Happy New Year's Eve everybody! To celebrate the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, I am highlighting my favorite 12 posts from 2007 on this transracial adoption blog. I have chosen these posts for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they truly represent to me what transracial adoption is all about, and what I feel the most passionately about. I hope you enjoy the recap. :)


#8 - Walking the Line - This post came after two others that I wrote about being a parent in a transracial adoptive family. First I had written about some of the truths about race for adoptive parents and then I had written about some of my own personal truths and beliefs about race and adoption. In "Walking the Line", I discussed how I feel transracial adoptive parents need to find a healthy balance between realism and optimism in raising their children. Finding that balance is not always easy, but I believe it is the goal of most transracial adoptive parents.

#7 - The un-reluctant Husband - Often in adoption related forums and email groups we hear about "reluctant husbands". I wrote about my un-reluctant husband shortly after announcing that we are adopting our little Solomon. I love this post because it reminds me of what a special and emotional decision it was to move forward to adopt Solomon, and how grateful I am to have a husband with a heart big enough for 11 children.

#6 - Being Crazy - One of the things Josh and I are accused of more than anything is being "crazy". It used to really bother me, but I have gotten better at letting things roll off of my back and even embracing the idea of "being crazy". Being "crazy" means being different than the norm, and I am glad my family is what it is. If having 11 kids (some adopted transracially, some special needs) makes us crazy, then I am happy and proud to be just that. :)

#5 - Transracial Adoption - Trendy or Taboo? All too often in the media, transracial adoption is portrayed as either trendy or taboo. In this post I took a look at how and why those stereotypes exist and challenged them. Of course I don't think that adoption should be considered trendy or taboo, because to me, it is just another way to build a family. This post and series had some really great reader comments as well.

The countdown will continue (and finish up) in my next post.

*Picture from Liquid Library