BLOG GUESTBOOK
Hello Johnson-McCormick Family Blog Readers!!!
This blog is a lot of fun for us -- but it is even more fun when we know who is actually reading it!
If you're a regular reader, or even if you're just stopping by, please sign here!
Please take 60 seconds of your time to do us a big favor and post a "comment" here... Of course, you can do this for any blog post on our blog- We're just making a special request that you do it for this one so we can see who's visiting. Just click on "comments" right here- on the bottom right-hand-corner of this post... and just write something to let us know who you are. Consider it our Blog Guestbook... etiquette says that it is rude to not sign it! Please sign it!
Thanks for reading!
~ Heather & Braydon
142 comments:
You know John and I are reading it! ;)
Heather,
Every single time I look at this blog and see the (hysterical/beautiful) pictures of the boys (and you and Braydon!), I cannot believe how much they have grown since last Spring. It doesn't seem possible that they have gotten so big in such a short period of time...
I am pretty sure that Kyle and Owen will remain 2 in my mind forever...running around the basement, smashing the front door of the television stand into the tv (with you and Braydon being completely cool with it), Neil and I hearing little giggles on the baby monitor and giggling ourselves, watching them eat (or something) yogurt and pizza, chasing them around the backyard (remember when ALL they wanted to do was go into the woods?? the ONE place that was not really the best place for playing?)...
As much as I cannot believe they are so much bigger and that they are actually speaking so much, I stalk this blog (my obsession with it is actually a little scary and yes, I am an addict) for all of the new stories and new accomplishments and of course, new pictures of your family. I don't know what it is like to be a mother, but I do know that I am so excited to see how Kyle and Owen continue to grow. I guess I am just saying that despite having to let the baby-hood days (that you mentioned in your blog from yesterday--yes, I have them memorized) turn into fond memories, you all have so many adventures awaiting!
I miss you guys, and I LOVE this blog. (So does Neil, but he truly is an addict in hiding...)
Love, Maggie
Waters family!!!!!!!!!
Everyday first thing I check out the blog to see my grandsons and what's happening at the Johnson-McCormick household! xo Mom
Yep, I read your blog. I love it! I can't remember exactly where I first found the link to your blog (maybe the Livesays' blog??), but it was through a Haiti adoption connection. You don't know me, but my husband and I are adopting from Haiti, and were thinking of twins (boys!), so I love the insight, funny stories, and photos. It makes it more real for us! I hope you don't mind me following along on your journey as we wait for our referral!
Heather,
I check in everyday to read your words and see pics of those beautiful babies. I am an avid blog reader, especially adoptive families. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Connie in NJ
I am here too, a stranger, but not a scary one, well, better ask John and Laura about that one:)- I linked this site from the Slippery tiger blog. I am glad you put this up, I was not sure if I should barge onto the blog and introduce myself or what, not being really up to the minute saavy on blog norms.
BTW- My 12 year old son is named Brayden. . . .:)
Michele
Cathy and I are regulars! And sometimes Graham listens in, too!
Ann-Elise and Cathy
As I recently e-mailed to Heather, I'm a huge fan of this blog! Even though I don't yet have children, I feel like I'm getting a lot of insight that I'm storing away for the future. And, more than anything, I'm really in love with what a wonderful family unit you all are together. Thanks for sharing your lives with us, and keep up the great posts!
Warmly,
Karen
I absolutely LOVE your blog, even think it could be turned into a book (of course you have nothing else to do with your time). It's such a great way to start the day. And it will be an incredibly fabulous treasure for the boys when they grow up, so it must be preserved.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to figure out how to sign up to comment. Braydon gave me some advice but apparently it wasn't enough for this antique, non-internet expert or even part of today's world person. Anyhow, at least there's email.
So carry on!!!!!!!
Gail
Hey-
We do not get here every day ... but every week or two ---- you know what you can do? You can put a FREE site meter on your blog and it tells you how many hits you get a day ... it will give you the location (city and state) of the hit as well. We use SITE METER. It is kind of fun -- plus then you know you are not writing to just your parents and in-laws. ;-)
Tara
MelDownard said...
I tried to post to your guest book, but I think I lost it. Anyway, I LOVe reading your blog. In fact, I think I'm kind of addicted! Thanks for sharing your lives and your beautiful pictures with us. The potty training - I can so relate to. We're not there with Nolan yet either (He just turned 3) We do well with the poopies, but not so well with the pee! He's perfectly content to just let it drizzle down his leg! I told him now that he's 3 he needs to wear big boy underwear all the time, and we're sticking to it, but we have LOTS of laundry! As far as the soap and hand washing, our favorite is the foam pump soap - it lasts much longer and doesn't make quite as much mess! (Yes, I've cleaned up an entire bottle of the liquid hand soap when Nolan thought he'd take it upon himself to wash his hands!
I am a reader guys! XOXO -Robin
I just started reading your blog and I love it!
xoxo,
Patricia
Hi, I just found your blog today. I love it ( I followed a link from "n")Your blog is a great read. I am mum to 2 boys who were adopted domestically. I like finding blogs about other families like ours. My boys are 18months and 4 years and we have 2 busy careers as well! I checked out some earlier entries, they are all great! Your boys are gorgeous. How do you fix their hair? It looks fantastic.(I just give mine a very short haircut!)
