We just returned from vacation. One week at the Jersey Shore, just as we do every year. My girls are getting a bit older and were well behaved. I couldn't help but feel other people's eyes on us though. I wonder what they were thinking? Do they realize our youngest daughter looks nothing like us? Do they suspect she was adopted? Am I over-analyzing it? Probably!
My in laws were with us. Truthfully, we get less stares when my mother in law is with us. Our youngest somewhat resembles her and I think people assume our daughter looks like grandma.
I think about it too much. I really should learn to care less what others think or their reactions. There are lots of families who have biological children who happen to not look like the parents. I guess in time, I will be less in tune to others reactions and comments. I guess because she's so darn cute, she gets lots of attention, smiles and stares! I take that as a compliment!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
16 and Pregnant on MTV
I never really cared for the MTV show "16 and Pregnant" until the last episode. I didn't want to see 16 year old girls who just happened to get pregnant. Well in the last episode, teen couple Catelynn and Tyler make an adoption plan for their baby girl.
They were so emotional, yet so brave and determined to go through with the adoption plan for the sake of the baby. They should be applauded for their maturity and courage.
They met the adoptive parents, Brandon and Theresa and everyone seemed to click. They agreed on a semi open adoption. While watching the show, I found myself so sympathetic to the birth parents, and not as excited for the adoptive parents as I thought I would be. I found myself crying throughout the show. I encourage anyone thinking of placing a baby for adoption, or adopting a baby to see this episode. Just the other night, they aired a follow up show and reunited the adoptive parents and birth parents with five week old Carly. It was amazing.
As an adoptive mother, I "get it". All adoptive mothers get it. We appreciate the sacrifice birthparents make when placing a baby for adoption. We are eternally grateful for the gift of our children and know the decision was not an easy one. Many a birth parent has anguished over their options. I have the highest respect for birth parents, I always have and always will. The gift of love and joy that they bestow upon others by presenting them with a baby is a feeling unmatched.
I hope young people watch this show and learn valuable lessons from it...1)Getting pregnant as a teen means sacrifices-if you aren't ready-don't put yourself in jeopardy of getting pregnant. 2)Adoption is an option. It's difficult, but a way for you to resume your life as you know it and let the child have a better life than you can provide. An adoptive family will be eternally grateful for the gift of life you give them. 3) Teen pregnancy should not be glorified as it is in our society. It's life altering and makes you grow up very quickly. Maybe if it weren't so accepted, young couples would think harder before taking risks.
16 and pregnant on MTV
They were so emotional, yet so brave and determined to go through with the adoption plan for the sake of the baby. They should be applauded for their maturity and courage.
They met the adoptive parents, Brandon and Theresa and everyone seemed to click. They agreed on a semi open adoption. While watching the show, I found myself so sympathetic to the birth parents, and not as excited for the adoptive parents as I thought I would be. I found myself crying throughout the show. I encourage anyone thinking of placing a baby for adoption, or adopting a baby to see this episode. Just the other night, they aired a follow up show and reunited the adoptive parents and birth parents with five week old Carly. It was amazing.
As an adoptive mother, I "get it". All adoptive mothers get it. We appreciate the sacrifice birthparents make when placing a baby for adoption. We are eternally grateful for the gift of our children and know the decision was not an easy one. Many a birth parent has anguished over their options. I have the highest respect for birth parents, I always have and always will. The gift of love and joy that they bestow upon others by presenting them with a baby is a feeling unmatched.
I hope young people watch this show and learn valuable lessons from it...1)Getting pregnant as a teen means sacrifices-if you aren't ready-don't put yourself in jeopardy of getting pregnant. 2)Adoption is an option. It's difficult, but a way for you to resume your life as you know it and let the child have a better life than you can provide. An adoptive family will be eternally grateful for the gift of life you give them. 3) Teen pregnancy should not be glorified as it is in our society. It's life altering and makes you grow up very quickly. Maybe if it weren't so accepted, young couples would think harder before taking risks.
