Category: Parenting
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Dialogue and connection
Jackie, do you know how babies are made? God makes them (duh!) Yes, that’s true, but do you want to know the technical details? Yeeees? she leans in fully focused, wide eyed, intrigued. Evelyn is your biological sister because the same woman gave birth to you both. Wow! That’s so exciting! …Wait, you mean my…
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At war with sin
My mom had a clear understanding of sin as I was growing up. I talk about her boundaries and intuitive parenting skills, but they all boil down to her ability to distinguish sin. In her own life first and foremost. Her ability to live by grace and in consequence extend it to us. But I…
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About hope, shame and love
When I’m excited I overshare.When my husband is excited, he makes stupid jokes. Last night we got to pray for the courage to speak boldly the things that need to be said, and for wisdom to know when to keep silent, and do that the rest of the time. We got so wrapped up in…
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Because of balance
…two heavy bags are easier than one, if you distribute the weight. We are starting the year with passion and focused energy. We’re laying the foundation for two different platforms, one has already been incorporated as an Association called polylogos.eu and has a clear vision, and resourceful people involved with drive and experience. The other…
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Tăcut.
Puterea introvertitului într-o lume care nu se poate opri din vorbit. Nu există un șablon omenesc. Fiecare suntem un cumul de informație genetică, experiențe, cultură, context familial, dar mai ales modul unic în care fiecare dintre noi procesam experiențele. M-am identificat ca introvertită până în adolescență. După primul an de facultate însa am trecut printr-o…
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Through her eyes
I went to check in on Jackie and cover her, as she tosses and turns. She had been sleeping for over two hours. Conrad and I always enjoy each other’s company after her bedtime, and shamelessly protect our evenings together without her verbose company. As I tuck her in, she sits up in bed and…
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Drawn or drifting away
As I get older I realize cynicism is more prevalent. Be that as it may, it’s been ingrained in me to speak with honesty and always assume positive intent. This alone has spared me a ton of grief. I had nothing to lose by taking initiative in kindness even when occasionally it was returned with…
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I don’t tiptoe
When it comes to adoption and trauma, or difficult conversations, or potential pain… I don’t tiptoe. I don’t hold my breath. Because it would be exhausting and a disservice. Instead I own my full seat, and I keep my mouth shut while opening my eyes wide. I allow myself to feel. To understand. To remain…
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La ziua porților deschise…
O sală plină cu parinti de viitori școlari, si o doamna învățătoare calma, calda, si deschisă. Ne-a spus mai multe lucruri despre următorii 5 ani de școala, dar ce mi-a ramas in minte a fost mesajul clar ca prioritatea ei in primul an, pe langa startul academic, sa fie modelarea caracterului copiilor in comunitate. Caracter!…
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What was hard during the first adoption
⁃ traveling back and forth twice a day ⁃ 3-4 hours in the car with a carsick child ⁃ Taking her back to the foster family in the evening, and hear her cry after us to not leave her ⁃ Mandatory Medical appointments for the adoption file – she is afraid of hospitals. ⁃ Physical…
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Rough parenting week
After Jackie twisted her elbow, we went spiraling down into emotional arrhythmia. We have had a pretty good streak before. Even that day, the day of the twisting, we went on a long hike in the woods with good friends, their kids and their dogs. It was cold but memorably good. We hiked for miles.…
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Retrospective – half a decade
5 years ago exactly, we took a leap of faith and we moved to Romania. A few suitcases full of our earthly belongings, but a heart full of courage and a mind full of dreams. I had to go away first, across the ocean, far from my comfort zone and familiar culture. To intertwine our lives…