Dads and Adoption

I admit, it is very late, and I have been at a loss on what to write! So in scrolling through my pictures, I came to a very endearing shot of Kevin and his daddy. And it got me to thinkin'...

I post my thoughts, my experiences, my feelings on everything from attachment in adoption to open heart surgeries. The mom's perspective is abundant. But what about dad's side of the story? (...and I realize there are many single moms...I admire you a whole bunch. I have a close friend who is a single adoptive parent and she is a blessing! I mean that whole-heartedly.)

Since my husband is not about to get on this blog and write a post, once again you will get a mom's perspective on the dad's perspective. Clear as mud? ;)

Each of our four adopted children have attached so differently to Rob. Our first son, Quan, trauma bonded to him. Our first daughter, Kimmie, bonded to me (after lots of work to get her to attach to either one of us). Our second daughter, Candie, bonded equally well to us both at first, though clearly she is a daddy's girl now through and through! Our second son bonded to me ferociously.

Since our most recent adoption is fresh on my mind, I will focus more on it. Kevin came home in March with the idea that I belonged to him, and Rob could take it or leave it! Rob has always been so patient. He would say, "She was mine before she was yours, buddy!" But he would have a big grin on his face. Rob is so patient with our children...his motto is "You will like me one day! You'll see!"

Slowly Rob has inched his way in. With tickles. With silly peekaboo games. And with me talking about "Daddy" lots during the day while he is at work. Kevin and I call daddy so he can talk on the phone (which he loves to do!) So when Rob gets home from work, Kevin is delighted! He may not run into his arms, but he will at least give him a small hug now.

He used to not let Rob do anything for him, but now he is 90% okay with his daddy taking care of his needs. My favorite part has been watching this relationship blossom. I guess because I love seeing Rob melt when Kevin gives him love. I love hearing Rob carrying on a three year old conversation with Kevin. I love seeing the two of them sit next to each other at the dinner table; Rob coaxing Kevin to try new foods. I don't particularly like the worry lines that pop up around Rob's eyes when we discuss Kevin's future heart surgeries. But I do love the fact that he loves this little boy with a passion. And he has from the moment we were matched with him.

I'll never forget it. Not ever.

We had been praying for God to show us if Kevin was our son or not. We were scared. We knew his heart condition was intense.

I was in the shower one morning and Rob came in, opened the shower door and proclaimed "He's our son. I know it!" He had big tears in his eyes.

I said, "Rob, are you prepared to possibly bury a child?" (not that we're guaranteed tomorrow with any of our children, really)

"I know that's a possibility. I'm in."

And at that point, so was I.

There's just something about your husband being 100% sold out. It's good. And I love it. And I love him. And him. And Him.