16 and pregnant on MTV
Thursday, June 04, 2009
The stares............
Yes, that's what we get lately-the stares. Why is this blonde haired, blued eyed toddler calling that black haired olive skinned woman Mommy? Because I am her Mom.
People look at her, look at me, look at her, then look at me again. They look puzzled. Some say stupid comments like "Where did she get the blonde hair?" or "Who does she look like?" Does every mother and daughter have to resemble??? The stares are less frequent when I am with my mother in law, who does have blonde hair and blue eyes.
For all those who have adopted a child who looks different from them, you know what I am talking about. I really can't describe the feeling, I can only write about it. Sometimes it gets under my skin about how people are so appalled that we don't look alike. When I see a child with an adult who does look like them, I made no assumptions-I just smile. In the back of my mind, of course, I am thinking that they could be adopted and if they are-how wonderful.
Mothers and daughters are supposed to resemble-remember the Brady Bunch, Bewitched and the mother-daughter teams on reality shows like The Biggest Loser? I don't think society will ever truly accept children who don't resemble their parents. It may always be a mystery to the curiosity seekers.
Love makes a family, not genetics.
People look at her, look at me, look at her, then look at me again. They look puzzled. Some say stupid comments like "Where did she get the blonde hair?" or "Who does she look like?" Does every mother and daughter have to resemble??? The stares are less frequent when I am with my mother in law, who does have blonde hair and blue eyes.
For all those who have adopted a child who looks different from them, you know what I am talking about. I really can't describe the feeling, I can only write about it. Sometimes it gets under my skin about how people are so appalled that we don't look alike. When I see a child with an adult who does look like them, I made no assumptions-I just smile. In the back of my mind, of course, I am thinking that they could be adopted and if they are-how wonderful.
Mothers and daughters are supposed to resemble-remember the Brady Bunch, Bewitched and the mother-daughter teams on reality shows like The Biggest Loser? I don't think society will ever truly accept children who don't resemble their parents. It may always be a mystery to the curiosity seekers.
Love makes a family, not genetics.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Happy Mother's Day! Not only is Mother's Day just for Moms, but it's a time to think about birthmothers and those hoping to me Moms.
Mother's Day is difficult for many women. Maybe their own mother has passed away or the relationship is strained. Maybe they can't be with their own children this holiday. Maybe you are a woman who gave up a baby for adoption and are missing that child more than ever this day. Whatever the case it, Mother's Day isn't always a happy celebrated day for a variety of reasons.
I remember many a Mother's Day I wish I could have slept through. Sure I had my Mom, mother in law, grandmas and sister who were celebrating, but the years when I wanted kids and didn't have any were painful. Going to restaurants and getting wished Happy Mother's Day by well meaning staff. Just smiling and nodding, I had a husband and was certainly old enough to have kids. My sister would let my niece buy me something since I am her Godmother. It's not the same. There was an emptiness that was was indescribable.
I am so thankful for my two miracles who have made my life complete. One miracle who grew in my womb, the other miracle who grew in my heart. God had a plan for me and I would have to wait a bit to be a Mom-it was well worth it!
Think of other women who may be in difficult situations today. Maybe call a friend whose having a rough day or stop by a visit a neighbor whose kids live far away. Remember Moms are a gift, as are children-never take them for granted.
Mother's Day is difficult for many women. Maybe their own mother has passed away or the relationship is strained. Maybe they can't be with their own children this holiday. Maybe you are a woman who gave up a baby for adoption and are missing that child more than ever this day. Whatever the case it, Mother's Day isn't always a happy celebrated day for a variety of reasons.
I remember many a Mother's Day I wish I could have slept through. Sure I had my Mom, mother in law, grandmas and sister who were celebrating, but the years when I wanted kids and didn't have any were painful. Going to restaurants and getting wished Happy Mother's Day by well meaning staff. Just smiling and nodding, I had a husband and was certainly old enough to have kids. My sister would let my niece buy me something since I am her Godmother. It's not the same. There was an emptiness that was was indescribable.
