a word of advice

Not long after we came home from Ethiopia, another adoptive parent told us a story about a trip she took to London with her Ethiopian daughter. She was given a bit of a hard time going through customs because she was not traveling with her husband and she did not have his written permission to travel alone with their daughter.

I didn't think much of it at the time. Chalked it up to what I guessed were mostly archaic laws... and not helped by the fact that her daughter didn't look like her or share her last name (as Simon does not look like me or share my name).... Kind of imagined it as one of those annoying things we sometimes face when traveling. Someone with a little bit of authority having a little "fun" with it. But it stuck with me and we did carry a copy of our adoption paperwork when we visited Ryan's family in Oregon last year.

I had mostly forgotten about that until this weekend when I read this article in the NY Times. Perhaps my friend's experience is not so unusual... nor, I suppose, should it be. Because of the many international child abductions that occur each year (often by one parent in a custody battle), travelers may be asked to prove that that they are the legal guardians of the children traveling with them and that they have their spouse's permission to travel (if he/she is not with them).

Anyhow, I don't really want to get into the politics of international child rights or abduction cases. But I do want to alert my fellow adoptive (and not) parents to these rules. While they apply in theory to anyone, I'm guessing you are more likely to encounter issues if your last name and your child's last name differ... or if you and your child are of obviously different ethnic backgrounds. So consider this a little guzo public service announcement; keep a copy of your adoption papers with your passports and bring a letter from your spouse if you'll be traveling without him/her.

And now I will step down from my soapbox. Regular programming to resume soon!

haiti

As I imagine is the case for many of you, the stories and images of the situation in Haiti continue to fill my mind. The devastation is heartbreaking, yet so hard to fathom. The unfairness and particular cruelty of a disaster striking, once again, people who are least equipped to handle it.

While a million thoughts race through my mind and story after story tugs at my heart, the stories about those families who are in the process of adopting children from Haiti (like this and this) strike a special chord. For all the ups and downs of international adoption and all the crazy scenarios we try to prepare for as adoptive parents, I don't think I could have ever imagined something like this... let alone know how to cope.

There are no shortage of great organizations providing help in Haiti now and I am so grateful to see so many of my friends and family and colleagues supporting these efforts. For those who wish to help orphans and other children in Haiti, here are a few organizations whose work focuses on children in need.

Center of Hope

Save the Children

Unicef

World Vision

wrapping up

As we get ready to start the new year, we can't help but think about all that we've experienced this year.

There were highs: buying an apartment and moving, a napa getaway... there were lows: a big, bad bump on Simon's head, loved ones lost.... There were many, many firsts: first steps, first birthday, first mother's and father's days as parents, first real injury (see lows above), first family trip.... So many memories in such a short time. It is really so hard to believe this year has come and gone. We have a lot to be thankful for, and we are.

We are also excited about what 2010 has to offer. Stay tuned - we anticipate lots more adventure ahead!!

To all our friends and family, we wish you a great night and very, very happy and healthy start to the new year!!
- M & R & S & EJ

hello

Is anybody still out there?

Anyone?

I don't blame you if you're not. I admit it might seem like we've abandoned the blog. We haven't. Or at least we didn't mean to. But I totally understand if you doubt us. It's been a looooooooong time since we've said hello.

In some ways, life is more uneventful than it has been for most of the last two+ years that we've been keeping this blog. We are well settled into life as a family of three humans, one dog, and a dozen or so fish. There is no more drama over birth certificates that arrive in the wrong form or bankers who claim it is simply not possible to type a letter. No more racing to the mailbox anxiously hoping to find various forms, letters, or the all-important CIS approval. No waiting and waiting and waiting for the phone to ring, wondering about a child we'd yet to meet in Ethiopia.

And yet in other ways, life is so much more crazy and chaotic than ever, that I can never quite keep up (with life, that is, let alone this blog)!

But anyway... here we are. Trying to keep up (literally and figuratively) with an almost two year old whose favorite game happens to be "chase me." Amazed each day as he discovers new words and concepts. Grateful that he continues to be happy and healthy. Overjoyed. Challenged. Often laughing. Sometimes sentimental. Always in love.

So for now, I will leave it at this. A (sort of) quick hello and a promise to write more soon (at least sooner than another month and a half). And our hopes and wishes that everyone is enjoying the holiday season!!



Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

lately