TeyandTy's Mom

I pretty much knew before I adopted the first time that I wanted more than one child. I am the youngest of 6 children and cannot imagine only one child. I decided to adopt a second time when Teyler was about 18 months. I knew that it would be difficult initially especially as a single mother. However, I can't see how my two guys would make it without one another. It's amazing to see how things work out. I am so glad I made the decision to adopt again. I could not be happier.

WOW!!!! Claudia and Lisa you are toooo kind. Thank you so much for your posts ...they mean alot. Thank you for recognizing my efforts! My boys as I am sure you know are my pride and joy! You guys made a seemingly good day get even better! Sabrina

I am VERY clear about what my challenges are. I live it everyday. Actually the post I made really had little to do with being a single adoptive parent but, rather a single parent. I am not of the mind set that being and adoptive parent will change.....for that I am glad. I am very proud to be an adoptive parent. The way I look at it is that not everyone gets to adopt! We are the chosen ones. I am for certain that raising children all week alone or three days is challenging. The only difference is that for me the weekend never comes. I am not complaining as if I did'nt expect that.....I am just saying that it is hard. It is sort of like knowing summer is coming but, still complaining about is being so "hot". We all have bad days...that I am certain.Challenges are just that ...challenging. I will "get over" it. Everyday with or without children overs some sort of challenge. Sherri, thanks for your words of encouragement. I know you know that raising two children during the week is not easy. Sabrina

Ladies, Thanks so much for all the words of comfort! Thank you so much for valuing my opinion. I in no way meant to make it sound as though I don't appreciate everyone. I have to agree with marthaj that I was having a bit of a bad day. I also want everyone to know that I love this forum and the people on here. You are all wonderful! As I am sure you know we all get overwhelmed by parenthood at times. Single parenthood is not easy...neither is parenting....period. I did not mean for it to come across as if the Abrazo forum was not supportive of single parents ....because without a doubt it is!!! I was just saying that I ...no one else....feel out of place at times. I loved camp abrazo ...my boys loved camp abrazo. I am trying to make plans to attend next year. I often feel out of place in large situations when it's just me and my boys. This feeling is in no way a reflection of how wonderful Camp Abrazo is. I am not in anyway making plans of living the forum. I realize that I am not going to find a group of single adoptive parents around. I just want to be able to vent about things ...though....I feel guilty. You see I made a CHOICE to adopt as a single woman. So, I often get the comments that it was my decision. The just of it all is that I am just feeling a little overwhelmed lately. I guess that I just need to stop all the whining and get on with it. I have two great kids!!! That is enough to make anyone deal with things. When I got up and got on the forum this morning...(like I always do) it was like the sun came out when I read your posts( and it is cloudy and raining here). So, thank you your words mean so much! Sabrina

I was just thinking.....as I got onto the froum tonight. I am almost positive that I am ....out of place here to say the least . I realize that I am a single mother and doing the best I know how for my children. I have said many times how supportive my family and friends are. I often look to the forum for ideas, support, and wonderful stories of adoption. I am sort of in the minority when it comes to my children and their adoptions. Don't get me wrong...I am so proud of being able to adopt and be blessed. I just often feel like the support for a single adoptive parent is not here. Jean ...I know you are out there and thanks for the support. I feel like I often reach out and am often blessed with support. I know at times I speak up when I should'nt and give input when it is not asked of me. I felt very out of place at Camp Abrazo because I was a single parent as well as a little shy. My children and I had a wonderful time and would definately do it again.....I just felt out of place because I felt as though I had no one to talk to. I love this forum ....it is such an outlet for me. I just think that maybe I should give it a rest. I don't feel like I have much more to offer. There is a distinct difference in single parents and parents who have a spouse. This forum is mostly comprised of married couples which is wonderful. I guess the best thing for me to do is try to find more single parents that can share Ideas with me. I love everyone who has chatted and been so sweet to me and my chilren. Thanks Sabrina

One of my best friends adopted their daughter through Abrazo. West Virginia is a long way from Texas so I also think it was by the Grace of God.

