Taking a trip back onto my soapbox...

Wow Jillian, you went and made lots of people angy didn't ya? Pushed people out of their "comfort zone". Here's the back story: She is quoted in a recent magazine article as saying this:

"I'm going to adopt. I can't handle doing that to my body,"

and
"Also, when you rescue something, it's like rescuing a part of yourself,”

Some people are really mad that she said these things. Lots of adoptive parents and future adoptive parents are angry too. Since this is my blog and it's a personal site I am going to give my unsolicited and somewhat altering opinion. If I had the chance to talk to her today, this is what I would say:

"Hey Jillian, welcome to the adoption community! You clearly have a lot to learn, but we all did back when we started this whole process. I can recommend a few good books for you."

I'm really ashamed of all the judgement that has been passed on this girl. Does no one realize that she has built an industry around fitness... it is her life right now, it's all she knows. If she doesn't want a pregnancy and she has personal childhood obesity issues that she is concerned about, why can't adoption be an option for her? Why does it bring such judgement? (Has anyone stopped to think her childhood issues could potentially cause severe postpardom depression?!)

I guess the reason this whole thing has got me so fired up is because I don't think she should have to explain herself. I think the world needs to change their mindset on what is "accepted" in today's world. Adoption shouldn't raise eyebrows, people shouldn't see it as a "second choice" or be alarmed when someone makes it their first choice. I don't care what people's reasons are that lead them to adoption, just like I don't care about the reasons people have that lead them to get pregnant. It doesn't matter as long as they are willing and able to provide a loving and caring home for that child.

Think about it, 147 million orphans in the world and we are upset about a woman who makes a bold step by stating that she thinks it's a better fit for her life to adopt, and we are mad at her because she made some somewhat uncomfortable statements? It's crazy. She just needs to take some time and do some research (Which I do believe she will do when that time comes) and she'll know the errors she made in her statements (particularly the 'rescuing' part) She will learn when she becomes a parent, just like all families do, adopted or biological. It's a learning experience and we all say and do things we wish we hadn't.

Okay... I'm leaving the soapbox now...

I'm expecting new pictures of Eli this week! Please keep praying we pass court on May 6th!