Most frequently asked questions

Q - Is he harder to understand than you thought?
A - No, I thought he might not speak any English so 1/3 English, 1/3 Liberian and 1/3 3 year old is great!

Q - Does his age seem accurate based on the birth date that was given to him?
A - According to both the Doctor and Dentist - yes we are dead on.

Q - What are potato greens?
A - Basically, spinach and other greens can not be substituted. We've tried mustard greens, collard greens etc.

Q - What name does he call himself?
A - Usually, Junior but recently he did refer to himself as Akins.

Q - How have other kids reacted to him?
A - They are a bit puzzled by his accent and so comunication is a little challenged. The next door neighbor kid is a little confused by what interests him as there are things that little boy takes for granted and Akins is still experiencing them for the first time. His cousins seemed to have no issues with him and within 30 minutes were in full swing 3 year old speak.

Q - What will you do when you go back to work?
A - Akins started daycare on a reduced schedule this week and he is doing great. Today there will be a clown visiting - we'll see how that goes.

Q - What will you tell him about his birth family?
A - Exactly what I know. Unfortunately, not much.

Q - What does he call you? Lorea?
A - I am definately Mommy and sometimes Mommy-O. We are working on Lorea being Mamma.

Q - How is he doing with the dogs?
A - Good, now. He definately has a preference for the "small" dog - Zachy. But, he loves them all.

Q - Was the process of international adoption hard?
A - Yes, very - but in part because of the agency communication being so weak.

Q - Do you feel complete?
A - Hello - I am still Valerie. Will I ever feel complete? Do, I feel more complete? Yes.