I am so thankful for my two miracles who have made my life complete. One miracle who grew in my womb, the other miracle who grew in my heart. God had a plan for me and I would have to wait a bit to be a Mom-it was well worth it!
Think of other women who may be in difficult situations today. Maybe call a friend whose having a rough day or stop by a visit a neighbor whose kids live far away. Remember Moms are a gift, as are children-never take them for granted.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Two Years ago today....please read if you are waiting to adopt...
Two years ago today, my life was forever changed. Like a verse from "I Hope you Dance" from LeeAnn Womack, "whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens", it happened just like that.
Around 10 AM, I found out I was layed off from my Systems Analyst job of three years. Layoffs were coming and I was not shocked, but none the less upset. I was worried about how it would change my status with the adoption/social worker. I packed my desk, said goodbye to my colleagues and went home. I had tickets to see Grease a a local dinner theater that night with a few friends. I was so looking forward to it, but was now bummed out after losing my job.
I showered, got dressed, put on my makeup and my happy face and went to the play. Somewhere in the first act, I received a call from an unknown area code. I forgot about the adoptions ads I placed. I didn't get out the door in time and the call went into voicemail. I listened to the message at intermission and it was a very serious sounding potential birthmother. After playing phone tag for over a week, we started to talk. She was very serious about placing and my beautiful daughter was born on May 20th.
April 28th was one of my darkest days, or so I thought. It turned out to me one of the most pivotal days of my life. One door closed and another one opened. Your life can change with one call. Don't give up hope! When you least expect it, the calls comes that changes your life.
Around 10 AM, I found out I was layed off from my Systems Analyst job of three years. Layoffs were coming and I was not shocked, but none the less upset. I was worried about how it would change my status with the adoption/social worker. I packed my desk, said goodbye to my colleagues and went home. I had tickets to see Grease a a local dinner theater that night with a few friends. I was so looking forward to it, but was now bummed out after losing my job.
I showered, got dressed, put on my makeup and my happy face and went to the play. Somewhere in the first act, I received a call from an unknown area code. I forgot about the adoptions ads I placed. I didn't get out the door in time and the call went into voicemail. I listened to the message at intermission and it was a very serious sounding potential birthmother. After playing phone tag for over a week, we started to talk. She was very serious about placing and my beautiful daughter was born on May 20th.
April 28th was one of my darkest days, or so I thought. It turned out to me one of the most pivotal days of my life. One door closed and another one opened. Your life can change with one call. Don't give up hope! When you least expect it, the calls comes that changes your life.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wicked Star Kristen Chenoweth talks about being adopted!
I found this great video segment on Yahoo today and had to share it!
I have been wanting to see Wicked on Broadway for a while-now I really want to see star Kristen Chenoweth perform. This 6 minute clip just warmed my heart. She is so positive about her adoption and being adopted. I also can relate, wanting my petite blond to feel like she fits in with her taller, brunette family! Too bad more public figures aren't sharing their positive adoption stories.
I also loved this interview because Robin Roberts is a cancer survivor (love to hear women overcoming cancer) and I worked with her in TV in the early 1990s. So glad to see her back in front of the camera!
Please watch this video..........
I have been wanting to see Wicked on Broadway for a while-now I really want to see star Kristen Chenoweth perform. This 6 minute clip just warmed my heart. She is so positive about her adoption and being adopted. I also can relate, wanting my petite blond to feel like she fits in with her taller, brunette family! Too bad more public figures aren't sharing their positive adoption stories.
I also loved this interview because Robin Roberts is a cancer survivor (love to hear women overcoming cancer) and I worked with her in TV in the early 1990s. So glad to see her back in front of the camera!
Please watch this video..........
Saturday, April 11, 2009
I am officially a publisher author...of sorts!
