This was a funny sort of year. Not exactly one for the history books by most people’s standards, but as I reflect on it, I see that there were big changes. The year started with that newness, a strange, not really awkwardness, but all together slightly amazing oddness of becoming a family (and if I’m honest, the “my word, did I really do this, please don’t ever let me forget to pick them up from school” moments were frequent at the beginning of the year, because honestly, going from zero children to having two living, breathing, talking, sometimes opinionated children arriving less than 4 weeks apart is, well, an adjustment). But somewhere in this year, probably May ish, as we hit the 8-9 month mark, it began to feel normal. And then that feeling grew all summer and as we hit a year, we hit our stride. We began to have memories “remember last year when we went to x” and that felt good, normal, I guess. So while there were no new adoptions in 2012 (minus frogs which arrived as birthday gifts from the godparents and two new “cats in care” we take care of and will keep!), it was ground-breaking in a non-ground-breaking way! (following me?).
This year we learned a lot, I learned that the people we “keep” now, aka the people we spend to live our lives with (and not just those in the same physical house) mean so much. They aren’t just people any more, they are “our people”. We learned that family can be people you’ve known a year, or known your whole life. We learned that on the very challenging days and the better days, the three of us (and those that are a part of our lives) will always be there.
There were many happy memories. Many days filled with grief. But somehow we got through it together, with a little help along the way.
And as I reflect on what worked in 2012 and where we hope to be in 2013, I feel quite filled with hope, contentment and peace. Because no matter what happens, we’ll do things our way, in a way that keeps us connected and helps our hearts heal and rest. And because of that, I welcome 2013 with open arms. Another year with my two darlings. And who knows, by this time next year, maybe there will be three…!
I think you have all done so well considering how new your family is and that your children have had so many families prior to you! That demonstrates just how much you are doing right. I really like that you are honest about the journey adoption has been and that you don’t seem to expect too much, too soon. I am very excited to think about your adopting another child. Incredible to think at the close of 2013 you will at least be much closer.
I think your journey this past year has been an amazing one. I look forward to reading about your life regularly. You not only have two beautiful children, but one’s who need so much more love and understanding than most could imagine. Good luck with 2013
Just came across your blog. Congrats on the addition of your two children, it is a wonderful change that definately challenges all involved as you carve out new lives and roles for each of you. I read through a few of your older posts and encourage you to stay strong on what is best for your children. We began homeschooling 17 years ago when my then 8 year “new” daughter arrived from Russia without ever having a day of schooling in her life, obviously not speaking a word of English and with a mountain of emotional baggage attached as a result of the abuse and neglect in her early years. We took alot of criticism from so many who thought us odd, and worried about her “socialization”. She has grown to be able to heal and learned to actually bond and love (something we were told by so many pros she never would be able to do) and instead of being way behind her peer group she far surpassed them as she tested way above her grade level on college entry tests. She is now married and has a life we were told she’d never experience due to all her issues – how I love to prove the “experts” wrong. We have modeled our individual approach for our other 3 children, each in our lives through the blessing of adoption. So you stay strong for the sake of what is best for yourself and your children!!!
I think you have done wonderful! You are strong and have provided a strong family bond for them..is it always easy I am sure its not. But I admire you.
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You have a had a wonderful year and I am glad things are going well!! Plus you have so many great goals
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