Day 29 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
So I've been really quiet for the past week. To tell you the truth, we just haven't had much going on. Hopefully things will pick back up here soon.
I have a thought for my friends and family though. I feel it's quite wise, so hopefully you will too. :) As Malone and I have been going through this adoption process, the most frequent question we get is, "are you going to have an open or closed adoption?" Our reply has always been the same, "We want to be as open as the birth family feels comfortable with." Of course, if our birth family wants a CLOSED adoption, we would respect that decision. But if it were our choice, we would want it to be open. I know some of you out there find that surprising, and perhaps you might even have some wary feelings when it comes to open adoption. I think that's probably because of the common misconceptions when it comes to open adoption, but that's another discussion. So, in order to prepare you all for the time when we intend to welcome the entire birth family into our family (hopefully that's not too far away!), I want to share our feelings with you about open adoption.
A few weeks ago I had somewhat of a breakdown. It was just one of those days when I felt so resentful of my infertility. A common element of my prayers for the past 3+ years has been, "WHY? Why do I have to have infertility? Why do I have to go through this trial when it seems like EVERYBODY around me is as fertile as can be? Is this a punishment?" Lately as I've been thinking about it, I've realized that infertility has not been a punishment to me, but rather a blessing. Without infertility, we would not be on this road to adoption. Without infertility, we would not be able to be a part of a birth mother's life and she would not have the opportunity to be a part of ours. I guess I've just recently been impressed at how RIGHT our choice to adopt is. Adoption is meant to be a part of who our children are. And through us, adoption is meant to be a part of all of your lives as well.
Ok, one last thought. The agency we are choosing to go through is LDS Family Services. Their "slogan" (or logo or whatever you want to call it...) is "Adoption... It's About Love." The other day I was thinking about the different sources of love that slogan is referring to. It's talking about the love of the birth family for the baby, the love of the adoptive family for the baby, and the love of God for the baby. That really impressed me. Adoption REALLY is all about love.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Snow Day!
Day 21 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
Yesterday we had quite the snowstorm in our neck of the woods. Both Malone and I still had to go to work, but afterwards we decided to take advantage of the snow. It was so fun! We felt like little kids again! After several trips down the hill, we were soaking and covered in snow, but we just couldn't stop laughing. Then we went home, dried off, and had a steaming cup of hot chocolate LOADED with marshmallows. It was a great day!
Yesterday we had quite the snowstorm in our neck of the woods. Both Malone and I still had to go to work, but afterwards we decided to take advantage of the snow. It was so fun! We felt like little kids again! After several trips down the hill, we were soaking and covered in snow, but we just couldn't stop laughing. Then we went home, dried off, and had a steaming cup of hot chocolate LOADED with marshmallows. It was a great day!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Help!
Day 20 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
As probably all of you know, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our church, those who live their lives in accordance with our standards have the opportunity to participate in ceremonies in our temples which we hold most sacred. Today I found out that on Sunday March 15th, the HBO show Big Love is showing an episode that explicitly exhibits these most sacred parts of my religion. I am extremely offended.
I found this article addressing this topic on the Newsroom Web site of our Church. I thought you all might find it interesting. Click on the link below to view:
http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma
If you are like me and wish to voice your concern, follow the link below. It will take you to the HBO website where you can file a complaint. I feel that the more people that let them know how offensive this is, the more likely they are to hear.
http://www.hbo.com/apps/submitinfo/contactus/submit.do?title=GeneralInformation&questiontype=generalInformation&questiontype=general
If you write, here are two things you'll want to RESPECTFULLY say in your own words to HBO:
-I believe it is wrong for HBO to publicly air portions of sacred ceremonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without permission from the church and based on information given you by someone who has left the church and may harbor bad feelings toward the church and wish to do it harm.
