God Has A Perfect Plan To Make A Family

Just realized that my puny last post was post #600! Boy I could have done that one alot better. Thank you Becky for inspiring me with post ideas! I thought I would share with you all what led us to adoption. {Sorry about the bad "photos of photos"...it is a very dreary day and the lighting is awful}

It starts all the way back on November 22, 1974. I was born...

I was born at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, WV. My birthmother had already decided to give me up for adoption. She was 17, unwed, and in a bad situation with her parents. I am not sure of the exact details, but my birthgrandparents were Catholics and the pregnancy did not bring out the best in them. Somehow I ended up with a death certificate so my birthmom could return home. My birthfather was a foreman at a coal mine. He was married and had 2 children. When I look at this photo I feel very sad and it is hard not to cry. I feel alone and deserted...unwanted.

I went to a foster home. My foster parents' last name was McClellan and they called me Kelly Jo. I traveled to San Diego, CA with them one time.

At 6 months my adoptive parents picked me up at the Fairmont, WV DHHR. They had always wanted a child and were VERY excited to get me in their arms.

This photo should have been a warning...I have been an emotional mess since birth!

This is one of my fave photos from my childhood...can you see the attitude?

I was very loved and maybe even a litttle...spoiled. Don't ya just love the matching outfits! Ah! Glad I can't remember the 70s.

At 5 1/2 years my hair was down to my rear. Mom made this dress too...she obviously got better at picking fabric!

When I was almost 7 Lil Sis arrived. She was a very exciting surprise after 18 years of marriage.

I have never felt like an adopted child. My parents never made any difference between us. I would NEVER change being adopted. My family is the world to me.

Around 18 years old I did start "looking" for my birthmom, but getting married at 19 and having Manga Dork at 20 kinda took over my time. After becoming a mom I lost interest in finding my birthmom. In the last few months it has crossed my mind from time to time.

I have always wanted to adopt because of my positive experience with it. The second thing that made us consider adoption is the fact that I have not been able to get pregnant after Manga Dork.

I will save the story of the little ones' adoption for another day.