Overcoming My Fears...

Are you sure you know what you're getting in to?

This seemingly harmless and usually genuine question can get many reactions from me. When Kris and I first told people that we were adopting, everyone assumed we meant an infant, but that's not our plan at all. We got more positive and uplifting reactions from family and friends then then negative, but a lot of people have preconceived notions of what a foster child is. I mean, who can blame them? We all grew up watching "The Problem Child" and we've all seen horror stories on the news, but the fact is that these aren't the norm.

First it's important to realize that these behaviors that are so looked down upon are normal for children that are in foster care. These children are in foster care because they've been abused or neglected. As their parent it is my job to take those behaviors and give a supportive place to help those children grow. Knowing that my son or daughter was potentially abused or neglected breaks my heart. It solidifies my resolve that we are doing the right thing. During our last class I slipped my husband a little note telling him how I felt and his response was beautiful; "It just means that we will have to give them everything we can to make their life better." And we will.

Trust me when I tell you that you don't go in to this without fears. I have a huge fear about the safety of our animals. Kris and I love our fur babies with all of our hearts. They helped fill a void in our childless life in the first four years of our marriage, and they will continue to be extremely important in our life after parenthood. The idea that they would be hurt is inconceivable to me. Luckily Kris and I are going through extensive training with an amazing woman, Stephanie Adams from CBC Central Florida, and she is preparing us on how to deal with these situations, and for this I am forever grateful. 

I'm not going to lie to you guys, I'm scared. We're about to enter parenthood, but luckily for us it is by choice and we get to experience it in a unique way that most people aren't lucky enough to experience. Even though I'm scared, I am so unbelievably excited. I am so in love with a child I've never met, a child who is looking at the same moon I'm looking at right now. A child who deserves the world but has been given grief up until this point in their life. We can't wait to make the world a little bit happier. 

So yes, we know what we're getting in to. We're getting in to a family. Something unbreakable and magnificent. We're getting in to PTA meetings and field trips. We're getting in to family vacations to the beach or national parks. We're getting in to smiles and laughter and love. We're getting in to parenthood.

Kris and I are currently trying to raise money to help pay for the various expenses that are accrued from adopting, such as new furniture, clothes, matching events, and legal fees. If you have a moment and would mind taking a peek at our GoFundMe page, we would really appreciate it! Thanks! XOXO