[maricela]

My DD is AA/Cuban. My DH & I also always get the double-takes.

I have a cousin who doesn't understand why I have to "say" that she's AA. She says she doesn't "see" it in her so why push it on her!! OMG!! I cannot believe those words actually came out of her mouth!! I find myself doing alot of educating.
It's just ignorance. We all know that our children should know about their heritage. It is our responsiblity to make sure they do. As far as I'm concerned, it's no one elses business what we do or what we don't do. I don't get involved with how others raise their children, I expect the same respect.

As far as our kids looking like us...
My DD has big brown eyes & a dimple on her right cheek. I have big brown eyes & a dimple on my right cheek. Other than that, we obviously look NOTHING alike. She's dark skinned, I'm fair skinned however family members INSIST that she looks exactly like me. I think it makes THEM feel better. My DS is 12 & also looks nothing like us. My DH is Mexican also but has dark skin. When my kids are with him, he does not get questioned because of their skin color. But when the kids are with me, I get questioned all the time. "Oh, he/she must look like his/her father". My DS just laughs when he hears that.

[Mindblowing]

Heey... I am new to this site and these forums, however as an adult adoptee (biracial with CC parents), I feel I may have quite a bit of insight. I also have many questions of my own, as I am almost 34, and my husband and I have no children yet. Starting a family at our current age is not in our plan, so we feel that in a few years adoption is our best/safest bet for a family.

I HAVE to comment on all of this transracial stuff though. I cannot applaud you enough for the interest you are taking in the heritage of your children. I don't know if my parents even had any AA friends back when I was a child, perhaps a few co-workers. I was adopted as a baby, and always knew I was bi-racial and adopted. I had been told by many that I just needed to choose- white or black. My parents didn't believe in that. We took many trips to the library as a child! They taught me what they could about Rosa Parks and MLK, made sure to play Motown and Tina Turner (with a healthy dose of the Beatles and ELvis thrown in). As i got older,k I then taught them about Kwanzaa, Malcolm X, R&B and the great authors of our time. They have always celebrated my heritage, sometimes not knowing if they were doing it correctly, but they did it. My father bought my my sorority kente stole for graduation, mommy has given my AA collectable figurines.

I say this, celebrate the best way you know how and enjoy your child's heritage as a family. My parents kept me in the public school system where I would encounter other mixed and AA kids of all shades. There were difficult times, but middle school on was happy years. I grew up eating bothpolish sausage and sweet potato pie during the holidays!

If your proud of your child's heritage, your child will grow up proud of it. There will be moments for sure, as all kids want to be like everyone else- but in the end... most children go back to what they know.

As far as the Canadian/Native American thing goes, check with your local Museums if your in a decent sized city. Our Museum does a 'Celebration of Culture' 4 times a year celebrating different heritages from around the globe.

Sorry for the long, rambling 1st post!

[loveajax]

maricela, i hear all the time from family members comments similar to your cousins....it's infuriating.

mindblowing, thank you so much for sharing....i love hearing your life story....i have a funny feeling your parents burst with pride when they talk about you!