Paola A Few Years Later

At BraveLove, we're dedicated to erasing the stigmas of adoption, and a big part of that involves sharing stories that honor birth mothers. Adoption impacts people forever. That's why we love to stay connected with those who have shared their stories with BraveLove over the years, like Paola.

Paola and her husband have been involved with BraveLove since nearly the beginning. They've attended BraveLove events and expressed interest in adopting one day. Fast forward a few years and their family has grown through adoption! So we're catching up and learning what Paola's life looks like these days.

How would you describe yourself today?

Small but mighty. My mom used to tell me that and it stuck with me.

What do your days look like?

With kids, every day is different and the same...strange how that happens. I work part-time. On some days I go into the office and see my clients and on some days I get to snuggle my babies all day. I work at a domestic violence/sexual assault shelter and am a child therapist. I'm with kids all day long! After work or between clients, I go through two different carpools and pick up my younger two from childcare. If we go back to my job, my kiddos get to hang out in childcare until I'm done. If we go home, they play or help with dinner. My oldest has homework on most days and since she's learning a second language, I help her with that.

We are busy, busy but enjoy the days no matter what we are doing. Our favorite days are the weekends when daddy is home. We go to basketball practice or play board games as a family.

Knowing what you know today, what would you tell yourself 5 years ago?

You're not crazy! You aren't crazy for wanting a big family and you're not crazy for wanting to adopt. You're doing exactly what you're called to do!

What do you want the world to know about adoption?

It is messy and beautiful. I can't quite describe how rewarding and how challenging it can be, but it is both. And I would not change it for anything!

What keeps you up at night?

My baby. He's still an infant, so I don't mind. And on some days I lay awake thinking about inequality. I hope that my children can be part of the change that needs to happen in our world.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to my youngest son's first birthday and seeing his birth parents... and going to Disney (shh, don't tell the kids!).