Like right now, I love to put underwear on my head... don't ask me why, but I do, and my Mommy thinks it is the cutest thing. I bet your Mommy doesn't smile and laugh when you put underwear (yes sometimes even dirty ones because I don't know if their dirty or not) on your head. Don't worry, this pair is clean!
My parents could have went to Ukraine and adopted any little boy that they wanted, but when they saw my picture, they instantly fell in love with me. They hurried over to Antoshka and introduced me to a whole new world outside of the orphanage.
They encouraged me to explore, to play, to try new foods, and to love. I never knew that cuddling could feel so good, and after five long months, I gave my Mommy the best present in the world. I let her hold me and rock me for as long as she wanted while I drifted off to sleep and made her all sweaty. I was hot from having my face nuzzled in her neck, but it felt so nice being cuddled up next to my Mommy, that it didn't matter.
My Mommy got me this shopping cart for my birthday so I could become more steady on my feet. Boy, is she smart. Not only do I love my shopping cart, but now I can run!
I was so stubborn while she taught me to slide down the stairs so I wouldn't take a tumble, but her patience paid off. Now I can slide all the way down. I bet your Mommy didn't slide down on her tummy so that you could see what she was talking about.
Did I tell you that I have lots of brothers and sisters too? They run to see who could get me out of bed first in the morning as soon as they hear my laugh. They always play with me and feed me little snacks that even my Mommy doesn't know about. Can you believe that a few of them have even changed my stinky diapers a time or two without even being asked?
I have started to notice my eye when I look in the mirror. Nobody in my family seems to care that I look a little different, so why should I? In case you are wondering, I am not in any pain either. My Mommy doesn't use a rough washcloth when she cleans my eye like the orphanage did and I appreciate that more than she'll ever know.
My Mommy whispers into my ear that she knows God made me perfect. She also says that she doesn't personally know of any other person who has touched more people than I have. Little does she know, I have just begun.
Please don't feel sorry for me.......... I know I am loved.... and my smile and laughter proves it!
The best part of all is that my feelings might change as I get older, but my family's love for me never will, and I am certain of that!
Slobbery hugs and kisses,
Dennis
82 comments:
I was going to comment about Daniel and my husbands thoughts about finding a time we could possibly go visit him, and send him presents for the holidays so he feels some affection, which seems to be lacking in his life. I see now that the adoptive mom has closed her blog and yours has been shortened to almost anything. So I came and read this post, and I had to say, I am troubled by how hard you had to work to write that. The anger is just clear as day. You are not the only parent who can look past a childs difference or disability and love them. There are many of us who do this daily, for our own children and others. I do not know if its the attacks that the adoptive mother received through your blog that made you feel that way, but honestly, I would change all this. You make it sound like you are the best mom in the world and I hate to tell ya, there are many more going through a lot worse than either YOU or I. Im a mom to 8 kids, 5 having special needs. I have been hospitalized by my oldest and almost died when he kicked me in the chest. I still have him here at home. I sat through +15 surgeries and several strokes with my son, praying to God that he would make it through the night. We all have struggles and accomplishments and there are many moments that make us shine, we just don't have to stoop to laughing about underwear on our kids head and then attempt to belittle others to make yourself feel better. Shame on you for this one.
Having lived in Ukraine for two years and volunteering in the orphanages as well, I know how people do see someone like little Dennis. They do feel sorry for them and most are outcasts. While it is sad, it is fact. There is not a parent on earth that is perfect and does not struggle with something on a daily basis. With that said, I really believe that that was not the purpose of this entry. Dennis has come far and I really believe that every parent should cheer for their child and the strides that each make on a daily basis. I also know that sadly enough, it does not happen enough or at all. I applaud EVERYONE who is brave enough to take on that parenting responsibility and celebrate the good and embrace the difficult times as well.
Dear Anonymous,
Huh?
Oops, I mean the first anonymous. and may I add What???!!!
I was going to say what a beautiful post, but am sidetracked by anonymous. Maybe I've missed something, but that seemed so out of place. Who said Christine was the only parent to love their child. Good grief. Why shouldn't she express love for her children, she does this all the time, not just Dennis and I think its beautiful.