Laura said I was reading it, and see?!? I do! She didn't lie! Huzzah for truth! Huzzah for K&O! Huzzah for the word Huzzah!
Kenty-Drane Family here! I LOVE keeping up with you guys and K & O this way. I really miss not seeing my godsons more, but I truly feel grateful that they've got such great parents and such busy and interesting (and healthy) lives. I know Sister Kate reads too!
Auntie Jessie
Certainly your family reminds me of Rachel Carson telling us that, "...If children are to keep alive their inborn sense of wonder, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share, rediscovering with them the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
I'm glad to be a part, though unseen, of a very large fan club of you Braydon since you were born and Heather because she is your wife, and oh those grand young boys you chose to grow your family.
annette from south carolina
Hi and finally I too am able to follow these 2 darling little boys on their journey.It is usually one of the first things I read in the morning I am really anxious to find out all the new "stuff" they are doing and saying. Bless you all and I know you are having a wonderful time all loving each other to pieces and dicovering so many 'things" together .How do you ever have time to work full time too????Looking forward to seeing you all this summer I hope. Hugs to you all ..Carin
Hi Heather & Braydon - I don't know where to start - I don't even have a digital camera let alone know how to start a Kimmons family Blog! Well done! This is such a wonderful thing you've done for your family. I'm just so happy that I'm totally secure with my own career having, 2yr old raising, pregnant butt growing, somewhat neglectful wife acting, technically challenged, undeveloped rolls and rolls of film of child having, granparents have no pictures whining, ti(red) sociologist whose freezing in Chicago, and not intimidated one bit by this site.
Hi - I'm not quite sure how I found your blog, but I did today. It's been so nice to read it and see another family who is transracial. We adopted domestically and our boys are AA, so even with that difference, we are much alike in dealing with others' views/questions about adoption. I started at the beginning of your blog, and I'll be trying to catch up. Nice to "meet" you.
I found your blog tonight. My husband and I are adopting a little boy from Haiti.Jonas. Feel free to read my blog.
And yes I am addicted to reading blogs. My favorites blog folder is getting bigger and bigger! LOL
Your boys are beautiful!
Hi. I have been reading your blog since you posted comments on shannon's blog a few months back. Now I'm looking forward to reading Heather's book, too! Yours, a fan in Georgia
Greetings from BMD. It is a pleasure to visit you and your lovely family in blogland. Seeing the radiant faces of those beautiful boys makes me smile.
Best to you always,
Jasai
Hi Heather,
I just loved your Food Snobs blog(capital F and S :)). I'm on the Community Marketing team at Annie's and give props to Kyle and Owen for being the conscious eaters that they are!
We would love to hear from you! Leave us a comment and tell them I sent you. :)
Heather, I check in every couple of days to see what's new with your twins. Wished we lived closer I think my twins (girls) and your boys would be great together! ha ha.....
I love your blog.
Rony
This is the second time I've come across your blog. I googled baby blog addict this time. I'm not sure how I got to it last time. I love this guest sign-in post and that you added it to your front page. You have an amazing story.
My husband and I started a personal baby blog when I was pregnant with my son in March 2005. Over the past two years what developed was nothing short of an addiction for us and so many of our friends who have baby blogs. So, we decided to create a meeting place for all baby blog addicts. Hence, www.babyblogaddict.com was born.
I just did a post last week about adoption since we have a few friends who have shared their journeys on their own blogs, and we have a category on our forum about adoption too.
Stop by if you get a chance.
It's great to see other multiracial families on the web. I've been reading your blog for a few months. I just started writing about multiracial family life at www.multiracialsky.wordpress.com
I love to read about other families that are experiencing some of the same things we are.
Hi Heather - hello from Canada.
I just found your blog from your comment on Mayhem & Magic ("More About Raising Black Boys").
I'm digging the pictures of your boys on the beach :-)
I am adopting from Ethiopia, but had considered Haiti for a while there so it's great to see your sons frolicking around so happily.
I look forward to catching up on your blog.
I don't know how I missed signing this. I have been reading your blog for a long time! Your boys are gorgeous.
http://sandycovetrail.wordpress.com
Hi Heather - it's Deneen.
I just thought I would drop you a quick note to say it was great to meet you and your family this past weekend at the Reunion. I love your blog and read it every day.
Deneen
I'm not sure who had a link to your blog but I always enjoy looking at blogs of multiples. I am Laura and I am planning on adopting from Ethiopia. I had never considered Haiti, but maybe for #2. (Need to adopt #1 and get used to being a mom first!!) I thought I would sign this since I, too, wonder who's reading my blog. I think I'll steal this idea! Your boys are cute!
Laura
www.mommyin2008.blogspot.com
I just noticed this link, I love your blog, it gets me thinking, and I need to better a better parent and hopefully you can help. Also, could you post or list your favorite books for black children on your side bar, that would be great.
Hello there :)
You came by and visited my blog today..."people-person" boy, oh yes...it's me.
