[Baby Announcements 2001]

We're singing the blues this week, but it's a happy tune! to celebrate two more homecomings of two more baby boys with two more happy couples! A childless couple from Families on the Ground (11/00) well known to Forum folk became parents of a precious newborn son, as did againers who attended the Diaperwarmers weekend in 1/01. Hurrah for both groups, because these arrivals are proof positive that adoption works, for grown-ups and (most importantly) for little kids!

(Some time ago, "Christophersmom" proposed in Kidstuff that forum members swap baby pix via family website addresses--what a marvelous idea! Maybe some of the proud new moms and dads of arrivals heralded here would be willing to share an online glimpse of their little miracles, because as they say, a picture's worth a thousand words, and for those still waiting, a little bit of hope can go a long, long way...)

[Baby Announcements 2001]

Lisa, thanks for a great post! You're so right, often folks forget that an essential part of any happy homecoming has to be the right match. And sometimes, it takes time to find the appropriate combination of dreams and realities and personalities and all.

There's no "perfect match" in reality because there are no "perfect" people (and adoption, in truth, is borne of imperfect circumstances) but there is such a thing as the "right" match and when it's the "wrong" fit, it just doesn't feel right. When matches don't work out, it doesn't mean anyone isn't measuring up or that adoption is the wrong plan, it simply means those folks aren't meant to be related so best to wait to find the match that was meant to be.

So that's our word of encouragement to those still waiting, birthparents and prospective adoptive parents, alike! Your match is out there but everyone must be open to "trying on" many different options in order to find it. It'll happen!! (Just not before it's "supposed" to, even when we don't understand the timing ourselves.)

And it's happened, again, for several of Abrazo's clients these past two weeks. It's Fiesta in San Antonio and appropriately so, as we celebrate dreams come true for much-loved clients and infants... the Diaperwarmers (1/01) are heating up, with the placement of a tiny baby girl with one of their families, and the placement of a newborn boy with another...both within 12 weeks of orientation!... and the Families on the Ground (11/00) are partying at the news that another of their own has taken home an angelic new infant son, as well!

Congrats to the happy parents and the loving birthfamilies who made this joyous news possible. We wish both good nights' sleep in the days and weeks that lie ahead. Viva Fiesta!

[ORIENTATION]

For those who are contemplating entry into Abrazo's parenting ranks, keep in mind that we have a three step admissions process:

1) Inquiry (or "preapplication" ) and approval

2) Application and approval

3) "Parents of Tomorrow" orientation weekend (and yes, attendance is required)

Abrazo's orientation weekend is a major investment of time and funds, but as former graduates can attest, it truly is the gateway to parenthood and the beginning of your psychological pregnancy.

Entrance is by invitation only, and only 8-12 couples are approved for each weekend, so space is limited. The agency makes orientation admittance decisions on the basis of agency placement resource needs, thus certain weekends are tailored to specific placement qualifications (ie., childless couples, open to varying infant ethnicities, etc.) Please contact Angela at Abrazo for more information.

(Note: completed, approved inquiry and application forms must be on file prior to event registration.)

[Baby Announcements 2001]

Spring is looking "pretty in pink" as the Diaperwarmers (1/01), the F.O.G. (11/00) and 12 Couples & a Baby (9/00) have each added one more happily-ever-after ending to their groups' orientation stories with recent placements of three baby girls!

But not to be outdone, the divine boy department contributed one handsome little arrival to 12 Couples & a Baby (9/00) and yet another blue-blanket miracle to some beloved Againers who didn't even have time to return for another orientation weekend before he made his official debut!

And kudos, too, to our latest orientation grads, the proud participants of our latest "Parents of Tomorrow" weekend, the Lucky Leprechauns of March, 2001. May the luck 'o the Irish be with them as they search for the pot of gold at the end of the adoption rainbow!

Congratulations and best wishes to all...

[Baby Announcements 2001]

Families on the Ground (11/00) gained another baby on the ground in the past week (yippee!) and 12 Couples & a Baby (9/00) have moved two placements closer to having their entire group photographed as the portrait of success at the Camp Abrazo reunion this summer. For those of you who read and wait and hope, it's spring! and all sorts of wonderful little miracles are about to bloom, so stop and smell the roses along the way, because it's going to happen--not "if?", just "when!!"

[Baby Announcements 2001]

Diaperwarmers (1/01), start your engines! One of your own is headed home with newborn twin girls, another of your ranks has already matched, and several more are already fielding birthparent calls. If you are one of those still putting a homestudy or profile together, step it up! because there are children out there needing homes and one might just be meant for you. (Or two! Or...!) Congrats!

[Baby Announcements 2001]

Hurrah! The weatherman may not have had a clue, but down here in Texas, atmospheric conditions appear most favorable for F.O.G. as we launch the new year! Our November graduates, the Families On the Ground, have a trio of new success stories to celebrate, with two boy babies born this month and one little girl born Saturday all headed home with their elated new folks.  Here's wishing renewed hope and patience to all those still waiting--now get your nurseries ready, because you're on your way, too!

[Baby Announcements 2001]

"Bold & On Hold" (7/00) grads will be tickled pink to learn that another of their own has taken home a beautiful baby girl... and kudos to the "Millenium Boomers" (1/00); all continuing members of that orientation weekend became proud parents within 11 months.

[Baby Announcements 2001]

Congrats to the "12 Couples & a Baby" orientation crew (9/00)-- another placement closer to completion with this weekend's newest arrival! And for those home with babies already, don't forget those families in your group who could use a word of support and encouragement from you while they wait for their own dreams to come true. Cheers!