Another anon...
Christine, this is a really good post. I never took it as an attack, but as an encouragement. The little things matter and we all need to remember that. Your post shows that children don't need perfection, but unconditional love. Sure, our children might not always feel or understand that love but if it's always there (our love) then someday... Lord willing... they'll get it. Someday they'll understand.
Umm, Im confused first anonymous. Which post were you reading?
The one I read was about how much this mother loves her son and he her. How much he has learnt in the time he has been with his family. I didnt read any 'wow look at me IM THE BEST MUM IN THE WORLD' into it.
Anyway Christine how fun is it to teach your kids to slide down the stairs? My older kids taught my younger one's so they wouldnt fall down them when they first started walking. Now it's a game to all of them.
and a message to Dennis. 'keep smiling, you are the cutest kids ever'.
(except of course my own.lol.)
Have a nice day and
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Now you've got me all teary eyed!
Oh, no, I'm not in the hospital (thank God!) I was referring to the appointments I'm at all the time there, I should have worded that differently! With what little free time we have (to be exact- none!), the only socialization I get is the doctors, nurses, and other patients at the kids' hospital....so when I start talking I go on, and on, and on, and on, and on...
--------------------------------------
Anonymous (1) I don't know if you're the same "Anonymous" as dealt with before, but if you are, let me please refer you to the post here- http://smilesandtrials.blogspot.com/2008/10/good-bye-anon.html
I have no idea what you're talking about in the first part of your post, but I can't count how many times Mrs. Reed has said that she is not perfect and that she makes mistakes. She never claimed to be perfect and publicly states for the world to hear that she, nor anyone else is perfect. She never claimed that others cannot look past a child's "disabilities". She never claimed to be the "world's best mom" either. She never said her situation is worse than anyone elses, though she does constantly help others in tough times, raise awareness for others, and say very frequently how blessed she feels. What I know is that by posting what you did that you are doing just what you are claiming she is doing with that "holier than thou" attitude.
And I don't believe that giggling at your sons enjoyment of putting underpants on his head is "stooping" and belittling to make yourself feel better than anyone else.
Mrs. Reed is one of the most humble people I know. I could spend all night quoting Mrs. Reed's wonderful blog, and the countless times she's admitted she (like the rest of the world, including myself) has sinned, and is not perfect. But more importantly, her actions speak louder than her words...she has nothing to prove to you.
I hope nothing but the best for you and your children. You have obviously been through a lot and are a very strong person. I wish you nothing but the best.
---------------------------------------
Mrs. Reed,
I hope I'm not stepping out-of-bounds posting this. If you feel that I am, feel free to delete this comment- I won't be offended. You are a great inspiration to me, and many others, and it hurts me to see how someone would say something like that to you. Please know that I think you are doing a great job as a parent and as a person, too. I see you as a role model, and I know others do as well. I'm sorry I haven't kept up with your blog lately! But I'm catching up tonight! =) I look forward to reading your blog every day...it is such a great encouragement to me.
----------------------------------------
Tereasa-
EXACTLY!!!!
this is so sweet! I keep praying for you and now as I have that "button for Dennis) on my blog I heard many different reactions, many people were sorry and I didn´t even notice how I started to explain that there´s nothing to be sorry for, and defend your family...that´s funny how once I stoped and I realized what I was saying :D i´m starting to feel like a "part " of your family...I klnow it sounds sill but reading your blog brrings me joy to my life....thanks ! :D
PS: wonderful pictures!
Ok, mad me teary eyed. Then I read the first Anon. Hello, what kind of glasses are you reading the blog through?! Obviously ones that must be cracked and warped.
I for one thought it was a beautiful post AND I can understand why she wrote it. Those of us with children that "look" or act different, get many stairs of pity and "oh poor thing". Well, there's nothing pitiful or poor about our kids and I think it's awesome that Christine pointed it out to people in a nonoffensive way. I believe that many people could read that and get a different perspective on people with different looks and or abilities. Christine may not be the worlds "best" mom, (she NEVER said or implied that she was) but she sure is a darn good one and the best her kids could ever have asked for.
