We don’t often talk with AJ about his adoption because it brings up memories for him that are very hard for him to process. We do talk to him about where he is from and we talk to him a little about Russia and the Desky Dom (orphanage) but we never actually talk with him about his birth mother or the actual process of adoption because he just does not understand it.

He gets very upset, angry, and violent with us because he does not understand that there is another person out there that is his mother (remember that his cognitive level is probably that of a 2.5 year old and he is just now starting to grasp simple things like language).

We used to read a lot of adoption books to him and talk to him a lot about his adoption and we saw the effect it was having on him…separation anxiety, trauma, and grief. We stopped and allowed him time just to adjust to life. This year, around his adoption day I want to start introducing some books again to see if he understands the idea and process of adoption.

One of the books I want to start with is Happy Adoption Day! because it is so positive.

From Publisher’s Weekly: The noted children’s singer/songwriter McCutcheon created this original song for those who might like to mark a special anniversary in their family’s life?adoption day. His thoughtful lyrics (the score is included, of course) emphasize the joy and wonder of the event?”Out of a world so tattered and torn,/ You came to our house on that wonderful morn/ And all of a sudden this family was born”? and there’s a rousing chorus just right for a festive party. In a move sure to accommodate many adoptive families, Paschkis (So Sleepy/Wide Awake) pictures the parents as white and the baby as Asian. Her gouache illustrations have a strong hint of traditional Scandinavian folk art, updated by bold color combinations, and they lend themselves particularly well to the multi-ethnic cast of friends and family with which she peoples each page. For a pleasingly themed read-aloud or gift, pair this volume with Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell’s equally merry Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born.

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Post from: Blisstree

Book Review: Happy Adoption Day

Though not on the date we anticipated, as of 10:20 am. July 25, 2005 AJP is now officially our son.

The judge was very happy with the documents we provided (thanks to
K, our social worker, and our doctors back at home) and he
happily waived the 10 day appeal period. So…we pick up Sasha (AJ)
this afternoon and fly to Moscow tomorrow at 5!

This will be the last email until we arrive home to “hibernate” and
after this trip…WE NEED IT!

For those of you who have missed out on the drama…I will sum up.
Our initial flight was cancelled, but Delta switched us to
Northwest, our luggage arrived in Ark on Saturday, 5 days late, and
finally, the judge denied our adoption on Friday and requested more
papers from our doctors back at home. Oh…and our driver got a
ticket about 5 miles from the airport. (sound familiar?)

We are hoping for a LESS eventful downside to our trip, but with a
two year old who does not speak English, we are not counting on it.

The picture attached was taken just before we left to go have his
passport picture taken. It was pouring outside and he wanted to go
jump in the puddles outside. I thought it was gorgeous, perhaps
symbolic of him leaving. When God closes one door, he always opens
another…in this case, perhaps a window. (It became his announcement picture).

Enjoy the start of your week and keep the prayers coming please.

With love,
Marcie, Eric, and Sasha (AJ)

Post from: Blisstree

Happy Adoption Day AJ!