...when we are NOT all about the adoption. :) The past 3 years have been consumed with our amazing journey: our energy, our money, our time, our prayers, and nearly every conversation when we catch up with acquaintances. It was what it needed to be, and we still believe we did what we needed to do each step of the way. That being said, we are determined to take the next step into some sense of normalcy!
It was so fun to have Bailey take the spotlight this October. She attended her first formal, and Dane and Ashley made the trip back to give her full attention (So sweet and meaningful for them to do this!). She basked in the moment and beamed like the beautiful girl she is SHOULD. She has been a rock throughout the past few years, taking back seat to many chaotic evenings and waiting up late to get her chance to catch up with her mom. :) We are so glad that she took that last trip to Haiti with us. It gave her the compassion to persevere and appreciate the adjustment process. Of all we say about Pierre and Ange-Laurette's adjustment, Bailey has withstood the test...and became such a caring and strong young woman in the process.
And then there is Nate. Trooper number 2! As they all grow into their older selves, there are the typical annoyances, especially considering very different personalities. But his years from 7 to 10-years-old were really a blur to us. HE always seemed ok with it, but I had an eye-opener this week. He had gone to get his haircut from a new gal. Nate loved that his last one knew so much about football and would talk to him about his fantasy teams. So, on the way, he asked if I thought this new gal liked football. He was smiling thinking about what new fact he'd share. She invited us back and immediately started asking about our "two new kids" and how they were adjusting (in a small town, everyone knows the story). I gave a quick update and tried to turn it back to Nate and his recent win at a basketball tournament. Again, meaning well and genuinely interested, she asked about the other two and their progress in school...and then even about their past in Haiti. I could see Nate's face drop as as he slid down in his chair. This went on the entire haircut: me sharing a piece of info and turning it back to Nate, and her wanting to know more about Pierre and Ange-Laurette. My biggest frustration was in MYSELF. I fall into conversations like this hook line and sinker everytime! I need a rote response that is tactful but one that moves us to a new level of normalcy, and one that reminds others (and myself) that I have 5 children of equal importance and interest in my life...each of which deserve their time to shine.
So, no update on the adoption process today. :) Just a grateful mom so blessed to be moving into a new season where we are just a family....a conspicuous one, yes....but just a big family with LOTS of special people.
