Elaine

Congrats on the newest little girl squirrel!!! Enjoy every moment. She won't be little for long!!! Elaine

Congratulations on your bouncing baby boy!!! I know you are thrilled beyond words! Elaine

Noah, I am so happy for you. Becoming a big brother is very exciting, isn't it? Our little girl, Makayla, found out in January that she is becoming a sister. Isn't that cool? I know you will be a big help to your parents with your new sibling. Best wishes for a healthy little brother or sister (or both ). Your Friend, Elaine

Woo Hoo! Congratulations new parents. My prayers are with all of you as you begin your new life together! Elaine

Babies, babies everywhere!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to all of the new families! May God bless you with a wonderful New Year loving your sweet little person. All of you Parents-in-Waiting...hang in there! Your little ones birth announcement will be posted for all of us to see before you know it. We can't wait to celebrate with all of you! Elaine

Congratulations to the lucky squirrels that have found their baby girl. Best wishes for the brave birthmomma too. Elaine

Lisa, I have always thought Mickey and I would have at least 3 kids. Sometimes I jokingly say "Four" as he rolls his eyes . Finances will sadly be the biggest determinate for us. I believe God will lead us if we will take His hand and let Him lead. Sometimes His plan is not the same as our plan. I am curious what surprises (good hopefully ) lie in store. My Mom and Mickey are both only children. Both of them would have liked having a sibling. I think the reasons for wishing you had a sibling change over the course of time. While they were children they wished for a brother or sister to share the holidays with. Both were lonely and longed for a built-in playmate. Someone to share secrets with, bunk with on a stormy night, share a peanut butter sandwich with,etc. As they grew up they wished they had a sibling to hang out with, conspire against unhip parents with...basically a partner in crime. My Mom is now in her mid 50's. She had to bury her Dad "alone" (her words being an only child) and now cares alone for an 89 year old mother. She has verbalized many times that she does not know how she will be able to make it once Grammie is gone. Mom does not know what it feels like or is like to have a sibling, but she knows she still regrets not having one. Mickey is 33 years old. He too has wished many times throughtout his life that he had a sibling. He knows the reality and responsibility of being an only child. He doesn't talk about it much, but I know he thinks about his parents aging. It bothers him. One thing I have noticed about both of them is that they have big imaginations. I guess that is due to playing alone a lot of the time. They learned to entertain themselves with little help from others. I sure hope that a sibling for Makayla is in the plan, but I guess we will just have to wait and see. God has blessed us with her and we are thankful! Elaine p.s. Being married to an only child is not a piece of cake either...as you can imagine!

Congrats, Chris and Amanda!!! I know you are so proud of your new little man!!! Hugs and Kisses from fellow VOLS! Elaine

Welcome to the world, Trinity!!! You are a doll! I know your Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. Blessings to your family!!! Elaine

Alright!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations, Amy and Jeff!!! What have you named your little "orange" bundle??? Can't wait to see pics. Keep us posted! Elaine

Welcome to the world little Kaitlyn Elizabeth!!! Your Mommy and Daddy have been so anxiously awaiting your arrival!!!!!!! I know this family of three is on "Cloud 9"! Elaine

Watching the horror unfold has been terrible. I can not begin to imagine the devestation those affected by Katrina have endured. My prayers are with all of those that were caught in Katrina's path and all of those trying to help the victims. God bless you all. Elaine p.s. I second the advise to donate through a reputable agency. A girl I went to high school with (here in TN.) decided that she and her loser husband would take advantage of this situation. They had a car wreck (I do not know whether or not on purpose) and when folks around stopped to help them they said they were victims that had fled the hurricane (although they live around the block from me). Unknowingly playing into their little scam the generous helpers and onlookers started giving this crooked couple money! This heartless couple were arrested (thank God). I can not imagine so many people trying to benefit from others suffering. When I first heard about this hometown scam I was very angry. I was afraid that others might not give at all out of fear that their money too was being misused or misdirected. Hopefully, those that want to give will check out different reputable agencies and then give to one that they feel most comfortable with.

