karnata

My husband and I (both white) have two biological children and two adopted children (one black, one biracial). Any advice for us? It sounds like your family had a great community, and we do too, but if there's anything we should be aware of as the kids get older, I'd love to hear your input!

Also, did you ever have any jealousy or anything of your siblings related to the fact that you were adopted and they were not? People always ask me if my kids feel that way (as far as I know, they don't), and I was wondering if that was a real concern going forward, or just something people were projecting.

Houston is a big city. I see something like that, I just figure he's traveling to somewhere cold and didn't want his coat to take up space in his luggage, or wanted it with him immediately upon arrival.

And, um, she was just removed from her family of origin for reasons completely outside of her control. She's fortunate to be placed in a loving home, but she did NOT win the lottery.

I'm a former foster mom/adoptive mom, and it rubs me the wrong way when people act like my kids are so lucky to be with me. They have to deal with the fact that their fathers are unknown, their mothers are drug addicts, they were abused at young ages, etc. Their lives are not magically perfect now that they have a supportive family. They will have to deal with these very difficult issues for the rest of their lives.

Please encourage your sister and her husband to remember this as they're raising their daughter. It is easy to say, look at what all we gave you, be grateful, life is good! And forget that there is always pain and suffering associated with adopting from foster care. Even with a child so young.