Adopted, and Proud of it!*
My kids are both extremely proud of being adopted from Russia. Since I worked at Vika's school as a student teacher and substitute when we were in the process of adopting, all the staff and many of the students there know that my kids are adopted. In fact, our kids are almost like minor celebrities because of it. Eamon doesn't even attend the school, yet he's had a flock of "groupies" who waited to greet him each day. Vika is well liked among her peers, and is also a favorite in the school's administrative office. She definitely has the school secretary wrapped around her little finger.
The funniest incident occurred when Jeff rode up to the class with the kids in his bike trailer. All the other kindergarteners were waiting in line, and when they saw Vika get out of the trailer, they started chanting, "Vika! Vika! Vika!" Then when Eamon emerged, their chorus changed to "Eamon! Eamon! Eamon!" Jeff believed he could actually see our kids' heads growing bigger.
Fortunately, for now, their adoption does not seem to be a source of negativity for our kids. It is just the opposite, in fact. I hope it continues that way, and that Vika and Eamon will always be proud of the fact that they were chosen to be a part of our family and feel comfortable discussing their adoption with others. However, if someday they don't want us to talk about it, Jeff and I will respect their wishes. In the end, I guess you really have to let your kids guide you when it comes to something as personal to them as this.
But secretly, I hope they never want to keep their adoption hush-hush. I've already seen a change in the perception of friends and family who have come to know and care about our kids. People who before completely discounted the idea of adoption as a way to start a family are now considering it as an option. I'm sure other adoptive families have experienced the same thing. I believe that living our lives as a happy adoptive family is the best way to break down the stigma related to adoption.
* Thanks to Melissa for providing the inspiration for this post.
The funniest incident occurred when Jeff rode up to the class with the kids in his bike trailer. All the other kindergarteners were waiting in line, and when they saw Vika get out of the trailer, they started chanting, "Vika! Vika! Vika!" Then when Eamon emerged, their chorus changed to "Eamon! Eamon! Eamon!" Jeff believed he could actually see our kids' heads growing bigger.
Fortunately, for now, their adoption does not seem to be a source of negativity for our kids. It is just the opposite, in fact. I hope it continues that way, and that Vika and Eamon will always be proud of the fact that they were chosen to be a part of our family and feel comfortable discussing their adoption with others. However, if someday they don't want us to talk about it, Jeff and I will respect their wishes. In the end, I guess you really have to let your kids guide you when it comes to something as personal to them as this.
But secretly, I hope they never want to keep their adoption hush-hush. I've already seen a change in the perception of friends and family who have come to know and care about our kids. People who before completely discounted the idea of adoption as a way to start a family are now considering it as an option. I'm sure other adoptive families have experienced the same thing. I believe that living our lives as a happy adoptive family is the best way to break down the stigma related to adoption.
* Thanks to Melissa for providing the inspiration for this post.
I am e-mailing you my thoughts on this, it could get very long winded.
I look forward to hearing your perspective!
That's great. It should be a positive thing.
I must admit, it's been amazing to me how much and how quickly I totally fell in love with those kids. There's always the concern that you might not feel as close to adopted children as you would to bio ones. Totally untrue! I'm living proof! There's no way I could feel closer to Vika and Eamon or love them anymore. They've opened all of our eyes and hearts.
I hope our sons feel this way when they are older. I just posted, asking for suggestions, on our challenge of handling the questions that come our way when we are out and about. I don't mind sharing at all but I don't want our sons to feel that they must tell everyone they are adopted if they don't want to. It can be a difficult situation sometimes.
wonderful, simply wonderful!
This is so cute, and your kids are adorable! Watch those heads though ;-)
Of course it is because of YOUR attitudes that your children are so secure in their adoptions and in their lives in general. When you remove the shame of anything, when you embrace exactly what it is as being so special, your kids and their friends pick up on this and run with it! Keep up the great work!!!
Aw shucks! I am glad others feel the same as I do and I hope this brings others to do the same and spread some adoption love.
vika! eamon!
i am sure i will be a 'groupie' once i finally meet them! i can't wait!!!
see you soon!
k