Scrubs and I took our daily walk to the mailbox this morning and noticed we had a package. Inside were these shoes. I probably should have taken them out of the wrapping for a better picture, but I want to make sure they are preserved properly! So they won't come out of the bag for awhile. These were a gift from a dear friend. I won't reveal her identity, but needless to say I stood in the kitchen crying quite hard -- not out of sadness (for once) but out of happiness. Friend, your gift will go down as one of the most priceless treasures I have ever received. This is the FIRST item we have in our home specifically for our daughter. I am still unable to purchase anything or even think about anything (names, room, colors etc.). Ironically, it was just two days ago that Rachel put a comment on my blog pertaining to this very thing. She wrote: I just cannot WAIT for you and John to go and get your daughter. Every time I see a lovely pink something (outfit, hat, shoes) I think of you guys and your little one that is on the way. Just as much as I am excited for her to actually get here, I am almost as excited for the day to come when you feel like the end (her coming) is in sight. That day when you start to tell us about her bedroom that you are decorating and the clothes that you are buying for her. I can't wait to share in the excitement and anticipation with you!
When I read this, I thought it ironic that we haven't bought a single thing. I think JB would, but I just haven't even been able to contemplate it. Then, today, I got to the mailbox, and surprise! Our first daughter item. Rachel, aren't you excited?
6 comments:
Oh YES I am! What sweet little shoes! I am so happy that you have a little girl coming...they are SO much fun to buy for! (Anyone with little boys...don't be offended, please - they are adorable too, but there is something sweet about little pink bows and ribbons!).
The shoes are so cute too!
Fellow adoptive parent and CCC singer:
I wanted you to know that it's neither ironic nor weird that you haven't bought anything for your child to-be. Your behavior isn't a lack of preparedness. In fact, it's emotionally protective and WISE. At age 38, I'd been married 13 years and had waited in the adoption pool nearly two years. Honestly, buying stuff in advance just wasn't a responsible thing for me to do. I knew too many parents-in-waiting who were overcome with sadness anytime they passed by their perfectly-decorated, but empty, nurseries. Why would I do that to myself? Like you, I received a few small items from family and friends that I could tuck away until our child came home. That was enough. And when our bundle of joy did finally arrive, it became perfectly clear why it'd been necessary to wait. When your child arrives, I'm confident you'll have that a-ha moment too.
P.S. While it may not be the most gentile approach, one sure way to stop an insensitive questioner (think doula) is to come up with an equally blunt response. When strangers would ask, "Why don't you have kids?" I'd often smile and say, "Well, that'd require my husband and I to have relations!" I found these exchanges to be quite liberating, in fact.
Wendi, what cute shoes! I have a great image of you putting them on a darling dark-haired, dark-eyed daughter. Beautiful. :-)
When strangers would ask, "Why don't you have kids?" I'd often smile and say, "Well, that'd require my husband and I to have relations!" I found these exchanges to be quite liberating, in fact.
LOLOL! Man, I'm wishing I'd thought of that one...
Oh my gosh! That is the greatest comeback EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I plan to use this, religiously ...
Funkmonkey, I am sorry it is too late to you, but maybe you can live vicariously by watching me (and others) use this one!!!!
Thanks fellow adoptive parents and CCC singer. I know who you are and it gives me such encouragement that you are reading my blog. Any advice you have is so welcome.
What an exciting and precious package to get in your mailbox! The shoes are absolutely darling... you have some great friend out there, Wendi. =)
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