June (who sat on the hotel steps today with Anah and got MANY pitying glances and shocked expressions).
MADE me teary eye, not mad...gee, lol
Oh my gosh...STARES, not stairs...jet lag...ugh
I think you are a darn good mother and I in so many ways wish i could be more like you. I wish in so many ways i could be super woman and i think your the closest thing to it. Forget about what anon. #1 said. She dont know what shes talking about. I always love reading your post. there always so inspiring to me to be a better mother and person:) KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. YOU ARE AMAZING:)
What a beautiful post, affirming your love for Dennis! One day he may well notice that he looks a little different from his peers, and he may get to feeling self-doubt....I hope you've printed that heartfelt letter and scrapbooked it for Dennis to read over when he starts to feel some of that self-doubt. I think you've done a great job of expressing that you specifically chose him, and that he is very, very loved, absolutely regardless of his "different" appearance. It is a parent's JOB to affirm our children, and I think this post has done that beautifully. Good Job, Christine!
P.S. I don't understand why so many people post anonymously...there is a "Name/URL" button for folks to choose. If you have the audacity to leave a rude and hurtful comment, why don't you have the courage to back it up with your name? Or are you ashamed of what you've written, as you should be?
What a beautiful post - you are so full of love for your son. And you are right. He IS perfect!
To the first anon:
Christine isn't "going through" anything, but a wonderful happy life full of twists and turns bumps and curves, and all to the Glory of God.
The only anger I see is in your own post. I'm sad taht you had to project your own anger at another person, as your heart must be overwhelmed with sadness and grief.
To Christine and Dennis:
Dennis that was a fabulous post and I remember 4 little guys running around in Superman Underwear and cowboy boots! And yep, sometimes on their heads.:)
We had stairs at one time and I too had to teach them to go down on their tummy's. They got so fast we used to hold races. Of course, they all had decent size tummy's so they just slid down really quick. :)
One time, big brother got the idea of using a cut up box like a sled.
I heard this terrible racket and there they were all in a pile at the bottom of the stairs laughing hysterically.
And what I have taught my boys and girls about gawkers and starers, "If somebody is staring, smile and say hi!" You will most likely get a big smile back. :)
Dennis, you have a gift. It may not seem like it. But it is. Just like my own special kids have been given very special gifts. Just like Nick Vuijic has been given a gift too.
I pray that you will come to see your, what some would call "disability" as a gift from God.
Because of my own son's disability, God has used him in a very special way to other kids that are having a hard time in school. They can see that he is a teacher, and he has cerebral palsy, but he is married and he went to college, and it makes them want to try harder. I know, because of the brothers and sisters and mommy and daddy you have, you will do WONDERFUL things in life. You already are and you don't even know it. :)
I loved reading this post about Dennis and how far he's come, and how much he is loved in your home. He is one very blessed little guy. Thanks for posting it, and don't stop posting things like this just because someone reading it may read more into it than is there and get nasty. You are a wonderful mom!
That was beautiful, Christine.
I totally got what you were saying.
big hugs -jen
Christine,
Your post made me smile.
Dennis is so precious and so loved!
He is thriving in your families care!
I am VERY disturbed by Anon.'s comment. Seriously.
Who are these people who leave random comments on your blog?
It is like they come to your blog looking for fault in everything you write. That annoys the crap out of me.(sorry)
Golly Anon., back off. Can you not open your eyes and see this is a love letter to Dennis? Geesh!
~annoyed in Texas~amy
Anon.....What blog have you been reading???
"You are not the only parent who can look past a childs difference or disability and love them." When did she EVER say she was???
Again.....What blog are you reading???
"You make it sound like you are the best mom in the world and I hate to tell ya, there are many more going through a lot worse than either YOU or I."
Do I sense a disgruntled side of you??? Do I sense a big of envy??? Are you so ashamed of yourself when you lash out like this that you can't post with your name???
SHAME ON YOU!!!
Sweet, sweet Dennis! Gotta love him!
What fun he gets to have each day!
