Table of Contents........

Page three to four: How it all kicked into gear

Page five to nine: Newlyweds!

Page ten to fifteen: Early Parenthood

Page sixteen to twenty-one: Later Parenthood

Page twenty-two to twenty-nine: An Empty Nest

Page thirty to thirty-three: Retirement

Page thirty-four to thirty-six: Death of a Spouse

Page thirty-eight to thirty-nine: Glossary

This is Barack. Barack is 29. This is Bernie. Bernie is 24.

Barack and Bernie have found themselves at a family friend's wedding reception, when trying to take a photo in the photo booth at the same time. They decided hey, lets just take one together, and ever since the magnetic connection of love has kept them stuck. After 14 months of dating, Bernie proposed and Barack said yes!

The marriage ceremony was held on a beach with close family and friends. Barack and Bernie both have well developed careers, and have divided the ceremony funds evenly.

After six months of marriage, it is evident the couple has entered the Newlywed Stage. Barack has worries of managing even financial duties, and they couple decided to make a plan for each month, including bills such as the rent and utilities for their apartment.

B, why is the kitchen such a mess? I did the laundry, can you put some work in also?

Whatever. I never had to clean the kitchen when I lived with my mom. But I guess since we're married and we both own this place, I have to share the responsibility now.

I've been thinking, and I want to adopt Bern. I want to give the less fortunate more chance, I want to give them love. What do you think?

I'd love to adopt, but do we want children so soon?

I know, but adoption takes years for one child... We should apply soon, keep our options open. Don't you agree? At least gather information?

6 Months Later...

After a year of working through the kinks and quirks of new marriage, Barack and Bernie have applied for adoption, in hopes to receive more information in the near future. They will stay in contact with the adoption agency for a very long time, involved in a very extensive process.

Barack and Bernie continue to go through their daily lives, but have decided to also incorporate the things and schedules needed for when the child arrives. After saving up a lot of money, they have bought a new, child-friendly, cost efficient car. They also have saved and will keep saving to provide for the child very comfortably.

After two full years of waiting, visiting, messaging and wondering, Barack and Bernie are in Kenya to pick up their baby girl. They are adopting Naomi at age 2, from a native tribe located outside of the city limits of Kenya, Africa. They have waited patiently for so long, the joy of having her!

I'm so happy we have her Barack. It's a good thing we took the parenting classes we did, otherwise I think I would be more terrified yet excited than I am now. It's so important we know the basics of taking care of a child before you adopt.

I'm so happy Bernie. Being married to you and having our own little one, it's everything I've ever wanted. I'm glad we've figured out ways to maintain the closeness of our relationship through setting time for ourselves, while ensuring the well being of Naomi. I'm also glad we've created patterns to live.

Naomi will attend her first of many school days at age 5. Raising her in an environment completely different and new than anything she had ever experienced before was a learning experience, but now she is entering another universe and Barack and Bernie will support her through that..

I really love you dad. Thanks for being awesome.

The parent and child continue to form deeper and more complex relationships as the child grows.

Kids at my school tell me my parents are gay. What does that mean?

Naomi is eight now, and growing rapidly. Barack and Bernie will face tough conversations like this with Naomi. The truth is always the best route for a healthy, stable relationship between the child and parent. Barack gently and generally explains what he and Bernie's sexuality are, and why Naomi should not listen to anything any of the kids at school may bully her about.

Here we are at your favorite candy shop for your 14th birthday. You can have 14 different pieces this year!

Dad, I'm not six anymore. I want real things, cool things, things I can do. I want a guitar!

As a child gets older, their interests will change and it will be hard to accept these things as parents.

I can't believe they're making me do the dishes. What's next? Do my own laundry?

Naomi is gaining more responsibility by having to do these things. Not only do the parental roles change, the now teen's do too.

I think you're pretty cool Naomi. Can I walk you home?

That would be awesome. I'll show you the way.

What she's doing is normal Barack, don't stress too hard about her being walked home by a boy. We can meet him if it escalates.

Naomi's interests in boys is extremely new, and Barack is naturally worried for this new exploration. He wants the best for his daughter, whether that involve boys at all or not. Parent to child, they must compromise and understand one another's feelings on this kind of new land.

As Naomi gets older, she will want more freedom. This goes hand and hand with more responsibility for her own self. Barack and Bernie have set limits as to how far her freedom goes, but want to allow her to grow in this sense.

Is it alright if I go and hangout with some friends at Prudence's house? I finished my college app for SDSU.

Sure, but you have to be home by midnight and tomorrow we are going to pick up some job applications. Be safe. Love you Naomi.

I can't believe she is leaving soon. Where has the time gone?

Bernie and Barack are preparing to send Naomi to college, having her become completely dependent on her own self. This is a huge step into another part of the life cycle, the Empty Nest Life Cycle.

As Naomi leaves at age 18, she enters the next life realm. She will learn many things, such as self responsibility and financial responsibility. Barack and Bernie have less responsibility for her, but this could cause separation issues and they may miss having their little tyke around.