Plan B, we're pregnant...

Part I

Yup, you read that correctly! Adam & I are expecting...now for those of you that know me, that may come as a bit of a shock. And it's ok, I felt the very same way! I ran to the window to see if pigs were flying...

Let's start from the beginning:
When I was young, I proclaimed to the world that I was going to have twenty children! My plan was to birth ten & adopt ten, I know, a bit ambitious! As I grew older and experienced just how difficult children could be I decided that maybe ten was a better number, I'd birth five and adopt five. Life went on, I learned more about kids and childbirth and the cost of living...and I quickly decided I'd rather adopt and maybe keep my pint sized desires to around four.
And that remained my plan for years. I've made no secret of my desire to adopt rather than enduring childbirth. Especially after I married into a family of VERY large craniums...::shudder::
But I'd like you to notice something I've said, *MY PLAN*. I made these decisions, and then my husband & I made them, but if I were to be totally candid with you, I didn't really consult the Big Guy, I just assumed He was on board.

For the last while I've been undergoing lots of doctors visits, testing, and all kinds of fun stuff. Some of you know more than others about what all this entailed. It was hard, it was defeating, and it was absolutely terrifying at times. There were times when the possible diagnosis' would have meant we wouldn't be allowed to adopt in many countries, and for those of you that know anything about adoption, the more open you can be, the better. It's a grueling experience, totally worth it, but heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time. Anyway, there were weeks and months even that I wasn't sure I'd ever get to experience the joys of motherhood. The doctors told us our chances of conceiving a child were minimal to non-existent. I took this news well, considering it proved my adoption plans were the "right path for us anyway". So we soldiered on. We kept making plans, for us, by us.

Then God rocked. my. world. I won't bore you or gross you out with the details, but things led to me peeing on a stick. I barely paid attention to it because, well, that wasn't for us, it was merely a step I could assure the doctor I'd taken. When I bothered to glance at the test I was *completely* stunned to see the word Pregnant with out the Not preceding it! I stood there for what seemed like hours, shocked. Then I quickly went through more tests waiting for one to give me the right answer. Silly, I know, but I just couldn't wrap my head around this miracle.
I was shocked, overjoyed, bewildered...and so ridiculously giddy.

reactions...

     Have you ever noticed that when you tell people something new or exciting 60% of those people don't congratulate you or bask in the awesomeness of your new adventure, they go on a seemingly never ending spew on what could go wrong. Adoption has proved to be no different. I've planned on adopting my whole life, and no one really cared or paid any attention when I was making such claims at five years of age. But now that I've reached the age that most people think the hubs and I should be starting a family, the questions--demands have begun. When I explain what type of child I hope for, people get this quizzical look, but how? As if the *only* way to procure children is through ones own body. You can't help but laugh. Laugh, that people still have such limited views of what make a family. Laugh, that people think every woman desires to host a fetus in their body for nine months. Laugh, that as a society we still fail to see that we've *all* been charged to care for the widows and the orphans.
     Once we've moved past the perplexed look, the one after I announce I willingly choose adopt my children rather than birth them, that's when reactions really start to change. The ones I love the most are the ones that mirror the reactions of my best friends, the jittery excitement, the genuine desire to be a part of my future children's lives, the absolute inability to contain their overwhelming joy. That's my favorite reaction, it warms my heart and my soul, and it makes me know I've done well in choosing those in which to surround myself.
     There's also the mediocre response, the, "Oh, adoption..." Those are the people that don't really know what to say because they don't understand adoption, they've never considered it, they've never known anyone adopting or adopted. So they stutter, and they smile, and they tell you that's awesome. I can appreciate these people, because I feel that way sometimes around pregnant women, or in a room full of mothers discussing poop, and nap times--I've got nothing to contribute because I'm not there and I don't want to say the wrong thing.
     The absolutely most heart-wrenching reaction though, is the automatic launch into adoption horror stories! Mostly the pity I feel for the person talking, not ourselves. Now, I know from experience this dooms day reaction is not only for adoption, I've heard equally horrific accounts for birthing, and world travel, and even mission work. So please don't think that I believe this reaction is solely a burden for hopeful adoptive parents. It's more of a plea, if you know me, or you know someone that is in the process of adopting or considering adoption, hold back the horror just to have something to say. For every story you want to tell me about the families you know that have behavioral problems with their adopted children, I'll give you ten more of biologically born children that are just as bad if not worse. When you warn me that kids from a certain country are destined for problems I'll give you countless examples of children I know from that country that are happy and healthy and belong to amazing families.

