Author Archives: shannon2818

When J and I got married, I thought seriously about keeping my maiden name. I decided not to, for a few reasons which I don’t really want to discuss here. But the point is, that I know what it’s like to be attached to a name and to give it up. Still. it’s different forContinue reading “What’s in a name?”

In an earlier post, I described my attempt to introduce the topic of first moms to my three-year-old. Somewhere along the line, he started to understand that he has two dad and two moms. He even knows all of our names. Of course, I’m sure he doesn’t really understand why he’s in this situation, butContinue reading “BC’s two dads”

In April, I wrote about legislation in Michigan that would help speed up the adoption process for children in foster care. This month, Governor Rick Snyder signed the three bills into law. According to the Department of Human Services Web site, the superintendent of the Michigan Children’s Institute (MCI) is now able to permit designeesContinue reading “Reducing wait times in Michigan”

Book Review: Horton Hatches the Egg My good friend HK was adopted and she is the favorite aunt to six nieces and nephews – three of whom are adopted. She recommended that I read BE and BC “Horton Hatches the Egg” by Dr. Seuss. I ordered it from Amazon and we got it in theContinue reading “Dr. Seuss: adoption rule breaker”

Although the announcement of our adoption didn’t go well initially, most people were very supportive. My family and friends threw me a shower and I was even fortunate enough to have a shower at work. I really appreciated these opportunities to celebrate with everyone and of course, the gifts were very helpful. The kids reallyContinue reading “My “kid” showers”

Here’s something I wish I had known three years ago: As much as you want it to be, announcing your decision to adopt will not be like announcing a pregnancy. Not everyone will be happy for you. So, if you’ve decided to adopt, here are some things you might want to consider before sharing theContinue reading “How to tell your family you’re adopting”

I love books. When J and I first decided to adopt, I started buying some of the children’s classics. My kids are still too young for many of these books, but I’m looking forward to the day when books without pictures are acceptable. Some of these books are: Anne of Green Gables, The Little Princess,Continue reading “Orphans on my bookshelf”

During the week leading up to Mother’s Day, BE told me several times that she missed her first mom (FM). I’ve told BE many times that it’s ok to miss FM and that she can always talk to me about it. I asked BE what she missed about FM. She replied that FM always usedContinue reading “Missing … chocolate doughnuts?”

My birthday was this past week and I’m now 31. Here’s some more good news. I have gray hair! That’s actually not meant to be sarcastic. I want to believe that gray can be a sign of wisdom. Of course, if I have gray hair, that must mean I’m becoming wiser. Seriously, though, I don’tContinue reading “I’m 31”

For Mother’s Day, the kids brought home these forms that their teachers helped them fill out. I was happy that for number 10, BE answered “I love you.” It was nice and true. However, BC answered the same question with “Do not throw toys.” Which is also true, just not as nice. These answers madeContinue reading “Mommyisms”