If you count e-magazines! I was asked to write an adoption article for theafa.org's newsletter, and I did. I think it's great, but unfortunately, the did not print my bio or contact information, so no contacts came out of it. Disappointed for that, but happy to be published! I hope to write more articles in the future and share my knowledge with others.
Here's a link to my article, published on March 24ths e-newsletter...
You've decided to adopt independently...now what?
Here's a link to my article, published on March 24ths e-newsletter...
You've decided to adopt independently...now what?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Some cute videos
My eleven year old niece is so talented. She decided to make some videos and boy did I have a good laugh. She made one of my older daughter dancing with Troy from High School Musical. It's hysterical.
My niece is so funny and creative-she must take after me!!! Here's another one she made with my brother Irish step dancing with his four nieces....
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
My niece is so funny and creative-she must take after me!!! Here's another one she made with my brother Irish step dancing with his four nieces....
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
She outta be in pictures!
My youngest daughter is not photogenic-she is prettier in person. I do catch a really good picture of her now and then that I just love. A few friends of mine submitted pictures of their adoptive children to the Adoptive Families magazine photo contest quite a while back. They were both notified today that their sons were picked from 10,000 kids to be in an adoption book that will be published in July 2009. Only 75 pictures were picked, so both were surprised and excited to find out the picture they submitted long ago was considered and chosen to be in the book.
I figured "what the heck" and I sent a few good shots in of my daughter. I wouldn't mind being contacted down the road to tell me she made the magazine or the picture was selected for another publication!
Right Now her hair is at an awkward stage. She takes bows out immediately and her hair is thin, straight and flyaway. I will include a couple of pictures from yesterday. St. Patty's day, which we celebrated by wearing green and making shamrock shakes!
I figured "what the heck" and I sent a few good shots in of my daughter. I wouldn't mind being contacted down the road to tell me she made the magazine or the picture was selected for another publication!
Right Now her hair is at an awkward stage. She takes bows out immediately and her hair is thin, straight and flyaway. I will include a couple of pictures from yesterday. St. Patty's day, which we celebrated by wearing green and making shamrock shakes!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Octomom Nadya Suleman=Deadbeat!
I never did like the idea of this woman with six kids having eight more! Fourteen kids sounds like a kindergarten class-not a family for a single Mom. I guess if Nayda Suleman had enough money to raise her fourteen kids I would be less bothered.
She lives on food stamps, is unemployed, sounds nuts, denies plastic surgery to look like Angelina Jolie (isn't it obvious though) and may not retain custody of her children. I wish her babies well and hope they all are released from the hospital in good health, but how in the world is she supposed to provide care, love and attention for fourteen children under the age of eight? Her parents home is in foreclosure and is too small for all of them to live in, rumor has it-she may be moving into a bigger home.
Is it our job to support this woman? Well luckily I don't live in California, but If I did I would be mad as hell that I have to support this deadbeat who had access to numberous infertility treatments, all of which seemed to work just fine. It's it a kick in the face to those of us that can't have children and have had infertility treatments fail? Her infertility doctor should have his license revoked for implanting her with six embryos.
I can understand a financially and mentally stable single woman having one or two children through invitro, but fourteen? You need a team of people round the clock to care for them! When you impact society with your inability to care for your fourteen children, the public has the right to chime in and complain!
I guess the good news is that there are no more frozen embryos left for Miss Suleman to have implanted in her. Thank God for small miracles?
She lives on food stamps, is unemployed, sounds nuts, denies plastic surgery to look like Angelina Jolie (isn't it obvious though) and may not retain custody of her children. I wish her babies well and hope they all are released from the hospital in good health, but how in the world is she supposed to provide care, love and attention for fourteen children under the age of eight? Her parents home is in foreclosure and is too small for all of them to live in, rumor has it-she may be moving into a bigger home.
Is it our job to support this woman? Well luckily I don't live in California, but If I did I would be mad as hell that I have to support this deadbeat who had access to numberous infertility treatments, all of which seemed to work just fine. It's it a kick in the face to those of us that can't have children and have had infertility treatments fail? Her infertility doctor should have his license revoked for implanting her with six embryos.
