MarceloandClaudia

Congrats to the new parents. Blessings from the Valley! Claudia

Martha, Thanks so much for your information and advice. I receive Parenting Magazine, so if you happen to remember if it was recent, I can look for the article. Claudia

Marcelo and I were talking about when exactly we would like to begin the adoption process again. If everything works out and we are able, we would like to start Summer 2006, but I have some concerns. My biggest concern is will Dante feel that he is not #1 anymore in a negative way and how to handle that. Afterall, he is our first child and we love him so much. I would never ever want him to feel anything less than how important he is to us. I fear that if we adopt too soon, it will have some negative impact on him in the future. I'm just trying to raise him well and show him in every way that he is so special and so loved and that his needs are a priority. I also worry about the financial aspect such as day care. I can't invision not working and living without my income, but I think that you make sacrifices whichever way needed. Does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks for your continued support, Claudia

Claudia and I send our sincere condolences to Kara and all of Mike's family. Claudia and I were fortunate to meet Mike when we went to a birthparent support group meeting in July when Dante was less than a month old. I was so taken by Mike's cheery personality and optimistic outlook on life. I will never forget when we were talking about his son who is autistic. Mike told me that he has learned so much about autism and he couldn't wait to see what his son's talent savant is. Mike truly was a special person. Again, our hearts and prayers go to Kara and their family. Marcelo

To Kara and family, Marcelo and I are thinking of you right now. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know both of you at Birthparent group. I can invision Mikes excitement when he spoke of your children and especially your son. You both were so open to sharing. Take care of those kiddos. Your friends, Marcelo and Claudia

Since, I experienced 3 ectopic pregnancies, I knew early that I had difficulty conceiving in the "right" place. Marcelo and I spoke of adoption right from the start of our relationship. I wanted to be sure he could accept this part of me, and he did. Knowing that it is time to move forward is a completely different experience for everyone. For Marcelo and I, it was not only an emotional decision, but we had to consider my health as well as financial reasons as well. Like Laurie stated, going through IVF could exhaust us emotionally, physically and financially and then where would that leave us if it did not work. After resolving my emotional sorrows from not being pregnant "normally", Marcelo and I decided to move forward full force. We figured why take our time when we know this is what we want... to be parents and to share our lives and love with a child as well a for them to share theirs with us! I think the most important thing is even if you want it so bad, you need to look at all avenues and make sure you are emotionally ready to move toward adoption. It's not an easy thing just like pregnancy loss etc., but with the support of one another, you can make it fun and easy in your own way. Faith can bring on miracles! It's definately a learning experience. Claudia

Congratulations to the newest Daddy! Claudia

Sounds wonderful! Claudia

Toni, Gracie is a sweetie... very cute! Congratulations on becoming a family of 3. I don't think your feet will ever touch the ground again. Claudia

Awesome! Can't wait to hear more. Claudia

Congratulations! You will pause every day to think about how this was the way it was supposed to be. Enjoy. Claudia

Thanks Elizabeth for those words of advice on hospital etiquette. Marcelo and I need to remember that every situation is different and just because our Birthmother gave us the opportunity to be part of everything during her hospital stay, not all Birthparents may feel this way. I think the most important thing is to give your Birthparent's the freedom to make the decisions that are most comfortable for them with zero pressure. Our Birthmother was so kind to allow me to room in with her and care for Dante from the minute he was rolled into the room. Looking back, I wish she had chosen to bond more with him, but like I said before, I had to respect her wishes. Enjoy your time with the Birthfamily and don't take one minute for granted. We enjoyed watching television together while we munched on all kinds of great take out. We also shared many sacred conversations and feelings that I will never forget. We laughed and cried and spent real quality time together. I just told Marcelo the other day how no matter what, our Birthmother will always be on a pedestal in my eyes. I know she, just like I is not perfect, but she will always be perfect for us! Claudia