God does not make mistakes...simply masterpieces!
Christine, you write beautiful posts, have a beautiful family, and are clearly a beautiful person.
If I were you I would save yourself and everyone else from having to read nonsense by blocking anonymous comments. It may be a pain for some, but not as much of a pain as it must be for you to read the hurtful crazy things some people write when hiding behind the title "anonymous".
Love to you and your sweet family from Kramatorsk!!
i love your post!!!
Okay, I am getting too confused by all the anons. Could you at least type a tag line at the end--or better yet add it at the begining like "Stupid in NJ says..." or "Friend in NY says..." so we can keep track. I hope I am not the only one getting confused by all the anons.
Christine,
Sorry to have to add another post, but I forgot to say, what a great mommy you are. :)
You are exactly what Dennis needs. Somebody to let him explore and grow and be a normal boy.
You don't feel sorry for him, and you don't coddle him as that would cripple him.
Wise mommy!:)
One of my favorite songs is by Sandi Patti called, "Masterpiece".
This is our theme song around here:
"Before you had a name, or opened up your eyes, or anyone could recognize your face. You were being formed, so delicate in size, secluded in God's safe and hidden place. And with your little tiny hands, and little tiny feet and little eyes that shimmer like a breeze. He breathed in you a song, and to make it all complete, he brought this masterpiece into the world....
YOU are a masterpiece, a new creation he has formed, and your as soft and fresh as a snowy winter morn, and I'm so glad that God has given YOU to ME! Little Lamb from God, You are a masterpiece.
And now your growing up, your life's a miracle, everytime I look at your I stand In awe! Because I see in you, a reflection of HIM, and you'll always be my little lamb from God. And as your life goes on each day, How I pray that you will see, just how much your life has meant to me. And I'm so proud of you, what else is there to say,
You'll always be my little lamb from God,
and then repeat the chorus.
Isn't that a beautiful picture of our children? :)
Have a blessed day sister.
Kathy,
ROFLOL!
Christine, I mean Dennis, That was very beautifully written. I am in tears.
Wow, what a lot of drama about a lovely tribute to a mom's love for her child. Sometimes I too want to shout it out to all who will listen how much I love my children. That doesn't mean we think we are the best parent ever.
Christine..great post..it also made me teary eyed. And to tell you the truth, sometimes when I see children in all kinds of situations, I do feel sorry for them. However feeling sorry for someone doesnt' help. Pity doesn't help...so lets do something about it, like you did..you chose Dennis and you and all of your family loves him. To me that is the greatest gift of all. Better than teaching him to slide down the stairs or put underwear on their heads.
We've all done things we are proud of...nothing wrong about writing about it
Kudos to you!!
Anon 1 - it doesn't sound like you deserve any Mother of the Year awards if you can't keep yourself and others safe?!
Christine, I really enjoyed reading your beautiful post about Dennis. He has come a long way - thanks to his loving family!
I loved the post and have laughed my way through the comments as I picture anon #1 as the playground bully and you -- surrounded by dozens of people ready to take the bully on.
This is one of your best posts yet. I think any of us who are raising special kids who come from less than stellar circumstances can relate to it. Far too often, all the world sees are the problems and the flaws...or how saintly we are for "rescuing" these poor children. They don't see the beautiful side of our kids - and most of all they don't see the daily miracles that happen in their lives that allow them to be who they are. Nor do they recognize the true source of those miracles. It isn't about me, it isn't about my kids. It is about what God is doing with all of us and creating withing each of us each and every day!
First--Anonymous #1, WHAT THE?! How rude and insensitive can you be? I guess pretty rude and insensitive.
Second--my son used to wear underwear on his head too!! I have the pictures to prove it. So when I saw Dennis I laughed and laughed!!
Third--You Christine are an AMAZING mother!! Dennis and all of the other kids are so lucky to have you!! I LOVED THIS POST!!
I'm in tears....what a awesome post. Hope you BOTH enjoy many more sweaty snuggles!
Our definition of a perfect child changed when we picked up our foster child from the NICU. All those babies, including our Down Syndrome baby, are made perfectly, however Heavenly Father wants them to be. Even if they might have imperfect bodies, all children are made perfectly.
