Define necessity?

We finished our John's fundraiser and haven't yet heard how it went but we all had a good time and since we haven't eaten out in a very long time, that made it all the more special.

We will soon be working on a yard sale fundraiser but haven't yet decided if we will try for this Saturday or wait until January since we will be facing the holidays.
I will also try to write in the next few days about where we stand and how much closer we are....it is a good feeling and yet I would love to just be fully funded and be able to relax and focus on preparing for the trip and how we can make the transition and bonding as easy as possible for the twins.  We will get there...some way, some how, I know we will get there.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about true necessities and actual needs this year....more than I ever have.  I saw these posted on Facebook.

And, it obviously gets you thinking......and re-defining what is actually a neccessity and what is not.

And then I saw this next video. 

I want you to watch it....not necessarily for the nice things that the adoptive parents say to the girl they are surprising, even though it is nice, but rather to really and truly understand what it means to have a family.....and what it means when you don't.  You see, when I think of necessities now, I would put family right alongside shelter, food, and water. 

And though, many of us do thank our Heavenly Father for our families and attempt to be appreciative.....I think that after you watch this video you will be changed in your appreciation of how much you have and how deeply it would hurt to not have them......to be alone.  Hang in through the first part so you see her reaction when she finds out that they actually want to adopt her and that she will finally have a family:

Having a family is as important as our food and water and the air that we breathe.  I urge everyone who is reading our blog to truly consider the plight of those who don't have families this Christmas...there are often Christmas trees in malls and large stores where we are all encouraged to offer material presents for children who may want/need them.  While this may surely be a kind act, I want to also encourage those of you to consider helping a child to find a family.  There are so many sites where you can sponsor children and help the families that would want to adopt but just can't afford it, to be able to bring them home.  All of the children that are posted below (and so many more!) are on Reece's Rainbow or Project Hopeful

So how do I define necessity?  Family!  Please consider a visit to these websites and offer help for the families that want so badly to bring the children home or for the children to have enough sponsored funds that a family can just step in and bring them home.  If you have been reading this blog very long or know our family personally, you will know the extreme efforts and roller coaster it is to fundraise.  Many families are just not able to do it but would love to welcome a child into their family.  Could you also consider if your heart has been touched and if your family is willing to open up a spot in your heart and home for these children who need you.......

My Paper Pregnancy

My post today should explain my recent absence from the blog.  After all, you wouldn't expect someone to blog while they were in labor, right?  ;-) 

Forgive me, but since I worked as a childbirth educator for over 10 years...I have birth analogies for just about everything!  My poor husband rolls his eyes when I start in on the birth topic because he knows he had better settle in for the long haul. 
I have been very surprised to find that, for me, the adoption process and the pregnancy/birthing process are extremely similar.  Let me explain and compare:

Pre-conception:
Adoption-Involved brief conversations about the possibility of adopting in the future....far off future...and then had "the" dream.
Prior biological children-Involved brief conversations about the possibility of having another child...in the future...then, discovering I was pregnant the same month. 

1st trimester:
Adoption-Deciding the same month that we would go forward!  Felt nervous, excited, and concerned about how it would impact the family.  Wondering and planning how we would make it all work.  Informing family and friends that we were "expecting". 
Biological-same as above!

2nd trimester:
Adoption-overall pleasant time of planning and dreaming.  Looking dreamy eyed at 3T sized clothing.  I bought these coordinating outfits which they have now likely outgrown:

Biological-Same as above except that I bought cute tiny newborn clothing

Outfits from Oilo...aren't they cute!?!

And, since my last baby was 10lbs 9oz, the newborn clothes were outgrown by the time of arrival.


3rd trimester:
Adoption-Everything gets a bit more uncomfortable and there is increased determination to have the paper pregnancy over with already!  There is increased impatience with the whole process and longing for the children.

Biological-Exact same emotions...without the paper.....

Then, what happens?  Going into labor, of course!

Early labor:
Adoption-The last piece of paperwork is done.  Everything is submitted.  A new excitement begins coupled with disbelief that the next step will be traveling to a completely foreign land and that this could possibly be the beginning of the end!!!
Biological-The last childbirth class and hospital tour is completed.  A new excitement begins coupled with disbelief that the next step will involve a whole new foreign experience of birthing this child and amazed that the end is finally near!!!

Active labor:
Adoption-Excited about the updates on progression-paperwork is going to the courts!  Excited and waiting to hear the numbers of the travel dates.  Feeling increasingly irritable and overwhelmed with what it will take to make it to the end.  Beginning to question whether or not it is possible to make it and wondering whether or not all of this was a good idea.  Thinking...what have I gotten myself into!!!
Biological-Excited about the updates of progression-cervical dilation is finally happening!  Excited and waiting to hear the number of 10 centimeters.  Feeling increasingly irritable and overwhelmed with what it will take to make it to the end.  Beginning to question whether or not it is possible to make it and wondering whether or not all of this was a good idea.  Thinking....what have I gotten myself into!!!

TRANSITION:  (Where I have been!)
Adoption-The hardest part of the process (I hope!)  So much work needs to be done in such a short time coupled with increased fear and stress with doubt... leading to being convinced that it just can't be done!  Reaching out to spouse, family, friends for support and then retreating and having unrealistic expectations of what they can do.  Emotions bouncing off the walls!
Biological-The hardest part of the process(*every* woman hopes it won't get any worse at this point!)  So much work (dilation) needs to be done in such a short time coupled with increased fear and stress with the doubt that this can be done and then deciding that it just can't be done!  Reaching out to support people in the hospital room and then retreating and having unrealistic expectations of what they can (or should!) do.  Emotions bouncing off the walls!!!

Pushing:
Adoption-Time to get down to business and get the work done.  Complete focus is centered on that one goal: Get the children home!
Biological-Time to get down to business and get the work done.  Complete focus is centered on that one goal: Get this baby out!

I just have to show a great "gotcha" day video to conclude this post....It is all so worth it!!!!

I'm back in for the finish....I think I am through with transition and heading towards the pushing phase.  Let's bring the twins home!  We are all going to start walking again and fundraising until we drop....thanks to all of you who have been patient with me.

If you are just starting the adoption process, know that you don't have to have a plus sign on a stick in order to go through pregnancy!