Last night was our first adoption class (called MAPP class). It's a three hour course, once a week, for 10 weeks. This is a picture of our reaction from the end of the night.
We've actually been dreading this class, thinking-what are they gonna teach us that we don't already know? (Yes, we're pompous like that). But come on-we both have degrees in Early Childhood Studies and Special Education. He's been teaching and coaching for years and I taught, and now am a nanny for years. We also teach a workshop for kids with Tourette's Syndrome. Plus I'm specialized in working with kids with autism. We run the gamut on qualifications for working with kids. Sure, it's gonna be different once there's this actual kid living in our house...but take last night's class lesson for example:
"Be welcoming, supportive and loving". Ya think?! I mean, were we just gonna let the kid in the house and not talk to them?? I mean, haven't we been wanting a kid for years so we're gonna dote over this kid like there's no tomorrow??
Plus the instructors were wicked unprepared. And yes, we had to do those annoying "ice breaker" activities.
I guess our biggest shocker was that we assumed we would be in a room of other Infertiles. But no, we were the only ones. The class is a lot of discussion-based activities, so this meant everyone was talking about their biological kids they already have the whole time while Josh and I just sat there. Once again, the odd-ones-out.
Oh, and we got two whole binders of articles and paperwork, a lot of which is due in the next two weeks. So if I'm not as present in Bloggy-Land as usual, you know why!
One class down, nine to go. We can do this, we can do this, we can do this.
Hopefully the classes get better than last night's. But if it's all 'common sense' stuff, my hair just might turn grey by the end of this.
Needless to say, today we are exhausted and worn-out and overwhelmed. If we didn't want a kid SO BAD, I would have up and quit last night.....but....gotta go through 'the system'.
Another original quote by my husband:
"I can't tell if I'm just neurotic, or if other people are completely F*cked." -JD
54 comments:
I love me some of those WTF expressions!
Don't you do anything that will change your hair color. And don't pull it out either
Use that common sense and play along with the system. I wish classes like that would start with an interview so a proper assessment could be made to find out who needs what. Hang in there gf....
I love your expressions. You two are so silly.
That's shocking that you're the only ones without kids already though. Who would have thunk it? It's going to be all the more meaningful to you two then. Good luck getting through all your homework. :)
3 hours...you could have watched a movie.
I hope the class does get better for you.
wow...sounds like it will be a long 10 sessions!! GL to you!! What a big baby!!
Fun.... Only 9 more. You need permission?! It MUST be cute!
I'm not sure how I found your blog. I think your red hair caught my eye. Tell your husband, yep, everybody else is f*cked up.
Hi, girly just one advice when you are sitting there feeling out of place just close your eyes and think that SOOON GOD WILLING this would be in the past and you will home playing peeka boo!
The two things I love most about this post: your reaction in the picture, and the quote from your husband. Awesome.
Did Lia have a boy or a girl? Almost 10 pounds of baby...whoa...
Finally, best of luck to you and Josh with everything. In the grand scheme of things, I haven't been following your blog for very long, but I feel as if I've known y'all for a longer time than that. We're rooting for you every step of the way!
oh yaya i hope the next 9 weeks fly by for you!
9lb 14 oz OMG she had a toddler lol cant wait to see a pic
Sorry that your adoption class didn't quite go as expected...does sound a bit tedious! However, just try to stay focused on the end result...being able to have a baby after all this time! Hang in there...I know it will all be worth it!
I don't know why they'd put you with a group like that... You'll pull through!
It will be a mantra we can do this we can do this! and it is worth it it is worth it!
oh no. Hope the rest are a little better. Red tape sucks
lol, love that pic of you both... Yeah, I don't understand all the classes for adoption and you must pass these classes, etc. but you don't need these classes to become parents??? (because face it, some people shouldn't be parents!!)
Love the expression on your face at the end of the night. YOU LOOK LIKE PARENTS! Congratulations, you may now graduate. :)
P.S.Tell your husband he's not neurotic, other people are f***ed.
Oh, man, that sounds horrible! I can't wait to hear about the other ones (o:
Yes, you can do it!
I love the pic. Too funny.
Well, at least you're 10% of the way done with the classes! And thank goodness Josh is there too, so at least you're not alone in a Very Boring Class.
Good luck with the rest of it!
Hang in there. Hopefully they get better.
You tug on my heart strings. you really do. I so want everything to work for you.
Okay, that IS annoying! I had no idea that you had to take a class. I guess it makes sense because there are A LOT of effed up people out there, but at least make it worthwhile! You guys are troopers, for sure!
And that is ONE big beh-bay! Definitely post pix when you can.
So glad you started - but I know what you mean. Classes like that (even back in college) drive me crazy! And three hours - I would go out of my mind.
But you are 1/10th of the way done! Yay!
