I have twice as many children by adoption than by birth. I am often asked how my birth children to adopting children, and if they are as close to their adopted siblings as they are to their birth siblings.

There is an 11-year age gap between my youngest biological child and our eldest adopted child. We refer to our adult children as our “bigs” and our second set of children as our “littles.” We don’t use the terms biological, birth, adopted or foster in our home because they are all our babies. Some for a day, a week, a few years and some forever. Regardless, they are ours. The relationships between the children are as individual and unique as each child is. Our first born who is female was the only girl born to my husband’s family for more than 30 years. Needless to say, she was most spoiled by her uncles, grandpa and most especially her daddy. Her relationship with the first girl we adopted is one she needs to work on as this blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty stole her limelight as the only pink in the deep blue sea in our family. Quite honestly this is the only relationship that is somewhat strained, which is miraculous for a family of 11!

As I believe a picture is worth a thousand words, I want to leave you with this. Our youngest big is a United States Marine. His first day home from basic training was quite the homecoming with all his brothers and sisters. As the evening came to a close, this is what I found. His youngest sister cuddled up next to him both sound asleep on the couch. Any doubts of the love felt here?

Consider adding love to your family. Become a foster parent!