"Real Mom"

What does that mean?  Does that mean she's "real" because she birthed my baby?  I'm fake because I didn't?  I do parent the baby, but I'm not real?

I never thought about adoption language before going through the adoption process.  Even when we took our education class on adoption and we were discussing negative adoption language, I never "thought it would happen to me."  That people would just understand.  But they don't.  They are ignorant.  It's not their fault, but they are just not educated on adoption or the language to use.

However, I can't help myself from thinking.."Really?  The "real" mom?  That just doesn't even sound right!"  I mean, did you listen to yourself before commenting?

I know if I were to have a conversation with Gracie's birthmom about this, she would absolutely agree with the fact that I am her Mom.  100%.  Does that take away from the fact that she unselfishly carried our daughter for 9 months and trusted us to parent her for the rest of her life?  Absolutely not!  We have the utmost respect and love for Gracie's birthmom.  Without a doubt.  She is family.  All it means is that we are both "real" moms.  The only difference is that one "real" mom gave birth to her and one "real" mom is parenting.  And they are both wonderful roles.

Pumpkin Patch 2013

We had our annual visit to the pumpkin patch!  It was Gracie's first time.  We had a great time picking out pumpkins and enjoying as a family.

I love my sweet girls.  I love being able to dress them alike on occasions like these.  It's the best!