The Power of Words

Below is an excerpt from one of the many articles we have on adoption from our agency Bethany Christian Services. Please take the time to read it and understand adoption terminology.

We know it's tempting to ask specific questions about their parents (and I know we have done it with other adoption situations!), but we do not discuss this with anyone. This is out of respect for the biological parents and the twins. Their unselfish and loving act has made us a family. We know they are truly blessed for their kindness!

"A simple choice of words can reveal our views and communicate a great deal to a listener. We encourage social workers, adoptive parents, birthparents, board members, volunteers, and supporters to use language that accurately reflects the reality of adoption. The following list is not exhaustive, but it reflects some of the more common words that we encounter as we minister to birth and adoptive parents in Jesus’ name."
Click here to read the full article.

There is also a lot of positive reasearch out there about adoptive children to combat old sterotypes. We hope that you will also take time to read this information. Click here to review one such study.

Meet Maggie

Hi everyone. I am Margaret Ann Parente or Maggie. I look forward to meeting you one day. Here are my stats:

Birthday: December 5, 2009 7:17am
Same Birthday As: Walt Disney in 1901- Coincidence? I think not!
Named After: Great Grandmothers' Margaret Ann Ricketts and Margaret Mary Parente.
My Saint: Saint Margaret Queen of Scotland (Mom's confimation Saint)
My Guardian Angel's Name: Avery (name given to me by the nurses)
Birth Weight: 4lbs 5oz Birth Height: 17"
Current Weight: 6lbs 6.4oz Current Height: 19" (updated 1/8/09)
Distinguishing Characteristic: A little smaller than Mary, but stronger and more feisty
Favorite Song: "Maggie had a little dog"
Since Mary already had a song, mommy changed a few words and now I have one too.
Famous Songs with My Name: Maggie May (Rod Stewart), Maggie's Farm (Bob Dylan)
Best Facial Expression: Trying frantically to eat - Rooting
Favorite Food: Similac Neosure
Favorite Activity: Getting a head rub, sleeping, eating, and being held

Meet Mary

Hi everyone. I am Mary Christina Parente.

I look forward to meeting you one day too. Here are my stats:

Birthday: December 5, 2009 7:18am

Same Birthday As: Walt Disney in 1901- Coincidence? No way!

Named after: The Virgin Mary and Auntie Christina Parente. Our social worker's name is also Christina.

My Saint: St. Mary Salome (One of the “Three Marys” who served Christ)

My Guardian Angel's name: Bellen (name given to me by the nurses)

Birth Weight: 4lbs 13oz Birth Height: 17"

Current Weight: 6lbs 12.8oz Current Height: 19" (updated 12/8/09)

Distinguishing Characteristic: A little bigger than Maggie. Birth mark on my second to the last toe (left foot)
Favorite Song: "Mary had a little lamb" of course.

Famous Songs with My Name: Proud Mary (CCR), Along Comes Mary (The Association) and many more

Best Facial Expression: Smiling while sleeping (talking with the Angels)

Favorite Food: Similac Neosure

Favorite Activity: Sleeping, eating, a warm bath, being held and kissed

Our Amazing Christmas Gift

These are photos from the hospital when we first met the little bunkins and some from the first few days at home.
Single click the slide show to see larger images.

One Month Old

A little glimpse at our new life with the twins. They turned one month on Sat, January 2nd. They are now officially at 38 weeks gestation which means it would be best if they were still in the womb, but they got a 4 week head start on life.
They had their first walk in the stroller (5 yr old donation, a little wobbly, but hey, it works for now!).
Love to all.

Outfits and Poses

Disneyland with Framy on Halloween

Another great trip to Disneyland, but this time with newly married Frank and Amy (Framy). We had a blast!!!

Dinner with Dolores

Thanks Dolo! The kiddies loved the costumes and we loved the food.

In memory of BabyP (Grace) and some Joy from Max

We love you and miss you BabyP (Grace) We know you are in heaven experiencing true love, joy and peace.
Thanks Max for the laughter and smiles.

Lake Tahoe

We have never been to Tahoe together and we sure picked a beautiful time of year. We didn't realize it was going to snow quite so much. We had a very healing vacation after our loss. We did many things in remembrance of the little one we lost - BabyP(Grace)

Labor Day Weekend

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend in Half Moon Bay. We chose this location so we could attend our Godson Dominic's 3rd birthday party. Happy birthday Dom! We love you!

Labor Day Weekend

Birthday in H.B.

My birthday was the day after my highschool reunion. It was nice to spend the day with family and get in some good beach time.

4th of July - Amy and Frank's Wedding in Carmel

We had a wonderful weekend in Monterey and Carmel. We were so excited for Amy and Frank. We were both very honored to be a part of the their beautiful day. (click the photo below to view the photos)

July 4th Weekend

Tony and Christina's Visit

We are so grateful that Tony (Larry's father) and Christina (Larry's sister) traveled to the West coast to visit us. We had a wonderful time!! The As won and we saw an incredible fireworks sho afterwards.

Home - Five Years of Photos

We love our home and many have asked to see pictures. Most are of our smaller island/peninsula community - Harbor Bay Isle.

Memorial Weekend with the Seger Kids

Kapalua, Maui again....

Aahhhh, we love it here. A picture is worth a thousand words....and we have about 300 pictures...

Scott and Monica's Wedding

I can't believe my little brother is married!! These are just my clumsy pictures and videos (double click to see), but will post real ones soon.
It was a beautiful day and Monica looked gorgeous, of course. Scott was all smiles as Monica walked up the aisle. Fr. Angelo gave a wonderful homily!
Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts!!!

Scott and Monica's Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal went well and the celebration followed at Buca de Beppo. One more day until the wedding!!!

Monica's Shower

We had a great time at my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower.