Sandi & Scott

Congratulations and what a wonderful story and an even more beautiful photo. I just love the way your daughter has her arm around J, so sweet. Heres to a long and wonderful relationship with all involved. Sandi

WOW.............Three new Abrazo bundles of pink, how wonderful !!!!! Congratulations to all of the new forever families and enjoy all of the blessings that have been given. How great that these pictures include the birthmoms as well, thats a true testament to the beauty of open adoption and I hope that they all stay in touch forever and never forget how they are all so important in the life of these little girls. Sandi

BIG CONGRATS TO JOHN, NINA & HENDRICK on the addition of their beautiful baby girl, what a beatiful name. We cannot wait to meet her at the NJ reunion. Congrats also to the new family and your little boy, enjoy. Sandi

Welcome little Abrazo Baby New Year and congratulations to the new family of four. Enjoy them both, kids are a miracle and a gift. Sandi

Adding my hope and prayers for this little boy....good things come to those that wait. Sandi

WOW, this situation sounds like the best place for this little boy to be, I hope that it all works out and I know that we will all celebrate when it does. Keeping all parties involved in my thoughts & prayers. Sandi

I have been lurking on this thread and saying prayers that this little boy finds his forever family who are as overjoyed to welcome him as he will be to them. I didnt realize that the "Abrazo ladies" get buoyed by our posts and I know they could use all the help they can get to help this little angel and how heart-breaking some situations can be at times. WE KNOW YOU LADIES CAN DO THIS AND WE ARE ALL CHEERING YOU ON AND WISHING THE BEST FOR THIS LITTLE BOY, HIS BIRTHFAMILY AND HIS NEW FOREVER FAMILY. WE ARE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Sandi

Congratulations to the New Families created and the three little babies who have found their forever families, what miracles and what a way to end the year and start a new journey. Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season and an amazing New Year with you sweet little babies, does it get any better than this? Sandi

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer...you do what works for you and your family. Also, it's important to remember that often there are "our plans" and then there's "God's plans." The two don't always match, but the latter is always the best. I always wanted more than one child...six at one time, then four...by the time we adopted Joshua I was just thrilled that I got to be a mommy! I wanted for nothing else...at least for a little while. About the time the tug came for the second child (Joshua was around 2), I started taking care of my 6 month old nephew while his mommy and daddy worked...phew, hard work...two under 2!! So that urge was squelched for at least a year. Not to mention, my husband was not on board! When Joshua was three, Larry rather hesitantly said okay. We went with a local agency (more of a crisis pregnancy center who is licensed to do adoption) at that point because we had been active with them before Abrazo the first time. It was kind of a half-hearted effort because they really don't do a lot of placements. Most of their clients choose to parent. Fast forward 18 months, and we decided to go with another local agency through which my sister had adopted her son. We chose them over Abrazo mainly because of costs of doing adoption locally vs. across state lines. It took another six months for me to get all our paperwork in (holidays, birthdays, moving into a new house, basically life was so busy and the urgency was not there as much as the first time around). By the time we were approved and active Joshua was 5...match and placement took place a year later and he was then 6. A lot can be said for having that age difference...Joshua is independent and doesn't "need" me as much as a toddler would. He loves his little sister and can be quite helpful with her. He can entertain her and get her to stop crying quicker than anyone! Of course I have to remind him not to drop her when he tries to pick her up! There is no jealousy. I feel like I really enjoyed Joshua and all his phases and firsts, and now I can really enjoy Lydia. Of course, having them closer in age helps when they are able to play together and entertain each other. For six years (not counting play dates) I was Joshua's playmate. I enjoyed it immensely but was not always able to drop everything and play. So sometimes he got lonely. He still needs other playmates because Lydia is not old enough. But he absolutely adores his little sister, and does enjoy just being in her company sometimes. My advice...if you feel the tug, start going in that direction. Life's circumstances and God (perhaps through life's circumstances!) will guide you on the path you need to be on. The result will be exactly what is needed for your family. I know I wouldn't change a thing in our winding road! Thanks Suebee for your post. I do feel the tug, but I am also enjoying my time with Skye so much. I feel like everyday is a gift and I cannot wait for her to wakeup and say "Hi" when she sees me. I know that Skye would love a sibling and she just loves babies and "playing" with them. Right now she is SO attached to Mommy that it doesn't seem like a good time, but realistically I know that she will grow out of it . I guess I was worried that she would feel sad that all of my attention was not on her, but I do know that I am capable of loving more than one, I just never want her to be sad. If w start next May, by the time we adopt she will be out of that phase, so I should just let "nature" take its course and know that life is what it should be and go with the flow. Sandi

