[Paper work]

Hello everyone my name is Danette. I was on the forum 2 months ago we were planning on shooting for the July orientation but we are in the middle of being relocated. When is the best time to turn all paperwork in if we plan on getting settled first and aiming for a late spring early summer orientation. Also should we wait for the home study until we know our exact orientation information.

Thank you

Danette

Hi Everyone, we sent in our inquiry a few weeks ago and are hoping to hear back soon. It's great to see everyone communicating on here. Brandy Smith

Brandy, It took 2-3 weeks for a response to our inquiry. I would think you'd be hearing something soon. Good luck!

Lori

[Who Birthmoms Are]

Now, I know I haven't placed yet, and I don't know if that makes this post somewhat invalid? But I know in my heart that I am going to place........ I have no other option, and I desire no other option. I want this baby to go to the parents I know are absolutely perfect for him. So anyway.

Who is a birthmother? I only know who this birth mother is, and I don't know what kind of portrayal I can give you of birthmoms in general, but this is my particular story.

I'm Ellen. I'm 18, a freshman in college, and I don't talk to the father anymore. I grew up in a 1-parent household, first with my mother and then with my dad. Then with my grandma and dad. I never considered abortion, because I don't think it's fair for us to decide when life begins and when it should be taken away. That was never an option for me. I am smart, funny, nice and friendly. I am going to be a teacher. I like green and I'm allergic to guinea pigs. I tell the most random stories and I laugh very easily. And I love this little baby more than anything I ever thought possible. I would love to be able to raise him myself, but that is just not a possibility. I mean, I'm 18 for crying out loud. I don't even know how to take care of myself. I don't have a car, I don't have a real job, I don't want to be on food stamps, I wouldn't have anywhere to live, I would never be able to give the baby everything he deserves, we would be on Medicaid, I don't think I would finish school, and I would be a single mom. There are so many things preventing me from being a mother, and God is telling me "Adoption is the only thing for you, and you know it, Ellen Marie". I am willingly giving my baby up (I feel strange calling him my baby. It just doesn't feel right). I want the best possible home for him. And I am going to give it to him. I can't raise a baby- it's just that simple. One day in the future I may be ready to, but not now. No way.

I am sensitive, and I mostly try to calm myself by knowing that I am doing what is right for this here little child. He is going to be so happy in his little life time, which will, in turn, hopefully give me peace of mind that I did the right thing. Of course I haven't experienced the adoption thing, and I know it's going to hurt when I do go through it, but I'm going to try to take it head on and let myself feel everything. I can't say for sure how much it's going to hurt, but I can say for sure it's going to hurt. And I know I'm doing the right thing, so I'm willing to sacrifice my heart to make a good decision. I will post a blog later, after placement. This is just now, about 20 days away from giving birth.

Elly Mae,

You are an incredible young woman. Thats you. I pray for a birthmother that can feel as assured that she is doing what is good and right. I thank God that I have found this adoption agency, and that I hve people like you to affirm my descision that open adoption is the BEST! I pray for peace for you and your adoptive family.

oxox, Lori

[The Catholic Corner]

Thank you,

I will be praying daily with you,

Lori

[Profiles: Presenting... YOU!]

Love the poem, Elizabeth.

this poem is absolutely beautiful......sigh