I am passing the torch. Last month I was interviewed for the featured writer post. So, this month it is my turn to interview one of our writers. I had the honor to interview Marcie Pickelsimer—our spirited, wise and indomitable moderator at Grown in My Heart. Did I mention fun??

I first met Marcie last summer when she (and her husband Eric) opened their lovely home to some of us crazy contributors. We had a blast and spent one fun-filled evening making jewelry in her kitchen while we discussed a myriad of topics related to adoption, adoptive parenting and special needs.

Marcie’s creative vision has brought together an eclectic, opinionated, and respectful group of writers. She is the mom of two adorable and amazing little men—AJ and Gus—and works tirelessly in the trenches, making sure we all do our “due diligence.”

So without further adieu, I invite you to get to know Marcie a bit better…

Why adoption? Honestly? Because we could not have biological children. I am the stereotypical adoptive parent who, after infertility, turned to adoption to build our family. Would it have been our first choice when we started a family? No. Do I still yearn for a biological child? Sure. I would still love, absolutely love, to feel a baby inside me, make a child with my husband, and to know what a birth is like. But, do I love MY children any less because of how they came to our family? Never.

What has becoming an adoptive mom taught you about yourself? I have learned that I like control, order, peace, quiet days, solitude, and above all else, sleep. With kids in general you just don’t get that. When you adopt a child at one or two a parent is slammed right into chaos. There is no down time with a two year old like there might be with a newborn (at least there weren’t with mine). I’ve had to let go of myself a lot so that my kids can be kids. It’s hard for me some days to get down on the floor and play because it’s just not who I am. But, I love splashing in the pool, playing peek-a-boo on the stairs and showing them the glory of nature.

What has being a mom to a special needs child taught you about yourself? On some days, that I have miles to go.

What wisdom can you share with other parents of special needs children or parents considering adopting a special needs child? In my opinion, every adoption is, in some way, a special needs adoption. Every child who is adopted carries with them their own set of special needs that are entirely different than a biological child’s needs. My oldest son has very unique medical and neurological needs, but my younger son tends to have some attachment needs that are specific to adoption and the way he was raised his first year. Everyone who chooses to adopt a special needs child NEEDS to be ready for the best and the worst. Every child has good days and bad days, but ultimately a child can overcome the odds with YOUR help. You have to be the one to help them because they can’t do it on their own.

Why did you feel compelled to create Grown in My Heart? What did you seek to accomplish with the site? What have you discovered in having this online network? I used to writer about adoption at My Two Boys and then A Child Chosen for b5media. When b5 closed I still needed an outlet. This time I really wanted to create something that was not only mine but also a network. I wanted a group of writers to write about adoption and be able to teach families the adoption truths…to help reform adoption, to help.

I’ve discovered that everyone is very spirited about their opinions and I’ve learned so much more about how my boys will feel as they grow up.

What do you like to do in your “down time?” Down time?

What is your favorite food? Chocolate and peanut butter, fresh crab or lobster, and anything I don’t have to make. I don’t really like to cook. My husband, however, is fabulous.

What makes you laugh? My husband, when Gus growls this really deep “smoker” Tiger growl, when AJ sings pop songs, TV shows Castle, The Big Bang Theory, and Bones. Good friends, Twitter, Facebook…

If you could be a cartoon character, who would it be? Dumbo. It took me a long time to figure this one out, but I have always loved Dumbo. Dumbo’s mother loves him unconditionally and when other’s don’t believe in him he still tries. Despite his shortcomings, flaws, uniqueness, and special needs, he is a hero. Disney actually meant to create a character that had to overcome such diversity, modeling him after Superman, who was very popular at the time (remember the song “When I see an Elephant Fly?”)

What are your hobbies? Gardening. I LOVE my garden and bought my existing house partly because of its flower garden. I’m teaching my boys to garden too and AJ absolutely loves it.

What is your favorite season of the year? Fall. But I love spring when my flowers come in. It just makes me happy.

What is something you can share with GIMH readers that would surprise them? I nap everyday.