Noah's First Adoption Panel

On Friday, I did something a little crazy. I took my wild son with me to speak on an adoption panel. We had the opportunity to share our experience with participants at MCFD's Vancouver/Coastal Adoption Education Program.

I did my best to bribe him. "If you're a good listener and behave nicely, I'll take you to the park afterwards." (See the picture above? He got his reward. The bribe worked... sort of.)

When we left that morning, my husband called out, "Have fun, you two! You'll either inspire everyone to adopt or convince them all to run screaming for the door."

Noah is a spirited fellow. Usually, he is rather angelic and sweet - the perfect poster child for adoption. Occasionally, however, he's a hissing, teeth gnashing, feral little creature. And it's impossible to tell when sweet, cherubic Noah will disappear and let his fiendish sub-personality take over.

Things went well at first. There was a little room next to the meeting space where another child was busily playing his DS. I packed Noah's portable movie player, and some toys, his favourite blanket, and a light snack. He settled in well.

Things continued to run smoothly until he met one of the social workers -a very dear man who's helped countless kids and families throughout his career. Noah took one look at him and declared "YOU ARE NOT A NICE MAN! SHOO! SHOO!"

I'm sorry, Stuart. I really am. I did not prompt him to declare that you're "not nice". I don't know where he got it from. I don't know why he said it. I'm just glad you don't take things personally.

The panel continued basically unimpeded, save for Noah's frequent visits. Every few minutes, Noah felt it essential to storm into the meeting room and help himself to chips. He sat on my lap for five or ten seconds, then headed for the door.

Once he exhausted the chip supply, he ate all the pineapple and every scrap of melon from the fruit tray. (If you're reading this, MCFD, please send the food bill c/o the Adoptive Families Association of BC....)

I think we had a good impact on the parents. Noah was a fairly well behaved little man; he put on a good show of honest three year old enthusiasm, and didn't have any serious meltdowns.

On the way out the door I whispered in his ear. Noah stopped, smiled, waved, and declared "Happy Adopting!" to the families in the room. See? There are benefits to the parroting abilities of your pre-schooler. If only I could remember that the next time I stub my toe....