I'll tell you that no family is guaranteed happiness. I'll tell you no parent is guaranteed the perfect child. I'll tell you that no matter what, family is never traditional. I'll tell you that only those willing to be helpful & supportive will be allowed to be a part of this family. I'll tell you, I hope you want to be that part, but if not, I understand. And then I'll kindly ask you to leave...

when dreams hurt...

Last night i had a dream. i don't dream often, or remember them, or whatever. But last night i did. I dreamed that my husband and i were given our referral child for two days as a trial run. now i know that is *not* the way things work, but it did in this dream, so we'll roll with it. this orphan we received, it wasn't the child i see when i picture our future children, for starters it was only one, but i was instantly in love! he had my full attention every moment of each day, he was "ours". i fell headlong, over the top, crazy, unconditionally, in LOVE with this child.
and then we had to return him.
not because the trial period went badly, but because we weren't ready to complete the adoption. we didn't have an actual room for him, we didn't have all the finances lined up, it was TERRIBLE. i felt my soul had been ripped from within! i sobbed for days...i actually woke up sobbing. i spent the day mourning an orphan that was a figment of my imagination.

i feel this is the beginning of my life. adoption & orphan care has been emblazoned on our hearts & we're about to jump head first into it!

i don't know what to title this one...

Once again she pulls  it out from the back of the drawer. The box is covered in dust, which is a good sign, but she wonders if it will ever cease to taunt her. She slides the lid off the warn box & its contents shines in the light. She sighs, frustrated that she’s once again succumbed to the pull of the contents of this tattered cardboard box. She gets that tingling of desire as her fingers reach into the box. She pulls the tiny blade from within & every fiber of her being wants to drag it across her skin like old times. To feel it as it reaches deeper separating skin from skin. She knows it’s a sick & twisted desire, but it’s a desire none the less.  She sighs. This simple piece of silver was a best friend to her for years. It never failed to be there for her, to be by her side when no one else was. It was a comfort when her life had to be hidden from the rest of the world. It provided solitude. Shaking her head, as if such a simple action would loosen the thoughts threatening to strangle her sanity, she flipped the blade over in the palm of her hand. So many memories swarmed through her head. Her hand fluttered out grabbing a chair to help steady her. Those damned memories! Those are the moments that drove her to this piece of metal to begin with. The times in life when curling up in a little ball of protection never helped. It was these memories that corrupted her soul & shattered her person. She held the cool metal between her fingers and wondered if she would ever be whole again. She always tried to keep it together but right now, here, alone, she broke. She broke like she had so many times before, screaming out in pain & anger to the God that had cradled her so many times before. But sometimes in her weakest of moments her anger outweighed all common sense and she begged for a different life, a different past, for different memories. She shuddered as the sobs, they racked her body, and those wretched memories ravaged her mind. How did she get here?  When did that control she’d fought for her entire life escape her grasp? She choked on her own tears as she slipped from the chair to the floor. How had so many years passed and yet she was still so broken? How did the smallest of gestures make her insides shudder and quake like a helpless child? She let the waves of pain and agony sweep over her body. She knew it was pointless to fight the tears once she let that first one fall it seemed like forever before she could pull it together again. She knew the process, she would cry, uncontrollably, until she had cried herself to exhaustion. Then she would pick herself up. She would slide that shiny blade back into its box of protection placing it delicately it in the back of the drawer hiding it, protecting it, from the world.

Inside the Mind of a Half-Marathoner...

...or at least *this* half-marathoner. so Sunday, February 13, 2011 I ran my first half marathon, the Rock N Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon!

Mile 1 – Crossed the starting line. Wow these people are pretty hyped. It’s cold yo.

Mile 2 – What?! Mile 2?? They were right, the adrenaline totally took care of mile one! I *never* even saw mile one! This is going to be a breeze! Ooh, water, sweet!

Mile 3 – Dude, I totally just finished a 5k! Oh, crap! That means I still have…why am I even *trying* to calculate that? We all know I suck at math…and math while you’re running?! That’s just ludicrous! We’ll just say I still have a long way to go. “You got dis!” I love looking down & seeing that! Knowing my best friends are cheering me on!

