I Don’t Know What This Blog Is Anymore
I read blogs often. It seems like everywhere I turn, someone is starting a blog. A mom blog, a cooking blog, a life blog, a consulting blog. I’m not complaining- I love it! I love learning about people’s lives in a way they can be more vulnerable and real. But, I find myself thinking, “What blog category do I fit in?”
Cancer blog?
Healing blog?
Inspirational blog?
Life blog?
Adoption Blog?
The answer is yes, yes, and yes! I fit into all of these categories. Yes, this blog started out as a way to inform all of my family and friends of my progress through cancer treatment, but it has turned into so much more. It has documented our life through some of our greatest hurts and joys.
I (we) just write about what is pressing on our hearts at the current moment. (Even if the “blogosphere” would say it isn’t the “thing” to do)
I’m So Excited
Well, what has been on our hearts for the last several months has obviously been adoption. We’ve shared some with you, but honestly, I have held back lots because I knew I didn’t want to rush into anything and didn’t want to overwhelm readers with adoption jargon, but I just CAN’T!
WE ARE SO EXCITED!
So, what does this mean for you? Get ready for lots of postings about adoption. Our journey, our emotions, the process—I literally just can’t hide it anymore.
We Are Expecting
When you make the decision to adopt as a couple, you are expecting. This is how I have felt since we landed at this decision. And it was confirmed by another adoptive mother. She explained how if she were pregnant, she would want to broadcast it to the world (as she had never conceived and dreamed of a baby announcement).
But with adoption, it seems different. Because people who have never adopted or pictured themselves adopting don’t sometimes realize that an adoptive couple is expecting– in essence, they are “pregnant.”
So, from someone who has dreamed of pregnancy for years, to know we are finally “expecting” is a joy I cannot contain. I have to stop myself from talking about it in every conversation. No exaggeration.
Because of my counseling training and genuine interest in others, I try to keep my conversations “others-focused” but with this adoption, it is crazy how I just want to talk about it! I have literally had to bite my tongue knowing that not everyone wants to hear our adoption process.
I guess you mothers can understand—I’m sure when you have a little one it’s even more because you are so crazy about your kid and want everyone to know how awesome he/she is!
I do this now with my niece and nephew:)
So, Just Get Ready
I will probably be posting more frequently and it will most likely have to do with adoption. And yes, I’m still not sure what “category” my blog fits into, but honestly I don’t care. Did that sound harsh? Sorry if it did— I just want to be faithful in sharing what God has done in my life and my family’s life.
Through cancer, through healing, through restoration, through victory over pain and fear, to a child– and the funny thing and amazing thing is that the journey never stops.
In years to come, I’m sure I’ll be writing about child-rearing, more victories and hurts, and the constant transformation that the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives.
Me sharing my life with you- who would have thought??? From this “private sharing” girl to telling the world about my life-IRONY!
Thanks for being on this journey with me. DID I SAY I WAS EXCITED??????!!!!!!!!
Thanksgiving
Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving. We normally go to Tennessee for Thanksgiving to visit Josh’s family, but this year, the Taylor side of the family met at the beach! We celebrated Josh’s grandfather’s 80th birthday and Thanksgiving.
It was amazing- it felt like a family reunion. Lots of laughs, lots of food, lots of love- I LOVE being a TAYLOR!
Love you guys,
Aly
24 Comments
Your excitement in this post makes me smile and jump for joy! Can’t wait to see the baby God has picked for you and Josh!!! So exciting
Me either Renee! And I am so thankful we are on this journey together!!!
I’m so excited with you and Josh! God will give you the perfect baby for you. It will even look like you!
I know- we are praying for even those little details! Thank you Ms. Ann!!
I am so excited that you are adopting! I know that you don’t know me but I follow your blog. My husband and I got a call with a Birth mother match the week before Thanksgiving and our sweet bundle of joy arrived on Nov 23, 4 weeks early. Motherhood is amazing, no matter how it happens!! God provided each step of our journey! Feel free to contact me with any questions or if you need support! Congratulations!
Laura! That is amazing! I would love to hear more of your story, the agency you used etc…! If you have the time, please email me at alysfightadoption@gmail.com. What an amazing story! I hope you are enjoying these first moments of motherhood!
Congrats on your growing family and great Expectations!!!!! So happy for your upcoming journey
Thank you so much!!!
Congrats on your growing family and great Expectations!!!!! So happy for your upcoming journey
I can’t contain MY excitement for y’all and the kid who’s gonna get you for parents! #adoptionisawesome
Can’t wait for them to get some loving from Aunt Nicki! I love you so much!
I’m so excited reading this blog post. I wanted to ask you about things going on with your adoption in the coffee shop yesterday, but I wasn’t sure I should. NOW I KNOW I CAN!!! Love you Aly and Josh! Can’t wait to continue to do life with you both!!
Of course you can!!! It is on my mind 24/7. We love the Many family so much!
I don’t know you, but began keeping up with your posts thru a friend. I am so happy for you! God has many blessings for you! Congratulations!
Thank you so much. That means the world to me Elizabeth!
This made my heart leap with joy!!!!! I am so excited for you and Josh and I cannot wait to follow every step of this amazing journey you have begun! God has a very special child already picked out for you two and the love you three will share will be amazing!!!!! Love you!!
Thank you Ms. Ginny– we can’t wait to meet our sweet baby!!!
YayYay Yay!!! I got excited reading this! Can I just say, the little sweet soul who gets to be your child will be the luckiest little one In the world. Love you guys!!
Aw, thank you Shawn!!! I will be needing your expert advice from your experience—can’t believe this is real!!! ahh!
I, for one, can’t wait to hear every single detail!! So glad you are sharing. I love it!! Praying with you guys!!
Aw, thank you Anna! Because I can’t wait to share:)!!
Ya’ll are awesome. Such a great decision (coming from an adoptee). Ya’ll will be great parents and I hope ya’ll have a fulfilling life. I do not think you have to be pregnant to feel completely in love with a child. It’s the want and need that creates a family, not the blood ties. Can’t wait to find out more of your adoption story.
Totally agree! Love makes a family and I almost feel like there will be even more of a bond—to know that God orchestrated every step–we are just so excited. Thank you for caring and so thankful for your story!
You are going to be a wonderful mother sweet Aly! I’m so happy for you and I can’t wait to see this sweet baby!