weadoptedthree

Dear Darryl and Lanice, Congratulations on your adorably, sweet daughter, Jodie! I just looked on Sherrie Tennison's Gallery and she posted the cutest picture of Jodie and Brenli. We're all so blessed by these bundles of joy!

Everyone on this Forum is amazing to me. The faith that could move mountains is what I find here in every story. I'm pretty sure I knew all along that we would have difficulty conceiving, but tried many options before contacting adoption agencies. We chose Abrazo because the lady that answered the phone (Elizabeth at that time!) seemed very caring. When we received our call about a sibling group of three, we only hesitated for one second before saying yes. Then their birthparents chose another couple. It was devastating, and I kept praying "why God, why did you present this wonderful opportunity to us and then take it away?". Well, as it turned out, two days later Elizabeth called again and said "still interested? because the birthcouple changed their mind." I was still interested, but I had to make sure Brian was too, so I asked if I could call her back after speaking with Brian. The rest, as you know, is history. While we were waiting for all the signed paperwork before leaving for San Antonio, I remembered a book I had read when I was about 12 or 13 that I had purchased at a library book sale (or never returned). I knew the title had something to do with adoption so I hunted through all my boxes of books that I had never unpacked. Sure enough, there was the book. The title: "We Adopted Three", hence my screen name for the Forum. Finding that book confirmed God's plan for us! Becoming the lucky parents of Hillary, Brian and Cassie was definitely His plan.

I wish I had one ounce of your knowledge and wisdom. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

pkk - I will add you to my prayer list immediately. I will pray for your spiritual guidance and that you will feel secure in your decision. Good luck and God Bless.

It's amazing how we all are pulling for each other. I, too, was holding my breath for Stork Central to post this wonderful news! CONGRATULATIONS Marcelo and Claudia on your beautiful bundle of BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As you can tell, the entire Forum is full of love and joy for all of you! We especially remember Dante's birthfamily in our prayers.

I am SO HAPPY for you Melissa, Chris and Grace Ann. Two is double the fun of one! Can't wait to hear all about your orientation, etc. etc. etc. Sending hugs from New Jersey! With love,

I'm so happy for all of you, Melissa!

Not on the subject, but ....... just wanted to say how much I am enjoying everyone's updated photos of their babies. I, for one, am not computer savvy, so I haven't changed our avatar picture in a very long time. Paul and Michelle, I love the picture of your little ones! Melissa, Grace Ann is still a cutie patootie! Love,

Whew! I'm so glad for you and Chris ... and GraceAnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is one worry off your minds! Hip Hip Hooray! Love,

By any chance, is this couple from the Garden State? Oh I hope so!

Hi Elaine and welcome to Abrazo's Forum! I have the same book that Jenny Burns has "Why Was I Adopted?" and I really like it too. I used to read it all the time to my kids when they were little (they are now 10, 11 and 12) and they enjoyed hearing it. Happy Reading!

I agree with Karen (above). I'll be so thrilled for our girls (when they are MUCH older they are only 10 and 12) to have children of their own. I don't think I'll want to be in the delivery room, but I'll be right outside! What a sensitive daughter you are! Your mom is very lucky. Best wishes to all of you.

Love the horse's butt avatar! Thanks for the laugh!

Pamela: I always write on invitations: No presents necessary ... only your presence! Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. My son has a friend who always writes on his invitations: no presents necessary, but if would like to please make a donation to Tomorrow's Childrens Fund. That way people feel like they are giving a gift. Take care.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you ... it brings me back ten years ago when we first mailed in our application paperwork. This is a very exciting time in your lives. One of my favorite places to look on the Forum is under Joyous Journeys and then "The Day of the Call". It's a good place to start and then just continue from there. All the stories are great to read and one day we'll be reading yours!!!!!!!!!! I'm sure other Forumites like linlacor will direct you on the right path on what to read on the Forum to get you prepared ... Lisa is Queen of the Forum and a great Mommy to Kayleigh! She knows the Forum topics like the back of her hand! She has written reams on every subject you can think of ... she's amazing! Good luck and God Bless.

Congratulations Julia and Christian's family! What beautiful names you have chosen for your children. May God continue to bless you always!

Congratulations to ALL you new parents out there and the Againers, too. You haven't identified yourselves yet Againers, I'd love to know who the happy family is. Ten years later, this wonderful agency never ceases to amaze me! Happy baby watching to all of you ! I know your hearts are melting everytime they take a breath, or look into your eyes, or coo at you! God has certainly already blessed us all! I remember it well ...

I just wanted to wish you Good Luck on your journey to parenthood! This is the start of something so-oo good! God bless you!

Hi Jacquee - our three are exactly one year apart (the only difference for us is that we became a family all at once). And yes, it's hard to have them all in diapers at the same time, but the diapers should end by the age of three (hopefully). I think our kids have a wonderful bond because they are only a year apart. Of course they are not perfect and they do have fights like any other siblings. But, when one is missing they are always asking "where's Hillary, or Brian, or Cassie?". I hope (like Jennifer) that they always stay this close. The only problem we run into is that the littlest one always thinks she can do what the oldest one does (she doesn't like hearing that she's too little to do whatever it is - sitting in the front seat of the car - walking to 7Eleven, etc. ). Trust in your heart and God - He won't steer you wrong. Good luck and God Bless.

I agree wholeheartedly! Orientation weekends definitely provide the foundation for successful adoptions. Orientation weekends are the start of great things for all involved.

I will add your grandfather, mom and aunt to my prayer list too, Lisa. This week I lost a very dear 97 year old friend. I have been a companion to her for 17 years, and although she lived a long, wonderful life, I am having a hard time thinking about her being gone. The wake is tonight, so I will go say my final goodbyes to her. She passed away very peacefully, so for that I am thankful. Take care.

Hi njdonna and welcome! My husband and I also live in New Jersey and adopted through Abrazo close to 9 years ago. If you want to talk, private message me. We've referred several other couples from NJ who have become families through Abrazo too! I look forward to hearing from you!

Zinnia: Welcome to you and your husband. When I read your post, it brought back memories of what (insensitive) people said to us before we adopted. People say the stupidest things sometimes and don't even realize it. So part of the roller-coaster ride of adoption will be the things people say (obviously without thinking) , but the wonderful parts of the ride outweigh the bumpy ones. So, good luck to you and keep us posted of your success to become "mommy and daddy"!

Oh-hh Christina ... Congratulations and Good Luck to you and Robert. You are now embarking on a very exciting journey. Try to enjoy each part ... it all leads up to a wonderful beginning. I hope next year you will be celebrating Mother's Day and Father's Day. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. PS-Happy Anniversary.