To Littlelola:
I wanted to answer your question about being pregnant and adopting but I couldn't locate your blog or email address so I'll just put it here and delete it later.
I have to say our agency never said a word about me being pregnant during the process but I never posed the question. I did ask our international agency HIH. I said "I am expecting now, is that going to be a problem?" Her response was "only for you". Awesome. I loved that. To me it said so much. It said she didn't care, the government in Eastern Europe wouldn't care, and the child I was adopting wouldn't care either. I feel like because the child we're adopting is five she won't see the new baby as competition. It will be such a period of adjustment for all of us. Also I spend so much time sitting and nursing my babies in that first year that it makes me more available to my kiddos. Rather than hustling around the house trying to get everything done I'm forced to be still and read books or play puzzles while nursing the little one or whatever it is the little guys want.
It is a huge adjustment anytime you add a child. I do feel like it would be harder on a one year old to suddenly have a brand new higher need sibling than it would on a infant.
Beyond all these reasons my heart feels as though the Lord has brought us here and he will see us through. We're following his guidance in regard to all of our children. It will be tricky when it comes to traveling and the close proximity to my due date. Again, I'll leave that in His hands. I've never had a daughter or felt like I was missing out having just my boys but I know He has a plan for each of us and suppose my ladies just needed a sister from the jump off. I hope that answers your question.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question :) I guess maybe the concern for me was getting a travel date during my due date? Im not really sure but that is what I read out of the emails from them. Maybe I should have been a little more vocal and asked more questions.... I think I am going to contact them on Monday and see what can be arranged to start up the process again.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl. I'm in the same boat and I'm not too concerned. You can always specify if there are certain dates you cannot travel. I didn't bother but it is an option. Best of luck to you! Do you keep a blog?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you should delete this later.... I think many people will find this info helpful. I am not in the same situation, but I love that you are so faithful to follow The Lord no matter what!! Your strength makes me stronger!
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ReplyDeleteI'm not being able to post properly but I'll try again. Gretchen, you already have three little ones under the age of what, seven so you're a brave woman already. I'm sure there will be days of chaos but there'll also be days of pure bliss and for that you'll make it work and on the days you need some help from your family, don't hesitate to ask.
ReplyDeleteI am with you Gretch, you are adopting an older child. Your baby isn't going to know any different, she is going to know Marissa as her sister and that's that. I think Marissa won't mind either..... not only is she getting two parents who lover her whole heartedly (already), 3 brothers who will no doubtedly love her and do everything they can to help you help her, but she will have a sister. A real sister that she will be able to bond with from the beginning, one she will feel a part of from the beginning! I think the challenges lie in being a parent of 5 kids, but there are parents who do it every day and I know you can and will! Love you guys!
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