I can understand a financially and mentally stable single woman having one or two children through invitro, but fourteen? You need a team of people round the clock to care for them! When you impact society with your inability to care for your fourteen children, the public has the right to chime in and complain!
I guess the good news is that there are no more frozen embryos left for Miss Suleman to have implanted in her. Thank God for small miracles?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Signed up with an agency for domestic adoption? You MUST read this post!
I know so many people who are signed up with agencies and pursuing independent adoption. Many of them are waiting for more than a year. I know you have probably spent a lot of time getting approved and putting together your profile and now are just waiting for the agency to call and say you were matched or there is a birthmother interested in you. Rarely does it work that way. Sometimes it does, but with domestic adoption being as competitive as it is now, you have to do more than wait for the phone to ring.
You have to take action. You have to create your own adoption website, you have to promote your adoption website, you have to network with friends and family and you should consider running print ads. I know these are the steps you usually take in independent adoption, but with agencies cutting back on their advertising (due to the economy), the are getting few placements, but many couples signing up. You have to help yourself out as much as you can afford to in an effort to minimize the wait.
If you are open to various races for a child, or a special needs child, you may not be up against the intense competition to adopt a baby, but it still may make sense to take some steps to get the word out there on your own.
Creating a good adoption website maybe the best tool and best investment of a few hundred dollars in your entire adoption journey. Many, many couples have been matched by the right woman seeing their adoption website!
If you need help creating an adoption website, I can do that at a reasonable price. You supply the text and pictures and I will make it look terrific and be found at the top of the search engines! Visit my website:
http://adoptionadvertising.net
You have to take action. You have to create your own adoption website, you have to promote your adoption website, you have to network with friends and family and you should consider running print ads. I know these are the steps you usually take in independent adoption, but with agencies cutting back on their advertising (due to the economy), the are getting few placements, but many couples signing up. You have to help yourself out as much as you can afford to in an effort to minimize the wait.
If you are open to various races for a child, or a special needs child, you may not be up against the intense competition to adopt a baby, but it still may make sense to take some steps to get the word out there on your own.
Creating a good adoption website maybe the best tool and best investment of a few hundred dollars in your entire adoption journey. Many, many couples have been matched by the right woman seeing their adoption website!
If you need help creating an adoption website, I can do that at a reasonable price. You supply the text and pictures and I will make it look terrific and be found at the top of the search engines! Visit my website:
http://adoptionadvertising.net
Saturday, February 21, 2009
An adoption success.....
This morning I received a very welcomed phone call from a client. An adoption success story!!! A whirlwind week ending with them welcoming their son into their family. When you least expect it, the call comes!!! They were actually away on a mini vacation with their older daughter earlier this week, when they first heard of the situation.
The baby was due to be born in a day or two and there was no time to dilly-dally. So straight from their mini vacation, they headed to the state where this baby was due (luckily it was just a few hours drive). Not much packed in the car, but luckily their camera and enough clothes to get by! Not knowing what to expect, the potential birthmom spoke to them, met them and really like them. She placed her baby with them right after birth. They met the extended birthfamily in the hospital and it was wonderful.
I think they are still in shock how after months of situations falling through, periods of no phone calls, emails from scammers, and feeling quite low (as of a week ago), your life can change on a dime. It's called fate. Fate is what ultimately determines the baby you adopt. An ad placed in a certain paper at the right time, a friend of a friend hears of a situation and calls you, a woman sees your adoption website and is drawn to you, another couple backs out last minute and you get the call. There are always an interesting series of events that's involved an any adoption story-that's why I love hearing them. Every adoption story is unique, but there is one common threat-FATE.
I am also happy to report that the phone is ringing for some of my other clents with potential adoption situations. There was a lull in phone calls for a few weeks, but the lull seems to be over!
I hope to have more success stories to report in the weeks and months ahead!
Congratulations to this family of four! Enjoy the newest addition to your family. He is lucky to have found a family like you!
