Single Moms Rock

"10 reasons to date a single Mom" 1. You already know they're strong because they have to handle the responsibilities of single parenthood. 2. There is nothing like a mother. She is a woman that is responsible and focused on life. She knows what she wants out of life and will not sacrifice the happiness of her child for just any man. So, if she decides to date you, feel lucky. 3. Single moms know what they are looking for and are independent. Any man or woman can appreciate dating someone who has confidence in themselves. Face it, great moms are sexy! 4. A single mom isn't just filling time dating - she's had to make a choice to do something for herself while fulfilling the full-time responsibility of being a mom. For a man seeking a real and lasting relationship, this is ideal. 5. They appreciate quality not quantity of time. It isn't always an option to see someone everyday, so making sure the time together is of value is important. 6. Single moms are more open to long-term relationships. For single dads that are also looking for a romantic relationship, it is ideal to date someone with the same end goals. 7. They're done being a "party girl" and tend to be more selective and thoughtful in their approach to dating. With single moms, we know our romantic relationship is valued and not just part of a series of meaningless dates or something that stems from the fear of being alone. 8. You get to see how they relate to their children and how they relate to people they love. And for single dads looking for their own "play date," this also provides insight on how she might interact with our kids and her attitude about important life issues. 9. Single moms enjoy their time out more and can appreciate a simpler evening of just spending time together. People with a fun, positive attitude and outlook are always more fun to date. 10. They realize what it costs to raise a family - and don't require flashy dates. They are impressed more by substance than a big price tag both in dating and in life.

Sobering Thoughts

I've been thinking a lot about my impending adoption and how much information of Chinese culture and folklore has been altered from its original intent and meaning but possible well-intentioned AP's. However, in my quest to educate myself on Chinese culture, history and people I have to admit that I find both happiness and much sadness when people talk about what's "destined to be". I don't believe that my child was destined to be mine because in saying that, I support the notion that her mother was destined to suffer. No matter what I just can't support that or believe that. What I can do is think that I was merely sent to the right place at the right time, to make a difference in the life of a child. Saying otherwise would be untrue and I feel also disrespecting and disregarding the feelings of the women who I imagine struggle and suffer every day as they give away their children. For some information and "give it to me straight" commentary, check out this entry on Twice the Rice (blog). The author is an adult adoptee who was transracially adopted as a child. I can't say I've read her entire blog but this post hit me, enough to want to share it with others.

Put on Your Dancing Shoes

China Adoption Haiku

Checking butt for worms (5) Woo, the glamour never stops (7), Parasites not cool (5)

The Sweater Lady Strikes Again

I came to work this morning, only to find out the former patient who made me the BEAUTIFUL pink sweater and hat had struck again. She made me more goodies and wanted to deliver them so she stopped by for a visit this morning with my mom, who had helped her when she was with us. Back then, they had started talking about family and mom told her she was waiting for her first granddaughter, who would also be from China. Marsha immediately made the magnificent pink sweater set and gave it to mom the next morning. She was discharged the next day and promised to come back and visit and the pictures are what she brought with her. What you can't see in the pictures is the amazing detail. The peach/yellow sweater is short sleeved and just the softest thing. The purple has a satin ribbon tie and small lavender silk flowers weaved into the hood. The multi color one, is turquoise and HOT pink (it looks red in the photos) and has turquoise flower shaped buttons down the front. Mind you, it takes her all of a few hours to make each creation. She was just signed to do some one of a kind pieces for Henri Bendel and Saks Fifth Avenue. Thanks Marsha!!!!!

Pretty in Pink!

Ahhhh my wonderful secret pal struck again and EARLY this month. It seemed like I had just received a package from her, when another one appeared. This month I got awesome goodies as usual. My favorite color is pink and boy did I get oodles of pink things for baby. A beautiful rose satin dragonfly picture frame, a flannel crib sheet, a casting kit for baby's handprint, a bunny "lovey" and matching blankie and a very CHIC pillow to hang on the nursery door which says "Queen of the Crib". How fabulous, right? It's trimmed in white marabou and I think it's precious. I can't wait til next month!!! Lisa

Here's to New Friends

When I began this adoption journey back in October 2005, I had many visions of pink toile, designer diaper bags and ballet classes for two. What I didn't count on was the new friends I'd meet; especially those who not only share my goal of creating my family through adoption but who also share my warped sense of humor, my values and my interests. There is a HUGE online adoption community filled with people from all walks of life and if you hit it off with a few you're lucky. Let's just say there are a lot of opinions, many facts, oodles of rumors and some downright bitchy people. Fortunately for me, I've met some great people online and live who I am better for knowing. Some I know online through mutual support groups and others I've met from other adoption related events. A few people who stand out are Steven, my friend who is adopting a great little boy in NY, Jeff and his daughter who are very cool (Jeff is a great role mode for any parent), Tara who I met at the FTIA picnic and was so warm to my family and Nicole and Tim upstate NY. Of course there's also my FTIA friends who have either adopted or are in the process like me. (hi Jen) and Jan and Tom who are waiting for TA for their son Gabriel. While many people you meet are scattered throughout the US and abroad, I've been blessed to make some new friends who are relatively local including some of the aforementioned people. Carrie, her daughter Sophia (age 4) and their dog Phoenix have become very special to me (frogmom is hooked too!) in a relatively short period of time. I like this photo of my new friend Sophia and I at the pool. Lucky me...she spent 20 minutes jumping off the side and I had to catch her. It was a great upper body workout. Think I can convince her to let me work my arms again? We had a lot of fun at the pool which was a follow up from our water escapades in the lake the week before. Thanks mom (Carrie) for letting my post this picture! Of course Phoenix couldn't be left out of the fun, so he came for a visit too and stayed at my apartment while we were off having fun. I can't think of a better present than the gift of friendship!