I hope Dennis never forgets this, and that he has a special mission while here on earth.
Anonymous poster #1, I am sorry for the trauma your oldest son's actions have caused you and your family. I do question though: is your son being best served by being at home and putting your other children at risk? That may be the choice that "works" for your family (and I truly do pray that your son is in a good place emotionally for his sake and the sake of your family).
I too do not get at all where your comments are coming from as regards to Christine's post. She has "kept it real" from the get-go and stated multiple times that she is far from perfect. She is however, quite a dedicated parent and I am amazed at the teachable moments she seizes on a daily basis with her family. I do think if you're going to post attacks you should have the guts to post your name. Kind of like hunting from a deer blind huh, not a fair fight at all.
I love this post about Dennis!
Christine- I can't believe
how controversial your
blog is becoming-
It is an adventure every
time I read your comments!
Don't stop, you are making
us all think about these issues-
Great job!
Lucie
I'm also wondering which post the first anonymous was reading. i thought this post was wonderful, showing the love and happiness they have in their family.
Yes, she talked about underwear and sliding down the stairs on his tummy to show how loved he is. It is written as if it is Dennis speaking. A 2 year old isn't going to talk about how other people in the world may have more children with disabilites than his mommy, or that their disabilities may be more complicated. A 2 year old would talk about the fun things that help him to feel the love that his family has for him (like giggling with him over the underwear or sliding down the stairs with him).
Anon (the first one)- why don't you celebrate the difficulties your children have overcome and commend Christine for the wonderful job she is doing raising her children, instead of trying to make yourself out to be a martyr becuase of all you have been through. I didn't realise it was a competition to see who had the hardest life... kind of a sad thing to compete over if you ask me.
My young boys and I loved your post. They loved the pictures (me too), they were cute, fun, silly, and so normal for a little kid. I hope you make a new book for Dennis and include this post, it is sweet and full of love.
Regarding some of the other posts, I don't see how you are making yourself look good or making others feel bad. We all have our own stories that include hardship and joy. Sharing sweet moments about your own story shouldn't make others feel bad about themselves, and that wasn't your intention.
Jen
Beautiful post! Beautiful love!
Tears in my eyes.
Great post Dennis! I am happy to hear that you are so HAPPY! :D ... Because everyone deserves that!
I wonder what it is with toddlers and underwear? My daughter Alicia used to swipe her brother's (clean) undies while he was in the shower and wander all over the house with them. *lol* ... After finding Daddy's (not so clean) undies out of the hamper, we put bungie cord on the hamper to keep her out of it. *lol*
I think this is a wonderful reminder to everyone that we do not pity our children with differences. i know my little one is such a happy and good baby and I love him very much.
Dennis isn't the only one who puts undies on his head!lol
He is an amazing little boy....
Very sweetly written. Blessings to you all this Christmas Season and always.
Dennis - You are an amazing little boy! You are so very special & have the love & support that every child needs. You are so very blessed to have such wonderful parents & siblings.
Christine - This was the most beautiful post! You have a truly amazing family & a wonderful son. He just melts my heart!
What a good post. Makes me want to cry... ;)!
Here I go...
To the First Anonymous - What the ....? Where are you coming from? Christine wrote that post as if it were coming from her 2 year old. It was a very dear and sweet post and I was smiling as I read it. When I started reading your comment, I had to think what post at first that you were commenting on. Christine is not out to preach to her readers that she is up for Mother-of-the-Year. She is just writing about her family, life and thoughts. If your son is so violent, why is he at home where he might harm/injure/kill someone in the family? Doesn't sound like that is the safest/wisest for the family as a whole when he almost killed you. You sound like you are the one with the bitterness. As for the underwear, lighten up. All toddlers do that and I have an adorable picture of my daughter wearing underwear on her head and around her neck at the same age. I hate it when people leave nasty anonymous comments and hide behind the anonymous name.
Christine: A beautiful post that shows the love you have for your son. I agree that you need to print it out and put it in his scrapbook for the future.
