Today, on Birthmother Day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to four beautiful women. I wish that they could see their children today, to know what little and big people they have grown and become. This afternoon I watched some of my kids playing together I felt this desire to, in some way, tell their birthmom about them……and here’s what I would say:
Mama Esther, I want you to know about your son Jeremiah! I think he’s a lot like you…..quiet. In fact today he told me that he’s the quietest kid in his AWANA class. He’s loyal.
If you are Jeremiah’s friend, than you are a friend for keeps. He loves basketball and tolerates soccer. He is a great artist and likes to create. Jeremiah doesn’t care if everybody else is doing something…..if he doesn’t want to do it, he won’t! He has the shiniest, straightest black hair and the most beautiful skin! He hates getting his hair cut. Sometimes he fights with his brothers and sisters…..a lot of times he starts those fights. Sometimes he has trouble focusing. And sometimes he is very obstinate. But when I look at Jeremiah I think about that tiny 5 pounder with wild hair and big black eyes and I remember……I remember you! Though I’ve never met you, our lives are delicately woven together because of Jeremiah.
Spunky, that’s what your girl Jadyn is. Oh, Mama Jayme I wish that you could see this baby girl. She talks about you daily! She asks often if she can “go see Mama Jayme” for a day to two.
Jadyn has that gleam in her eye that’s a sure sign of trouble…….but also a sure sign of a hilarious time. She loves to talk…..and I mean LOVES to talk. Jadyn doesn’t really care if you listen, she just loves to talk. Books are her favorite. She will sit and listen to stories all.day.long. Jadyn asks everyday if she can wear a dress and not just any dress…..the fancier, lacier and poofier the better! You know that gleam? It gets her in trouble a lot. Sometimes she calls her big sister ugly names. Sometimes she doesn’t want to obey. But when I look at Jadyn I think about that chunky 8 pounder with dark eyes and curly hair and I remember…….I remember you! Though I’ve never met you, our lives are delicately woven together because of Jadyn.
Who could have guessed, Mama Leah, that a petite baby would grow into such a long legged, strong, athletic girl! Natalie’s abilities are amazing! She loves sports, soccer and gymnastics being her two favorite. She has a serving heart and is always willing help anyone in need. If given the choice, she selects fruit and veggies over any other food.
Natalie is shy at first glance, but always warms up quickly. She is a good friend and a kind big sister. Natalie has no fear and will ride any rollercoaster that she is tall enough to ride! Math is her best subject in school and she will listen to stories all day if only she could find someone to read to her all.day.long. Sometimes Natalie loses her patience and yells at people. Sometimes she gets pouty and mad at her brothers. And sometimes she argues about over clothes. But when I look at Natalie I think about that petite 7 pounder with huge dark eyes and perfect slender hands and I remember…….I remember you! Though I’ve never met you, our lives are delicately woven together because of Natalie.
I have basically no pictures of Natalie by herself……She is NOT a fan of picture taking these days
He’s loud and loves to talk. He likes football and soccer. Mama Esther, Carlos hopes one day to make a million dollars playing soccer! That is his current aspiration in life. He is a people pleaser. Carlos likes food…..ok, he LOVES food. He likes structure. Meeting new people is not intimidating to Carlos!
He is very proud of his hair and spends most of his hard earned money on hair products and cologne. Sometimes Carlos is angry. Sometimes Carlos says unkind things. Sometimes Carlos feels sad and confused about his story. Sometimes he lashes out at the people who love him the most. He has big hurts and he is broken. But when I look at Carlos I think of a scared 4 year old boy whose eyes observed everything and I remember……I remember you! Though I’ve never met you, our lives are delicately woven together because of Carlos.
I know you might be wondering why I said four birthmoms at the beginning of this post…….well, I am also thankful for the beautiful mama who lent us her son, Sam for these past 10 months. 
Having Sam in our home these months has been a joy! He is respectful and diligent. Learning a new culture and language is very difficult and he has tackled each obstacle with perseverance and determination. Sam is helpful and kind and he has never, not once, complained about eating my cooking! We have laughed together over hours of learning English and over the quirks of the English language. Sam doesn’t take himself too seriously, especially when it comes to English! But like all of us, he is broken. He has hurts. He has pain. But when I look at Sam I think about that lanky 5 feet 10 inch boy with a quick smile and I remember…….I remember you! Though I’ve never met you, our lives are delicately woven together because of Sam.
I suppose I should have said five birthmoms! But it’s a little odd writing a blog post to yourself! But it’s true, I am a birthmom. I am so thankful for this little boy who made me a birthmom and I’m equally thankful that I get to spend each day with Ben…….that I get to love him day in and day out. I get to kiss his booboos, I get to kiss his forehead each night. I don’t wonder how big he is, or if he’s good at math. I don’t wonder if he has my eyelashes or freckles. I get to know these things. What a privilege!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
table. They all were very pleased to have gum. Jadyn got 6 lollypops because she’s not allowed to have gum until she’s 5. Poor girl just can’t keep gum inside her mouth and after getting it all down her neck and in her hair a few weeks ago we came up with the new plan……gum at 5.
Tonight at dinner the kids were talking about Valentine’s Day. Most of the conversation focused on what the “Valentine Fairy” was going to bring them. After a few minutes, to mix it up a little, I suggested that perhaps the “Valentine fairy” was a man fairy. The kids thought this was funny and Natalie said, “yeah, Papi is the Man-fairy!” Jadyn was listening very intently to the conversation and when Natalie suggested that Papi was the fairy Jadyn said, “No he not. Papi do not have wings!!” We all got a giggle out of that!
day night, so I really didn’t want them to get sugared up twice in less than a week.
But he picked out some really pretty fleece and made a very nice blanket for Natalie.
Carlos really liked his soccer ball, the world cup t-shirt from Aunt Michelle and the $15 gift card from Stephen’s parents. Jeremiah’s favorite gifts were the roller blades and remote controlled helicopter. Sam’s favorite gift was the gift certificate to the Golden Wok Chinese restaurant across from school. 
Natalie liked the doll sent by Aunt Michelle and her rollerblades.
House of Smooches 