Adoption

Things Are Looking Up

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 5 Comments

We got our embassy date–June 25th.  I am so frickin’ excited.  We were actually given an option of dates.  There is a chance our case could be ready for an embassy date of June 18th, but with all the power rationing, etc I didn’t want to risk being delayed…especially since my father is traveling with me and he has to take time off of work and my MIL is coming to stay with hubby for part of the time I am gone and for part of the time when I get back with Peepers.  So, I did the adult thing and decided to play it safe and take the later date.  It is only a week later and I won’t be so stressed. 

I also got a call for a job interview today.  It isn’t my first choice of schools but it is a well run district and it pays money and allows me to teach.  I am hopeful.  The interview is Tuesday morning.  I am excited. 

Wait…did I tell you all that I am going to Ethiopia to pick up Peepers? 

Two–Twice The Fun?

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 7 Comments

Or twice the crying, whining, tantrum throwing little people?  It is now just starting to sink in that in about 5 weeks I will have two little people at home demanding 100% of my attention.  It is going to be hard–maybe even harder than if I were giving birth to my second.  Why do I assume such things you ask?  Well for those who haven’t adopted, our little ones come home with the needs of a new born but the personalities, desires and wants of an older infant.  Peepers will be approximately 7 months old when she comes home and her personality will be well forged.  She will want to feed and be held like a newborn as this is her first discovery of round the clock “I can have whatever I want now” but will also be her own little person already.  She already knows what she likes and doesn’t and I have to figure that out…all the while figuring out what my little toddler wants.  I am certainly not saying that being a new mom via birth isn’t difficult it just presents a different set of challenges. 

Anyway.  How do you go from two to one–especially those of you whom have adopted?  I am beginning to worry as Minnow is getting more and more independent but also has moments of “mommy carry me” etc.  I worry that I am not prepared for the challenges or that I am honestly approaching how hard this transition will be for all of us.  We are preparing Minnow as much as I know how to.  We talk about Peepers all the time and he recognizes her picture.  I just know he doesn’t quite get it and won’t until she is home and he no longer is the center of our world. 

So any adivce on the transition from one to two?  Any advice at all will be ingested and respected. 

Introducing Peepers Finley

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 13 Comments

She is officially ours–sadly I think ours was one of the only cases to pass this time around.  It feels great, but I am so sad for all of those who didn’t pass as I so remember what that feels like–your heart stops beating and drops into the pit of your stomach.  I am hoping that they all pass next time…But now what I know you have all been waiting for–PICTURES

Referral Photos

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Other Recent Photos
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640350-r1-010-3a_005.jpg with one of her amazing care givers

Can’t wait to find out when we get to go and meet her…..

Happy Mother’s Day M.A.

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 4 Comments

Another year has passed and I am more and more grateful for the gift you have given us in Minnow.  I know you would be so proud of the little man he is becoming.  He is talking up a storm and some days I can actually make out a few of the words in the flurry he throws at me. 

I want you to know that I think of you often and talk about you to Minnow.  I know he doesn’t understand now, but someday he will and I want him to know that we love and honor the choice you made.  I know the only way to really honor you is by raising him well, and I can say, “so far so good.”  I hope you know somewhere in your heart that he is loved and cared for.  I wish there was a way to let you know–I send out good thoughts to you always.  I like to believe that on some level we are forever connected and that half a world away you can feel my love for Minnow and for you.

I have been thinking about a ritual to honor you that Minnow can partake in.  I think we will begin to plant flowers in your honor.  Last year I planted tulips for you and sadly this spring wasn’t a good one and they did not come up in their full glory, but they still make me think of you every time I see them. 

I am a mother because of you.  You not only made yourself a mother–and don’t think that because you are not raising your son that you aren’t a mother–but you graciously, courageously and selflessly made me a mother too.  There are not words sufficient to express the gratitude that I hold in my heart for you.  I hope you are well and have found peace with your decision.  Please know that he is so very loved. 

On this day we will say a few words for you and I will tell Minnow the story of the bravest woman in the world–the one who gave Minnow to be our son.  Thank you just seems so insufficient a word but I must say it anyway.

Thank you. 

Love Minnow’s Mom