wordle.net

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How cool is this online tool that I found today?  I could (and did, to be honest) waste soo much time.. 

Questions For Upcoming Adoption Videocast??

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As I posted a couple of weeks ago, I am in the process of creating a videocast entitled, 'Adoption - Frequently UN-Asked Questions'.  I wanted to send out one last request for your questions.  I will not be taking any questions after Thursday, March 11th. 

Please limit your questions to more personal-type inquiries.  Though I might feel like an expert in the field of adoption (after adopting our two amazing little girls from India within the past 4 years).. I technically am not!  I will not be discussing current adoption timelines, paperwork questions, or financial aspects.  I am assuming that this videocast will appeal to pre-adoptive families, or families who are just considering or beginning the adoption process.  I am planning to answer questions that have been posed to me, as an adoptive parent, in the past.. from these types of families.  

I will be answering questions along the lines of.. 'why did you decide to adopt internationally?'.. 'were you afraid to meet your child for the first time, and can you describe the experience?'.. 'how did you choose your agency?'.. 'did you have problems bonding with your child?'..  'how do you handle the issue of race with your child?'.. 'are you going to/did you tell your child she was adopted'.. etc..etc..

So if there are questions that you have always had, but were afraid to ask (or just did not know WHO to ask).. here is your chance!!  Post your questions to the comments of this blog entry, or post your email address and I will get in contact with you.

Don't forget to spread the word to your friends and families!

Gender Issues?

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Is Angelina Jolie Turning Shiloh Into a Boy? Parenting Experts Weigh In

 I saw this headline today.. and normally I would not even bat an eye, but would ignore the silly media headline and continue in my original surfing direction.  Today, however, I found the timing of this article to be somewhat coincidental and humorous (and still strikes me as very silly that people waste their time worrying about the haircut and wardrobe of a celebrity's 3-yr old child).

Let's rewind and play-back a conversation that I had with my 4-yr old daughter last night at the dinner table:

Maya:  Mom?  When are we going to heaven?

{Instantly I am on alert, and my 'try to give the appropriate response as indicated by recent psychological research' mom-mode kicks in.  Is she going to talk about Grandma and Grandma-Nanny?  Are we going to have a deep discussion (again) on dying and heaven?  What triggered this?  Did she have a dream about Grandma?  Is she scared?  Does she think she is going to die soon?  Is she afraid that I am going to die soon?}

Me:  I don't know sweetie, but I hope it isn't going to be for a long, long time.  

{Maya looks crest-fallen}

Maya:  Do you think that God can make me a boy in heaven?  I want to be a boy.

Me:  You want to be a boy in heaven?  I think that God can make you anything that you want to be in heaven.  

{Maya looks very happy.  I am a bit worried about my response, and hope that she doesn't try any type of quick detour to her 'boyhood' in heaven!  Good lord.}

For the rest of the evening, Maya talked occasionally about the fact that she likes boys and wants to turn into a boy (note that this child, since the inception of potty-training and learning about boy vs girl 'parts'.. has insisted that she is going to be a boy and wants to stand-up to pee).  She wants to wear boy clothes, and begged me to buy her a button-down shirt and tie from the catalog I was perusing for the girls' Easter dresses.  After I refused to buy her a 'boy' Easter outfit, she finally seemed to be satisfied with the selection of a blue dress with a blue bunny sweater.  'NO PINK!'  'I WANT BLUE!'

Criminy!  I was hoping to buy the girls very cute, matching Easter dresses in a tea-rose color with big bows on them.  SIGH.  Maybe next year.  Our Easter photo shoot is taking a new direction.

Shiloh and Maya should hang out.