The First Step In A Long Journey
This week BDH and I took our first small step in a very long journey. This week we formally applied to begin the process to adopt a child.
It’s been a period of some decisions for us. We had to decide whether to try to adopt, figure out where we would come up with the money, sort through the paperwork, come to terms with not having a biological child… none of these things can be taken lightly. But we talked it over, and decided that our life together would not be complete without children in it. And so, adoption seemed like a logical choice: uniting a couple who want a family with children who want parents. It’s a simple call to make when you put it that way.
So we have been making phone calls and talking to government organizations and planning to take a course and filling in paperwork. It’s a little overwhelming. It’s a little scary too. And it’s going to be a lot of time, energy and money. It makes you sit down and catch your breath.
But… it’s totally going to be worth it. At least, we think so, from the idealized viewpoint of someone on the outside looking in. We stand outside and look in at what it is like to have kids, and it looks lovely from here. We think we will be good parents; or, at the very least, we’ll do our very best. We certainly have a lot of love to give to a child. We imagine all the wonderful things about parenthood, but we also know how hard it will be, how challenging, and ultimately, how rewarding.
So, yeah, it’s going to be a rough road and cost us a ton of money. But we think of it as an investment. An investment in our life together. An investment in our happiness. An investment in our future.
The returns on our investment, we hope, will be limitless.
This is a wonderful thing you are doing. You also have to consider the investment in the life of a child who could have had nothing in life. What a gift. The return will indeed be limitless, as will the joy, stress, worry, laughter, hair pulling, and unconditional love. You both deserve this. Enjoy the journey. It will be one you will never forget.
Comment by Sherri | January 24, 2007
Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad to hear you’re starting the process. Good luck!
Comment by Fiona | January 24, 2007
Thanks guys. I’m going to blog about it, so I hope I don’t bore you guys with all the minutiae.
But a year from now, I hope to be boring you with endless posts about our brilliant, beautiful, gifted, talented baby or kids ANYWAY, so you know… Consider it a warm-up.
Comment by CinnamonOpus | January 24, 2007
It has been a stressful journey for you as a couple.And now you are starting along a new road, hopefully to another path that will bring you the love, joy,laughter,tears,worry,stress and pride a parent has the PRIVILEGE to experience. God bless you in your journey.
Comment by Carole | January 24, 2007
Well this is a very exciting piece of information. I’m happily surprised, you know.
It’s going to be AWESOME.
Comment by Kelly | January 24, 2007
Oh, Cinn. I’m so happy for you two. Good luck on your journey.
Comment by Rae | January 24, 2007
Kelly told me you had some good news in your blog today so I thought I’d come and check it out.
And wow, Cinn! I’m so excited for you and BDH. You’re doing an amazing thing and I know you’ll make wonderful parents. I can’t wait to hear all about your journey.
Best wishes.
Comment by Emma (TH) | January 24, 2007
Thanks everyone! Your good wishes are very much appreciated.
And welcome and hullo to Rae and Emma! It’s nice to see you here. Get comfy and hang out awhile.
Comment by CinnamonOpus | January 24, 2007
Hi Rae! Hi Emma! Hi incredible mom to BDH!
Comment by Kelly | January 24, 2007
Wow, how exciting!! I know you and BDH will make wonderful parents. I’m so happy for you guys! =)
Comment by Marcie | January 25, 2007
Hi Marcie! Thank you so much! It’s all a little scary right now, but we’re excited too.
I’m glad to see you!
Comment by CinnamonOpus | January 25, 2007
Totally SQUEEE! You’re going to be such kickass parents.
Comment by Anna | January 26, 2007
How exciting! I’m so happy for you, Cinn. You will be wonderful parents.
Comment by chasingcomets | January 26, 2007