I should probably give you a little intro. Five years ago I was single. Five years ago, I had a lot more control of my life. I also had a lot more shoes from Nordstrom’s.

So even though I had all of that stuff… something was missing (or someone).

So in the spring of 2007 I filled out the paperwork and began the adoption process.

Now don’t get me wrong… there were many years of soul searching before this decision. I didn’t just wake up one morning and say ….yep… you know I have enough shoes; we are good, think I’ll get me a baby. I had thought long and hard about this. The timing was right; I was certain. And seven short months later I was a Mom. Yep only 7. And let me tell you that was a Holy Shit moment when I got the call. I was figuring at least 15 months. ACCCKK! I couldn’t even have gotten pregnant and had a baby in that short of a time frame.

My daughter was born in Moldova. Never heard of it? You are not alone.

Moldova is a country between the Ukraine and Romania. It’s small and poor… really poor… the poorest country in Europe. Moldova is also the largest source of trafficked girls in Western Europe. Yep… that part really sucks. I could go on and on about this (and do provide more information on this on my own blog is you are interested KO’s Talkin’ or you can check out Carolina Adoption Services).

The net is that this country is so poor and many children are orphaned because of poverty. It is sad…very sad. But for me it was the avenue to a family… a beautiful family.

And then, don’t you know, I did it again. I adopted my second daughter in May of 2010. So now we are three, three happy girls.

And how are we doing? Oh honey… its just madness.

And… I am happy, truly happy.

I hear all the time “I don’t know how you do it”. Sometimes I don’t either. But you do… you just do what you have to.
I don’t work out quite as much as I used to.
I don’t eat out as often.
I drink more wine (that is the God’s honest truth).
I am tired … too much. I mean I know that tired, the one they tell you about…
Where you feel like you may throw up. I know that all too well.

Both my girls have done great. They are sisters… completely. About 5 weeks after I got home with my second child, I looked in the rear view mirror to see the girls holding hands across their car seats. I did cry… I did. There they were just holding hands and giggling. It was perfect.

And my oldest tells everyone she sees – “This is my baby sister… see? She is MY baby sister.”

We have had some adjustments for sure. For one, we have a small house. And there is little girl crap EVERYWHERE. Honestly if I step on one more dropped pancake or lost doll accessory I may scream.

It’s been adjustment just having two little ones. Here is the thing… it is not good to be outnumbered… ever.
I mean before at least we could go toe to toe. Now? Usually one or the other needs apple juice or to pee or a can’t find a toy… And they fight… good Lord…for no reason… over a block or a doll or a found piece of candy on the floor.

What do I miss? Not the shoes (although can anyone touch the Nordstrom’s shoes selection…can they?)
Me.
Truth be told…
I miss Me sometimes.
I miss quiet time to reflect on the day…
Maybe to pray or meditate.
I miss petting my cat by myself… in quiet.
I miss not having snot on my business suits.
I miss feeling attractive… because I didn’t have time to primp and get myself together… mostly because I was doing stuff for the girls.
I miss that stuff…it would be a lie not to say so.

But…
What is grand… and what I love…
Is being a mom.
And loving my girls.
And hearing them call me Mommy.
And listening to them laugh together…
Or splash in the bath.
I love holding their hands…
Kissing their cute toes.
And hearing them breath in unison in their room at night.
Knowing they are safe.

So we are great…
We are a family…
maybe not the traditional family…
but we are our family.
…And just so you know I fully intend to have a hot husband one day.
And if you know of any…
976-BABE – that’s me.
Send him on…
boy do I have a list of to do’s for him.