I have been by your blog before - a link off of the Water's...your PA reunion photos....beautiful, it looked like so much fun!
I love your blog and will be back again (and again)!!
Take care - Mandy
Hi, Heather,
I just found your guestbook. I love your blog and it was so fun meeting you and your beautiful family at the reunion a few weeks back. I'm a faithful reader!!
Love,
Kristie F.
Hi Heather,
When one adopts from Haiti or has traveled to Haiti something profound happens. Linking together like we do via blogging is a great way to connect to this country we've come to love.
Your boys are adorable!
marcia erickson
providence ministries
Hi there from Ontario, Canada....I check you blog almost everyday! My daughter loves to see the pix of your boys. We are a family of various races and love to hear your thoughts and strategies on parenting and adoption. After seeing and hearing of your boys antics, one 6 year old girl with attitude doesn't seem so challenging!!!LOL
Take care, Janet (chancesmom)
God bless you for what you are doing! It was a delight stumbling upon this page when I was looking for dreadlock info. It really encouraged me seeing the love you have for these kids!
Hi, I've been reading your blog for about six months; don't remember how I found it in the first place, but something about it keeps me coming back. What I like best about it is how you focus on the positive and celebrate the small (and big!) joys in life. It inspires me to do the same with my family.
Ellen
Hi! Found this on a link of another adoptive mom's blog. I'm an adoptive mom myself. Also an aunt to an adoptee from Ethiopia.
Interested in reading about other adoptive and transracial families.
LOVE your blog! The kids are adorable, and the photos superb!
Hi Heather! Kerry told me you had a blog, and I love checking it out. You have such a knack for sharing your family stories...it's great! Your boys are simply adorable!
Hi guys! We are back in the blogging world and if you don't mind I linked you guys to my blog! We had a little change with our adoption (oh! the ups and downs!) but we are on the right track now & have a new blog to match...
Me again - our blog is:
http://onebigandboldfamily.blogspot.com/
I stumbled upon your blog while reading a friend's - I enjoyed reading it a lot! I lived in Haiti for 3 years (1999-2002), and I *love* seeing kids with a love-filled life!
Only one problem as I can see it - as a PhD candidate in Sociology (studying Haitian immigration) - this blog reading is keeping me from my dissertation! A small price to pay for getting a wonderful glimpse into your life (where I am encouraged again that a meaningful career AND family are possible)
So, mesi anpil! (thanks so much!)
Tricia
tricia.vanderkooy@gmail.com
How beautiful!! Thank you for adopting these children! My family is from Haiti so I love to see Haitian children in happy situations with parents who are so deliberate and loving. Thank you!
Have no idea how I arrived at your blog, but I think nothing happens by accident. I think you guys are a cool family, and I am enjoying reading the posts. It seems as if you are enjoying your children immensely, which is something I wish for every parent. Thanks for living your intentional life and sharing it.
Greetings from Alabama!I am blown away by your intentional life! Your boys are truly blessed to belong to such caring parents. I have no idea how I managed to get your site, but it's not an accident. You have a truly beautiful family. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us. BTW, I think the baby dolls are awesome!
Hi there! I just wrote this post out, but I got an error message but if for some reason it did work and you get this twice, I apologize!
My name is Nikki and I am a Unversity student in Ontario, Canada studying to be a social worker. I think your little boys are absolutely adorable, and so funny! I went to the Dominican last summer on a humanitarian trip (built schools, worked in orphanage, etc.) and this is when my interest in poverty was sparked. I met so many Haitian refugees there who influenced me so much, so now I have been trying to find as much as much info/blogs about Haiti as I can with the hopes of going there one day. Next summer I am back to the DR for a month, but the summer after that is going to be either Haiti or Ethiopia!
Nikki
Amy and I read it faithfully! You guys are great! I hope you will read our new blog as well.
I think Robyn already posted a comment in your guest book. We started the adoption "process" in August. We were on the road to adopting from Haiti, but instead we have been matched with a baby from Guatemala. Welcome to the adoption rollercoaster! We would love for you to read our blog, but we at this time we are keeping it a permission only blog. Please email us at chaznamy@aol.com so we can add your name to our list. Thanks for the humor and great advice you include in your blog!
Amy & Robyn
My mother-in-law found your blog and forwarded it to me; I was discussing longer hairstyles for boys, and she immediately directed me to your site. I'm so glad she did! Although I don't usually ask favors of complete strangers, I'd love to know where you discovered your bottom page element, "Radical Families Shift the Horizon." If you created it: Can I "borrow" it? Absolutely fabulous :)
Hi! I just found your blog..your kids are beautiful. We are adopting 2 boys from Haiti..one with long hair that i am terrified about!
Oh how exciting! I found your blog from Renee's. I have loved reading about your very HANDSOME boys! Wow your adoption in Haiti went so fast. We are in the process and we have a few bumps along the way. We started the process in March of 07 and are thinking it will take us about 2 years. I loved hearing about your boys talking about how they were born or where they came from. We adopted our son Elijah 5 years ago and we answer a lot of questions regarding his birthmom. Each time he can handle a little more and each time he asks he can recant more each time. It has been wonderful. I look forwarding to following your posts!