 

(i totally just realized that perseverance was misspelled on my arm! ha!)

Mile 4 – Wow, that guy looks like Jace…whoah! That is Jace! And Jan! And Jerry! Aww, Cohen’s got a sign! Who’s that girl yelling my name? IT’S MITZI!!! Aww! This is awesome!  I really thought Emily would have already passed & they’d have moved on..but it’s SO great to see familiar faces! Why did I tell Mich & Adam to stay at the finish line? Ah, oh well. I have officially completed one lap around the lakes! Woot! Woot! Was that a toenail? DID I SERIOUSLY JUST LOSE A TOENAIL!?! Well, there’s not a red spot on my shoe…maybe I’m just being paranoid, but my toe really hurts. IS THAT BLOOD? No, just a shadow. Ooooh, Creole Creamery! Dang it, now I’m thinking of their Salted Caramel ice cream mixed with their Mexican Hot Chocolate! Ugh, ice cream isn’t all that appealing after all…

Mile 5 – “Stacey’s mom has got it going on!” Man, this song makes me think of Yecats! This is a great song to run to. Ah, look another band...maybe if my headphones weren’t in I could hear them, oh well, I put a lot of thought into this play list & I’m loving it so far.

Mile 6 – Only SIX?! Well, I guess it makes sense…six *does* come after five, but still! Run with perseverance Heb 12.1 Ahh, thanks, God, way to throw me one! Linkin Park! This reminds me of running Hwy 19 with Nita! If I didn’t have a million miles left I’d totally sprint to this song! What? Callabria, it’s like Mich is here too! Awesomesauce! This might just be the best mile yet! Aww, there’s the family again! How do they have so much energy? Oh, yeah.  I’m almost half way! Why am I crying? Pull it together, Tricia, you still *have* halfway!

Mile 7 -  Look! That’s Emily! She seriously just back tracked *just* to cheer me on & tell me I’m doing a great job? I love that girl! Yet, if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t even be out here! Ha! Next year, I’m totally NOT telling Adam to stay at the finish line. How did I underestimate the encouraging power of seeing familiar faces along the route? Wait, did I seriously just think “next year”?! I must be hitting the delirious stage. Mmm, I smell hamburgers! Who would DO that? That’s so cruel! God, if you could make these boobs just fall off right now, I’d totally appreciate it! No, really… I can’t believe I’m almost on mile nine!

 Mile 8 – Mile eight!?!? Ughgh!! I swear I’d already passed eight! Are you kidding me? This sucks! I’m *never* going to finish this! Ha! I can hear April telling me I have to stay positive! Ah, April, I’m so glad she warned me about this whole mental destruction. Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe I’m only on mile eight! Jeeze, it’s really loud under the overpass! Is that guy seriously street sweeping that parking lot? It’s like a huge dust ball under here! Stupid head. Gah!

 Mile 9 – No, really, this sucks! I’m never going to finish this! And my time is just getting worse & worse!  Why did I sign up for text alerts so that everyone can see just how terribly I’m doing! (I’m hearing April’s reminders to stay positive) “Let me tell the story, I can tell it all about the mountain boy who ran illegal alcohol…” aww, Papa used to sing that song all the time. I’m. Never. Going. To. Finish. This. Race. Hmm, maybe I should pray a bit…I’m seriously beating myself up here. Hey God, I could seriously use some help here…
Stand In the Rain by Superchicks is playing now..Thanks, God, I really needed that! ::tears:: Maybe I’ll make it after all…

Mile 10 – MILE TEN!!!!! I only have a 5k left! I. Can. Do. This. I can totally do this! Alright, Tricia, time to pick up the pace! Another song with whistling in it! That always makes me think of Adam…like he’s right here cheering me on! Gosh, I love that man! He’s been so supportive during all this training..he even encouraged me to get in miles when I didn’t want to, just because he knew it would make me feel better! Gah! *Why* do I keep tearing up!? Are they seriously handing out Mardi Gras beads?! Who wants to run with Mardi Gras beads on? Crazy. Dude, I’ve got some serious blisters going on these feet!

Mile 11 – Water! Is that water boy eating a bag of chips? Dude, I could really eat those chips…if I push him over & steal his chips would that be a bad thing? I mean *I* am the one running a half marathon here...just saying. God, remember when I asked you to make my boobs fall off? I really meant that…my back is *killing* me! Did you know I wore like four bras today!?  Holy moly! I’m PASSING people now! Move outta my way! Trix is coming THROUGH! God, you totally keep playing the right songs at the right moment! Thanks!

