Bubble Thoughts

Sometimes it takes a lot to get siblings to speak kindly to each other.

Off schedule over the holiday break and cooped up inside due to the rainy cold weather, the kids’ lack of physical activity began to show. Antagonism entered.

Around the table after a meal, another petty argument ensued between my girls. I had Josi and Aubry apologize to each other thinking that would be a step in the right direction. Before I could suggest an activity for them to do together Josi piped up, “She doesn’t mean it. The bubble over her head says something else!”

I didn’t see a bubble. My daughter had me there, “What are you talking about?”

“The bubble over her head…the talk bubble. You know, like in comics,” Josi said and drew an imaginary speech bubble in the air. She was obviously not finished venting at her sister.

I believe my eyebrows made it up to my hairline on that one. She had to be kidding. Now she could read her sister’s mind? (Aubry seemed sincere to me.)

Mark was still at the table and I looked at him. Big mistake; we lost it. Our laughter was contagious and the girls started laughing too. What Josi’s creative mind had conjured up did what I couldn’t do—stop the arguing. Off they went to play air hockey, argument forgotten.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So here we are, coming up on another Thanksgiving. The holiday ushers in months of celebrations for us—Thanksgiving, Christmas, Día De los Reyes Magos, a birthday, and Chinese New Year.

What used to be the traditional Thanksgiving feast has evolved as our family has grown. Rice is always included, as are Chinese and Guatemalan dishes. There is some talk of the colonists, but the kids are far more interested in the lore of their birth countries.  

As we gather around the table I give thanks for the blessings in my life and the richly woven tapestry of our family. Thank you! ¡Gracias! Xie xie!

When

It’s the old adage – not if, but when. In adoption it’s not if the BIG questions will come, but when. In our family they typically come up with little warning. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected.

On the occasions when I think questions will occur, they often don’t.  My kids seem to like the random approach and that’s okay.

Some of the most recent questions were from Greyson, just before we got to school, when it was just the two of us in the car. We were in the drop-off line, “Did you name me?”   

I answered that we did.

He dug a little deeper, “What was my name before you named me?”

“I don’t know. You might have been baby R__ (his birth surname, which is part of his legal name) .  We were told you didn’t have a first name.”  

“I like Greyson.”

“Well, that’s good honey. I’m glad you approve.”

“Was I always going to be that?”

Gosh, what timing, “Honey, we’re here. I can pull up and answer your questions.”

“That’s okay Mommy. I see __. She’s waiting for me. Love you!”

“Love you too, babe! Have a good day!”

Out he went and I watched him meet up with his friend, the conversation out of his mind. I’m sure we’ll talk – not if, but when.