Tanya
I happened across your blog searching for a "Haitian nativity" to add to my collection, since we have two of our own Haitian sons. Sounds like you're having as good a time as we are! :) Jwe Nwel!
Wow . . . I ran across the bookmark to your blog in my Virgin Gorda folder (we leave in 32 days!!) and was thrilled to hear about your pregnancy . . . congrats!
Hmm . . . when were you at Island Dream??? SHould I be careful about "drinking the water" when we're there?!?!? lol
I'll be sure to send you the link to our trip report when we get back and thanks again for all your advice (especially on good restaurants!!)
-Tamsen Towle
Hi there..
I was referred to your blog by a fellow adoptive parent. I have enjoyed catching up with some of your more recent posts. Most of my blogging friends are/have adopted from Vietnam because that is where our journey began a year ago...then we switched to a domestic adoption.
I really enjoyed your last post on the grocery store visit...I have experienced similar things to description #1.
Oh- and, my little one was born with a umbilical hernia so I am curious if he too, will have to some day have the surgery for repair.
Anyway, I look forward to following along.
Dear Brayden, Heather, Kyle and Owen,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading you blog and hearing about how your life together unfolds. K & O are the sweetest most adorable boys and I know they will make wonderful big brothers to "Baby Sister". Congratulations on your baby to be and for being great parents already.
I'm excited for you all!
Most sincerely,
Anessa Arehart
Louisville, KY
I happened on your blog as I was looking for tips on starting my locs. It was so enthralling that I ended up reading most of your post and I have to say that you have the most beautiful family. - inside and out.
congratulations to you both and the kids.
Seeni
Hi Heather,
my name is Gianluca Parravicini and I'm writing to you from Italy. I've read your blog accurately and I find it very interesting. I would like to interview you in my site ilparra. It's an open space which covers a wide range of topics, there are a lot of contents in Italian and Spanish, links to documentaries in several languages, it is visited by readers from Italy, Spain, France, USA, Canada, Southamerica, and other countries. I have in mind an interview where you can tell about yourself, your job, your country and whatever you want. I would send you the questions and you could answer them in the way you prefer.
The interview will be also translated into Italian so that a larger number of readers can understand it.
Awaiting for your reply. Best wishes.
Gianluca Parravicini
http://ilparra.myblog.it
e-mail: gianluca.parravicini@alice.it
What a great blog! My daughters birth father and family are from Haiti and we almost decided to adopt from there. Its nice to drop in every once in a while :)
www.BlueCollarAdoption.com
Just wanted to let you know that I'm reading and I think your boys are adorable!!!! I have one boy and can't imagine if there were two of him!!!!! Kudos!!!
Mel and Morgan
Hi,
I am addicted to your blog. I have 10 month old twins and a 3 year old. I love reading about your boys' antics. I consider it "research" into what lies ahead for me in the twin toddler years. I hope I can handle it with as much grace and humor as you do.
Keep the updates coming!
All the best,
Katie from CT
Love your blog!
Hi from a waiting Mum in France
Love your Blog and your beautiful kids ! so sound and refreshing ! I'm curious to know the recipe for the dreadlocks ! might try the same when our baby comes home !
Thanks for sharing your joyful spirit with the world !
Natalie
I read it :-)
and really enjoy it, too.
Thanks for sharing.
Emilie
Hello, just found your blog today and am really enjoying your posts and pictures very much! We are also a tranracial family and we have 3 kids. 4, 3 and 9 months. I have a hair question for you - may I email you?
Melissa
Heather,
I check up on your blog very often.
Your boys are beutiful. I too have adopted from Haiti,and of course it was a boy. His name James Quing
Ive also adopted a set of twins from China,Kayla Chang and Mia Moelli.Low in behold me and my husband are adopting again from China,a boy,Max Joingt.James is 7
Kayla and Mia are 4.Max is 9 months
-Shawna
Hello from Alaska!
I went to Haiti in 1999 when I was 14 to work in orphanages and clinics in Port-au-Prince. What I saw and experienced there changed my life. Your boys remind me of the good side of Haiti that I saw, the joy and the beauty of the children I worked with. They help me remember more than the tragedies.
I found your blog from my sister's (spruceambafamily). She has adopted a wonderful son from Ethiopia and is working on their second adoption from Africa. Your blog gives me insight into my nephew's life, and the things they (we) face together as a family,and how to face them with grace and humor!
Thanks for your insights and your humor, and thanks for the wonderful encouragement your boys have given me!
Courtney
hi from minneapolis. im a 28 yr old considering adoption someday. i love reading about your family and how you create the home you have.
Hi Heather and Braydon,
JJ sent me the link to your blog and it is an amazing journal of your family. It's funny, interesting and informative. Kevin and I just had boy #2 in December and we named him Owen :) I wish you speed in your delivery and good wishes for a happy and healthy baby girl.
Love,
Sarah Carlson Arndt
Heather & Braydon,
I think I'm speechless. My partner and I are gay dads who, last year, adopted infant Haitian twins (brother and sister)born in the U.S.