We did wait on a social worker until after Orientation. Some wait and some don't. I didn't realize until it was to late that I could have started it before hand. Elaine

Andy, My husband and I live in Tennessee. Abrazo is located in San Antonio so we had to find our own social worker. One was recommended to me from a friend that had adopted. I contacted the social worker and set up the first meeting. Prices can vary from social worker to social worker. If cost is a factor then you might be smart to shop around. More than the cost (although it was definately a factor for us) was the fact that this soc. worker was recommended to us by someone we trusted. I would be leary of anyone super cheap. Ours (in Nashville) costs about $1,400. That included all post placement visits too. Anyhow, try to find a social worker that you are comfortable with. If you do not live in Texas then I would mention to them that the adoption agency you are using is in Texas. Our social worker was familiar with Texas adoption standards (as they vary from state to state). You want to make sure that your social worker (if you live outside of Texas) covers all the bases so that nothing holds you up last minute. If your social worker is not familiar with Texas adoption standards, then I would contact Abrazo and ask them to mail or fax you what is expected for those adopting from Texas. That way you could share your findings with your social worker. If you live in Texas then they already know what is expected. As far as FBI checks...my husband and I did two things. We got local background checks done at our local sheriff's department. I received a copy stating that our background checks were clear. I presented them (one for me and one for hubby) to our social worker. Then we went to get fingerprinted for the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) and the FBI. We did this at one location in downtown Nashville. Your social worker can tell you where to have this done. It seems like we set up an appointment before going to get printed. They may take walk-ins...I don't know. Anyhow, you could probably look in the phone book or surf the web to find the location nearest you that takes prints. Our prints came back super fast, but I have heard of it being quite a wait at times. I guess we got lucky. For those that like to be ahead of the game it is a good idea to start getting your ducks in a row. Some social workers are super flexible and work with you to speed things along. On the other hand it is sometimes like pulling teeth to even get them to return your calls. Same thing with the fingerprints and background checks. Sometimes you get clearance super fast and at other times you are pacing the floors. Hope this helps and I haven't rambled to much! Good luck at the Nov. orientation! You will have a super time!!! Elaine

Get back to Michigan ASAP. I want to see pics of your Cutie Pie!!!!!! Elaine

I agree. The sooner you can launch your homestudy the better. Also, start checking out Peds in your area. Getting to know those that accept your insurance and are taking new patients is a plus. Ask others with smalll children for references too. * Pray for the children (already born and in the womb) that are in need of finding their "forever family". Pray for the women and men struggling to make the right decisions for their baby and themselves. Pray for the ones longing to finally be called Mommy or Daddy. * Keep a diary of your pre and post adoption experiences. * Start reading adoption books. * Get your family on board. * Check out adoption grants. * Start thinking about how you would like to decorate the nursery. * It's never to soon to start "baby proofing" your home. * Take an Infant CPR class. * Start trying to find a reputable social worker. * Subscribe to a parenting and/or adoption magazine. * Take lots of candle lit bubble baths before you are in high gear" Mommy Mode"!!! (now a 5 minute shower is a luxury... ) * Become a regular on the Abrazo Forum as it is a great place to find support, advice, and encouragememnt!!! Elaine

Brenda,Mike and Gabe, Blessings on you and your new family member! I nearly cried when I read that little Gabe carried sweet "Lenya" in to meet you. How sweet!!! May God bless you. I know your little pink bundle was more than worth the wait. Post pics soon. I can't wait to see your new addition. Hugs and kisses from West Tennessee!!! Love, MIckey, Makayla, and Elaine

Congratulations, Peas on your new baby girl! Enjoy her every moment!!! Elaine

Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth!

Tim and Amy, Just getting your great news! Congratulations on your son!!! Can't wait to see pics of him and hear how all of you are doing. Best Wishes!!! Elaine

I sure hope that new loving couples will emerge and get ready to meet and love the best kids in the world! Coming to Abrazo in March has forever changed our lives in such a wonderful way. I pray these beautiful children will find their forever families. What a blessing! We are so in love with our little Senorita.... Elaine

Congratulations, Nita and Walker! I know little Ms. Camille is just precious. Post some pics ASAP. Your Friend, Elaine

Melissa and Chris Merritt had a wonderful experience when they adopted their daughter through Abrazo. They are the ones that shared Abrazo with us. And the rest is history! Elaine ...Proud Momma of one Adorable Abrazo Babe!!!

What a cutie pie! Little Ms. Jodie is just darling! Congratulations on your precious daughter! Elaine

Wonderful news!!! Congratulations on your sweet baby girl. Enjoy every moment!!! Elaine