We really struggled with this decision. I mean REALLY struggled.
We originally said we were open to either gender. How could we choose? It felt like if we were to pick a gender, we were taking control of things instead of letting God work...and as we've already established, God is in charge of building this family regardless of our input.
Then we found out that I was pregnant with a little boy...and we started to revisit the gender decision.
Can I just be real for a moment? In some ways, a little boy would be "easier". We've already got all the boy clothes we could ever need for hand-me-downs. We've got all the boy toys. And for very lazy reasons, I could buzz his Ethiopian hair with minimal effort or know-how on my part. But let's face it, those are all superficial reasons to pick a boy.
And since I'm still being real...I have a strong desire to dress someone in pink, ruffles, and hairbows at some point in my life.
Through our interactions with The Mercy House, we started thinking about what life is like for a girl in a third world country. It isn't pretty. The facts are downright depressing and make me ask God hard questions in the middle of the night. Rape. Prostitution for food. Back-alley Abortions. Yuck. Yuck. Sigh...
I knew what we had to choose.
All hair care tips welcome for African girl hair. 🙂
Kara @ The Chuppies
Thursday 7th of July 2011
Let's talk hair care when ya get a bit closer... :) It's fun...an adventure... You'll love it! So excited for you (with both...the new little one arriving (Lord willing) soon and also your little one waiting in Ethiopia)
Sara
Friday 8th of July 2011
Thank you Kara! You're on the list of resources for hair care!
Shonda
Wednesday 6th of July 2011
I gave you a Happy 101 award: http://jsknowlton.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-101-award.html. love, Shonda
Mama Jenn
Tuesday 5th of July 2011
Ticia! So funny...as soon as I saw this post, I KNEW I had to comment...then I saw that you suggested that I might have some recommendations! Too funny! I DO have some info to share, but I am about to head out to the beach with my family...so I gotta run! So, Sara, TOTALLY feel free to ask me ANY questions you may have!!! You know how to reach me! ;-) MamaJennBlogs{at}gmail{dot}com
Sara @ Happy Brown House
Tuesday 5th of July 2011
Mama Jenn you were on my list of people to recruit for tips! We won't be bringing her home anytime soon, but as it gets closer I will definitely have lots of questions! I've already got braiding lessons lined up :)
Ticia
Tuesday 5th of July 2011
How very cool. Maybe Mama Jenn might have some tips. She's got an adorable daughter, but I really have no clue.
Patty Patterson
Tuesday 5th of July 2011
Don't wash her hair too often or it can dry out - fall out - or thin out. And I can ask my neighbor if you have any specific questions. I know the hair stuff because my neice's children are half black and we learned the hard way when her oldest was a baby. Also - lots of lotion. Her skin may dry out faster than your fairer skinned children. And black children wear sunblock, too. Maybe not as much, but they do need some. And really - the heart of every child is the same color and their basic needs are the same. Love, more love and godly teaching and dicipline. You will do fine, my friend! :-)