVD.

[Baby Announcements 2012]

Congratulations to the newest family of 3!!!

[Odd Lives, Parental Wish Lists & Timothy Green]

Elizabeth,

I actually posted in the movie part of the forum about this movie. If anyone was going to go see it.

Kevin and I discussed it the other day. He does not know if he could see it at the cinema, similiar to me, as we both think we would cry a great deal in it.

Last night at church during our movie night at our adoption ministry we watched Meet the Robinsons. We both cried at the end. It was a powerful message about family and it came in the form of a animated movie.

Kevin and I grieved our infertility in different ways. I think because I was the one who could not produce healthy eggs I blamed myself. Kevin blamed himself because of the medical care I received in Scotland. We had to stop blaming ourselves, so we went to couseling seperately and together and in a lot of ways we healed just through a lot of communication.

The other day you mentioned in a thread that adoption does not replace infertility and you are right it does not. Adoption is wonderful but it comes with a lot of responsibilities if it is done correctly. I think more responsibiliity than if you have a biological child but that is just me.

I had wanted to adopt since I was a child. I even asked Kevin on our first date how he felt about adoption. He said he thought it was wonderful, so I knew I had a good one!

I admit that one of the desires for my child was for them to be good at math and to also be tidy. Silly but true. Hence one of the reasons I married a engineer. I struggled so hard with math growing up and of course, God has gotten the last laugh because a majority of my day is spent doing math but I digress.

I think I worry about Alexander like any other parent. I worry about bullies, his first time his heart is broken and if he will struggle in school. I do worry about when he has questions about his biological dad and if M-I or us will be able to answer them.

I am not too sure if surrogacy is popping up because of biological control or just about control period. IVF, Surrogacy and IUI will give you a certain amount of being able to control a situation. You know when you will take your shots/medicine, you know when you will have to go to the doctor, you know what the costs are, you know that at the end of the cycle you will have a answer.

Adoption is a lesson in giving up control and having a lot of faith, hope and love, I think.

[A Birth Grandmother's Role]

I hope you have a great vacation.

[Baby Announcements 2012]

I just saw Mirabella's picture on the forum. I love the picture!