AND THE BIG ONE THAT WILL ALWAYS GET THEIR ATTENTION:
- If you air such an episode, I will cancel my subscription to all HBO channels (if you have them), and will not purchase HBO DVDs or any other HBO entertainment products or packages ever again. Furthermore, I will encourage my friends and associates to do likewise.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO:
The FCC is the government agency that regulates all broadcast and cable television. File a complaint expressing your shock and dismay at HBO's treatment of the sacred ceremonies of any religion with such mockery and disregard, and that it is shoddy work hiring excommunicated members/enemies of church and giving them a public pulpit to hurt the church.
To File a complaint with the FCC go to:
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
As probably all of you know, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our church, those who live their lives in accordance with our standards have the opportunity to participate in ceremonies in our temples which we hold most sacred. Today I found out that on Sunday March 15th, the HBO show Big Love is showing an episode that explicitly exhibits these most sacred parts of my religion. I am extremely offended.
I found this article addressing this topic on the Newsroom Web site of our Church. I thought you all might find it interesting. Click on the link below to view:
http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma
If you are like me and wish to voice your concern, follow the link below. It will take you to the HBO website where you can file a complaint. I feel that the more people that let them know how offensive this is, the more likely they are to hear.
http://www.hbo.com/apps/submitinfo/contactus/submit.do?title=GeneralInformation&questiontype=generalInformation&questiontype=general
If you write, here are two things you'll want to RESPECTFULLY say in your own words to HBO:
-I believe it is wrong for HBO to publicly air portions of sacred ceremonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without permission from the church and based on information given you by someone who has left the church and may harbor bad feelings toward the church and wish to do it harm.
AND THE BIG ONE THAT WILL ALWAYS GET THEIR ATTENTION:
- If you air such an episode, I will cancel my subscription to all HBO channels (if you have them), and will not purchase HBO DVDs or any other HBO entertainment products or packages ever again. Furthermore, I will encourage my friends and associates to do likewise.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO:
The FCC is the government agency that regulates all broadcast and cable television. File a complaint expressing your shock and dismay at HBO's treatment of the sacred ceremonies of any religion with such mockery and disregard, and that it is shoddy work hiring excommunicated members/enemies of church and giving them a public pulpit to hurt the church.
To File a complaint with the FCC go to:
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Our Adoption Button
Day 14 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
Notice on the right side, I have created and added our adoption button. Click on it, and it will take you to our adoption blog. Here's the great part- you all can add it to your blogs too!
Here are the steps...
1) Right click on the button
2) Scroll down and click save picture as
3) Save it to your computer
4) Log in to your blog
5) Under layout select add a gadget
6) Scroll down to the picture option and select it
7) Upload the picture of our button and then in the box where you can add html, put:
maloneandbrittanyadopt.blogspot.com
TADA! You've added our adoption button! Unless, of course, my directions were too confusing in which case I apologize.
Notice on the right side, I have created and added our adoption button. Click on it, and it will take you to our adoption blog. Here's the great part- you all can add it to your blogs too!
Here are the steps...
1) Right click on the button
2) Scroll down and click save picture as
3) Save it to your computer
4) Log in to your blog
5) Under layout select add a gadget
6) Scroll down to the picture option and select it
7) Upload the picture of our button and then in the box where you can add html, put:
maloneandbrittanyadopt.blogspot.com
TADA! You've added our adoption button! Unless, of course, my directions were too confusing in which case I apologize.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Wishin' and Hopin' and Thinkin' and Prayin'
Day 12 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
If you can tell me what song that is, you win!
I have been so touched today as many of our family and friends have been fasting for our birth mother. I don't know who she is yet, but I think about her all the time. I wonder if she knows how much she is already loved by us and by everyone we know? Even if she doesn't know it, I hope she feels it.
On another note, you may have noticed that I added a way to donate to our adoption through PayPal. Any little bit makes a big difference to Malone and I. But please, if you cannot afford it, do not donate money to us. We don't want to put a strain on anyone we love. There are plenty of other ways you can help. However, if you can afford it, know that you are GREATLY appreciated.
We are also going to be holding an adoption fundraising yard sale. We ask that if you live nearby, and you have things you want to get rid of, you donate them to us so that we can sell them. Heck, if you don't live near us and you're feeling really ambitious, you could hold a yard sale for us in your area and donate the proceeds. There are so many ways to help us! Aren't you excited? ;)
If you can tell me what song that is, you win!
