Discovering New Friends
Yesterday, Vika, Eamon and I headed out to the Children's Discovery Museum to visit with some friends of mine, Jeff S. and Liz. When Jeff and I first began seriously thinking about adoption, these two played an instrumental role in encouraging us to take that path towards our family. Jeff S. and Liz had already adopted a beautiful little girl from China (Suzanne) and were gearing up to adopt another (Sydney). My Jeff had some reservations initially about adopting because he already had a biological daughter, and was worried that he might not have the same relationship with an adopted child. Seeing Jeff S. interact with Suzanne really helped to free Jeff of those worries, and once we started working towards our adoption, he never looked back.
Liz also gave me a lot of support, especially when I was waiting for our referral. The two of us were working as "kid wranglers" on a production of The Wizard of Oz at the time, and I was beginning to feel like the referral we were waiting for would never come (however, since reading many of your stories, I've since come to realize how ridiculously impatient I was). In between getting Munchkins into their costumes and on-stage, I would whine to Liz about how long things were taking and how it felt that Jeff and I would never have a family. She responded with a patient smile and said simply, "It will happen. Just wait." Of course she was right. Within a week after The Wizard of Oz closed, we got our referral for Vika and Eamon, and the rest is history.
After all this, it is baffling to think that in the entire time we've had Vika and Eamon home, we had not once gotten together with Jeff, Liz, Suzanne and Sydney. I'm not sure why, really. It just seems that time got away from us. So, the get-together yesterday was long overdue.
We all had a great time at the Discovery Museum, and the kids seemed to hit it off really well. They ran around, exploring the exhibits, while Jeff S., Liz and I caught up. Afterwards, we had lunch in the park and chatted while the kids played "Pirates and Mermaids." It was a really fun day, and I hope we can all get together again.
Jeff S. and Liz - let's not wait another year and a half to see each other, OK? :)
Liz also gave me a lot of support, especially when I was waiting for our referral. The two of us were working as "kid wranglers" on a production of The Wizard of Oz at the time, and I was beginning to feel like the referral we were waiting for would never come (however, since reading many of your stories, I've since come to realize how ridiculously impatient I was). In between getting Munchkins into their costumes and on-stage, I would whine to Liz about how long things were taking and how it felt that Jeff and I would never have a family. She responded with a patient smile and said simply, "It will happen. Just wait." Of course she was right. Within a week after The Wizard of Oz closed, we got our referral for Vika and Eamon, and the rest is history.
After all this, it is baffling to think that in the entire time we've had Vika and Eamon home, we had not once gotten together with Jeff, Liz, Suzanne and Sydney. I'm not sure why, really. It just seems that time got away from us. So, the get-together yesterday was long overdue.
We all had a great time at the Discovery Museum, and the kids seemed to hit it off really well. They ran around, exploring the exhibits, while Jeff S., Liz and I caught up. Afterwards, we had lunch in the park and chatted while the kids played "Pirates and Mermaids." It was a really fun day, and I hope we can all get together again.
Jeff S. and Liz - let's not wait another year and a half to see each other, OK? :)
Eamon and Sydney
Vika and Suzanne
Sounds like fun! The pictures are cute.
I dont know why we tend to go long periods of time without getting together with those we like to hang out with and then complain of nothing to do.
Having kids makes things like getting together with anyone other than your neighbor more difficult ;-) Seriously though, time does run when you're a parent! I can't believe mine are 5 and 9 already!!
You have a step daughter? Do you guys get to see her? Nosy I know, but you brought her up ;-)
I love hearing about your stories of adoption! I used to want to adopt 2 more children. Who knows, I may still. I'm certainly young enough!
The kids all look so cute together!
Jenni-
Thanks again!! We did have a blast that day!
Yes please lets not wait another year and a half!
Maybe your Jeff could come with the next time??
Thanks for a fun day!
I still remember that night we all had dinner together and Jeff just watched Suzanne. I knew you guys would be fine. BTW: Your a GREAT Mom!! :)
Great pix, Jenni! It looks like a fund day.