This Moment In Time

I just love being able to capture a candid moment

between dog and child

especially when it's a 

moment full of 

love 

Good and Bad

Having been part of the adoption community for almost 10 years now, I've met a lot of people, both "in real life" and via the web. With social media cropping up during that time, the ability to "meet" even more people associated with adoption has been great.

One thing I've learned during this time is that regardless of the adoption experience, I've received both incredible support and harsh judgment.

With my second adoption, I had a very rough time. I had a child with unexpected medical needs, behavioral issues, and attachment issues. After a period of time, I came to realize that I was also experiencing attachment issues--having great difficulty attaching to my child. There are those in the community who have "BTDT" and are a tremendous source of support. But they are truly few and far between--especially seven years ago. I was so harshly judged by those who had never experienced any issues with their children. I even got hate email from someone saying I was a terrible mother and should give my child to them to adopt. I kid you not about that email. Because I reached out for support in an adoption group, I was ostracized.

As a result of living with/through these issues over the course of seven years, I've learned a great deal. I have recognized signs of potential attachment problems in other adopted children--not because I know it all but because I've lived through it--and the few times I've offered a (solicited) opinion, I've essentially been laughed at. As a result, instead of being a resource, I learned not to offer any more advise which ends up leading to a lack of support. Sad, really.

On the other end of the spectrum, I've had an unusually easy transition with my fourth child (third adoption). He's an easy child. It's just that simple. While I am always "on guard" for potential issues to arise, and willing to tackle anything I'm dealt with--because let's face it, in adoption, there are usually some sort of "issues" at some point in time--I am not going to pretend things are great and make my child sound perfect just for the sake of it.

It is possible to have an easy child. But because I have an "easy child," I've been judged and talked about amongst "friends" because "my child is perfect and there's no way he can be". Yes, I've been told that as well.

I find it so sad and so disappointing that people I have thought to be friends really aren't. But at the same time, I'm so appreciative to those who have been supportive through good times and especially hard times.

Sunday Snapshot {Happy Easter}

(Warning:  Picture heavy!)

What a wonderful Easter Sunday we have had!

The kids were so excited about the Easter bunny coming and hiding their eggs and leaving them some goodies.

 The little camera ..... huge hit!

 With so many eggs, the kids shared with the big dogs :)

 Willow waiting patiently for hers

 We then spent the afternoon at the botanical gardens where we had a picnic and the kids had fun with bubbles.

 (I need a remote for my camera instead of using the timer!)

 I adore these kiddos so much!

 And I couldn't ask for a better sibling relationship for them.

 Japanese Gardens-- Our favorite place at the park

 It's seldom that these two are not holding hands and laughing together

 Someone is ready to be done.  He doesn't melt down or have fits.  He just starts frowning when he's had enough.

 J is never at a loss for someone to help him when he needs it.

J checking to see if his sisters are smiling ;)

Easter EGGS!

Another beautiful sunny day, so we were able to dye eggs outside.  This was J's first "real" experience doing it "alone" and I must say, that I was pleasantly surprised at how well he did.

 Once I got over the fact that his hands were going to be inside the cups full of dye, I was able to enjoy watching him have fun!

 Three kids.  Three very different personalities.  Big age difference. No arguing or crying.  Just plain sibling fun.

"See our Easter eggs??"

Sunday Snapshot {Kite Flying}

A perfectly windy day to fly kites.  

So a little one's nap was delayed so we could get outside

and practice flying the *new* kites!

We have a park half a block away that is the perfect place for kite flying!  And the view of the mountains is an added bonus!

J tried his hardest to catch the butterfly!

 B got the hang of it fairly quickly!  

 The penguin, in honor of the school mascot!

 V had a harder time getting her kite to fly high...but when she did, there was such joy on her face!

 Not the easiest kite to keep in the sky.  

 V was all about the running....

 While the girls were busy flying their kites, J collected dry grass in his bucket and carted it around in the new wheelbarrow.

I think I'm digging the dry grass much more than sand!!  

Thankful for a FUN afternoon in the *calm* wind (if that makes any sense)!!  It's what we all needed.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We all enjoyed a traditional meal of corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes.  It's the only time of the year that I cook corned beef and the girls always look forward to it!  J doesn't quite get the tradition yet, but I have no doubt he'll have it figured out in the next few years.

 (Poor Vivi has an eye infection and doesn't feel well)

 Had to get Paxie in on the action!

 And Willow too!

J says, "ENOUGH with the pictures"!!!

Sunday Snapshot: Happy Spring!

I participated in "Sunday Snapshot" back when Stefanie first started  hosting it.  And not long after, I was busy working towards my third (and final) adoption.  And then blogging got put aside.

And I regret that because I've really missed it.  And missed documenting some of the precious moments with my youngest.

So hopefully, with this Sunday Snapshot, I will feel inspired to keep it up!  And reconnect with old bloggers whom I used to follow.

And meet new ones!

Happy Spring!!