Charne's journey with Max is magical. He is adopted and she shares her story here...

Charne, tell us a bit more about the day you first saw Max?

I can tell you about his placement day. I remember the first time we saw him. We arrived at the safe-house at the same time as the lady who had been caring for him. She allowed us a sneak peek and the moment that she opened the blankets that were covering his face, he opened his eyes and looked straight into mine. It was a magical moment that literally made me catch my breath.

How did you choose the name? 

My husband and I were playing around with a few names and we had decided on one. Then when we saw him for the first time, we both decided that the name did not suit him. I felt he needed a “spunky” name and came up with Max… my husband loved it too.

What would you say is your wish for your child's life? 

My wish for him is that he always knows how loved he is and that he grows up to be a confident, self-assured, successful man with a kind heart.

What can you already see developing in her/his personality? 

He is extremely stubborn!!

What has the arrival meant for you and your husband? 

Initially it was a bit overwhelming, but we have found our rhythm. Two kids (I also have an older child) are hard work!!!

How has your life changed? 

Having been a mom to a single child for the past six years, the last few months have been tough. Sharing my time between work, both kids, my husband and myself has been a challenge for him. I sometimes feel that I am letting everyone down.

How long did you wait for your baby? 

We  struggled with secondary infertility for four years. The adoption process took nine months from our first application to the day that Max was placed.

How can you describe yourself then and now. You before babies and you now after babies? 

Before babies, I was a much calmer, but also more timid person. Post babies, I feel that there is always something that either needs to be done or something that I have forgotten to do. But I am also a much stronger, more assertive person now.

Do you believe in spoiling children and if you do, what will you spoil your children with? 

For me spoiling a child is buying them every single thing that they want or see that someone else has, and not setting boundaries. My kids are spoilt in the sense that they have A LOT, but my eldest knows that she has to earn things and if she wants an expensive toy, she doesn’t just get it straight away, she has to be interested in it for at least a month before I will consider buying it (that way I know it is something that she does actually want). She also only gets big toy purchases every 3-4 months, usually as a reward for something. So, if she really wants something, it goes on a list that she has to choose from, so she often has to make a choice between a few things that she loves, but can only choose 1. I believe this teaches her that sometimes in life we have to compromise.

What do you look for in a brand/toy to stimulate your baby? 

It has to be something that can last and possibly be passed on. And works best if it has multiple purposes.

What about this toy was really cool and did they enjoy? 

Max enjoyed the interaction and my six year old was quite happy to get in on the fun as well. I liked that it was so versatile that both of them, even though they are so far apart in age, could enjoy it.

Would you recommend this to other moms and why? What about it would you recommend? 

Yes, as above, it was something that we could all enjoy.

Did you also grow up with Fisher Price? What about it can you remember? 

I remember the phone that looked like a dog. :-)

What did your mom teach you that you will carry over to your daughter/son? 

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” You do not need to tolerate people being unkind to you, but you do not need to retaliate with unkindness. Walk away from a situation or people that hurts you or makes you do hurtful things. Don’t be afraid to try new things and always challenge yourself. Be the best version of yourself. If you are going to compete, compete with the person you were yesterday.

Thank you Charne for sharing your story with us!

If you need more information about the Beat Bo toy, you can visit the Fisher Price Facebook page here or visit selected toy stores. Here's a bit more info on Beat Bo: it has a large, multi-color LED grid tummy, he has fun dancing action that gets his hips shaking and head nodding, three modes to grow with baby, introduces baby to ABC's, colours, counting and more!