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Willow's Surgery + Recovery | Monday Musings

Willow's Surgery + Recovery | Monday Musings

A few weeks ago, my 8-month old baby underwent major surgery. We knew from the moment we met her it would happen one day, but it was still a scary and difficult time in our lives. I shared some about what this looked like on social media but I wanted to wait until we were through the worst parts to write about it on the blog. Here we are, with life mostly back to normal, and there are so many things to share about what she went through and what I've learned because of it.

There's always a fine line between sharing Willow's story and not oversharing what she's been through, and in this case I am simply withholding what, exactly, her surgery was. I am happy to talk about the details in person because it's not a secret, but it's part of her story...and I never want to share more than she would want me to later in life.

That said, I can share that her surgery had to do with her mouth and, therefore, was mostly a challenge because it disrupted her feeding. But let me start on day one...

My Biggest Mistake as a Mom | Monday Musings

My Biggest Mistake as a Mom | Monday Musings

Many blogs are difficult for me to write (see a couple here and here), but this one is surprisingly easy. The idea came after I spent a weekend with family talking about life, motherhood, and what I've learned along the way. The road has been surprisingly easy, even if the newborn phase was hard in a lot of ways, and I am truly thankful for the little girl sleeping ever so sweetly upstairs right now. She has rocked my world in the best way.

The thing about any transition - whether moving, a new job, or marriage is that it can bring out the best and the worst in a person. Transitions are difficult. They make us rise to the challenge and reveal where we struggle to face what lies ahead. My biggest transition of the last year has been becoming a mom. In just 7 short months I have made countless mistakes and in the spirit of honesty - and showing that a beautiful life doesn't mean everything is easy - I wanted to share my biggest mistake today.

I could say that my biggest mistake is...

The Top 5 Questions about Willow | Personal

The Top 5 Questions about Willow | Personal

I truly wish adoption was more common and normal and that everyone at least considered the possibility, but right now I am grateful for the leaps and bounds made in the last few decades. Being adopted is no longer shameful or taboo, and the amount of people who have celebrated our family’s addition is incredible. The kindness everyone has shown completely overwhelms us in the best possible way.

For those not familiar with the process (which is most people!) I realized I tend to answer the same questions over and again. While I never mind doing that, I thought I would write down all the answers for those who have not yet gotten to ask – or might be too scared of saying something wrong! So that you can know more about adoption and we can celebrate the gift of Willow, here are the five most common questions people ask about our baby girl...