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Jenny, Beautifully said and oh so true!! Your entire post was very touching. Thanks for sharing! And I look forward to following your journey to your next family member. Susan

Congratulations!! May God bless you, your sweet new baby, and his precious birthmom as you begin your journey as a family!

Yes!! Yes!! I remember a conversation with an older woman before we adopted Joshua. She told me that she hoped he didn't try to find his "real" parents. She added that she never understands when people who were adopted do that. I told her that I would absolutely have no problem with that because I know who I look like and where I came from...why would I deny my child the same opportunity. Of course I added that hopefully my future child would not have to "search" because we were hoping for an open adoption.

I agree. I don't think her celebrity status (or is it $$$$) should allow her special favors.

As the mom of a boy, I bet I can guess what this is in reference to!! Just wait till that "long shot" makes it everywhere in your bathroom except the potty! Oh the joys of boys!

I just saw the other picture of Debra, Nicholas, and his birthmother...that is so sweet.

Welcome Nicholas Allen!! Congratulations Maury, Debra, and Samantha! I'm praying for you all and your precious birthmother. I couldn't be happier for you guys...I know it's been a roller coaster of emotions, but God will surely carry you through these days. I can't wait to meet your wonderful son! Susan :wub: P.S. Love the family photo!

Adam, What a touching post. I'm glad your dad left you a wonderful legacy to follow as a father, and I know you will do him proud! Susan

Boys are great! Two boys...double great!! Congratulations you sneaky momma!

I agree Angie. Last week Joshua and I were talking about how he grew in Nichole's tummy, and what he probably did in there. I told him how he was fed through the umbilical cord. I told him I knew he hiccuped and moved around a lot. I told him how I once felt him move by laying my hand across her stomach. We talked about some other things, and I was so thankful that if any questions ever come up that I can't adequately answer, his birthmother is just a phone call away!

Okay, I looked. (Note the time...I'm missing precious and much needed beauty sleep for you!) But no luck. Who knows...I probably typed it at work and never even had it on my home computer! But, Lisa is right. I mostly followed the sample letter from AF. Hope Chris' employer coughs up some $$$ for you!

I think so too Lisa... But for my good friend Melissa, I will try to find our revised letter and send it on to you!! I know, what would you do without me! (Don't answer that!)

Great poem Dan! Thanks for sharing!

When we adopted Joshua, Larry worked for an ad agency in town (archer>malmo for you Memphians). They did not offer adoption benefits so Larry petioned them for benefits with a sample letter I got from Adoptive Families magazine. They then decided to offer reimbursement (I think $1,500) and also added one week paid paternity leave for all fathers (biological and adoptive). It didn't hurt that the President of the company was a two-time Abrazo dad!! Also, there was another man (and his wife) who were adopting from China. And when Larry's one-week paternity leave turned into one month (we were in San Antonio for a month for those who are new to the forum), they didn't bat an eye. They paid him the whole time and didn't count any of it against his vacation! They were awesome!

Congratulations Dee and Bart!! Can't wait to see pictures and hear details! Sending prayers and best wishes to your wonderful birthfamily...

Melissa, That sounds right. I know we had to start over, but it may have been because we were with a different agency. Although, it seems I remember hearing something about "five years" in there.

Happy, happy anniversary George and Karen!! May God bless you with at least 25 more years (and 25 more....) Besides being an inspiration to me, you are a precious family to know! I know the Memphis gang is "feelingblessed" to see you each year! Now go out and CELEBRATE!! (and tell us about the rated-G parts!) Love, Susan

It's good to have you back Loriahn. You definitely belong here...you have so many perspectives to share and contribute...adoptee, birthmom, and a mom who is also parenting! I like the new name!! It definitely fits who you are at this place in your life (and Alex...like all your kids...is a living doll!)

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about...a post from the Stork!! Yipee! and Congratulations!

Once again reminded of the frailty of life. How sad for this wonderful lady and those who loved her.

Nichole, We adopted our son Joshua almost six years ago (I can't believe I just typed that...where does the time go?!) through Abrazo. He will be six on Feb. 15...we were blessed to be there for his birth and have a great relationship with his birthmom Nichole. Can't wait to follow your journey! Susan

We should make a rule that you can't post on this topic unless you have a baby announcement!! :-) It gets my heart going to see a new post here!! I'm kidding of course...waiting also to see who will be the first babe place in 2007!

Welcome Nichole and Joe! I just wanted to say hi because you have the same name as my son's birthmom and y'all spell it the same way. Of course, the goof that I am, I spelled it wrong for a year (without the "h"), and she never said anything. When I asked her why she didn't correct me she said it was no big deal. But I felt terrible. Spelling a person's name right was always a big deal in my family (I guess because I have a brother named Michael that hates to be called Mike, and a sister named Teresa who spells her name without an "h" (unlike Theresa).) So you think I'd have paid better attention! Anyway...good luck and Godspeed on your adoption journey...we'd love to learn more about you when you get the chance. Susan

Kristin, That is good news! The advice I remember from orientation is to use lots of photos of you and your spouse doing the things you enjoy and having fun. Don't use photos with lots of kids to show how much you love kids because in looking through profiles, the expectant parents may assume you already have kids. Use photos that show your face, no sunglasses. You can show some of extended family, house, and pets...but mostly just keep it to the two of you. If you've done your nursery, include a photo. Have fun! Susan We typed ours! You can sign your name or write cutlines for your photos if you want to add some handwritten parts.

Ahhhh...Cowboy Dennis! Guess we don't have to wonder if you and your guys will be attending Camp Abrazo this year, huh?!!!