Mile 12 – Can’t touch, this! Da na na naaah! Ha ha ha!!! I totally forgot I put this song on my playlist! Ha ha! I wish I could hammer time WHILE walking, that would be sweet! What’s that smell? FRIED CHICKEN? Oh. My. Gosh. I have never wanted fried chicken so badly in all my life! Water! That means I’m at 12.4 that means I’m so close! Why is that girl stopping to sit? Doesn’t she know how close we are?? Wow, these blisters really hurt!

Mile 13 – Oh. My. Dang. I just did THIRTEEN MILES! Why can’t I see the finish line yet? You’d think that you’d be able to SEE .1 miles...or is it .1 mile? Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m almost done! This is crazy! I’ve almost completed a HALF MARATHON!  I can hear the finish line! Did that man just fall!?! Do I stop? No, he’s got people with him, whew! Is it selfish I didn’t want to stop because I wanted to keep my time to a minimum? I’m pretty sure that’s terrible…
Hey! There’s Jess!

.1 – Wow! This is exhilarating! There’s Adam! And Mich! Cory, April! Seester! Gabe! Oh my gosh! Adam made me a poster! Holy crap I’m sobbing! I just finished a half marathon! I seriously can’t stop crying! Did Adam just say he was proud of me? I didn’t think I could cry any harder! I’m starving. I’m tired..boy do these blisters HURT. My MEDAL! (more tears) aaaand photo time! FOOD!

Official Time: 3:55:

 

a runner's best friend! 3am...

 all ready! 5am

 Encouragement...

 Seesters!

 Sisters (in-law) after Emily's AWESOME accomplishment of 26.2 miles in 5:14:56!

 We even have the same shoes!

 So. Close...

 Run, Run!

finish line in sight!

when my heart aches...

i'm 99.9% sure that i'm incapable of birthing a child. and some days that just kills me. some of you may be shocked by this statement because you know i'm not exactly signing up to endure childbirth. and it doesn't drive me crazy for the reasons you may think. my feelings haven't changed about birthing. i know some people live for it, think it's the most awesome thing in the world, but i don't. to be honest it kinda grosses me out. God's been working on my heart since i was, oh, about five to adopt. it's a passion, it's *my* "most beautiful thing"...but sometimes i just...wish. it. were. easier.
i'm *so* ready. i'm ready to be a mom. i'm ready for the tiny feet pounding down the hallway to be running into *my* arms. i'm not divulging this information for you to feel sorry for me. i don't feel there is anything to feel sorry for. my life hasn't exactly been the one that traveled down the easy road. in my twenty-seven years i've endured some terrifying things...but i've never allowed myself to be defined by my trials, and i won't allow anyone else to do it either. i'm not a victim, i never have been.
it's just, sometimes, it want it to be easier (and yes, i realize that's the second time i've said that). but i know me, and i know God knows me. and He knows i'm the kinda person that has to have it the hard way so that i learn..so i'll appreciate the view from the top.
this doesn't mean i don't cry along the way. it doesn't mean that i don't wish i could just "accidentally adopt" like people accidentally get pregnant.
::sigh::
here's my plea. as my friends, and as my family, i need you to make an impossible promise. i need you to promise me you'll still be there. when my lifelong dream finally comes true & one day down the road we bring those precious little toddlers into our family, i need you to promise you'll still be there. i need you to promise you'll love them just as fiercely as i already do. but in the mean time i need your prayers. pray for our hearts as they are broken everyday we wait for everything to fall into place. pray for us not to settle on anything less than what God has planned for our future family. pray that i can be open & honest on this journey. pray that i can make myself depend on each & everyone of you when i need to instead of burrowing deeper into myself like i'd often rather do.
but i beg of you, don't lecture me. don't tell me the joys of childbirth & babies because i can promise you we don't see eye to eye on that. we know what we want, what God has laid on our hearts & we're going after it full force. i know that some of you won't understand our decision. some of you will think we're considering adoption only because we have to, but that's not the case. adoption is a calling, we totally understand that. and we're following that calling, no matter how long it may take...but i know i'm going to need tons of prayers along the way, pretty sure we both will...are you up for the challenge with us?