Have a good day.
Wow, I love posts written from the child's perspective and it brought tears to my eyes.
What a way to ruin the moment Anon 1. Thanks.
I hope you are able to work through the bitterness you have in your life. Blessings to you and your family.
Christine,
I think the post was very well written. Sliding down the stairs is so much fun! My younger cousins still love to slide down the stairs at my grandparents' house. We had to ban my Grandfather from sliding down the stairs with the kids as his last trip wasn't too gracefully.
I thank you for always making an effort to paint a very real picture of your family - they aren't perfect but you are aware things could always be worse - its one of the reasons why I love to read your blog.
I am sorry someone had to try to ruin a wonderful post with a not-so-nice comment. Dennis is a beautiful child and I believe the love your family has for him will help him face whatever comes his way.
Dear Dennis,
You are so adorable! I never felt sorry for you as I know that God has made you just the way he wants you to be and has blessed you with a family that adores you...and has blessed them with you! Can't wait to see more pictures of your antics as you grow!
The anonymous poster who is so offended is clearly letting her own insecurities filter the way she reads this post. I am sorry she feels this way.
That said, I think the best way to deal with posts like that in the future is just ignore them. The point likely is to get us us all riled up. I am not sure if this is the same Anon poster from before, but in case it is, not responding may just be the fastest way to get it over with as soon as possible.
Christine, I loved this post. And Dennis is too cute!!!!
I love the post! It was written through the eyes of a two year old! How beautiful.
I appauld you for leaving the post that Anon #1 left. It is a shame that she has so much in her heart that she is not able to put to rest. We all know that when we lash out at others it is because our heart is hurting. So anon #1 may God touch your heart and heal your troubles and may you too be able to celebrate as christine does with her children.
Christine you are a blessing to so many people and we all thank you for sharing your life and being the best Mom you can be to all of your children.
It is so easy to talk about negatives and much harder to turn them into positives as noted by reading anon #1 comments. Let's just all pray that she finds peace and is able to rejoice in it.
I am blessed that you share all you do with us and please continue to do it. I love the way you posted this one....through the eyes of a two year old. Great creative post!
Cheryl
I wouldn't be worried about the posting of first anonymous. First, She just exposes herself, her intelligence and her character and secondly, Christine gets affirmation from the rest of her blogreaders (as they override anonymous's tiny voice) for the positive influence she has on others' lives. To these blogreaders-- Give yourself a gentle hug for the big and little kindnesses you do for others throughout your day. To first anonymous--keep spewing. To Christine--Please delete or edit if I came on too strong.
What's with all the drama???
Somebody's (Anon1) a little hostile today... eh?
Love the post! Love Dennis!!
And to show you a little more of that love, I just wanted to make sure you knew about the Haagen Dazs Pomegranate Chip ice cream. YUM! Hope they have it in a freezer case near you!!
Much love,
Karrie in IN
Aw Dennis ... you are so sweet! We are honored to have a glimpse into your family. Thank your Mommy for sharing, from the heart, open and honestly, with so much love. And my kids have been known to put underwear on their heads too ... cute cute!
It is a shame Daniel has no one like you to love him. He got stuck with Jane the Pain!
soooooo confused by anon.
Wow, are you kidding me?
Anon(1)I'm asking like many others:what blog have you been reading? Did she say anywhere I'm "the best mom in the world"? Or I'm "the only parent who can look past a childs difference or disability and love them"? Well, I didn't notice that. However, she did say that she could look past Dennis's eye and love him! And I don't see what is wrong about her saying that! And I totally understand why she is saying that too. Before my surgeries, I got a lot of those stares, and people even came to me and told me how sorry they were for me. And I just told them: Don't feel sorry for me, I'm loved very much and I have a good life, you can feel perhaps fell sorry for people who've got nothing, or my nine-weeks-old cousin who lies on a hospital bed with cancer fighting for his life, but don't feel sorry for me.
Christine, please don't stop this kind of posting just because of something like that thing with Anon(1) And anyway, you seem to bee a great mom!
and little do you know Denise, is how much the world of bloggers love you and how much you have touched our lives and how SMART your family is and have help me in ways I use to think in the past. God is GREAT!