Marcelo and I knew from the beginning that we did not want Dante to grow up alone. I am 1 of 5 children and I could not imagine life without all of my siblings. Of course, like all families we have our "big" differences, but I love them! My sister, little brother and I have a strong tie. I have always wanted to take care of them and protect them from life. I enjoy being part of their triumphs and not so great times in life. It makes me feel good to be able to be there for them. Anyway, Marcelo and I are talking more and more about adopting a second time sooner than we thought. If finances will allow, we would love to be part of the summer 2006 orientation if one is available. We look forward to growing our family. Dante has made things a bit easy on us and maybe that is why we moved up the date to start once more. Claudia

Wade, Angie, and "The Boys", What a fairy tale ending for Cloud Nine! Your family is a true testament to what open adoption really means. Congratulations, we couln't be any happier for your family. God is great! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Remember, we love you and if you need anything at all, please let us know. Take Care and can't wait to hear more details. Send our love to your BP and her mother. Your fellow Cloud Niner's, Marcelo, Claudia and Dante

Hi Sabrina, I can't say enough how much you are admired for your strength. I'm sure there are many times when you feel that you don't have the strength to do it alone. I hope and pray that God will bring you a caring, loving and helping man if that is what you so desire! I know that for me, I am very thankful for Marcelo's support. That is the reason I respect you so. You chose to be a parent single handed and I think that is alright. If I had been single and at the point of wanting a family, I would have done the same. Also, I just wanted to comment on you being single and feeling a bit uncomfortable around all the couples. Marcelo and I took to you and your boys and I hope that you will always know that there are people out there who will always be a support to you in any way that you may need it. I hope you don't think that we look at your situation as any less respectful or meaningful. If anything, your family is even more special for the relationship that you have with your boys. Until next time, Claudia

Yeah for Jeff and Amy, We are so happy for you two! Enjoy your precious baby girl! Your Cloud Nine friends, Marcelo and Claudia

Teresa, Thanks for having the courage to share your story. You are showing the world what open adoption is all about... allowing two families to join as one with respect and love. Claudia

We can't close our eyes to all of this: My friend returned from the Houston area today. She said what she saw was unimaginable. She stated that there are so, so many needs to be considered. She noted that majority are Blacks of low socioeconomic level. Her concern was that there are so many communicable diseases being transmitted. She said that she saw very poor organization and that they desperately needed more structure. None of these people have been accounted for by name etc. She is afraid there will be an outbreak of all kinds of disease. She said that women and children were being raped at night and in the bathroom. As we can see, everyone is being affected by this crisis. We all have to find a way to do our part in this. Even though, this emergency occured out of Texas, every state will be affected. The evacuees are just trying to find a safe haven. Claudia

Chad and Shannon, What wonderful news! We needed to hear this right now with everything that is going on. Take Care and REJOICE! Claudia

Dear Marleygirl, I pray that God will bestow his peace on you and your friends and family. Just today, I was feeling very selfish. Here I am in my comfortable home with my family when so many are lost. One of my girlfriends who is also a nurse called me and told me she was headed to Houston to help those affected by the hurricane that are staying at the Astrodome. I felt so bad because I was not with her. She called me when she was already in route and all I could think was I should be with her. You are doing what you can to help. Don't feel ashamed to feel as you do. You are human. Take Care and God Bless. If you need to vent, we are here for you. Claudia

Brenda, Mike and Gabe, Things hoped and prayed for do come to be true! We've followed your journey ever since I can remember being on the Forum. God Bless your family. Claudia

Albert and Melinda, Congratulations on your sweet Isabel! I had the honor of meeting your BP and BGrandmother at Abrazo when I made a visit a while back to San Antonio. All of you are so fortunate to have oneanother. Claudia

Congrats Peeeeeeeas! What wonderful news. I just love hearing that all of you are welcoming your little ones home once and for all! Blessings, Claudia

Gosh Elizabeth, You make me want to do this all over again now. We'll be patient and give little Dante some time alone! I don't think you'll be able to keep us away for too long though. God Bless those parent's deciding if they will be part of this group! Claudia

Paul, Beth, Mathew and Sarah, Great to hear from you on the Forum. I hope you are doing well with 2 little ones now! Sarah is a doll in PINK! Take Care. Claudia