Optimism

Being optimistic is not always something that comes naturally to me.  It is something I have had to work hard for at times.  That being said, I have had an overwhelming sense of optimism lately.  Here are some thoughts on life!

Obviously, the adoption is first and foremost on my mind.  I feel certain that someone will come across our profile or this blog or find us by word of mouth and think we are the right match to raise her child.  Our willingness to participate in an open adoption is first for the child, then for the birth mother and lastly for us- though it is very important for us as well.  After reading a lot about how psychologically, open adoption is best for everyone in the adoption triad, I can't imagine doing it any other way.  At first it was hard to picture having another woman in my child's life.  After getting a greater understanding of the roles in open adoption, I see the benefits to all parties involved.

The open adoption agreement could be anything from pictures every few months to visits throughout the year.  If we adopt in the state of Georgia, the open adoption agreement is now legally binding. Any plan we make, we have to be willing to stick to.  This is why matching with the right person is so important.  Our agency (IAC) says that it is amazing how adopting couples and birth mothers find each other, like it was always meant to be.  I don't know if they are just trying to keep the morale of the hopeful adoptive parents up or what, but I do think it will probably be a lot like when you find your husband/wife/partner/best friend etc.  You just know.

On that note, I love having that feeling of certainty and perfection about John, our marriage, our life together.  We went to Asheville, NC earlier this week for one night to see a musician (Frank Turner of course!).  I started the trip coffee-less and grumpy.  I may have been a terror to have in the car for the 30 minutes I didn't have any caffeine.  After a night away, just John, myself and a ton of delicious Asheville treats, I couldn't imagine being grumpy towards him again.  It is great to just reconnect every once in a while.  He is so calm and patient, so loving, so understanding and he laughs at me when I get "hangry" (that is hungry-angry for those who are not down with the lingo!).  Who wouldn't love someone who takes their wife's hangry moments like a champ!?  That is my love.  Sorry ladies, I am keeping him forever.  Sorry John, if I just embarrassed you.

Tomorrow my dad and I are doing another 5k.  That is our thing now and I love that we get to do these together.  I will pretend that it is no big deal that my 60-something year old dad can beat my time.  I am going to try to run as much as I can, but my doctor told me that walking is better for my joints, because I have special joints.  That doesn't really deter me from wanting to prove that I can run though.  I'll play it by ear.

Next week is Thanksgiving and I still have not cemented any Turkey Day plans.  Thinking of just making a bunch of food and having a "drop by when you can" sort of day.  Assuming people don't mind reheating food if they wait all day to stop in.  I think when our family grows, the holiday traditions will pick back up.  It is hard when we have two sides to our family and my brother and sister-in-law have two sides to theirs.  There is only so much time in a day.  Once the baby is here, we can have those huge holiday celebrations where we invite everyone and eat until we can't hold our eyes open.

Man, I am even feeling a little optimistic about work right now.  Cubical dwellers unite! I haven't even finished my morning coffee yet, perhaps today will be a good day.

Feeling good  about life and our future!  Feeling like I might even finish the nursery soon!  It is about 80% complete.  Stay tuned for sneak peeks.