"No, My Not Adopted"

We have always said that Elly will always know that she is adopted.  Not because we want to single her out or make her feel weird about it, but because it is part of her story.  It is part of who she is.  I don't want there to be a day when I have to tell her.  I would like for her to just know and to feel like she always knew.  Her adoption is so special to us and we want it to be that way for her too, but we want it also to be normal for her.  So...

The other day I was laying down with Elly reading to her before her nap.  We were reading one of the many books we have about adoption (children's books).  We finished the book and this is what I said (remember Elly is only two):

Mommy:  Elly, you are adopted...Mommy and Daddy adopted you...that makes you special.
Elly:  No...my not adopted.
Mommy:  Yes, you are adopted.
Elly:  No...my not adopted (insert laughter).

So...I just laughed too and off to dream land she went.  A couple of days later we went to Walmart and she got a small stuffed bunny from the Easter clearance section.  When we got home, she sat the bunny on the table and she looked at me and said "bunny adopted."  I laughed and said "yes, I guess he is."

I am sure these are the first of many conversations that we will have with her about adoption.  And I am quite sure some of them will end up being serious and some of them pretty funny.  I look forward to many more conversations!