We plan for Little Bug to grow up knowing she was adopted.

To keep that she was adopted a secret would be to essentially keep quiet the miracle God has worked in our life (and hers) over the past 2 years!

Our baby girl is a miracle and we want her knowing that from the day she enters our life.

I can already imagine myself telling Little Bug bits and pieces of her adoption story when she is just an itty bitty little girl.

I imagine Little Bug one day noticing a pregnant belly and saying something along the lines of, “Mommy, she has a baby in her tummy.”

To which I would say, “Yes she does have a baby growing in her tummy. Little Bug, did you know that you did not grow in Mommy’s tummy?”

“I didn’t? Why?”

“Well, Mommy and Daddy prayed very hard that Jesus would put a baby in Mommy’s tummy. But God chose to not put a baby in Mommy’s tummy.”

“Why did Jesus not put a baby in your tummy, Mommy?”

“Because, Little Bug, Jesus wanted to give us YOU and you did not grow in Mommy’s tummy. Instead, you grew in Tracy’s tummy. Tracy loved you very much but could not take care of you like she knew Mommy and Daddy would be able to take care of you. So when you were born she gave you to Mommy and Daddy.”

I think a big, beautiful smile will appear on her face at this time.

“Little Bug, you are a miracle. Mommy and Daddy wanted to have a little girl like you for a very long time. Mommy and Daddy were very sad when Jesus didn’t put a baby in Mommy’s tummy. But Jesus taught us that His plans are always best and now Mommy and Daddy know Jesus didn’t put a baby in Mommy’s tummy because He wanted to do something even better than that! He gave us YOU, Little Bug!”

So many people are aware of the miracle of Little Bug. The day Little Bug is able to wrap her mind around the circumstances and events that brought her into our family is going to be beautiful day. How special will it be for Little Bug to read this blog and the journals I kept throughout this journey?

One thing is certain.

Little Bug will know from Day 1 that she is a very special little girl on many levels and is loved by many.

Of course I’ve been reading up and researching adoption and at this point I am very interested on the topic of bonding.

A baby comes out of the womb recognizing his mother’s voice. The voice Little Bug has heard for the past 9 months (well, not technically 9 months since hearing doesn’t develop until later on in the pregnancy) will suddenly disappear. So it is critical that I talk to Little Bug so she will learn to recognize my voice and know that I am her care-taker and she can trust me.

I also feel that it is critical that Little Bug be held as much as possible.

A friend of mine is making me a sling and I intend to carry Little Bug in the sling continuously for probably the first week we are home from the hospital. This way, she will constantly hear my voice and she will constantly have human contact. Plus, being in a sling is similar to being in the womb because Baby is all nestled up close to his mother. (This is not to say that others won’t be allowed to hold her! :) I know there are many anxious arms waiting to hold Little Bug!)

I know some people would say I am going to spoil Little Bug! So I’ll go ahead and say that I am also reading a book about getting Baby on a routine early on, for Baby’s sanity and Mommy’s sanity. This routine involves Baby’s eating, activity and sleeping habits, and time for Mommy to get things done around the house. The philosophy behind all this is that Baby thrives on knowing what is happening next and with order in the house, everyone is happier. (Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg)

I guess you could say I do have more knowledge than some of taking care of a baby since taking care of babies and children has been a part of my life since I was a child myself. However, like I’ve mentioned before, I have never been a Mommy and I know I’m about to enter territory I’ve never walked before now!

I think I am safe to say that God gave mother’s a motherly instinct that allows them to just know what is right or wrong for their baby. I plan to listen to that God-given gut instinct a lot AND I certainly won’t hesitate to ask for the opinions of others who have mothered before me!

- Elaine