Julie asked me to share my thoughts about their decision to adopt Erik . . . .
From the first time Julie and Paul mentioned the possibility of adoption, I was 100% supportive of whatever direction this would take. Although they already had two "bio" kids, and some people thought they should count their blessings and be content as is, I knew Julie had always longed for a bigger family. She and Paul had a lot of love to give, and the kids wanted a brother or sister, too.
Our mom was adopted, my husband is adopted, and I have several friends with adopted children. My main concern was knowing how many things can go wrong in the process, the worst being when the birth mother changes her mind. (That had happened to a friend of mine, on the day of the court proceeding to make the adoption FINAL, when the baby was 3 months old and had been with them since birth.)
I'm the more "business minded" sister, and also worried for Julie and Paul about the expenses. When they began to focus on Ukraine, it almost seemed too good to be true. Throughout the months of planning and preparation, Julie really did her homework and I began to feel more comfortable. We communicated almost daily via emails, and she shared with me many stories of other successful Ukrainian adoptions. I was impressed by how much help she was getting from other couples who had recently gone thru the process and successfully adopted children from Ukraine. By this time, Julie and Paul had made travel arrangements for July of 2000, and it began to seem like it was really going to happen.
Fast forward to the happy arrival of Erik James in the United States. Our whole family traveled to his new home city to welcome him to the family. What a delightful child! Although much smaller in size than an average 2.5 year old, it was obvious after just a couple days that Erik is a very smart little boy, and has a great sense of humor. We all fell in love with him and he sure knows that!
It was so heartwarming to see a dream
come true for Julie and Paul, when they
got off the plane and introduced Erik to
his sister Sarah and brother Stephen.
The family bonding began before they
even met him, during the months and
weeks of anticipation. We are thrilled to
have a new family member, a few years
after we thought our extended family
was complete.
My husband and I are in our 40's,
and earlier in our lives (before we
met each other) decided not to have
children. Our lives are rich and full
with other interests, including
competing in dog shows and field
trials with our six Brittanys. Not
everyone is meant to be a parent,
but for those who have the love to
share, adoption can make dreams
come true. I know it has for my
sister and Paul.
Vicki
Our Newest Grandson, Erik
I have been remiss in not writing this sooner, but as we get older we are prone to put things off for a bit, and then forget just what we were going to do!
As my daughter, Vicki said, I am adopted, so of course I had no qualms about having an adopted child added to our family. It was a blessing for me, and I knew it would be for the child that they were going to choose. We have traveled in Europe on several occasions on our own and did not see that as being a big problem for Julie and Paul. Especially since they would be having an interpreter and driver with them most of the time. We could have used one on several occasions.
Since they returned about a year and a half ago, we have had nothing but pleasure and enjoyment from this little boy. He has a very charming personality, is extremely smart (of course all Grand-mothers will say that),healthy and very independent. We are fortunate that they live only 2 miles from us, so we see them often. Erik recognizes the neighborhood when they are close, and insists on heading for Gama & Gampa's house. There he immediately heads for the cookie tin and helps himself! (Me do it!.) I baby sit a couple of afternoons a week, so that too gives me a special bonding time with him. Grandpa has helped with a few carpentry projects at their home, and Erik is eager to get in the midst of the activity and lend a helping hand. We have a little concern that he may try a project of his own one of these days, so advise Julie to keep the tools put safely away! He knows how they work and has a pretty good hammer swing!
It was reassuring to hear from Julie and Paul, via e-mail when they were in the Ukraine. We also talked to them on the phone and kept current with their plans and progress while they were there. Modern technology is wonderful and is a great help for staying in touch. We even got a picture by e-mail, so we could see the little one we would be welcoming home.
He was a little thin, but we knew this was not unexpected and would soon change with proper nutrition and exercise. Now he is filled out, and all muscle and energy rolled into one!
Four of our other grandchildren live near, so they see each other frequently, and they all have a great time together. He especially likes to rough and tumble with the little boy cousins.
Sarah, and Stephen have adapted very well to having this younger brother and he is a delight to their friends as well. This was a family decision and because of their strong faith and family values he was "chosen" and very special to them and to our entire extended family.
They plan to return to the Ukraine early spring 2002 and adopt a little girl. Our prayers will be with them, that they will find a little one that is needing a family and home such as they can provide. We will welcome her with open arms!
Yvonne & Cal,
Julie's Mom & Dad
Christmas 2001
with all the
grandkids!