HOLY Cow, what is with Anonymous number 1, This is your blog and you can write anything you want, its not a newspaper someone has to pay to read. What the heck!
Hi, i found your blog about a month ago and I think your family is amazing. You are an outstanding Mom and do a great job in everything life throws at you. And for little Denis what a little Darling.
Love your blog!!! What a great life you all have. I wish you the best of luck. by the way, block annoying people. World has too much drama, you need to focus on the task at hand. I would just set it up to accept whom you want, not whom want shock others. Do not let them have attention, they will wilt!
When Dennis gets older, he'll love this piece that "he wrote!" Good job, Dennis, dictating those beautiful words for your secretary/Mom to type.
Love,
JEB
That is awesome thanks for sharing.
My boys all did the undies on the head thing too! I ended up buying a lot of hats so they could all wear different hats instead of the undies, but for some reason, especially after a bath, they had to put the undies on their heads! **Nevermind those horrible anon messages. She hasn't had a nice thing to say since day one, but for some reason keeps coming back to read. Makes me think of 1 Timothy 6:4...
Hmmmm, Doesn't every well loved two year old think their Mommy is better than anyone in the whole wide world? (Just as it should be!) I think Dennis spoke his mind very well! ;)I bet he could write an equally wonderful post about his amazing Daddy too. =)
By the way, my 3 year old LOVES to put on underwear. If she gets to the laundry before I have a chance to put it away she will have on several pairs.... She goes for the "layered" look. And yes she has on many occasions added on the ones she finds in the dirty clothes as well! ;)
Christine, I love how you desribe that first rocking/cuddling time where Dennis is nuzzled in your neck. I remember the first time Nastia did that...although it took a year I think! It was well worth the wait. I don't know what it is about your little guy, but I just adore reading about him. There is such a sweetness about him, and I can feel it all the way over here, on the other coast!
Your family is beautiful, and so is your love for each of them.
Wow...blogging at such a young age! impressive :)
that was a lovely post Dennis!
Dennis is absolutely soo cute! I love him so much although I've never met him, only seen pics. God created something special there! Praying for you and your family! Merry Christmas!
wow #1 Anmymous,what was that all about???
Christine, my Julia LOVES to wear underwear on her head too! For some reason she finds her brothers all the time.. Clean or not. yuk! I personally think it is because it reminds her of the little tight head scarfs they put on them in russia. We bought one while there and she still loves to wear it too!
Take care,
erica h
Hello Mrs Reed,
I have been reading about you wonderful family for some time! This wonderful to see your family interact!
I myself am beginning to investigate adoption, but I can seem to find info on this topic.
Click on the link to view the question:
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081212053713AAeYKk7&r=w
I would appreciate any advice you, or other bloggers can give.
Restpectfully,
Anja
Beautiful post. Christine. I am behind on reading blogs as we are in Izmayl adopting Mattea, and trying to catch up, and this post brought tears to my eyes. What a little blessing he is!
Hi. Thanks for whoever said you could use Name/URL instead of anonymous. I'll try to use it more, as I don't have a blog.
I have loved many months of "lurking", especially when it comes to Dennis. And to be honest, I at first, had trouble dealing with how Dennis looks. But over the months, and the wonderful posts, I have begun to look at a very loved child, and who has the very best family in the world for him. Christine has taught me so much. I now only "see" Dennis-- A beautiful individual who is surrounded by love. This post affirmed what I always thought and have been taught by Christine about Dennis. Hats off to you,
Laurie
Well, Christine - I see controversy has exploded again. I just wanted to say that I just caught up on all your recent posts and say HI! I'm so happy to see that your old house sold. Though it's sad to say goodbye, I'm sure it is a financial blessing to have it sold. Especially in this market. I love reading about your family and your "stick in there and trust God with the results" attitude. You are a wonderful witness to your readers. I pray that you won't get discouraged. Love, Tracy
Totally agreeing with anon #1 here.
