We're trained parents!

Well kinda! Last week we completed our 8 hour training course that we needed before we travel to pick up our little guy. When we told people we had to go to "parenting classes" we got quite a few comments such as "they really don't think you know how to parent", or "why do you need to go to parenting classes when you already have a kid"? These are not just simple parenting classes for the sake of learning how to raise a child. These are classes designed to prepare us to take on an adopted child and all that that experience brings with it. It was a great class and I think we are better prepared now. It definitely brought up some issues and questions that we had not discussed. There are some really tough issues that adoptive families deal with and knowing how to properly handle those as they arise makes a world of difference to your child. Our social worker made the comment that the minute we agreed to adopt, we became a transracial family. This is something we are completely comfortable with, but know that we will likely have many comments and stares from others as our family will look different than most. We will not all be one color. So we have many things to think about and get prepared for such as:

How will we deal with racial comments directed towards our family or our child?

How much information would we like to share about our child/process and what information should be private to those who like to ask questions?

How will we incorporate other races into our family routines?

How much information will we share with our child about Korea, their culture, and his heritage?

How will we deal with the really tough questions that he will begin to ask about his birth parents and why he was placed for adoption?

How will we handle "family tree" projects at school?

Although, we know that adoption is not the easiest road to navigate, we are embracing our experience and are excited about how our family will soon be changing. We are praying that Neylan adapts quickly to us and our lifestyle and that God gives us guidance and wisdom about how to love him and welcome him into our family. We are so excited that each day we are one day closer to bringing him into his forever family. We still have a lot to learn about how to be a good adoptive parent and in time we will have it figured out (ha ha). I'm really glad we had our "parenting class". We learned a lot and had a few eye-opening moments. Now, I just really need to start reading an adoption book that was recommended. I need to learn more about how to correctly attach and bond. You know, that really big, important piece of this whole process!

Neylan update- We received his well baby check last week. He's doing really well health and development-wise. He weighs 22 lbs at 7.5 months. Grayson finally weighed 22# at 15 months! Wow!! Gotta keep going to the gym, especially since Korean babies are used to being carried in backpack carriers all the time. He is creeping around and is sitting well by himself. Unfortunately, no more pictures.