Today is my birthday, and in celebration of all things ME [sorry kids, Mom gets a hot shower today], I found myself thinking long and hard about what I wanted to write about. It hit me when I was in Target earlier this week with all three kids struggling to make a return. A woman came up to us and just when I thought she was going to tell me, “oh wow, you’re busy!!!” she struck a cord and said, “you’re so lucky they’re yours.” Wait, did someone just tell me I’m lucky?! She must have meant crazy… but yes, lucky came out of her mouth. Lucky that these nose-picking, car seat screaming kids are mine. As scatter-brained, short-tempered, and tired I feel most days, yes, I am lucky. I am lucky to have three beautiful children. Which is one thing I have wanted my entire life. To have a family and give children the love that was and has been given to me my entire life, no matter how my family was made. So what’s the title of this post all about?! Read on…
I am adopted. Actually, my brother and I both are, from different biological families. At 3 months old I became my parents baby girl, and honestly, without sounding too sappy here, I was the luckiest baby in the world. And still feel that way as a 31-year-old grown adult. I remember growing up knowing I was adopted, but never really questioned it as my parents were very open about the process. Most importantly, I grew up knowing I was loved. A big piece of me has always been grateful my birth parents chose adoption, and chose my parents… so I could be theirs. Yes, my birth parents went through a stack of files and actually CHOSE my parents. I also remember my parents telling me God makes families in different ways, and because I was adopted, I was chosen to be a part of the Caputo family. That’s not to say an oopsie-baby isn’t chosen too, but you know what I’m getting at.
Needless to say I’m a little emotional this birthday. I’m a Mom. Something I wish I could pause and put on hold when I want to go to the bathroom alone. But hey, I’m here now and there’s no going back! I know motherhood is something my own Mom wanted when she and my Dad were trying to grow their family. I can only imagine the joy and love she felt when the papers were signed and my brother and I were in her arms [my Dad’s too]. And I can bet you they were the same exact feelings Ted and I felt when our children were born. In fact, my parents were in the hospital room for almost the entire 27 hours it took for Joey to enter this world, and you know what they both said? They were sorta glad they didn’t have to go threw THAT [lol].
When I sit back and think about what I’ve wanted for 31 years, it’s always been Mom. You know how some kids grow up thinking they want to be a teacher, or a firefighter, or a veterinarian? I never had those ambitions. I just wanted to be Mom. And I’m learning that it encompasses a whole lot more than holding a cute baby!!! If I could go back in time, I would tell my 5-year-old self to take naps and get more sleep. Sorry about the no-napping, stomping-my-feet thing Mom…. Let’s hope my kids don’t take after me in that department! Oh and don’t tell Ted, but my 5-year-old self also wanted 10 kids. Gulp.
While I understand adoption isn’t for everyone, I’m so glad it was a choice my parents made. I would love to hear if you have an adoption story too!