Their hair has been driving us crazy because, until now, it's been too short to do much with. But now, we need to invest some serious time in learning to style their hair, especially now that everyone keeps commenting on how adorable our boys are. And I'm sure our daughter would be less than impressed if she were older than 16 months.
So we've seriously been considering locs, especially for our son. His hair is extremely thick, kinky and coarse. Our daughter's hair, on the other hand, is still thin and fairly silky, so we're still trying to figure out what to do with her hair.
At any rate, I was researching dreadlocks on kids and stumbled across your blog. I've ignored so many things I needed to do today because I couldn't stop reading.
I only recently started my own blog. It's a bit more sporadic, and a lot less censored, but feel free to drop by, if you'd like.
I guess, as it turns out, I wasn't speechless after all! This has really made my day! You have a gorgeous family! All the best to you!
Bryan
I echo the thanks of others for your honesty and transparency in your posts. Thank you for sharing your family's journey. (If you are so inclined, pop me and email, I have some questions for you.)
Peace and blessings to the new little one on her way.
Kim
Hello Johnson-McCormick Family:
I came across your blog through another blog and would like to introduce myself. I also live in Bucks County PA and have a 5 month old son. My husband and I are considering adopting our next child, though right now we are still trying to wrap our heads around the first one :)
I find your posts entertaining, informative, and very thought-provoking. They help me think a lot about various adoption, racial, social, and parenting issues. I am a 1st generation Asian American who grew up in a predominately white suburb in Massachusetts, so I can certainly relate to some of your recent posts.
Heather- good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and delivery. I remember the last couple weeks seemed to drag on forever!
Take Good Care.
I have a 5 1/2 yr old son born in Ethiopia, and happened on your blog through other interracial family blogs.
Congratulations on your new baby !
She is so cute, I'm sure her beautiful brothers will loooove taking care of her.
Anna
So many congratulations on your new baby! A baby girl is like a sweet piece of pie...EVERY DAY!
xo,
Jasai
BMD
I'm glad I found this blog! I plan to adopt in the distant future (I'm only 22 now). There are so many children out there waiting for safe loving home. As a Caribbean woman I'll be adopting from the islands. I'll be sure to keep your family in my prayers!
Lys
Hello.
I am glad for the opportunity to introduce myself to you. I have been reading your blog for quite awhile now. I found your blog through a link given by the Livesays in Haiti.
I have four children, 5 and under (no twins, three boys and one daughter)and really enjoy reading about your busy family.
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter and God Bless your new family.
Hi! I read your blog daily. I spent a month working in orphanages in Haiti way back in 1999. My husband and I have five wonderful kids. One from Ethiopia and we are working on number six, also from Ethiopia. Your children are beautiful. Keep up the good work.
God is able to create beautiful things with the proper ingredients. What a blessing that you had the right recipe! Your family is scrumptuous!
What gorgeous photographs. We are considering adopting a child from Haiti and I stumbled across your blog. My youngest DD, age 11, since seeing the photos here wants to adopt twins and wants them to have dreadlocks too.
Congratulations on your newest addition. Your family is beautiful.
Erin from Buffalo
I am a Haitian woman growing locs as well and it really warmed my heart to see how much those little boys are loved. I came upon this blog quite randomly but I will be back. Stay blessed.
Keisha
Your boys are absolutely beautiful!! Their happiness is reflected in their radiant smiles and warms my heart! Thank you for being courageous, loving and caring to your Haitian boys. Thank you for being informed, concerned, and mindful parents. Thank you for sharing your being genuine and honest in sharing your family's story. Your family reminds me of the love and kindness that exists in the world.
Heather & Braydon,
Were you happy with your adoption agency? We are trying to find one and it's hard to know which one might be a good fit for us. Just looking for some advice or comments on your experience.
Thanks.
Erin
You twin boys are beautiful. I am too a mother of twin boys. Total children four boys and a I am mother with dreds too!
God Bless,
Kim
I have been reading for several months from Chile, where we live as missionaries and where we will (hopefully) soon bring home our two boys from Haiti!
GOD bless,
Stephanie Garcia
Hello. I mostly lurk on your blog, I think I commented once. I stumbled upon your page through multiracialsky.wordpress.com while doing research on transracial adoption. It is such a joy to read about your family and it is really great to hear/read from people who communicate so well in writing. Your work is appreciated.
I can't tell you how much I love your blog, and I'm in withdrawal now with your computer ailments. I'm sure my friends and family are completely sick of hearing me talk about your blog and your family as if I know you, but I can't help it! I find that your blog really teaches me so many things and causes me to think. My husband & I are in the home study phase of our adoption. Feel free to read our blog, too, though it's nowhere near as interesting and well-written as your own.
Sign me,
Your Great Admirer, Dawn
Oh! And I meant to ask you to please post the 4-year-old picture of the boys by the tree down the left-hand column of the page (under the 3-mo, 8-mo, 1-yr, 2-yr and 3-yr photos). I love those photos!
