BrendaMikeGabe

We are matched with a birthmother who has several other children and we are hoping that we can, after placement, encourage a relationship between our adopted child and her birth siblings. We pray that the birthmom will continue to be open to the idea of them communicating with each other. It is one of our biggest fears, to lose contact with all of them. Elizabeth, do you have any ideas to encourage such a relationship? We would appreciate any advice.

Darrell and Lanice, Jodie is such a cute baby! You guys look so happy! Thanks Sherrie for helping them put such a great picture up on the forum! Keep them coming!

That's all right Darryl, we all understand the lack of sleep thing. Once you get caught up on some we'd love to see some pictures.

Congrats Darryl and Lanice! We'd love to see some pictures! We are so happy for you two! What a lucky little girl! Five couples down, two to go!! Way to go Abrazo!!

Sherrie, We are so happy for you guys. Brenli is such a cutie! It is so nice that you have such a great relationship with the birthfamily. Our family is hoping for an outcome much like yours. It sure is hard when you are in the middle of all of the turmoil of a failed placement but I do believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that everything happens for a reason. And when it is meant to happen it will happen. Isn't it funny how things just kind of fall into place when you least expect them too!

Sherrie, Dylan looks so happy laying there next to his little sister. How cute!! What a great big brother!!! She's lucky to have him. I can't wait to take pictures like that with Gabe and his new little sister!! Congratulations to you all!! Your friends,

Elaine, I feel your pain. I too have in-laws that are not very supportive of everything we do. When everything with our match went so horribly wrong I was on the phone with my parents every moment I could. They were there to support me and my husband in our troubles. My mom and I would have long conversations and she would help me to focus on what was important. I always felt there love and support. Mike's parents were quite the opposite. They spend their winters in Florida and didn't talk to us much for the six months that they were gone. Mike talked to them maybe three times when we were in the middle of our ordeal and they never once spoke to me and acknowledged my pain. My mother-in-law called me once to tell me she had found a cute rocking chair for the baby and how was I going to spell her name. But after we unmatched and we were in "mourning" over our loss, they never called or came to comfort us. When they finally arrived home from Florida, after our unmatch, they came over for a visit with my brother and sister-in-law. They went into the baby room to look at the cute clothes and to see how we had painted the walls. When I started telling my mother-in-law how everything happened and how hard it has been for me her eyes just wandered around the room and she said, "hmm" and you could tell she wasn't even listening to me. I was so hurt over her lack of concern for me and my husband. I had to leave the room and she followed behind me and asked me if I wanted to do a craft with her!! I didn't want to do a craft with her I wanted her to acknowledge my pain and show some support! Mike and I have been married for 12 years and I have learned that his parents are not there for us emotionally. They are just not capable of showing that kind of affection towards us and I have learned not to count on them for it. It still hurts when you are searching for support and they are not there for you. Fortunately, Mike is supportive of me and understands that his parents and I don't get along very well and he doesn't push me. I guess that sometimes there are family members that you just aren't close with and they just won't be there to support you. It just makes me appreciate the family and friends that I do have, that do support us, even more.

Elaine and Mickey, Mike and I are so happy for the two of you!! We are so glad that a precious little one has found her way into your arms and are glad to know that she will be loved forever. Your friends,

Hi everyone, Mike and I wanted to help defray some of our adoption costs and decided to give teddy bears away for donations. We actually found these cute bears that we could buy for less than a dollar a piece and took them around to family and freinds and asked for donations. We made a little tag that said, "adopt me and help a family's dream of adoption come true." and tied them around their necks with little bows. They were a hit and we were amazed by everyone's generosity. It's really touching how many people that you know will come through for you when you need them and they were all so excited for us. Good luck with your fundraising.

What a great question. Since Mike and I have our first son biologically and are adopting our second child I would wonder the same thing. Does anyone else out there find themselves in that same situation and have any suggestions? I sure would like to hear with someone who has experienced this and can give us some pointers. Thanks, Brenda

Wow! How exciting for everyone involved. Congratulations to the new parents, what a surprise! We are coming to November orientation and we are hoping for such quick results! Wouldn't our five year old son at home be surprised to see us coming off the plane with a new sibling! I know that it will all happen when its supposed to happen! Congratulations again to all involved! Brenda, Mike and Gabe

Thank you so much for all the info everyone. It's so nice hearing from those that have been there before so that we know what to expect. We are planning on attending the November orientation and hope for the quick results you all had. It really is nice having this forum and getting to know people that are in the same boat as you. Thanks again, Brenda, Mike and Gabe

Is there a Parents-of-Tomorrow weekend scheduled yet for November? My husband and I will not be able to make it to the October meeting and would love to come down from Michigan in November.

Thanks for the information. We are excited about the weekend and hope to attend their November orientation.

My husband and I have just started looking into Abrazo and have been searching the Forum for information on the orientation weekend. Since you all had to attend can anyone tell us what it's like. We are from Michigan and are kind of curious about the happenings at orientation. Thanks, Brenda, Mike and Gabe