While some of the children were introducing themselves to a visitor, our seven year old blurted out, that’s my brother, and we came from the same mom. Now that he is old enough to understand that, not only are they brothers by adoption, but they are also brothers by birth, he takes great pride in the knowledge. He definitely looks up to his big brother and follows him everywhere.

Another cute phrase he sometimes uses when he wants a drink or a bite is we’re brothers so we can share, because brothers don’t have germs. Of course, big brother can get a little tired of being copied and followed, but I think he secretly likes his hero status.

The boys don’t look much alike, but their personalities are a tell tale sign of their common heritage. They are funny, loving, and outgoing. Both can “take it” and “dish it out” with equal humor.

The big brother used to ask about meeting his birth mom, especially when some of our other child would have visits with birth family. Unfortunately, her guardian told me that wouldn’t be possible. Therefore, I think it really means a lot to him to be raised with his birth sibling.

Both boys were placed in our foster home as newborns, straight from the hospital. The big brother was five when his little brother was born in the next county. My husband and I were still licensed foster parents when we found out about his birth. We immediately requested that he be placed in our home with his brother, whom we had adopted several years ago.

Surprising, the Department of Human Services agreed and placed him in our foster home. A year later we adopted him into our forever family. Both brothers have brought our family countless hours of joy.

You can read more blogs written by Julia Fuller if you visit the Parenting Special Kids blogs where she usually writes.
Three Tonsillectomies, Will They Cure Special Needs?
Should Siblings Available for Adoption be Placed with Their Already Adopted Siblings? Who’s a Sibling in Adoption? Who isn’t?
Why should siblings be placed together?