Duncans

Congratulations to the new families. Think Pink! Claudia

Hello there- We adopted a son five years ago and then a daughter just last month. The wait period the second time around was not significantly longer, around the same cost - and now we have two terrific birthmoms. Situations surrounding our birthmoms' decision to place were very different so the experience has been different, but we feel that both experiences were handled beautifully by the Abrazo staff - the staff was so supportive both times (even in the middle of the night when we needed to talk to a pro). Talking with birthmothers the second time around is more comfortable because you have experience from the first time around - but I had to remind myself to not compare my first birthmother against everyone else. My daughter's birthmom is very different from my son's birthmom and it is those differences that make them special and dear to us. Got for it !!! It's still a roller coaster ride but well worth it! Please feel free to send me a personal message if you have more questions! Good Luck! Claudia [

My mother-in-law writes a column for several community papers - she wrote this column recently after being involved with our adoption just a month ago. DAY BY DAY by Louise Day Society in general and families in particular have a tendency to assign an unusual stigma to a mother that gives birth and then places the baby for adoption. They may criticize or judge before having all the facts. The state of affairs can be extremely complicated. Day by Day has the theory that under certain circumstances, anyone is capable of giving up their precious child to caring parents that will provide for the baby. In open adoption the adoptive parents recognize that the reason the birth mother is making this legal agreement is because she loves the baby more than she loves herself. She wants her baby to be safe from harm, be given the sun, moon and stars; and that he/she will never need for anything so she chooses a family that is a God-send and an answer to her prayers. One tearful birth mother, as she relinquished her baby to the adoptive parents, expressed her undying love for her child in a quote, “Thank you for watching over me; for guiding me every day. You teach me and protect me in each and every way.” The day of relinquishment and placement is the best of times and the worst of times; it is an experience that brings grief, and joy. The adoptive parent’s unable to conceive and carry their own child to fruition experience grief. The birth mother, unable to care for her newborn infant, surrenders her child with a broken heart. This is the worst and best of times! The best of times come when the little pink or blue bundle is cradled in the adoptive parent’s arms, and the birth mother has found peace because she believes the chosen parents will love and provide for the little darling. The sorrow of giving up the baby and the joy of getting the baby can only be shared and understood by the birth mother, the adoptive parents and their extended families. E-mail daybyday@netcommander.com Food for thought! - Claudia Duncan

Congrats to the new family!! The Duncans

Thanks to all for the warm wishes! We are enjoying our days in Texas as a family of four. Looking forward to spending more time with our birthfamily before we leave - have a fishing outing planned for this weekend. We took Lilly and Miles to prairie dog town today and then to eat some awesome Mexican food at a joint called Jose's. We are also enjoying our hotel's pool and hot tub - the weather is beautiful with the bluest skies. I look up to the sky every night now looking for that heavenly brother star! Claudia, Brooke, Miles and Lilly

Congrats to the new family!!! Claudia, Brooke and Miles

CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS! What a beautiful family! Thinking of you and your birthmother today. Claudia

Congrats! Congrats!! Claudia

Congrats to the new family!!

Amy & Gabriela, We will also be joining you guys in orientation in a few weeks! We too are Abrazo "againers" - and we wouldn't think of using anyone other than Abrazo the second time around. We had some struggles with our first match that we choose to terminate, but the second match was just right! Abrazo was there helping us every step of the way. The orientation weekend is a blast - and a very healing experience. And it is such a bonus to have a support group while you go through the adoption process. You wil get so excited when each couple in your group become parents! Look forward to meet you guys soon. Claudia and Brooke Duncan Knoxville, TN

My husband and I adopted a beautiful boy named Miles (who is the love of my life) through Abrazo four years ago while living in Memphis. We recently moved to Knoxville to be closer to Grandma. Abrazo is a wonderful agency - filled with compassionate and dedicated folks - there for you when you need them, whether it is a good day or sometimes, a bad day. We feel blessed that we chose an open adoption, we share a special friendship with our birthmother. Claudia and Brooke Duncan