November is that wonderful time of year filled with pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, and the excitement of Black Friday sales. It’s a month where we celebrate not just the season of gratitude but also National Adoption Month—a time dedicated to honoring the joy of finding families for children in need. This dual celebration resonates deeply with me, as two of my children are adopted, and adoption has always been a normal part of my family dynamics.
As an adoptive parent, I often encounter a barrage of intrusive, awkward, or simply bizarre questions about adoption. While I typically respond with a smile and a vague excuse to escape the conversation—“Oh, I must check on my cat’s nail trimming”—I sometimes wish I could share my true thoughts. Here’s how I’d like to respond to those curious minds:
- Can’t you have any children of your own?
Nope! I’m lacking a uterus and my fallopian tubes are no longer functional thanks to endometriosis. It’s a topic I’d love to dive into if you’re interested in my medical history! - What happened to their real mom?
Honestly, I’m not sure! But these lively little ones woke me at 5 AM today, asking for breakfast. Seems pretty real to me! By the way, are those your real eyebrows? - How much did they cost?
They were free, but the shipping and handling fees were quite high! Speaking of costs, how much did you shell out for that fancy car of yours? - Do you know Angelina Jolie?
Absolutely! Just yesterday, we were chatting about our plans to hit the drive-thru for some snacks. Of course, I know of famous adoptive parents; we all have our own little circles! - Why did you adopt from China instead of your own country?
I adopted from the human race, which I believe is a step in the right direction! By the way, when will you be discussing your imported shoes from Indonesia? - Now that you’ve adopted, do you think you’ll get pregnant?
Oh, we’re still on the topic of my anatomy? Just kidding. See my first point! - Are you planning to tell them they’re adopted?
It’ll depend on how perceptive they turn out to be. If they notice the obvious differences, we’ll have that talk when they hit their teenage years and start questioning the world. - You’re a saint for giving those poor children a good home.
You bet I am! But I really must dash now; the kids are calling for snack time!
If you’re curious about the journey of adoption or want to explore options for starting a family, there’s a wealth of information available. Check out this great resource on intrauterine insemination or learn more about at-home options through this informative post. For those interested in DIY methods, Make a Mom’s BabyMaker is a fantastic authority on the subject.
In summary, while adoption questions can often feel invasive, I embrace the opportunity to share my experiences and educate others. November, filled with gratitude and family, serves as a perfect backdrop to celebrate the beauty of adoption.