The baby was due to be born in a day or two and there was no time to dilly-dally. So straight from their mini vacation, they headed to the state where this baby was due (luckily it was just a few hours drive). Not much packed in the car, but luckily their camera and enough clothes to get by! Not knowing what to expect, the potential birthmom spoke to them, met them and really like them. She placed her baby with them right after birth. They met the extended birthfamily in the hospital and it was wonderful.
I think they are still in shock how after months of situations falling through, periods of no phone calls, emails from scammers, and feeling quite low (as of a week ago), your life can change on a dime. It's called fate. Fate is what ultimately determines the baby you adopt. An ad placed in a certain paper at the right time, a friend of a friend hears of a situation and calls you, a woman sees your adoption website and is drawn to you, another couple backs out last minute and you get the call. There are always an interesting series of events that's involved an any adoption story-that's why I love hearing them. Every adoption story is unique, but there is one common threat-FATE.
I am also happy to report that the phone is ringing for some of my other clents with potential adoption situations. There was a lull in phone calls for a few weeks, but the lull seems to be over!
I hope to have more success stories to report in the weeks and months ahead!
Congratulations to this family of four! Enjoy the newest addition to your family. He is lucky to have found a family like you!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Just checking in!
Sorry I have been a bad blogger lately. I have been busy with my family, my business and a little bit of ebay! :) Valentine's Day has come and gone and I am fighting off bronchitis for a week now. The days are just flying by. I can't wait to feel better and get back to get back to the gym and my diet. Taking megadoses of steroids so I can breath is not what I had hoped when I went to the doctor, but I have to breath.
Some of my clients and friends have been getting some interesting and hopeful adoption calls and situations. I get excited for each and every one of them and hope that if it's meant to be, it works out that way. I truly am happy for them and know that hopeful excited feeling of thinking your baby may finally be coming to you soon.
I have heard that February can be a slow month for adoption calls too, so if you are placing ads, promoting your adoption website and not getting calls-don't get too alarmed. It happens-I, myself went 3-4 weeks without a single call, in spite of spending $1300-$1400 a month on print ads.
Keep the faith and keep advertising! Even if things don't look hopeful, it takes one call to change your life!
Some of my clients and friends have been getting some interesting and hopeful adoption calls and situations. I get excited for each and every one of them and hope that if it's meant to be, it works out that way. I truly am happy for them and know that hopeful excited feeling of thinking your baby may finally be coming to you soon.
I have heard that February can be a slow month for adoption calls too, so if you are placing ads, promoting your adoption website and not getting calls-don't get too alarmed. It happens-I, myself went 3-4 weeks without a single call, in spite of spending $1300-$1400 a month on print ads.
Keep the faith and keep advertising! Even if things don't look hopeful, it takes one call to change your life!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Adoption-one step at a time!
Sorry to be MIA, I have been super busy with my business and the kids.
I am thinking of all my friends who are waiting to adopt. Waiting is the hardest part whether you are adopting domestically or internationally. Every time I hear this song by Jordin Sparks, I think of those waiting to adopt. I love this song, and "It's gonna happen when it's supposed to happen!" I do believe that. The words are perfect! Enjoy the song and don't give up hope. Every day you get one step closer to your child!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What states are good to advertise in for adoption?
I get that question all the time. I wish I knew for sure. I just look for feedback from adoption attorneys, friends and my clients as to where the emails and phone calls are coming from. A few select states don't allow print ads or you wouldn't advertise there because they are agency states. Three quarters of the states are good for advertising. Advertise where it makes sense for you. How far are you willing to travel? Do you have family and friends in certain states so you can stay with them and wait out ICPC?
