[gabbykatsdad]

I have been reading the boards. And it appears that there are alot of subjects I'd like to touch on. But first a little about me.

My wife and I got the girls (bio siblings) when Gabby was 2 and trina was 3mos. We've had them ever since and have been fighting to adopt for 5 years. We have never and will never give up the fight.

STRESS!!!
Stress is a normal and healthy part of every parents life, adoptive or otherwise. I find that the best way to relieve stress is a hobby. For me I enjoy video games, so after I put the girls to bed, i geek out for an hour or 2 killing things! It also help to adopt the A'Skani philosphy, which is, "It is what it is". Simply put, changes things you can, the things you have no control over, well there's no point in worrying about it, is there!?

WHEN TO TELL YOUR CHILD!!
We have never hidden the adoption from our girls, every chance we get we tell them they were chosen, and loved more than anything in the world. It is my opinion that children take their cues from mom and dad. If you make an issue of it, so will they. If it's not an issue to you, it won't be to them. A quick story. Gabby is 7 now, she talks on the phone with her friends. Well one day i was in my home office, and she was in there watching TV and talking on the phone. She was explaining that soon her name will change, her friend asked why...Gabby so eloquently stated, "because I'm getting adopted...duh!" Out of the mouths of babes.

And finally...Love your children, and this includes thier bio parents. I do not condone nor do I support bio parents doing drugs or neglecting their children. That being said...I am ever so thankful that they brought those 2 beautiful girls into this world and into our lives. i will always love them and be eternally gratefull to them for that simple fact. And when the day comes when my girls want to meet their bio parents, I will be there holding their hands, as a father should, with a smile on my face that they were raised to be strong and independent, and know exactly who and what they are!

ENOY YOUR CHILDREN!!!!