dbernados

Oh thanks! Haven't been on the forum in a while...glad to know

Welcome baby Joseph!

That is exactly how I feel...only by the grace of God did my life turn out the way it did. I have made my fair share of mistakes and I think no human is perfect. "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" Matthew 7:5 Where is the 'like' button on the forum? I like that you are honoring her birthparents wishes.

What a sad story. I know that Crystal was devastated when this happened. I hope that all can find peace now knowing that she is in a better place.

This just breaks my heart. Our prayers are with everyone involved and hope for peace for them in this difficult time.

I am so excited for the new family. I know that you have to be on cloud nine right now! Hard to believe this is the first girl of 2010. Congratulations!

Congratulations to all the new families!!!!

Congrats to the new families! May God bless you all.

1) Where are you from? Jacksonville, FL (although we lived in Pittsburgh, PA when we adopted Ethan and Evans, GA when we adopted Gavin - we move alot ) 2) Is there an Abrazo alumni group in your area that gathers once a year or more, and do you participate? We just relocated to Jacksonville so I am not sure at this point 3) How many adoptions have you completed through Abrazo? 2 4) Is your family finished, or is there room for more? If so, how many more in your opinion (spouse's input aside, ha!) Yes, we are finished 5) What is (or was) your Friday night fear the second (or third) time around? To be honest we didn't have any fear. We adopted Ethan's biological brother so we are very comfortable with his birthfamily and knew if Dora changed her mind that that would be okay too. Ethan would still know his brother. 6) Are/were you more open to new adoption information/concepts the first time you adopted, or the next time around? I feel like we really embraced the information and concepts the first time around. The second time was a breeze. 7) How did/does contact with your child/ren's birthfamily/birthfamilies impact you/your parenting style/your family?It doesn't affect how we parent Ethan or Gavin. I think the contact only improves our boy's lives. 8) What one thing would you change about Abrazo, if you could? (You're veterans, so you're entitled to speak up! LOL) Hmmm...I will have to think about this one bc you ladies are pretty GREAT!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine how you all must feel. Know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes what God does doesn't make sense to us but he knows the greater plan for all of our lives. Peace be with you all. Much love, Donna

Congratulations to all of the new families! May God be with the families that placed and give them comfort and peace.

So excited about the new families that have been created! Congratulations to you all!

Charu, If I am not mistaken we just send all of our fertility records to them. By the time we decided to start the adoption process 4 years had passed since our last procedure and we had moved 3 times since then. I don't think it would have been easy to get a letter at that point. Anyway, my medical records had all of the information supporting why we could not get pregnant. Good luck! Donna

Elizabeth, I think that sounds like a great idea. I think it would make the weekend more memorable for those (like you said) who have already been through the garden-variety orientation. Donna

Lighting a candle for the expectant mother and family so that the Lord would protect them, keep them out of harms way and to calm the birth father. Donna

I read the following on People.com this morning (didn't even know he was in the adoption process - shows how much I know): Jon Cryer and his wife, Lisa Joyner, adopted a baby girl, the Two and a Half Men Emmy winner's rep confirms to PEOPLE. The infant, named Daisy, was born Aug. 11 and is the first child for Cryer, 44, and Joyner, 42, who married in June 2007. The actor also has a son, Charlie, 9, from a previous marriage.

I am so excited about the news of the newest Abrazo babe! Andy & Jill, Although the journey was not always easy now that your beautiful daughter is in your arms it makes it all worthwhile. Enjoy this special time with her and her first family if at all possible. It is a time for wonderful memories before the hustle and bustle of home life have to return. Congratulations! donna

Hi Mari, Thanks for giving us an update. I, like most of the forumites, have been wondering what was happening and if you guys were okay. It is great that you both have taken up Zumba. I hear that it is a lot of fun and a great way to get some excercise. I am going to start a workout program soon and am looking forward to the results but not looking forward to the pain that comes with getting to the results you want. Please keep us updated on Lauranda's progress. Donna

Like everyone else has said I could go on and on about the ladies of Abrazo but the most recent thing that stands out to me was when we came to San Antonio to finalize Gavin's adoption. It was just after Camp Abrazo and of course the ladies were off on the following Monday which was when we finalized. Audra came to the court house to meet us even though she was techincally off from work. She went the extra mile to let us know that we were important and that she cared. Thanks Abrazo for all you do! Donna

I am in tears right now for the new families - Ric & Teresa and Erin & Mark. I remember the overwhelming feeling like it was yesterday when we went to pick up our BOG, Ethan Ascher. The love is instant for him and his wonder birth family! We will keep all of you in our prayers as well as the birth families that made all of this possible. Congratulations! Donna

Lighting a candle also for the two Moms who are facing soming difficult decisions. May the strength of the Lord be with them in this difficult time as well as the parents-in-waiting who just might have their dream fulfilled. Donna

Waiting...Waiting....for an annoucement!

Katherine Heigl Introduces Baby Naleigh Here is the article along with a picture about Katherine Heigl's new daughter.

Kristal, Thanks for clairifying your reasons as to why you placed Colby. I know that money is nice to have and you can make a lot more happen when money is readily available but it isn't everything. Life shouldn't revolve around material possessions (a lesson that I have recently had to learn the hard way), but around the people we love. Donna