Things That I Have Learned

From International Adoption:

• Time is not your friend. It does not heal. It does not fly.
• Do not EVER remove staples. Just don't even think about the staples!!!!!
• When you have to put it all on paper, your life can seem pretty measly.
• It's completely ok to have about 500 moods a day.
• Fed Ex is WAY better than the United States Postal Service.
• Things only happen when you give up all hope.
• E-mails and phone calls that you sit around and wait days upon days for? Well, those only come in when you are indisposed.
• My husband is first rate at running a copy machine.
• Our agency is not infallible.
• You won't actually die from keeping a constant anxiety pain up in your left chest.
• You can get so stressed that your vision goes wonky for a little while.
• Eventually you WILL get on that plane.
• Your heart is stolen the moment that you look at those referral pictures and you are never the same.
• You don't forget for one minute that there is a baby waiting on you, no matter what is going on.
• Time and Government couldn't ever move as fast as you need them too. 
• Not all USPS Priority packages require the same amount in postage.
• Chinese New Year is not your friend either. (delays delays delays)

From Being Evelyn's Mother:

• It is possible to survive amidst constant chatter.
• She does not forget. Anything.
• She is probably smarter than me.
• She will never laugh when I change the lyrics to music. I do this alot, change songs so they are about Billy or her. This is just not funny to her.
• If your husband goes to work with glitter all over him, he blames you and not the 5 year old.
• It is not okay to have 500 moods a day.
• Changing plans is never a good idea.
• Sporks are the height of human ingenuity.
• A smile can change the whole course of a day.
• Hearing a giggle can lighten any load.
• Snuggle time at bedtime is the best 20 minutes of any day.
• Holding the hand of a 5 year old, can and does, make any boo boo feel better.
• There is magic in almost every moment, if you only know how to see it.
• Genetics do not affect the amount of love you feel for a child. Genetics- Schmenetics!
• Some children wear scars on the inside.
• It is possible, with love and patience and an understanding of where your child is emotionally, to help them heal their grief and loss and move on.