Open

Every now and then someone will ask us about our kids' adoptions--how we were able to adopt, what agency we used, what age we were when we adopted (just kidding, they actually ask what age the kids were--LOL!), what prompted us to adopt, how much it cost, etc.

But the question we get asked more than any other is "Are their adoptions open?"

To which I usually say, "Can you please keep your voice down, the kids still don't know they are adopted."

Just kidding.

You know me (or, maybe you don't--ha!), I can't really answer anything in one word. Ever. (Especially when it comes to talking about our kids and the miracle journey we each made to meet each other on Planet E.)

But, in short, the answer to the open adoption question is "Yes, our adoptions are open."

But "open adoption" means different things for different families.

For some families, open adoption means a card and letter on birthdays. A phone call once a year. A meeting every few years.

But you see, open adoption isn't a one size fits ALL kind of thing. It's really more of a "one size fits one" kind of thing.

And even within our own family the openness of adoption varies--ebbs and flows--with each of our kids' biological families.

But here's what all of our open adoptions do have in common:

Dave and I  (and their bio families) ALWAYS try to do what is best for our kids--not the grown-ups in the scenario. 

As long as the openness benefits the kiddos, then we all do our best maintain it. And when the openness does not seem to benefit the kiddos, then we make changes (and try to be understanding).

 

And even though it's not always easy for anyone--the juggling of schedules (and sometimes emotions)--I'm so grateful we have been able to maintain a relationship with Jonah, Camry, Kaya, Paigey, Jr. and LuLu's familias.

We love their guts.

Which leads me to my next point . . . .

This weekend we were able to see Camry and Kaya's bio families--and it was SOOOOOOOOO good to see them!

THANK YOU Grandma Lorraine--for having 5/6 of the grandkids over for dinner, fashion show, mining tour, and park play! We love you! (PS: Gma Lorraine is Kaya's bio grandma. Oh, and she doesn't eat anything processed, so this makes for fun memories for the kids. "What did you do at Gma Lorraine's?" "Oh, you tried soy yogurt and bark?" AWESOME!)

And . . . 

THANK YOU CORY and WYATT--for visiting Saturday. It was GREAT to see you. (Cory is Camry's bio father and Wyatt is her full bio sibling.) (Do I sound like I should teach genetics to a group of 5th graders? Sorry for the detail. I was thinking newbies might appreciate the org chart.)

OH!

And.

The.

Breadmaking.

Continues . . .

(And just for the record, I'm beyond obsessed with the breadmaking at this point. Last week Dave told me I went through 50lbs of flour. I didn't believe him until I realized I didn't have any extra bags of flour in the cupboard. Is that loca? I'm actually waking up earlier than normal because I can't stop thinking about making bread. I'm dyin' here. That photo of me staring into the oven, that is cracking me up.)