As Johnny was getting older and his sibling were one by one going off to college he mentioned how quiet the house would be once Mark left. At that point we had been thinking about adoption, we heard the call but didn't know how or where to begin.
Once we got going on the process all of the older kids where very excited to bring home a new sibling, except Johnny. They thought it sound like an incredible adventure and all wanted to be part of it, except Johnny. Our Johnny was the last family member to board the adoption boat! After talking about it for awhile, he got pretty excited about bringing Anna home. Then we moved on to our second adoption. He wasn't so sure about an older child, especially a girl. The process took enough time for him to begin to look forward to his new sister. Once she arrived he adored her!
As time goes on the bond between brother and sisters seems to be growing! They have fun together! The first thing he does when he comes home from school is say hello to his sisters! When he leaves he always says "I love you" to them!
They have learned so much through him. He lets them know in kids terms what is acceptable behavior and what is not. His standards aren't always the same as mine! Passing gas and burping are okay but watching PBS at 10 yrs old is not- we've had to change to nick jr.
Staring at his friends is not okay but it's okay to hang out hear them if your not being annoying!
I do not know his definition of annoying?
They wrestle, give piggy back rides, play hide and seek, and so on! Did you know, a little sister comes in handy when you have a sore back!!
Johnny has been the sibling that has reaped the most benefits from his sisters- love and fun! What more do you need when your a kid!
Now we are in the process of bringing home two more treasures from China. Johnny lives his life, it does not revolve around adoption (like mine). He doesn't talk often about his two new sisters but he seems to be looking forward to their arrival. He happily moved his bedroom downstairs and never even hinted any feelings of jealousy or displacement.
I am assuming that this adoption will go the way of the others and this big brother will once again rise to the occasion. It is glorious to see as a parent!
Do you want to adopt but not everyone in the family has boarded the ship? Don't let that stop you! Parents make the decisions in the family! The children will see all the blessings of their new sibling over time!
