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I like New Year resolutions. I do. Not everyone does. And I’m not saying I always keep mine. But I really, really like that “fresh start, clean slate” that a new year offers people. I like the ability to say, “So, I may not have been perfect this past year, but I’m going to do something awesome this year.”
Do I feel like a failure when I don’t succeed? It depends. As an example, one of my resolutions in 2007 was to read 50 books throughout the year. (Children’s books didn’t count or I’d have met the goal three or four-fold!) They had to be books for me! Do you know how many I read? FORTY-EIGHT. I’m actually more than halfway finished with forty-nine right now. Part of me feels like a failure for having come so close to that goal. Then the rest of me says, “HI! You had a very complicated pregnancy, a busy year and a newborn in the last month and a half. Cut yourself some slack.” And so, I cut myself some slack. I read more than most people did this year. And I plan on doing the same this coming year.
But what about related to adoption? Do I have specific goals/resolutions for the year. Of course I do! Hopefully I don’t fail. It will be my goal to succeed in these few things! Here’s hoping!
1. Send one letter per month. I see so many adoptive parents lament the lack of contact from their child’s birth family. And while I talk with D on a regular basis, I really need to step up to the plate with my one-on-one contact with the Munchkin. I’d add in here that I’d send one picture of the boys with that letter every month but I’m horrid at printing pictures. (A downfall of the technological surge in photography.)
2. Plan (at least) four visits. With my pregnancy in 2007 and health problems on their end, we didn’t hit our normal four visits. And while that’s okay because you have to “go with the flow” in any relationship, now that I’m not restricted to stay near my doctor, I can pick up some slack on my end! Also, I believe that actively planning takes out the problem in actually accomplishing those visits.
3. Get a picture (professional-ish maybe?) of all the kids together. We have a new addition now and I’d like for my two boys, the Munchkin and JD to have a picture together. That said, I don’t think I’ll be shelling out the big bucks for the one photographer that we used in 2006 because, well, have you tried to get a great shot of a two year old? How about TWO two year old boys? I think we’ll just take them to a mall/store photo shop. Maybe after a stiff drink? (Just kidding!)
And that’s it. These resolutions seem “do-able” to me. I don’t feel overwhelmed when looking at them and I feel as if a little work on my end can help these things work out. I’ll keep you updated throughout the year as to whether or not I accomplish them. (Of course, regarding the letters, we won’t know that one for certain until December of next year!)
Happy New Year to you and yours!
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Photo Credit.
Those sound like great resolutions, Jenna. All the best to you and yours.