Determining God's will for me is often hard to do. I am very impatient! I went through two failed plans before I adopted my first son. I was not sure at the time why things were happening the way they did. I was in Texas on Christmas Eve alone fully expecting to bring "my" daughter home.You see I was in the delivery room ...held her first, cut the cord, saw her take her first breath. Much to my surprise the BP decided to parent only a few short hours before this was to take place. I was alone and afraid....I got a call from Elizabeth and she was very comforting....she explained that ..that was not my child ...God had a plan and we would find my baby. I flew home to spend Christmas with my family. Christmas Day I recieved a call from Elizabeth with another BP's name...for a possible match. After the holidays I called her and we began what was a great relationship. I spoke with her several times a week. I went back to work and waited anxiously for the "call" that the baby was coming. Instead I got a call from Abrazo letting me know that maybe my BP had'nt been forthcoming with her information on going to the doctor regularly. At that time they also told me that a little boy had been born "early" and was in need of a mom. I thought and prayed for a very short time and God assured me that was my son. I called Abrazo back and said "yes" a few short days later I was holding my precious boy Teyler. God had a plan for me all along ..I just did'nt want to wait. I also suffered two failed plans with my second adoption. But, again....God had a plan and I now have my sweetheart known as Tyson. God always has a plan...we just must all be willing to wait on him...his plan is always perfect. Thanks Elizabeth for helping me see that! Sabrina

Marcelo and Claudia, Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Dante sounds like he is beautiful. Sabrina

Renee, I agree with you totally! I have found that I am able to get on the floor and wrestle around with my guys, build with legos, and talk "power rangerease" and have a blast doing it. I try to include as many positive male influences (i.e. my brother, neighbors, their godfather and so on..) as possible. I love that I have such positive male roles models in their life and can include them. They are blessed as am I! Thanks for your input ! Sabrina

Just thought I would get this topic started again! Are there any other single parents out there. Jean how is it going? What are your thoughts on being a single parent? Let's share ideas or just chat on the "single parent thing". Life can be a little trying as a single parent but, surely we can offer some ideas that will get us through tough times...if there are any Sabrina

I was looking into adoption but, I was having little luck in finding and agency that would work with a single parent adoption. My good friend had adopted through abrazo and contiually sung their praises. I had looked in places like new york, pennsylvania, north carolina... you name it. When my friend told me about abrazo in Texas...I gave them a call. Elizabeth and the staff were so nice and positive. I knew that they were the agency for me. Thankfull always, Sabrina

Sherrie, Congratulations...God is definately good! You seem so happy! Dylan looks so cute holding his little sister. Can't wait to see more pictures. Sabrina

I adopted as a single mother so, I feel very fortunate that I had a wonderful supportive family. My mom is completely in LOVE with my two boys. They cannot go a day without seeing her or her seeing them. I think that the family as a whole wanted to make sure that I was sure. Now that they see us together I don't think there is any doubt. My family adores my boys! I just sit back and smile when I see them with my brother when he takes them camping...or when my sister writes them a letter and they hear it...or when they run to grandma with their arms wide open at each other.....That is what makes ME sure......They were chosen for me and what a good job the big guy upstairs did! I think there were some in the community that thought maybe I was a little WACKO for adopting without a father. However, as I have stated many times before on the forum....YOU have to 100% invested in the adoption process...regardless of what the family or friends say. If you are not sure then maybe just maybe you should wait. I do have to admit the support is great. Even with two failed adoption plans....I would not have done anything different! I believe "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it". Our family was surely MEANT TO BE! That is the sweetest reward.

Happy ...Happy....Happy! Congrats!

I ran into a situation the other day. My oldest son is five and the younger is three. An adult that we are around quite often tends to make a huge fuss over Teyler but, often does not acknowledge Tyson. I am not sure if it is intentional but, it does make me feel sad for Tyson. He may be oblivious to the situation. But, I feel like I am his protector... and I don't want him to feel bad. Both of my boys are great and I want everyone to see that. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could talk to this person? The difference is very noticable. Thanks Sabrina