Since we do not have a chance to see each other that often, I particularly love getting photos from both my sons (the one I raised, and the one I did not). Being the techo guys that they are, photos come via the computer these days. It is a fantastic way to see the fun vacations and other interesting events in their lives. They also share with me the sights that they see in their everyday lives.

Of course, as much as I seeing their vacation sites, I love seeing photos of my sons the most. Although I could be slightly prejudiced, I think... more

Today's Love Thursday picture might confuse some people. If you look at the picture without knowing our stories, you just might not understand. This was taken during our first visit. This was just under two years before L, Munchkin's birthfather, decided that he could emotionally handle contact with the family who is parenting his firstborn child. And so, at that time, a family picture was this: J, D, Munchkin, me and Josh. (It would have included the three older boys as well but teenagers and formal portraits? Not a chance for... more

I've been having a rough time, emotionally, and so this week, on Love Thursday, I needed to see some smiles. This picture, from our first visit, makes me smile. I didn't plan on wearing the same colors of the Munchkin's pajamas, but, in fact, I did. I didn't know she would smile for this picture, but, in fact, she did. I didn't know that this picture, taken back in the pre-digital days, would become a favorite, but, in fact, it did. And still... more

We talked on the phone last night - my son and I. Not the son that I raised, but my other son, the one that I relinquished to adoption. Our "chats," as he calls them, fill me with joy each and every time that we have one. From the beginning our talks were warm and easy - they have been that way from our first 3-hour marathon chat. He commented early on about the natural ease of our talks.

All those years apart, I always knew that something was missing in my life. It is clear now, that missing something in my life was my other son. Having him back in my life... more

In case you have not figured it out yet, my children and grandchildren are at the heart of my world. For many years, I was a stay at home mom and I relished my mom role. Motherhood was a role that I always knew would be important to me. Being a grandmother is pretty terrific as well! I never had lofty career goals, but instead I concentrated on mothering.

If I had done a better job of choosing a mate sooner, I might have birthed more children and even adopted. That is not what happened in my life. Instead, I ended up raising two children... more

There aren't many women I know who, in dreaming of their wedding day, wonder if their daughter will be in attendance. Growing up, my Grandmother planned weddings. I helped her arrange flowers and learned about properly hemming bridesmaid dresses which were always a thousand feet too long. I'd leaf through bridal magazines and come up with outrageous and off the wall ideas for my special day. In fact, by age thirteen, I knew that I wanted a big, fluffy dress with a tulle skirt and the colors were to be plum with peach accents.... more

During our visit in November, the Munchkin and I had some good quality tickle time. Just prior to this picture, we had a tickle fight in the chair. To me, the sound of the Munchkin laughing is one of the most beautiful sounds in this world. In fact, her voice in general can make me smile or cry, depending on the situation.

Parents tickle their children. In fact, Nick's current favorite word to say is "tickle, tickle"... more

Love is having your daughter's Mom as a bridesmaid in your wedding. Even if it sounds somewhat confusing.

After our first visit, I knew that I wanted D to be in our wedding. On the (long) way home, I asked Josh if he was okay with the idea and if he thought that D would say yes to the question. Both answers were met with a slight eye roll and a yes that said, "Why are you bothering to ask? You ask silly questions, woman!"

I was away for some job-training the whole week after the first visit so I couldn't simply... more

Love is being able to let your birth daughter experience your pregnancy.

In August 2005, J, D and the Munchkin came out for a visit. Two pregnant women in August? You betcha! That visit was amaing for me for a few reasons. The main reason? A series of pictures like this one.

From day one, Munchkin was nicknamed the Munchkin. From day one with Nicholas, he was nicknamed the Butterball, knowing his due date would fall awfully close to Thanksgiving. Butterball fit him well at eight pounds, eight ounces.... more

Today's picture makes me laugh any time I look at it. Why? Not only is the picture itself less than stellar (check out all that unnecessary head room!) and not only was the Munchkin positively uninterested in photography that day but, oh, D and I had a conversation with the photographer that will give us a lifetime of laughter.

We showed up for pictures together in May of 2005. I was pregnant with Nicholas. D was pregnant with Joey. And the Munchkin wanted nothing to do with any of it. Two year olds are like that, of course. Since this was my second... more