I hope it gets better, Yaya!
I HATE ICE BREAKERS
and I hate stuff that you just sit there and say DUH too... like the training I just had to take...
DUH DUH DUH!!!!!!!
Grey? No....metallic highlights :) besides aint that what Clairol's for?
This is just one of those annoying speed bumps you have to cross before you reach the finish line! Keep your eye on the prize! Best of luck:0)
I hate ice breakers! Can't they just talk and I listen and then I go home. I really don't want to meet people, I am here because you told me to. Yup, that is me. I am not very social at these type of functions.
Your picture cracked me up. Your Hubby is such a good sport.
I hope you next meeting runs smoother. Three hours is so long!
Can I get lessons from you two before we start having kids?
I guess it would be totally inappropriate for you to have a few cocktails before the next class.
(that was in really bad taste, sorry)
I loved the quote by your husband! Priceless!
Greg and I don't have children. We can't have children, because of my female issues (thyroid problems being a major culprit as well). We would love to adopt, but I don't know if this in the cards or not.
Wishing you and your husband all the best as you go through this journey!
That's crazy! I didn't know you had to go through classes like that. Why don't they make biological parents do that? We're all as clueless as the next.
I hope the classes get more interesting. Im doubting they will, but still crossing my fingers for you!
That picture is too funny! Your expressions say a lot! LOL
A small price to pay for the end result! You can get through the classes!
Wow. Those classes sound... great. I hope you survive the next one!
The picture was priceless!!! and it will all be worth it in the end! Hang in there...and if nothing else...maybe you guys can teach the class! It sounds like you're waaaay more qualified that the one who is teaching it.
As you already know, the things you want most take the most dedication to get to. I think you'll make it. :)
Aww Yaya sorry to hear abuot the waste of time! :( I would have gone completely insane. HATE classes where I'm like, "uh- DUH!!"
All I have to say is...
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!
P.S. Congrat on the baby!!!!
We didn't have to do adoption classes, but we did have to read a lot of stuff for the homestudy process. some of it was common sense. Some a bit scary, future teenage stuff. Hang in there. It's worth it!
I love the picture! So funny! I'm sorry the classes are a waste of time, but it will definitely be worth it in the end. You both will make terrific parents!
You and Josh look scared lol. I feel for you!
Just remember you're doing this for you're child who is sleeping somewhere right now. I have a feeling you already know that though, hence why you won't drop out of this class!
Good luck with it!
I know yesterday seeing the baby must have been hard for you, but you're an awesome friend for going to see. Did she have a boy or a girl?
Oh and Josh's quote hits the nail right on the head. I love it.
omg! I haven't read your blog in so long! are you fianally getting a baby?!!!!
congratulation!
I guess you are gonna have to change the purpose of this blog from wanting a baby to raisin one.
congrats really!!!
FINALLY!!!!!!!
Love the picture and the quote. Just think of the classes as being three hours closer to getting your baby:) How exciting is that?
Just think of it as one step closer to a child!!
From the sounds of it, you should be teaching the dang class.
Show them up. Be the smarty britches.
You'll get through it soon enough. :)
Three hours! Wow. I hope it goes better the next class. I with everyone else on this one, you husband is not nuerotic everyone else is just F@cked.
Love the pic and the quote is awesome!
I am sorry the classes are weird... hope they get better!
I hope those next 9 weeks go by quickly and the classes become more interesting for you. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to sit there in a room full of other couples who were chattering away about their biological children.
Hang in there!
Awww....that sucks! I'm sorry it's not more fun, but glad that it's only 9 more right? haha I guess that doesn't sound too encouraging, I would just be glad that after that baby is in YOUR house, no more hulabaloo! Praise God!
Too bad the classes are not more exciting. At least they are short-term in nature, only 10 weeks. I'm very surprised there were not more infertile couples. Very surprised.
You are not the "odd-men-out" on the contrary, everyone in that room wants to add a child to their families. Your path might be different, but you all want the same thing, to love and adore a child.
Love the picture! You guys are hilarious!! ;) UGH, ice breakers...hate 'em! Glad you made it through, though...hopefully the classes will get better with each one! ;) Holy Moly your friend's baby was a biggun! ;) Love your hubby's quote - hubby laughed when I read it to him, and said 'Isn't that the truth!' ;) Hang in there...((HUGZ!))
Ugh the rigamaroo of beauracratics. It's discouraging and lame, but ya do what ya gotta do. I seriously can't believe they had you play ice breaker games!
whiskey. tango. foxtrot.
I have to say that photo was pretty darn funny! Captured your feelings so well!
That stinks that you have to sit through this but I guess it is for people who really MIGHT not have any idea (though why a class would somehow change that, I don't know).
Here's hoping it gets better.
perhaps you could attend but hide a book in a binder??
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