ParentProfiles.com

Wow, we have been really busy and I haven't updated the journal here in a while.

Goings On Lately:
A week ago, Isabella and I were going to the symphony for Isabella's first time. My parents took me when I was a kid to give me culture. Not that they went normally but they thought I needed to go. So I figured, carry on the tradition. She had a blast. A couple of the pieces she said, 'Dad, that's from Disney.' And she enjoyed watching the gong player who only got to participate a couple of times. It was a great Daddy-Daughter evening.


Last week
Isabella and I had a fun time getting ready for Malisa's birthday this month. There's a picture of me when I was a kid that makes us smile. I was sticking my tongue out and doing the 'Fonzie from Happy Days thumbs up.' Anyway, Isabella and I decided it would be cool if she did the same pose and we made an 8x10 out of it for Malisa. So we went to the park and did so. She posed great and we used Malisa's camera (she's into photography so she has a good one.) The result is attached. It was a hit.

This last weekend was an adoption conference. There were courses on different aspects of adoption. This was my second one but this one really caused me to reflect. Some of my thoughts follow....

My favorite part was a birthmother panel. What a great experience to hear from a birthmother and her mother talk about their experience with adoption. Her family went through the experience with her and I felt bad for the heartache they described initially but it was like a movie with a happy ending to hear how they feel now knowing their son (and grandson in the case of the birthmother's mom) is in a great situation and is happy while the birthmother is moving forward with plans and growth she wanted.

The great relationship she had developed with the adoptive couple was really cool. If the birthmother that chooses us wants to have an open adoption, I hope we can develop a great friendship like that.

It was heartwrenching to hear the struggle she went through as she tried to decide what to do when she found out she was pregnant. It was sad that her boyfriend wasn't supportive of her during her struggles. It's so neat that we can help a birthmother provide a loving family for her child and she can provide us with our dream. We're all able to help each other. We're so blessed and excited at the prospect of being able to participate in adoption!

--Paul

Having a great long weekend in Hilton Head Island. Isabella's having a blast, but she sure would love to have a little brother or sister playing with her making a sand castle. We also could have used the help trying to get the kite in the air--we had more crash landings than time in the air.

It was running quite cold this weekend, but that didn't stop us--bundle up with polarfleece and enjoy the family time!

We have so much fun during the holidays. We can't wait to expand the smiling faces around the Christmas tree!