Hello, I just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed reading your blog since I stumbled upon it a few days ago. I really enjoy your mixture of humor and seriousness, as well as, all your tips from books to read to hair products to use. We also are "a cute family" of white parents to a beautiful chocolatey 1 yr old boy (and hoping to add Ethipoian twins to our family very soon), and I can relate to/learn from many of your posts. Thank you for taking the time to blog and give us a glimpse into your lives. Congratulations on your new baby!
Best regards,
Kate Larson from NC
Your blog is massively inspiring. It's given me (and others, I'm sure) an entirely new idea of how to create my future family. Kyle and Owen aren't the only orphaned babies who will grow up with parents because of you.
Thank you!
Nicolle
Thanks, I really enjoy reading your blog! I have a 5 1/2 year old son and 3 1/2 year old twin boys. We also have many, many, many bubbles in our sinks and yes, the floors too!!
Kirsten from California
You have a beautiful family.
Heather & Braydon,
I must confess that I am a huge J-M Family blog addict. Heather, your mom told me about the blog a few months back while you were waiting for Meera to arrive and I have been hooked since. I love the way you both write about the antics of your beautiful boys! Can't wait to read about Meera as she grows. You should be proud of all that you both have accomplished. I hope this finds you well, Jenn Lerz
Our friends the Allens just sent your blog to us and I've been trapped in your wonderful world for almost an hour. I used to spend a vacation month every year working at an orphanage and school near Croix-de-Bouquet, Haiti and just love the country and the children. Since becoming a mom I haven't been back and I miss them. We are also a 2-career, busy, blogging family. Please swing by our blog when you have a moment. http://ilayda-okan.blogspot.com
Bless you on your journey and enjoy it! Thanks for sharing your lives. *alisa
Such a fluent and articulate writer, such a beautiful family. A true joy to read.
Thank you so much for sharing glimpses into your family! The pictures are wonderful and I wanted to ask permission to use a couple of them to illustrate some of the ideas in my adoption parenting training.
Congratulations on such a beautiful family!
I love your blog! I am a youngin' about to begin an academic career, so I love the insights you offer (occasionally) about your career as a professor. I have also known since I was little that I want to adopt and fortunately my fiance could not agree more. Your blog is like a glimpse into my potential future life and it's fascinating!
I don't think I've signed the guest book yet, so I better now. I've been stalking your blog (in a good way???) for a couple months now (todays date 9/25/08) Keep up the great work. Your honest, straight talk is an inspiration, and I use refer people to it (among others) when they ask about adoption/parenting etc. I found this through the CHSFS forum, someone suggested your post labled "K & O's dreadlocks" (I have that page bookmarked for when my children are finally home). Thanks again
PS. I'm in Maine... isn't that what I'm supposed to write in a guest book? Name, Hometown etc???
Gorgeous FAMILY! WE have 6 adopted of our own! BLessings!
I am the grandmom, Christina referred to. When they announced they were adopting, I began searching, researching about the adoption process, etc. I discovered your blog which has proved to be both inspirational and informative. Thanks for sharing your family with me!
I am excited to have found your blog. I am Haitian and I pray for the Haiti my parents knew. People like you and your husband raising your sons to be strong Haitian men are vital parts to that.
Thank you!
Hi
I have recently started reading your blog. I am living in Denmark (originally from Finland) and together with my husband waiting to adopt from the Philippines, hoping for twins or a siblings (2).
BR Maija
Heather & Braydon,
It was so great to see both of you last week. I'm only sorry it had to be under such unfortunate circumstances. Your family is beautiful and I'm so glad to see you're all doing so well. Heather - I just bought your book and can't wait to read it. Congratulations on your success! Best, Juli
I did some advert now in my german blog for your blog - because your blog is so warm and positiv. I just love it.
Heidi / Germany
I love love love love reading this blog! Your family represents what I hope for America one day.... diversity and harmony! Best to you!
PS.. Oh and how cute is Meera :)!
I've been reading your blog as one way to educate myself for our own adoption from Haiti within the next two years. My husband and I wholeheartedly agree with you that no one can truly be 100% prepared for parenthood, but, also like you, I've been completely obsessed with reading anything and everything I can get my hands on about adoption, transracial families, and Haiti! Thanks so so so much for posting your experiences, honestly you are my favorite blog to read!
hi - yopu are a wonderful family, I found your blog .... wait wait I am not 100% sure how I found it - but I love it - I am 27 and feel like.... I don't have any reason to start a blog... but I love to read them!! I am happy, in a relationship, a designer, and I live in Conshohocken... not too far from you ( I grew up in Hatfield and I remember going to ringing rocks like it was yesterday) you are incredibly inspiring to me!! my email is maeganclarkdesign@comcast.net
cheers to you and your wonderful family... I dream of having a family as great as yours!!
Hello hello from Canada EH!
I first came across your family on YouTube while searching for Haiti videos. I've watched all of them and my favorite is the one where K&O are in their boats playing the drums. I am a drummer myself and can hardly wait for our son to arrive home from Haiti. We are currently in MOI. Please keep up the blogging, it gives us hope that the kiddos do come home eventually.