Okay, I got very teary eyed on your post. What a beautiful post. I have always looked at the pictures of Dennis and I never really stare at his eye. I stare at his whole face and the happiness that he has. He is a very beautiful boy and your right, he is very loved.
Now on to the Anonymous reader......WOW. I will pray for you. Visit church and feel God's love then maybe you can see the beauty in this post. I see in my own eyes a beautiful boy who was saved! Your love has done so much for this boy. You gave him a chance and if you want to post a thousand more posts like this, I'm there with you reading them.
Awwww - this is the sweetest post! I just love it! No, precious, Dennis. I do not feel sorry for you one bit. You have the best family anyone could ever ask for. Your family loves you so much and I am so happy all of you have each other. What great siblings you have to change your diapers. That is awesome! And sliding down the stairs is so much fun. :) And I love your birthday gift. YAY you can run now and get into more things - haha. I am so happy for you! I love you, sweet Dennis. I wish I could give you a big hug and hold you in my arms.
Christine and Dennis,
Beautiful post! Dennis is SO cute and precious!! I love the pic of him coming down the stairs...
God bless!
Amy
Christine, By the time I read this beautiful post there were already so many comments that I didn't bother to leave another. I didn't realize it was another "anonymous war".
Let me tell you, I had one child who absolutely loved hats. He wore everyting on his head from actual hats, to plastic buckets, to... you guessed it, underwear. What a hilarious sight it was to see him sporting a bright red pair of underwear on his head one day. (It was clean.) I wish I had a photograph, instead the moment is etched in my memory. It still brings a smile to my face seventeen years later.
No feeling sorry here. Pity will never help your little guy deal with the harsh reality of life. Instead, mega-doses of love and encouragement. You go, girl!
Christine - I came across your blog last week and haven't been able to stop reading since - I think I went all the way back until about 3 weeks after Dennis came home.
I can't even tell you the enormous amount of respect and admiration I have for you and your husband (and your children!). You guys all amaze me and I am SO GLAD to know there are people like you in this world.
This post totally got me teary eyed at all the love this wonderful, amazing little boy is receiving - especially considering what his life would be like right now if you'd never seen him! Praise God for YOU and your merciful, loving heart for adoption. :)
I've subscribed and plan on reading here as long as you're around. I have a heart for adoption as well, though I'm just pregnant with our second (and last biological) child so it will probably be several years before we're in a good place to welcome another bundle into our home, but you're truly a shining light of God's love and grace and I'm SO BLESSED to have found this blog of yours!!!
I actually thought maybe anon #1's comments were about another post...they are so disjointed from the actual post topic I didn't see how they could possibly be related. But, I see that they are supposed to be.
Anon #1, I think it is interesting that you say the anger is "clear as day," yet the only anger I see is in your comments and choice of wording. There does not seem to be any "hard work" put in that post; it was the natural outpouring of a mother's heart. Never has Christine said she is the only parent to look past a child's disabilities or differences, nor was that the focus of the post. Nor has she ever alluded to being the "best mom" in the world. Maybe you missed the previous posts a few days earlier "I don't have it together?" Perhaps before you make such blanket assumptions about a person's intent, you should ready more than one post. YOU on the other hand seem jealous, full of anger, and sad. I'm sorry if you feel like you are not getting the recognition you deserve. But Christine isn't raising her children for recognition. And from what I got, the point of the posts was merely that Dennis doesn't need your pity because he has a wonderful, loving family at home. So, you don't need to feel sorry for him; feel sorry for someone else who needs help and pity. All you need to do is celebrate with him; love and celebrate and enjoy him-that is all.
Christine, I hope I didn't say anything that upsets you. I just don't understand why people feel the need to attack you...and anonymously. If you want to say something rude, put your face and name up there when you do it, you know? Don't hide behind a gray avitar. Your post made me teary...I know what you mean. You are lucky to have Dennis, and he is lucky to have you. Just thinking about how God brought you all together gives me chills. It's wonderful; truly wonderful.
Erica
You touched me more then you know. Thankyou for that. Ill try to be more patient and understanding with my own daughter. Your right that every moment counts, for every child.
trisha
momdot.com
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