When I tell people that we are planning to adopt a sibling group of 3 children we often get the reaction of "are you crazy?" After watching 3 of my friend's kids this week, I am beginning to ask myself that question. The kids we are watching are wonderful kids, I love their parents and they respect me and play with my boys, however it is soooo much work. I have only had them 3 days this week from 8am to 5pm and then I get a week off, I won't get a week off from my own children when we have 5 and they won't go home at 5pm. I have to question what were we thinking a little when we said three more would be a good number.
But just like any time I read or think about something that makes me question the adoption, I think about what we are doing and why we are doing it. People have 5 kids all the time and survive, heck there are people out there with 10+ kids and doing fine. Yes, it is more work than 2, but the rewards will be greater also.
I am excited about adopting 3 children and it will be fun, challenging and rewarding. I think the first year will be extra difficult, just like adding anyone to your family would be, but I know in the long run we will all be better for the experience. Just don't think I'll call or write that first year, I'll be so tired!
4 comments:
Julie,
Your post made me smile in excitement for you. You guys are in for such a ride and I can't wait to read all about it!! I read another blog that I thought you would get a kick out of. It's a family who has adopted from Haiti, and now has 4 bio and 3 adopted children, and chose to MOVE to Haiti to be missionaries. After 2 bio and 2 adopted children they thought they were done, but God chose otherwise! Their blog is "livesayhaiti.blogspot.com". I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do.
Rachel,
Thanks for giving me the lead on the blog, I'll add it to my list of ones I visit. After we get all of our kids home from the PI I hope we can get together with you for a play date or something. Plus, you are always welcome to babysit:)
I don't think you are crazy at all! You'd be crazy if you weren't already trying to figure things out in your head. If you were going through the weeks unaware of how different your lives were going to be, then I'd be worried for you. Yes, that many kids is going to be a lot of work. But it will be rewarding for all of you. All 7 of you!
When Dylon & Bethany come to stay with us during the summer I always feel like the first two weeks are the hardest. We are all adjusting during that time. But then, all of a sudden, it seems like life is normal again. It is a different normal -- a normal with 4 kids instead of 2, but still ... normal. Your adjustment period will surely be longer than two weeks, but I am certain that one day you & Ryan will realize that you have settled into a new normal. And you'll love it!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Amy, somedays I really need that extra boost.
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