Through the Eyes of a Child

This is my third business venture.  First as official CEO.  Our grand opening business was a bit of surprise.  I mean obviously we had been dabbling in the market but we hadn't anticipated an investment!  When we had settled into a thriving business plan BOOM another location opened up!  Location Number 2's store front greatly resembles our first but the flow of the place is totally different.  So this brings us to our third location.  This business will be a more of a merger then a grand opening of our own business so here we go.  With merging you must include and educate the current business' on how this will look and what it means for them. YIKES!

Location #1:  Also known as JC, Alpha, King Candy, Motor Mouth
He is rip rearing ready to go.  As he has already experienced the expansion of business once and sits at the top of years in service he feels he is the best big brother you could have.  JC is so excited to have another sibling on the way.  His goal is 10 in all so he sees this as progress.  We're not sure where this thought comes from besides his social personality and love of his cousins from the south.  JC has experienced your typical expansion of family with a mommy waddling around with an expanding belly, the push to be potty trained, and the buzz of baby talk.  He welcomed all the responsibilities of becoming a big boy.  The growing up of getting a big boy room/bed, walking through the parking lot & holding hands,  and potty training (well maybe not this.  I'm pretty sure he would still be wearing a diaper if allowed).  He thrives on checking off the well child points of life.  The conversation of adoption happens often at our round table (aka kitchen table).  Here is a bit of insight from the mind of JC:
 -   JC tells everyone about this exciting news.  Literally it is the first thing he says everywhere we go.  We are adopting a BABY!
-  He is going to have a baby sister named Jane.  It's like James but with a N and no S.
-  One time he has asked when my belly is going to start to show.  I explained that our baby J is in a different momma's tummy.  Enough said for him, end of conversation.
-  This Christmas the kids at school were able to get a little gift if they were going to have a new baby sibling.  JC excitedly raised his hand that he was and so he got to get a gift.  That afternoon he came home with 3 hot wheels and let me know that these were for baby Jane when she comes.  I put them in my little baby stash.  Later that week when I was volunteering in JC's classroom, the teacher nervously approached me.  She came up to me and said, "Um, excuse me.  I have a question I need to ask but I don't want to offend you.  Are you having a baby?  I mean, you don't look like it but JC raised his hand when he said his family was getting a new baby.  I didn't want to say he was wrong but I was a bit confused."  Haha, insert explanation of our adoption journey here.
-  On our first mom & son date of the year I thought it would be a perfect time to talk to JC about how he was feeling about our new family.
CEO:  "JC, do you have any questions about the adoption or about things that are going on?"
JC:  Holding a giant slurpie about the size of his head.  "Ummmm no."
CEO:  "  Would you like to know about what we have been doing for the adoption?"
JC:  "Do you think we could talk while you drive us home?"
CEO:  "Sure."  Wow what an intimate conversation.  Exactly how I envisioned.

Obviously with JC's older age he is able to comprehend a little more of the details and differences of what adoption is.  He can discern that this baby coming into our family is much different then when JR entered.  I have tried to explain to him about what it means, and what responsibilities it means for him.  What is being absorbed time will only tell!

Location #2:  JR, Lunch Box, Cuddle Cub
As the second in line JR has not yet experienced a business opening.  He is still currently holding ranks as the Rookie and greatly appreciates the title.  In the world of JR adoption is much more prevalent and I believe a little more confusing.  JR lives in the world of play dates where new itty bitty faces appear and mommy's bellies are growing each week.  His friends are having new babies and he is anxiously awaiting his baby J.  JR tags along on doctor appointments, documentation delivery trips, and coffee dates.  All these consist of much talk about baby J but where is the baby?  Here is a bit of insight from the mind of JR:
-  When adorable baby E was born JR & I got to go together to the hospital to visit.  JR was so excited to see baby J.  There was much confusion that this was not our baby to bring home.
-  JR is a much more tender spirit then the Alpha.  Of course the conversation and encouragement to potty train and move into a big boy bed have been frequent.  JR would like to practice the potty but makes no commitment.  He has is very open to SHARING his crib with the baby.
-  JR will be a big brother to baby J, who is tiny.
-  When delivering some paperwork to ASC I had to explain it was for baby J, not to pick up baby J.  Now that was confusing.  We left, JR very upset and crying that once again there was no baby J.
-  JR is little boy.  He not grow up yet.

The transition between 2-3 is a big step for any child.  JR is a little hesitant but we are moving through.  Since there is no known timeline with our adoption journey at this point we're just taking baby steps along with him.  Current mild stones being tackled - transition to big boy bed and potty time!

CEO:  ME!!!
You might be wondering why I would include my own perspective since I am not a child but I am a child of God.  As much as I am teaching and leading the little ones in my life the Lord is teaching and leading me in the is process as well.  Six months ago I knew it was time to walk away from the fitness profession for a time but I had really nothing good to put in its place.  Through the Lord's divine timing adoption has slipped right into filling that need.  He has been explaining and teaching me the truth behind my identity in Him, the opening of my tight fists of controls, and the beauty in all the little things in my life.  Not the beauty in the items I get checked off my to do list but all the little things that happen in between.  I could make this post about a 1,000 times longer if I go in great depth but I'll restrain myself.  Here is a bit of insight from the mind of the CEO:
-  Soak up every moment of not being out numbered during the day.
-  Oh no!  We're about to be out numbered all the time!
-  Invest in the family NOT the nursery!  
-  Let it Go!  You just don't know!

Thanks again for reading!  * Note:  I have no idea if it's then or than and to be honest at this point I'm okay with that.  In junior year of English I checked out.  Currently I am still checked out and don't see checking in anytime soon!