Patti and Steve

Up to 20 now.....

33 candles aglow tonight

As we have been down this path with other agencies before finding our way to Abrazo over the last 4 years, our son's preference has changed once in awhile -- for the most part it has been a baby sister, but other days a brother......at this point we pray together nightly for the chance for him to be a big brother and leave it at that.....much better that way. It is incredibly sweet and heartbreaking too when he has been so patient. Hope he gets his prayers and wishes answered sometime soon!! Patti, I'm glad my post was helpful to you! You will enjoy watching the relationship between your son and his new brother or sister. (Has he stated a preference?) It is the sweetest thing.

It was so wonderful to read your post today -- as we have been pursuing a second child for the last 4 years, and our son is 6 1/2 now.....a true testimony to "God's plan" which has now brought us to Abrazo. I know our son will be a great help and is so anxious to be that big brother. The years between children will always work I believe if you as the parents see them as wonderful no matter what they are....I have siblings that range in age difference betwwen me of 5 years and then up from there...I wouldn't trade it for anything. Patti I don't think there is a right or wrong answer...you do what works for you and your family. Also, it's important to remember that often there are "our plans" and then there's "God's plans." The two don't always match, but the latter is always the best. I always wanted more than one child...six at one time, then four...by the time we adopted Joshua I was just thrilled that I got to be a mommy! I wanted for nothing else...at least for a little while. About the time the tug came for the second child (Joshua was around 2), I started taking care of my 6 month old nephew while his mommy and daddy worked...phew, hard work...two under 2!! So that urge was squelched for at least a year. Not to mention, my husband was not on board! When Joshua was three, Larry rather hesitantly said okay. We went with a local agency (more of a crisis pregnancy center who is licensed to do adoption) at that point because we had been active with them before Abrazo the first time. It was kind of a half-hearted effort because they really don't do a lot of placements. Most of their clients choose to parent. Fast forward 18 months, and we decided to go with another local agency through which my sister had adopted her son. We chose them over Abrazo mainly because of costs of doing adoption locally vs. across state lines. It took another six months for me to get all our paperwork in (holidays, birthdays, moving into a new house, basically life was so busy and the urgency was not there as much as the first time around). By the time we were approved and active Joshua was 5...match and placement took place a year later and he was then 6. A lot can be said for having that age difference...Joshua is independent and doesn't "need" me as much as a toddler would. He loves his little sister and can be quite helpful with her. He can entertain her and get her to stop crying quicker than anyone! Of course I have to remind him not to drop her when he tries to pick her up! There is no jealousy. I feel like I really enjoyed Joshua and all his phases and firsts, and now I can really enjoy Lydia. Of course, having them closer in age helps when they are able to play together and entertain each other. For six years (not counting play dates) I was Joshua's playmate. I enjoyed it immensely but was not always able to drop everything and play. So sometimes he got lonely. He still needs other playmates because Lydia is not old enough. But he absolutely adores his little sister, and does enjoy just being in her company sometimes. My advice...if you feel the tug, start going in that direction. Life's circumstances and God (perhaps through life's circumstances!) will guide you on the path you need to be on. The result will be exactly what is needed for your family. I know I wouldn't change a thing in our winding road!

Your point is so true Cathy ....we wanted to be parents and to nurture, love and share our lives as a family....that was our dream.

Your kindness Michelle and Nichole are so incredibly wonderful - we are so lucky to have you and the support of so many here on the forum. And we are so thankful to be part of this Abrazo family. Thank you so much for thinking of us. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and may the beauty of the holiday season bring you much happiness and joy!! Patti and Steve 32 candles burning brightly

What a fantastic week of celebration and of love -- our congratulations to all three new families formed at this special Thanksgiving time and thoughts of support and caring to all the birthfamilies involved. Enjoy!!!

Congratulations Todd and Eileen!!! -- your posting was wonderful to read. It just goes to show you that the baby you were meant to have truly does find you......you just have to keep the faith. May you have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday with her filled with joy!

How exciting - congratulations to the new family and special prayers and support to the BP -- may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving knowing you are all now "family" - look forward to seeing the photo in the gallery soon!! Patti and Steve

We too have this wonderful little girl in our thoughts and prayers - hoping she has found her way home to a new family. Hope to hear a happy ending soon......

Thanks for sharing this -- it is always good to hear the powerful stories of open adoption and how all involved are better because of this approach Patti

We have been thinking about this family each day since we heard of the children and praying for them to receive the love and support they needed. What a special privilege too to be able to meet you at our orientation this past weekend and see a miracle transform in front of us. Thank you for sharing with us your story. We wish "all" involved the peace, love, and blessings to begin this new family together. Patti and Steve InDecision07

25 now....let's get more!!

Adoption is the power to change a life and as the saying goes, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” These words hit me from this article.....we each have to be accountable and responsible and make our actions, words, behaviors support the beauty of open adoption. Only we can make a difference in our lives, our childrens lives, the adoption community and beyond....... Patti InDecision 07 PIW

Our hearts and prayers are with everyone close to this - that they may feel love, support and understanding.

46 candles burning today -- added one for the sibling children to find a loving forever family soon and for their birthparents to receive needed comfort and support during what must be a very difficult time for them Patti

Congratulations to Ricky and Laura - enjoy every "sweet" minute of being a family - Steve, Patti and Jack

There is nothing quite so special as a baby boy with a big sister to look up - Congratulations Nita, Walker and Camille on your new baby brother and son!!!! Patti, Steve and Jack

46 candles burning brightly tonight -- many for you Karen and Brian - may you feel the light as support, peace and caring to you and your family Patti and Steve - WI

29 are glowing brightly