I have been so touched today as many of our family and friends have been fasting for our birth mother. I don't know who she is yet, but I think about her all the time. I wonder if she knows how much she is already loved by us and by everyone we know? Even if she doesn't know it, I hope she feels it.
On another note, you may have noticed that I added a way to donate to our adoption through PayPal. Any little bit makes a big difference to Malone and I. But please, if you cannot afford it, do not donate money to us. We don't want to put a strain on anyone we love. There are plenty of other ways you can help. However, if you can afford it, know that you are GREATLY appreciated.
We are also going to be holding an adoption fundraising yard sale. We ask that if you live nearby, and you have things you want to get rid of, you donate them to us so that we can sell them. Heck, if you don't live near us and you're feeling really ambitious, you could hold a yard sale for us in your area and donate the proceeds. There are so many ways to help us! Aren't you excited? ;)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Inspiration
Day 8 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
Today I happened upon a scripture that is really a direct answer to many heartfelt prayers.
“Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, then, may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed.” ( D&C123:17)
I have been feeling such an anxiousness with all of the adoption "advertising" stuff that needs to be done. I can think of a million things I need to do, and it can be quite overwhelming. Plus, most of you know how good I am at being patient and letting go of control. Yeah right! But this scripture helps bring peace to my heart. All I can do is try my best. Malone and I are doing everything we can think of to help us find our child. Now it's in God's hands.
Today I happened upon a scripture that is really a direct answer to many heartfelt prayers.
“Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, then, may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed.” ( D&C123:17)
I have been feeling such an anxiousness with all of the adoption "advertising" stuff that needs to be done. I can think of a million things I need to do, and it can be quite overwhelming. Plus, most of you know how good I am at being patient and letting go of control. Yeah right! But this scripture helps bring peace to my heart. All I can do is try my best. Malone and I are doing everything we can think of to help us find our child. Now it's in God's hands.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Don't worry, be happy...
Day 7 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
Don't worry guys! I'm feeling better today. After a bit of drenching rain this morning the sun decided to listen to my demands for once. It came out, banished the clouds, and welcomed in a bright blue sky. It even got up to about 40 degrees or so! (Hallelujah!) Now, if the weather doesn't digress back to it's miserable wintery state I will be much more content. I am SO ready for shorts, swimming, camping, gardening, hiking, barbecuing, and all the other FUN stuff of spring and summer! Can you tell I have a "touch" of cabin fever? Okay, okay, so the touch of fever has progressed into a stage four disease, I'll admit it! I can't help it! But the sunshine today was definitely an evidence of one of God's tender mercies. He knew I needed it.
Don't worry guys! I'm feeling better today. After a bit of drenching rain this morning the sun decided to listen to my demands for once. It came out, banished the clouds, and welcomed in a bright blue sky. It even got up to about 40 degrees or so! (Hallelujah!) Now, if the weather doesn't digress back to it's miserable wintery state I will be much more content. I am SO ready for shorts, swimming, camping, gardening, hiking, barbecuing, and all the other FUN stuff of spring and summer! Can you tell I have a "touch" of cabin fever? Okay, okay, so the touch of fever has progressed into a stage four disease, I'll admit it! I can't help it! But the sunshine today was definitely an evidence of one of God's tender mercies. He knew I needed it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
I feel BLAH... and DISCOURAGED...
Day 6 approved and waiting for our baby through the miracle of adoption
A while ago I read someone's blog post about how nobody gives an honest picture of themselves on their blogs. People write about how everything in their lives is perfect, their house is perfect, their family is perfect, they are perfect at practicing their respective religion, etc... You know you've all seen a blog like that! Lets face it, said blogs have an amazing ability to simultaneously awaken the ugly green monster of jealousy and make you want to throw up in sickeningly sweet disgust.
I'm using that as my excuse to be real in this post. Feel free to skip this if you wish to preserve the notion that I am, as you may have previously believed, one of those "perfect" people.