Merry Christmas,
Jeanette
Manitoba, Canada
Heather Beth! How wonderful to have found you and your beautiful fam! It was actually Stina who found me on facebook. I am new to it and a little wierded out by the whole thing. The up side is reconnecting to old friends! Kyle, Owen, and Meera are so stinkin cute I could eat them up! Jody and I have two boys! Conor is 13 and in the eighth grade at Kennett Middle School. Drew is 10 and in the fifth grade at Conway Elementary (where I work as the school's Family Support Liaison!) It is amazing to be a part of your child's school every day! I absolutely love it! Hope you are all well. Your blogs are awesome and your pics even better! take good care, be in touch, Mandy Jones McDonald
Hi again Heather! I forgot to give you my e-mail address so you can be in touch: jmcd94@roadrunner.com
Mandy
Your header just put the biggest smile on my face. Such an insanely beautiful family. We too are an interracial family, and my two step sons have their hair locked as well! So cute. I am def gonna hang around and read more.
Heather & Braydon,
It's been a long time since Boston! I got Heather's facebook invite and connected. Then I found out about your blog. Twins! Us too!
And after reading most of January (and holding back from blubbering....in a way every parent can understand), your blog is now my BFR (blog first read). And I cannot wait to get my wife reading it too.
Congrats and kudos to you on landing such an amazing family and life in the Keystone State. Let us know if you ever come Denver way. We'd love to meet up.
Warmest,
Eric Lundstedt (Marya, Konrad, Tor & Beda)
Hello Family,
We are adopting a little boy from Haiti too and I was looking around online and stumbled across your blog. Very cool title. =) Way cute kids. We have 6 kids of many colors and love every minute of life.
=) From,
The Happy Home of the Flynn Family
Heather and Braydon,
I've been meaning to stop by and let you know how much I absolutely love reading your blog. I always look forward to reading what Owen and Kyle are getting into, what Meera is discovering, and how you two are enjoying (and handling) it all.
It is a joy to read about such love in a family. As a young woman, I also desire to have a family that consists of several different nationalities and colors, but most of all - a bunch of love.
Peace.
-Eboni
Hi Heather,
I'm an avid reader but just now came across this guestbook. I'd never want to be lacking in the etiquette department, so here goes!
I'm mama to Sidamo (3 years old, from Ethiopia) and Nora (9 months, homegrown), so there's a lot I relate to on your blog. I'm also a writer/editor and am working on launching a web site called Mindful Mama (www.mindful-mama.com). I would love, love, love it if you'd consider writing for the site—I've been looking for a way to email you privately but couldn't find it, so will you shoot me an email at deirdre (at) mindful-mama (dot) com?
Thanks, and keep up the good blogging.
Beautiful Family!!! I love adoptive twin blogs and just found yours. I am Mommy to 5; youngest are 24 month old twins adopted from Vietnam.
Cheers,
Heather
I absolutely love your blog! I was referred to it almost a year ago by a friend when I mentioned my husband and I wanted to adopt from Haiti.
My husband and I have one son adopted domestically (kinship/relative adoption), hope to mix in a few bio kids, and adopt from Haiti to complete our family :)
Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us!
Best wishes to your Party of 5!
~Jill, Cory and River
Your beautiful family had tears streaming down my cheeks. You are fortunate to have found each other. We have adopted 2 boys as well (not twins, but still).
Mindi in St Paul
My husband and I have begun the process of adopting from Haiti, and I'm glad I stumbled across your blog. I so look forward to having our son with us and journeying through life in a whole new way.
What struck me most when I first got a glance at your home page was the fact that my daughter was on it! I was surprised to see that my daughter (born May 30, 2008) has an internet twin! I then showed the picture to my husband who initially responded with confusion over when our daughter had such a picture taken of her.
You have a beautiful family and I enjoy the stories and pictures and experiences that you share - thank you for sharing.
Take good care,
Kori
Hi! - I am a newish reader, and I got linked from the anti-racist parent site. Your family is beautiful and I love reading about your adventures.
I am an attorney who works in child welfare, and I love to see great adoption stories! Plus I am newly married, and we will be having inter-racial kids eventually, so seeing your kiddos is great!
Hi - I'm a fairly new-ish reader as well and your kids are fantastic! I'm fairly certain we disagree on practically everything politically, socially, and religiously, but your family is absolutely wonderful and I always appreciate hearing your perspective(s) on things. I grew up in a multi-cultural home (before Angelina Jolie made it uber-hip to do so... ;-)) and my hubby and I hope to do the same in our own family. I can't believe how much you post!!
