Sam and Adoption

I've often been asked how much my children understand about having been adopted. So far, not much. I suspect they believe that everyone has birthparents. Adoption is "normal" to them; anything else is the exception.

To wit, here is a conversation Sam and I had recently while I was getting dressed.

Sam: Mom, what's that?

Me: It's a bra. It's something grown-up women wear.

S: Why? For fun?

M: Because we have breasts and a bra helps keep them in place so I'm comfortable.

S: What is that?

M: A nipple. You know how baby animals drink milk from their moms? Babies can do that, too. When you were a new baby your birthmom could have fed you.

S: Do you have a baby in your tummy?

M: No.

S: Because you adopted me?

M: One of the reasons we got to adopt you, Jude and Owen is because Mom will never grow a baby in her tummy.

S: But Andie's mom (who is pregnant) didn't get to adopt so she grows a baby in her tummy? Hmm. I'm going to eat breakfast now!

It was very hard for me to let him lead that conversation. I left out a lot of important information that he doesn't need right now. But how fascinating! He is learning so quickly. I love finding out what's on his mind.