Adam Harrison and Tatum Maris complete me. <3
“If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do well matters very much.” ~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Mother’s Day 2013
12 May 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Blessings, Child 'Protective' Services - CPS, Cousins, Family, Holidays, Inspiration, Kids, Maris- my soul sister, Miracles, Mother's Day, Motherhood, Parenting, Restaurants, San Luis Obispo County, Single mama, Support, Tatum, Unconventional Parenting Tags: Family, Interim, Memphis, Mothers, Reunion
“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” ~ Oscar Wilde
I could not ask for a better day.
Allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all the moms out there. Whether you relaxed with breakfast in bed, got pampered with a pedicure, took a nap, or went about business as usual….thank you for all that you do. A mother is a woman who raises, nurtures, and guides a child whether it grows within you or not. Let me take this opportunity to tell my own mom how much I love her. MeMae, Aunt Sarah, Maris, Danielle, and all the other women in my life who are Mommies– much love to you all.
Now THIS is a great card!
Last year I spent Mother’s Day curled up in the fetal position, alone in my apartment in California, weeping. Thank God that chapter of my life is ancient history. My only ‘complaints’ about today involve Tatum’s tummy bug and Adam’s video game snafu. Our morning consisted of brunch at Interim with my beloved parents, cousins [and Kat], and Aunt Sarah & Uncle Tommy. Next, Dad and I took Adam to go see the Robert Downey Jr. movie which made both mother and son very happy campers. 
Adam Harrison Reed and Tatum Maris Reed made me a mother. No words even begin to describe the love I have for my two precious children. Hands down, they are the best things I’ve ever done– what a tremendous honor to know I played 50% of the role in their creation!– and the best things I will ever do.
We may not always see eye to eye…but my mother is my best friend and personal hero.
The only card better than our united family’s creation are the cards Adam created for me. Is there anything more precious than your child’s artwork?! He made two cards [with the help of Little John] which you see below. I love the way he nailed my black hair– at least that was its color until several days ago– and glasses. As for my skin tone, perhaps he’s trying to tell me that I belong on Jersey Shore? Or maybe he’s seen too many chola chicks in California? We may never know.
My coloring looks a little off…
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Happy Family
19 Apr 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Blessings, Family, Home Sweet Home, Tatum, Unconventional Parenting
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Perfection
31 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Family, Memphis, Miracles, Motherhood, Sibling love, Tatum, Unconventional Parenting
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
MBC12
13 Mar 2013 1 Comment
in * R. i. P. *, Adam, Brooklyn Bridge, Cousins, Da Real Homiez, Danielle- partner in crime, Family, Favorites, Golden India, Home Sweet Home, Homesick, Indian, Italian, Little Ashley, Maris- my soul sister, Memphis, Midtown, Motherhood, Neshoba, Relaxation, RP Tracks, Serenity, Sloane, Tatum, Unitarian Universalists
• March Blog Challenge •
Day 12: Something you miss
Adam
Tatum
Mom & Dad [and their cozy house]
My Family
Maris, Danielle, and all those I consider friends
Everyone I’ve loved and lost
Memphis
Tennessee
Brooklyn Bridge Italian Restaurant
Golden India
RP Tracks
Taking ridiculously long baths multiple times a day*
Neshoba
*Not my actual bathtub
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Tatum’s adventures
11 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Family, Maris- my soul sister, Tatum, Uncategorized
Tatum seems to be recovering nicely from her birthday extravaganza.
Her great-Grandma Elder [paternal grandfather's mom] gave Adam this stuffed doggy. It was one of his favorites so I know he’d be all too happy to pass it on to his little sister
Busted! Maris caught Tater outside the Barbie dream house looking guilty. A look of guilt is better than a look of judgment, right Mar?
And she still has teeth. Definitely in the awkward/hysterical hall of fame for her pictures thus far.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Mama?
07 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Family, Heartbreak, Tatum, Unconventional Parenting
You can’t tell from this particular picture but these shelves are right by his bed. He can look at memories with Mommy– and see the sister he’s never met– as he lies down to sleep. It means the world to me that his immediate family receives such a prominent display in his room. I truly appreciate Aunt & Uncle [the paternal relatives with whom he's placed] providing these daily reminders of our love. Even if we are not there physically he can still connect to us with these visuals.
Tatum also enjoys looking at pictures of her brother while she’s in bed. She watches videos and responds to him with smiles and claps. Having already mastered ‘Mama’ her next word will be ‘Adam.’
It brings me comfort and joy knowing my children have these reminders of our family. More often than not my smile inevitably turns to tears. The agony of separation is unbearable. My daughter recognizes me from YouTube and audio bits from Gigi’s phone. My son doesn’t get the joke why he can’t live with me or even “just spend the night” as he begged at last week’s visit.
…but the bond of family proves unbreakable. Separation is only temporary. The thought of Tatum wandering around in her play area– looking for and calling out to her mom who won’t be coming anytime soon– is seared into my mind permanently. Sometimes it’s just too much.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
First Birthday Parties
03 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Anger, California, Child 'Protective' Services - CPS, Family, Frustration, Gestapo, Heartbreak, Homesick, Injustice, Love, Motherhood, Outrage, Parenting, Sibling love, Stress, Tatum, Unconventional Parenting, Upset
Time flies. Where has this past year gone? I feel as though I barely know my daughter. My son has never met his sister. Child ‘Welfare’ Services in San Luis Obispo County failed my children on such a colossal scale. They restricted my parental access, forcibly separated our family, and attempted to drive a wedge between Adam and me. And they failed miserably. Our bond transcends all. Tatum will meet her brother. These obstacles strengthen the unbreakable connection of our family. With time we will heal.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing that beautiful smile. Her laughter and excitement reminds me daily that I made the right– the only– decision. I sacrificed one child to save another.
Even sharing pictures of Tatum’s first birthday party can’t happen without a bitter taste in my mouth. At least she enjoyed her cake.
A photo summary of first birthdays:
Since we’ve been in California….
Tatum was born. Adam’s fourth birthday came and went. I turned 27. Maris and Theresa threw Tatum a party to celebrate her first year of life. In a few weeks Adam turns five. All milestones during which we were separated when we should have been together.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
End. In. Sight.
01 Mar 2013 1 Comment
in Adam, Court, Faith, Family, Justice, Legal issues, Miracles, Tatum, Unconventional Parenting
ADAM IS GOING HOME.
The end is in sight. But it’s not over yet.
Our prayers were answered with the news from court last week. CWS and the Judge ruled in favor of Adam’s return to Memphis. He can finally see– for the first time– the little sister he’s been desperate to meet!
Here on the central coast of California the day centered around the Family Court verdict. Meanwhile, 2000 miles east in Collierville, Tennessee….
A cake was placed in front of Tatum who wasted no time getting messy. Her adoring fans clapped and sang happy birthday. Amid a backdrop of pink feathers, frills, and girly decor my daughter experienced first birthday party.
Party photos coming within 24 hours. Questions will be answered and additional information will be provided soon. Daily posts shall resume early next week.
+ Always feel free to contact me via email:
sloanewreed@gmail.com
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Happy birthday, Tatum!
21 Feb 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Court, Motherhood, Tatum
Spending time with Adam was the best part of Tatum’s birthday. We met at McDonald’s for dinner. Nita was kind enough to make the video you see below– our happy birthday to sister.
Adam made some silly faces to go along with his card and present for Tatum.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
