Kung Fu Panda Two

So finally sat down and watched Kung Fu Panda Two with our son.  Cal had told me that it was an adoption story, but I hadn't taken the time to watch it yet.  I'm glad I got around to it!  It was an action packed, sweet story. 

I know it's just a cartoon, but the eyes of the loving mother panda having to leave her baby are still sticking in my mind.  I feel for birth parents. I think that no matter what their story is the emotions that go along with placing a child for adoption would be overwhelming and deeply scarring.  Even if you know it's in the best interest of your child I think it would be devastating on many levels. 

The steps that Po goes through, and the realization that he comes to in the end are beautiful, and this is definitely a movie that we will watch with our adopted children when we get them.  I think it would be a great way to help open dialogue about adoption with kids.

I like the movie very much

August 7 2013

I really like Creatingafamily.org, they've got some great resources and information. 
I am listening to a radio broadcast about adopting out of birth order from WWW.creatingafamily.org right now.
I know I've mentioned before that adopting out of birth order (Adopting a child older than the children in the home) is fairly frowned upon.  This broadcast looks at the positives and negatives of birth order - lots of things to keep in mind.  It really bothers me that the birth order of the adopted children doesn't seem to matter to anyone though.

Less than a month to go until we start the AEP.  Very much looking forward to it.

July 26 2013 Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos

Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos was spectacular.  I read it in three days and loved it.  Nia's (Yup we're on a first name basis now...we'd totally be best friends if we met ;)) writing style is easy and comedic.  The book was interesting and entertaining - she was really able to tell you about her struggles, without getting to personal, but yet you could feel the raw emotions that she had.  I'm pretty impressed with the book.  I often wonder when I'm telling "our story" if I am sharing to much information, or giving to many details.  Nia walks the line with grace and dignity - which is pretty impressive for a movie star *grin*.  I'll admit I've never actually watched anything that she has acted in (Okay, that's a lie, I just IMDB'd her and found she was in three episodes of a favourite sitcom....I don't actually have any recollection of her in it) but I know that many people know who she is.  She's using her fame to push boundaries and get the word out about adoption - I totally respect and applaud that. It's amazing that she stepped outside her comfort zone to share as much as she did.
If you're lady that went/is going through infertility, and you've started considering adoption, but have some fears or competing emotions - read this book.  It really may benefit you.  Can you love a child that you never gave birth to? Yes, fiercely.  Will an adopted child fit in your life? Yes - That's why the homestudy is so intense, so that a placement is not just a crap shoot. 
I like this book.  The author is real, she's open, and she's relatable. 
I paid $17 for the book at Wal-Mart, and unheard of amount for a book for me - I'm a total clearance book shopper.  I'm glad I bought it, I'm going to lend it to people, I'm going to read it again, and I really feel like it was worth every penny. (I still don't think I could buy it for the cover price of $29 though!)