I always say you should start within driving range and work your way further away if you must. Look at the demographics before you place ads. You want areas where the race reflects the child you hope to adopt and that the population is of child bearing age. Ads in retirement communities in Arizona will do you no good. Lots of areas are hurting from the poor economy, some more than others. You may want to factor that in. Look at the circulation of the paper in comparison to the price of an ad. A one week ad for a 20,000 circulation paper at $100 is not a great deal. A one week ad in a paper with a circulation of 300,000 for $100 is a good deal. Use your advertising dollars wisely. It comes down to putting out lots of ads, doing your research and hoping your ad is in the right place at the right time.
Right now, my clients are getting calls and emails from lots of different places. I can't even narrow down a trend. Don't be discouraged when days or weeks go by without a contact. It happened to me. I think I went three weeks without a call-probably $1,000 of advertising money spent-without a call. Then I got a call-it was "the call". It would be my last call. It resulted in the adoption of my daughter three weeks and two days after that last call.
When you you least expect it, you get "the call"!
I always say you should start within driving range and work your way further away if you must. Look at the demographics before you place ads. You want areas where the race reflects the child you hope to adopt and that the population is of child bearing age. Ads in retirement communities in Arizona will do you no good. Lots of areas are hurting from the poor economy, some more than others. You may want to factor that in. Look at the circulation of the paper in comparison to the price of an ad. A one week ad for a 20,000 circulation paper at $100 is not a great deal. A one week ad in a paper with a circulation of 300,000 for $100 is a good deal. Use your advertising dollars wisely. It comes down to putting out lots of ads, doing your research and hoping your ad is in the right place at the right time.
Right now, my clients are getting calls and emails from lots of different places. I can't even narrow down a trend. Don't be discouraged when days or weeks go by without a contact. It happened to me. I think I went three weeks without a call-probably $1,000 of advertising money spent-without a call. Then I got a call-it was "the call". It would be my last call. It resulted in the adoption of my daughter three weeks and two days after that last call.
When you you least expect it, you get "the call"!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My big girl turned 6 last week!
Well, it's official, Jacqueline is 6 (as of January 7th) and boy did she grow this year! I know she grew, but I am still in shock at how much!She went for her annual checkup yesterday. From last year's checkup-she gained 11 pounds and now weighs 47 pounds! (62nd percentile). I felt like she would never reach 40 pounds and get into a booster seat this past Spring! She grew 3 1/2 inches and is now 45 1/2 inches (54th percentile).
Wow! My little girl is growing up. After numerous birthday celebrations-I think the celebrating is over and it's back to the usual routine.
Here are a few pictures of the birthday girl taken last week!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Finding adoptive parents for biracial of African American babies
It seems there is a gap, that I hope I can help fix, even if in some small way. Many Caucasian couples are seeking Caucasian babies and do not express an interest in biracial or African American babies. I know some people pursuing independent adoption feel bad. They receive a call from a woman who wants to make an adoption plan, and the baby they are carrying is biracial or African American and the situation isn't right for them. They don't have anyone else to refer this potential birthmother to. Sometimes the potential birthmother will say "You are the third or fourth couple I called and no one is interested in my baby."
There is definitely a gap here. There are many couples of all kinds, interested in biracial and African American babies. It's just not easy to find them. It can be like finding a needle in a haystack. It can be frustrating for the potential birthmom as well as the couples hoping to adopt a minority baby.
A few months ago a friend posted that she received a call about a biracial baby and was not interested in the situation. I emailed her for information and passed it onto someone in the next state who I know was very interested. Long story short, they are matched and the baby is due very soon. I think my intervention helped all around-1) a birthmother was interested in talking to her and was relieved and 2) A family longing for a baby to love will finally have their dream come true.
I place ads for some clients who want to adopt a minority baby, some newspapers will not print "We are hoping to adopt a biracial or African American baby". They claim it's discrimination. I see their point, but they really want to get the word out that they are open to a minority baby, so a potential birthmom will feel assured knowing if they contacted this couple, she would be rejected.
Maybe some of the online sites that accept profiles and site links from other couples hoping to adopt should allow these couples to be more descriptive or divide their site by the type of child the adopting families are hoping to adopt. Something needs to be done to bridge this gap and help these babies find loving homes without fear of rejection. I guess I have to put my thinking cap on and figure out how I can be the catalyst for change.
