November 3, 2011

November brings another month-long celebration!!

Did you know that November is National Adoption Awareness month? On Friday, we will be heading to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum to celebrate with AFSN (Adoptive Family Support Network) at their twentieth birthday celebration. We had a wonderful time last year and can't wait to attend it again. Adoptive Families Magazine has also posted their 30 ways to celebrate adoption here. Lots of super ideas.

Cheers to all those families who have opened up their hearts to adoption. It's an amazing gift. I can't say it enough. Adoption is a beautiful family altering experience.

Orphanage pictures (2008)

Josie's Gotcha Day (March 2008)

Josie's open-heart surgery (April 2008)

Josie's hand surgery (December 2008)

Don't let this sweet picture fool you.
That first year was filled with night terrors and lots of sleep deprivation.

Nanchang Civil Affairs Office (March 2008)

February (2011)

I've said this before, but when I see my two daughters together, I am reminded that the painful journey of secondary infertility was worth every migraine and shed tear. I never planned on having children with an eight year age difference in between, but it's pretty darn fun.

JOSIE
You have come so far.
You've learned so much.
You've taught US so much!
We love your super-hero spirit.



You have brought us more joy than we could have ever imagined.



Happy National Adoption Awareness Month!
XOXO
♥

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18 comments:

  1. La Dolce Vita: The Sweet LifeNovember 3, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    Love the look back and that first sink bathtub photo. What sweet gifts our girls are.

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  2. JodiNovember 3, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Tears are flowing! Oh if more children had families and if more families had these precious children! Now that's where the joy is!

    You are soooo blessed! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. KJ@letsgoflyakiteNovember 3, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Such a beautiful post, I have learned so much about adoption from your blog. Happy November! Kim K
    PS your new header is so, so special! what a wonderful collection.

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  4. JodeeNovember 3, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Oh what a sweet post! Josie was the perfect addition to your family. You are sooo blessed! Love, love, love her super hero spirit!

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  5. vivianNovember 3, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    You are certainly blessed with a beautiful little girl. And she is blessed with a wonderful loving family. have a Lovely day!
    XOXO
    vivian

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  6. My Vintage MendingNovember 3, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    What a wonderful family story. We are blessed to have so many adoptive families in our friend circle and the warmth and love just overflows from their home into ours. It takes both special people and special children to withstand the patience of the process. What a gift you all have. Smiles...Renee

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  7. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 3, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    This post is just perfect! You are very blessed and have a beautiful family! I'm proud that you are my friend, Kim. Enjoy this special time and keep sharing those wonderful photos! ♥

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  8. JanetNovember 3, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    This is such a great post, Kim! The photos of Josie are precious. I couldn't agree more that adoption is an amazing gift! It is definitely life altering and the most wonderful thing we've ever done! There's just something about these little ones and their incredible spirit. They are truly special!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  9. LeeNovember 3, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    Your family is so lucky and blessed! Hard to believe that only a few years have passed since Josie entered your lives and hearts. All the best to you! Hugs, Lee

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  10. Ric Rac and Polka DotsNovember 3, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Oh my gosh Kim, I absolutely love this post. God bless Josie and her progress, and God bless you and your entire family for all you have done. You have the most beautiful family!!!! Thank you for sharing.
    Julie

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  11. LynnNovember 3, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Wow, powerful story and such a sweet journey. Congratulations on your beautiful family!
    Hugs,
    Lynn

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  12. Cheryl G.November 3, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    That is one of your sweetest post, ever.
    What a great celebration, indeed!
    What a great family!
    Your girls are beautiful!
    What a darling super hero!

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  13. AlessandraNovember 3, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    This is a great record of the adoption process, very moving and inspiring :-). Thank you for sharing!

    Ciao
    Alessandra

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  14. KimNovember 3, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    LOVE this post..
    Made me cry..
    I sooo hope I get the opportunity..
    Hugz..

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  15. GardenOfDaisiesNovember 4, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    Your family is very very special. I wish all children had families who loved them the way you do your girls.

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  16. birdie blueNovember 4, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    what a beautiful heartfelt post, kim.
    youur family is beautiful.
    love the pics.

    xo
    molly

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  17. Pam KesslerNovember 4, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    I love this post, Kim. Josie is so lucky to have found you guys. Love the picks of the girl in matching shirts.

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  18. CarlyNovember 29, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Hi Kim,
    Your girls are so beautiful! Sweet Christmas to you too!
    Carly

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Thank you for following our adventures. I always enjoy reading your comments. Happy crafting! Happy thrifting! PS. Ignore that "robot" verification. You can ignore/skip that step since I can't seem to remove it from blogger.