Southern Living. Country Living. Coastal Living. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived my whole life in the American South, but those magazine titles call forth warm, cozy feelings of serenity in style, cooking, and home decor. As a little girl, they spoke to me of what expectations I should hold for the future. Sure, they’re romanticized (how is it that toys are rarely visible in any of the homes, … [Read more...]
when a stranger told my child she was too big to be held
"Girl, you're too big to be held!" As I held our second youngest child in my arms, I watched my girl's expression change from one of joy to one of shame. Her eyes fell as she started to wiggle down. Strangers had made similar comments before, but she never appeared to be bothered by them until now. I kept on holding her, as my mind assembled a menu of possible responses. I could tell the … [Read more...]
The Gift of Not Feeling Alone
The only parenting stage I have ever hated is potty training. I have loved it once our kids are independent in the bathroom, but every. single. step. before that is painful. Sometimes I joke that the best part of adopting older kids is that we skipped that stage with three of our six children. I’ve been afraid to say this out loud but I think we’re at that stage for Zoe. She’s interested. … [Read more...]
the prayer you stopped praying
Can you even remember when you stopped praying for it? That thing you hoped for once upon a time but, as time moved on, faded from that hopeful place? I don't know about you, but I can't. I can't remember when I stopped praying for Zoe to talk. Friends would ask if she said any words, and I would answer yes, because she did. Technically. But, of her four or five words, we were lucky if … [Read more...]