I do know of one multiracial family hoping to adopt a biracial or African American baby. They are homestudy approved and can adopt on short notice. They are a wonderful, diverse family and I will take this opportunity to list their adoption website in case anyone reading this is looking for an adoptive family for their unborn baby, who happens to be biracial or African American.
http://twofantasticmoms.com
There is definitely a gap here. There are many couples of all kinds, interested in biracial and African American babies. It's just not easy to find them. It can be like finding a needle in a haystack. It can be frustrating for the potential birthmom as well as the couples hoping to adopt a minority baby.
A few months ago a friend posted that she received a call about a biracial baby and was not interested in the situation. I emailed her for information and passed it onto someone in the next state who I know was very interested. Long story short, they are matched and the baby is due very soon. I think my intervention helped all around-1) a birthmother was interested in talking to her and was relieved and 2) A family longing for a baby to love will finally have their dream come true.
I place ads for some clients who want to adopt a minority baby, some newspapers will not print "We are hoping to adopt a biracial or African American baby". They claim it's discrimination. I see their point, but they really want to get the word out that they are open to a minority baby, so a potential birthmom will feel assured knowing if they contacted this couple, she would be rejected.
Maybe some of the online sites that accept profiles and site links from other couples hoping to adopt should allow these couples to be more descriptive or divide their site by the type of child the adopting families are hoping to adopt. Something needs to be done to bridge this gap and help these babies find loving homes without fear of rejection. I guess I have to put my thinking cap on and figure out how I can be the catalyst for change.
I do know of one multiracial family hoping to adopt a biracial or African American baby. They are homestudy approved and can adopt on short notice. They are a wonderful, diverse family and I will take this opportunity to list their adoption website in case anyone reading this is looking for an adoptive family for their unborn baby, who happens to be biracial or African American.
http://twofantasticmoms.com
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Thank you to my adoption attorneys..
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Denise Seidelman and Nina Rumbold for all their help the past two years. I met them in late 2006 when my husband and I decided to pursue independent adoption. They are wonderful, caring, knowledgeable attorneys who put their clients first!
I just love them and they really saw a spark in me from the begnning and know we would be successful in adopting soon, due to my perserverance and creativity. They were right and five months after being certified, we welcomed a daughter home. They started telling me how I could help others, how I had the know how and skills to offer services to couples hoping to adopt. I didn't believe in myself, but they believed in me. After 17 months of them telling me "You have to do this". I did it. I started my own adoption advertising/consulting service and it's going really well. I love what I am doing and my greatest joy comes from others having success.
I want to thank them, not only for their help and how smoothly our adoption went, but for seeing something in me I did not see. They are constantly trying to help me build my business and referring their clients to me. I will be working with them more closely in 2009 on some administrative/creative things for their practice.
If you live in the NY/NJ metropolitan area and are considering independent adoption, please contact Rumbold and Seidelman. They are wonderful people and skilled adoption attorneys!
Here's their website!
http://adoptionlawny.com
I just love them and they really saw a spark in me from the begnning and know we would be successful in adopting soon, due to my perserverance and creativity. They were right and five months after being certified, we welcomed a daughter home. They started telling me how I could help others, how I had the know how and skills to offer services to couples hoping to adopt. I didn't believe in myself, but they believed in me. After 17 months of them telling me "You have to do this". I did it. I started my own adoption advertising/consulting service and it's going really well. I love what I am doing and my greatest joy comes from others having success.
I want to thank them, not only for their help and how smoothly our adoption went, but for seeing something in me I did not see. They are constantly trying to help me build my business and referring their clients to me. I will be working with them more closely in 2009 on some administrative/creative things for their practice.
If you live in the NY/NJ metropolitan area and are considering independent adoption, please contact Rumbold and Seidelman. They are wonderful people and skilled adoption attorneys!
Here's their website!
http://adoptionlawny.com
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