First of all, let me just put out there that this post is not meant to be a fishing expedition. I do not expect you to give me a million compliments, I just need to get some things off my chest. Commence with the whining.
I want to be a mom so bad it hurts. Those of you out there with infertility know what I'm talking about. It's the kind of pain that is so real it's physical. I feel that I've spent the past 3-ish years in constant prayer just begging God to give me the one blessing He won't give me. I thought it was all over when I found out I was pregnant with my son. Then at 24 weeks into my pregnancy, I received a crushing blow. It wasn't over. The pain was really just beginning. A week after my son was born, I experienced what no mother should ever experience. I held my son as he passed away. It's been almost two years since that day. We have been trying for children the entire time. Infertility treatments got us nowhere. We are hoping to adopt but it's easy to get discouraged thinking that nobody will ever want to pick us.
A lot of confusion comes with this. What am I doing wrong? Does God hate me? Why does He allow others to parent, but not me? Should I even keep trying to have children? Why can't it just be easy? If it can't be easy, why can't it just be sort-of hard instead of back-breaking hard? Haven't I suffered enough? Is there any end to this? Do I deserve to be a mother? Is this because I would be a horrible parent? The list goes on... and on... and on...
Most days, I don't feel this way. Most days I'm actually content with things. I can recognize my blessings. I have the best husband, a comfortable home, sufficient income, a good job, family and friends who love me, etc... This is another list that goes on... and on... and on... :)
However, on days like today, I just wish I could escape to somewhere like Hawaii. (Maybe that has something to do with our dreary below freezing weather.) But I know that so long as I make it through this day, tomorrow will be better.
A while ago I read someone's blog post about how nobody gives an honest picture of themselves on their blogs. People write about how everything in their lives is perfect, their house is perfect, their family is perfect, they are perfect at practicing their respective religion, etc... You know you've all seen a blog like that! Lets face it, said blogs have an amazing ability to simultaneously awaken the ugly green monster of jealousy and make you want to throw up in sickeningly sweet disgust.
I'm using that as my excuse to be real in this post. Feel free to skip this if you wish to preserve the notion that I am, as you may have previously believed, one of those "perfect" people.
First of all, let me just put out there that this post is not meant to be a fishing expedition. I do not expect you to give me a million compliments, I just need to get some things off my chest. Commence with the whining.
I want to be a mom so bad it hurts. Those of you out there with infertility know what I'm talking about. It's the kind of pain that is so real it's physical. I feel that I've spent the past 3-ish years in constant prayer just begging God to give me the one blessing He won't give me. I thought it was all over when I found out I was pregnant with my son. Then at 24 weeks into my pregnancy, I received a crushing blow. It wasn't over. The pain was really just beginning. A week after my son was born, I experienced what no mother should ever experience. I held my son as he passed away. It's been almost two years since that day. We have been trying for children the entire time. Infertility treatments got us nowhere. We are hoping to adopt but it's easy to get discouraged thinking that nobody will ever want to pick us.
A lot of confusion comes with this. What am I doing wrong? Does God hate me? Why does He allow others to parent, but not me? Should I even keep trying to have children? Why can't it just be easy? If it can't be easy, why can't it just be sort-of hard instead of back-breaking hard? Haven't I suffered enough? Is there any end to this? Do I deserve to be a mother? Is this because I would be a horrible parent? The list goes on... and on... and on...
Most days, I don't feel this way. Most days I'm actually content with things. I can recognize my blessings. I have the best husband, a comfortable home, sufficient income, a good job, family and friends who love me, etc... This is another list that goes on... and on... and on... :)
However, on days like today, I just wish I could escape to somewhere like Hawaii. (Maybe that has something to do with our dreary below freezing weather.) But I know that so long as I make it through this day, tomorrow will be better.
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About Me
- Malone and Brittany
- About us? Where can I begin? Our little family has been through more ups and downs than can be described here. It has been a roller coaster since day one. Join us as we continue on our crazy ride.