-Amanda
Hola familia, soy Constanza de Argentina. Perdón que escriba en español pero mi inglés es muy malo y como leí que estuvieron en chile unos meses, pensé que quizás puedan leer mi mensaje. Encontré el blog buscando información sobre Haití. Estamos anotados en los juzgados de nuestro país pero es muy difícil adoptar aquí, por eso pensamos en la adopción internacional. Por favor, nos pueden informar acerca del orfanato? Desde ya muchas gracias. Felicidades para toda la familia y felicitaciones por el trabajo que están realizando. Que Dios los bendiga. un abrazo, Constanza (mi correo: mcbassani@gmail.com)
i only like to say i am following your site for 1 year now and y really like everything about it the story's the pictures what you did for those two boys. i work in daycare centre's for 19 years now and really like children and try to help where i can zo keep up the good parenting
Have been 'lurking' and following for some time! and love your blog; I'm in the process of adopting from Ethiopia (until our Canadian agency filed for bankrupsy) and also China....thanks for sharing your wonderful family here! Those boys crack me up :)
shirley
Hi there,
I thought you and others who read your blog would be interested to know in JCICS' push for adoption friendly legislation in Haiti. There is a campaign starting now and more details can be found at: http://www.jcics.org/Haiti.htm
Katie Sharp
Just came upon your blog today, and I'm going to recommend it to a couple friends. Yours is a very interesting, engaging and meaningful blog in its own right, even for people who don't have any special interest or things in common. Maybe I'll comment more when I've read more -- I barely got started, but wanted to "sign in."
Best,
Trent
I have to tell you, you have a fan in Texas. I read blogs about everything from politics to shoes to being a black woman in America to do-it-yourself projects. Then a friend; blogging about her own Haitian adoption experience, pointed me to yours. Your blog has replaced the cup of coffee as my morning must-have.
Your family is funny, touching, sweet, smart and absolutely beautiful. When people pass my cubicle and comment on the beautiful family in the photos, I don't feel at all odd saying, "These are my friends." Thank you for brightening my world opening my mind to the possibility of adopting.
Your friend in Houston!
Melanie Andrus
I have been reading your blog for some time and felt it only right to say hello. Can't remember how I found you guys. Probably from google searching you as Meera is the same age as my Lydia born 27th May '08. Love seeing her pics and development. You have such a wonderful family!! Truly beautiful.
Thanks for sharing!
Best wishes to you all,
Jen
Hi Heather.
I just came across your blog this morning. Your family is beautifu.
My son recently came home from Ghana Africa. My husband and I will be starting the process again in the next few months.
I have a question for you!
I LOVE our boys hair! From the pictures I am assuming their hair is dreaded. What age did you start this?
Thank you for your time and sharing your days!
I just found your blog as I was searching for sites related to Haitian adoption. And I think I'm hooked! We are in the process of adopting a brother and sister from Haiti (documents are being prepared for IBESR right now). I cant get enough of reading about other people's experiences. Thanks for your blog!
Hi,
I feel blessed reading about you and your family. Thank you for the opportunity. My husband and I have been looking into adoption recently. We specifically have a heart for black children for some reason(this probably sounds odd)considering we are both white. We have no children yet, we liked the idea of adopting first. Anyways I am open to any advice. Thanks, Morgan in NC
HI,
I feel blessed reading about you and your family. Thank you for the opportunity. My husband and I are looking into adopting right now. We specifically have a heart for black children, which probably sounds odd being we are both white. thank you for your wisdom and any further advice would be appreciated.
Morgan in NC
Hi there,
I came across your blog a short while ago and am so touched by how you both as parents are making (and sharing with us) a huge effort to consciously raise your beautiful children with respect to their origins and racial identity.
All the best,
Kate in UK
Hellllllloooo Heather & Brayden!!!! I just stumbled onto your blog & and LOVE your beautiful new family! You guys are the best! Love, Christie White (FB me! :-))
Hello JM family; i´m a reader of your blog since a few a months because i´m interesting in haitian adoptions, like a single adoption´s mother since seven years of a haitian boy (who is my pride and my joy). His name is Pablo and now is 7 y.o. ; we are together since he was 4 m.o
We live in Sevilla (Spain).
I´m sorry for my no good english.
All the best for you
Reyes (sevilla)
I for one can always use a little more "Norman Rockwell" in my life! I love, love, love your blog.
Melanie in Houston
Wandered here via Watching the Waters. I'm checking out bloggers who've adopted from Haiti.
Glad I found you
It is wonderful to see people experiencing Bement it is such a special and Spiritual place.
My dad was director from around 1958 into the mid '60's.
As you probably know the Diocese has closed Bement and is in the process of selling it. I am a member of the Bement Alumni Association inc. We have come together to try to save Bement and keep it available to people like your family.
You can find us at: savebement.org
Once you log in you will be able to keep up with what we are doing at the site.
Together we can save Bement.
Jim
Hi, I found my way here through a Do they have salsa in China link. This is an amazing blog. There's tons of information here about two of my favorite topics. I plan to adopt someday after I've finished graduate school, and in the meantime I love reading about adoption and multicultural families. I've never commented before, but I want to say thanks for sharing. Your kids are adorable.
As a huge Lehigh fan, I sometimes get a chance to find your blog on Google searches. I understand you're making your blog private - and I can understand - but I wanted to let you know how thoroughly I enjoyed reading the story of your family and how it relates to Lehigh.
Best of luck to you, and enjoy your blessings.
You have a such beautiful family!! Thank you for sharing!!
I thank you and your husband for giving your hearts and home to those boys. You are an example of a TRUE AMERICAN. Continue with your success and happiness and may GOD continue to bless your family with many more.
Post a Comment