elly_mae

Praying for all the beloved members of Kay's family.

Congrats, Chris and Judy!

It is insulting to me that I have heard so much about potential/hopeful adoptive parents giving us biological parents money in order to make our problems go away. As if a lump sum of money is going to make our situations better. It isn't just about money (and I'm glad to know that so many Abrazo families recognize this!). How is a "donation" from a prospective adoptive couple going to fix the intangible and non-mometary problems that exist and make placements necessary or optimal for birth parents and their children? Sickening. To me, it isn't "buying" a child, as we birth parents never see that money. I am totally for adoption fundraising! If a couple were pregnant with their biological child and did a fundraiser to help subsidize the costs of raising a child, would anyone raise an eyebrow? Doubtful. This is just a thought but I would be willing to bet people would be thrilled to help. People save for vacations, cars, houses, children's college funds, etc. Are they also unworthy of having these items because they cannot afford the initial costs from one pay check? Absolutely not! We all acknowledge (even the author, unwittingly) that it takes more than money to raise a child. Why is a couple who are incapable of producing biological offspring deserving of prejudice because they want to have a family too, but may or may not have the resources (IE funds) to help build their families? I'll get off my soap box now. This has just struck a nerve with me.

Mari, I can totally relate. It seems like some people live to make others upset! I'm glad you handled it with dignity. Not sure I would have done the same! Lol

Wow, so very sad.

Wow, poor little Maksim. At least he is at peace now. I really detest child abuse but since it is just an allegation right now and I don't want to wrongfully accuse anyone, I will say that my heart hurts in situations like this. It's no wonder so many people see adoption in a negative light... the media never gives anyone a positive report because that's just not good news. Sorry if I'm ranting but geez. Not all people who adopt their children (domestically or internationally) are horribly abusive or even slightly negligent... I really hope that is a huge exception rather than the rule... *sigh*

They don't accept couples who live in NY state because in order to work with them, Abrazo would have to have an office in NY (I believe).

Awww! I love that you got to see Sloan!!!

Fantastic news! This is just great and I'm glad Lauranda is doing so well!

Praying for good results!!!

A super huge congrats! I'm smiling from ear to ear . Garrett is going to be an awesome big brother!

Mari, I'm so glad that you got some quality time with Lauranda. I wish you had that more often. Was it difficult to celebrate beautiful Sloan's birthday? I can't believe she's so big already! Did you speak at the June 2009 orientation?

Congrats to everyone!!!

Happy birthday!

Mari, thank you so much for being so open and honest with us. It's so amazing that Lauranda has you and I'm sure you have brought her much comfort through this journey. You are a beautiful person and I'm so thankful I got the opportunity to meet you and Lauranda. Naomi still cherishes the necklace you gave her .

Praying, praying, praying.

Congratulations! Welcome baby Micah! I will keep the birth family in their prayers because their pain is by no means easy. I'm so happy for you, Scott and Jocelyn!

Leslie, you made me cry in a beautiful way. I feel so rooted to you and Tim. I know us matching was certainly God's doing and I'm so grateful. I'm writing a post on my blog tonight if anyone wants to see a better response. At least we'll never have to deal with the Packers playing the Seahawks in the Superbowl. We need to learn the conferences .

I'm both infuriated and unbelievably saddened by this. I know I don't have to explain why this burns me as a birth mom so I will spare the nitty gritty details. My eyes teared up and my stomach dropped upon reading this.

Congratulations! Wow!!!

Wow, kids today are so ruthless. The internet and smart phones makes it so much easier for kids to grow up too fast and be exposed to things their brains shouldn't see. I hope none of my kids have to endure such ugliness.

How sad! Praying for all who loved her, and that her children may always feel her presence.

Mari, that is so great! Thanks for sharing!

Y'all are too funny!!!