* The act or process of adopting a child
* The act or process of beginning to use something new or different
* The act or process of giving official acceptance or approval of something
Well, that sums it up....not quite!
Without the option of adoption, I would not have Barbie toys *everywhere*, hairbands in every nook and crannie of this house, pages and pages of artwork gracing our windows, walls, mirrors, and coffee table. My weekday evenings would not be a blur comprised of dinner/showers/homework/reading and constant re-direction to stay on track.
I found online that adoption comes from an Old French word, adoptare - meaning "to choose for oneself." Did Kristina get to choose? That's a rhetorical question...we know the answer. But in my heart, I know God put us down various paths for a reason and ultimately, we chose adoption. I embraced the "act or process" because ultimately, I knew what our reward in life would be. I welcome whole-heartedly every challenge we are presented because my heart overflows with so much love for this little girl.
During this time of year ~ as Thanksgiving approaches, I take a break from wondering how I will fit time in to get Christmas cards written, get the house de-cluttered enough so we can squeeze a tree in the corner, and where in the world will I get the energy to prepare for Santa's arrival. Somehow, in some time...all will get done. But for this moment today, I sit with my daughter and not miss an opportunity to tell her how much she is loved.
Today, November 22, is National Adoption Day. Adoption may be celebrated nationally today but in my heart, I celebrate it daily. I think of all the friends we have made on this path and hold close in heart all our family and friends who have been touched by adoption as well. (Kristina: did you know that Aunt Dae and Uncle Gary, Aunt Zoe and Uncle Don, cousins Gail and Tony, and friends Kathleen, Anna, and Aunt Laura are only a few of your family and friends who have either adopted, been adopted or have a parent who was adopted? See ~ all of us are blessed!!!)
Without adoption, we would not have this.....
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| Our happy little girl. |
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| One of Kristina's steady boyfriends - Bob. |
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| Sound asleep...yet probably still scheming about something! |
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| Definitely has engineering qualities -- always proud of her creations! |
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| I remember K playing on this neighbor's swing when she was 2 years old... Still loves it! |
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| Getting big...but still wants daddy's kisses before class starts! |
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| We love our selfies!! |
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| May you always dance, baby girl, like no one is watching! |