Same here Tina.......Tot reunion?????? Tots take two.......has a nice ring to it huh??? Linda, Kathy, Nancy...what do you say??? You all ready for some more??? Seriously though, we are going to start "trying" again after Skye turns 2 in May. I am excited, but I am also really enjoying my time with just Skye. She is so fun and I know she will go to school one day too soon, but right now we are having the best time. Are we starting too soon, is Skye too young for us to adopt a second child....any comments or words of wisdom from againers? Sandi

CONGRATS TO ALL THE NEW FAMILIES.............what a perfect day to give Thanks for. I suspect that none of you will be asking for Santa to bring you a thing this year as you now have everything that you need . Sandi PS. I havent met any of the other couples yet, but I was so excited to read that Todd & Eileen placed as I got the pleasure of meeting them at Camp this year. They were so cute and so hopeful and I am so overjoyed that they are now parents no-longer waiting. YAY!!!

Ok I am confused...who is that Man holding what I think is the little Sister of the angels in waiting in the Gallery???? Sandi

Wouldn't it be nice if someone could show this birthmom this thread and how many "strangers" are praying for her and rooting for her!!! Just a thought...............LAPTOP!!!!! Sandi

Easy there Heidi.....next summer will be here before you know it. A NY office, sure no problem, as long as you don't mind your employee in pj's every day , that is the attire I currently go to work in, no panthose here. Sandi

Yes, we are painfully aware of this no-adoptions in NY dilemma as we are postponing our move to NY (only a mile away ) until after baby #2 joins our family, hopefully next summer Sandi

I too have been following quietly along as I pray for these little sweeties to find their forever family. I also thought about "what if" and Scott and I talked about it. With one daughter about the same age and bringing two siblings one the same age and another older into the mix didnt seem like the best situation for Skye. We were afraid that she would feel left out of the sibling group/bond and were worried for her and we wanted to make sure that it was also the best situation for these two babies and they get the "right" home for them so they never have to be moved again. I also agree with many others who say that if we were childless PIW we would be in Texas right now. We were so adament about a newborn so we could experience the whole newborn thing. In hindsight, that was all a blur and now that Skye is 17 months our times and memories are the best!!! So we might have missed the first smile, roll-over, crawl, etc., but I just think that that is just the beginning and like marriage, until death us do part. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for a PIW, however, it is so hard to look past "brand new" and I was also a culprit of that. I cannot wait to see the picture and story of this "new" family and I hope soon, as you can see we are all very impatient!!!!

WOW!!! I cannot keep up with all of the wonderful placements and forever families being created. Congrats to all of the new families; Brett & Traci, Ricky & Laurie, Keith, Erika & Briton and to the Walker Family (Yeah Nita, I am so happy for you guys!!!! What a divine set of circumstances lead you to your son, I got chills). I am so happy for all of you and know that good times are ahead. What an amazing month this has been and so exciting. Sandi

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW FAMILIES !!! Geez, I am off being busy for a little while and I realize that the Abrazo ladies and the stork are just a wee bit busier........what a wonderful time is ahead for all. Sandi

WOW.......I am busy for a week or so and 3 new families bring home their little miracles. Congratulations and enjoy every moment together, it goes by so quick. I can remember "days ...ok, months ago " that we brought our pink bundle home. Our bundle just turned 16 months , where does the time go. I always say this, but make sure you take lots of pictures and journal all thats happening. What is said and done by you, birthparents and friends and family is so special and trust me in your shocked, sleep deprived minds you will forget. I go back and read stuff from when we were first placed and am overwhelmed with emotion and so greatful I have documented it. Enjoy your new children and lives, there is truly nothing better or more fulfilling in life than the time we spend with them. Sandi

OK, I usually dont pay any mind to "celebrities" and Hollywood because I thik that the entire idea of someone being "famous" for playing a role is ridiculous. Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Everyday wonerful people sacrificing for others, they should get the "star" treatment. ..................Anywho, if it wouldn't be too horrific for any baby to be placed with Paris Hilton (utter waste of space :angry: :angry: :angry: ), she should adopt because the thought of her procreating and there being anyone else in this world even bearing a resemblence to her is enough to make me sick. Ok, you get the idea and yes she is my least favorite tabloid person out there. Sandi

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What a beautiful family, enjoy. Sandi

CONGRATS ON BEAUTIFUL LITTLE ELLA, GIRLS ARE INDEED WONDERFUL!!!! Also love the name, our good friends daughter is Ella Rose and she is awesome. Make sure you journal and photograph/video the entire experience because it flies by at warp speed. A day ago we were in Texas for placement and a day later (or so it feels) or pink bundle is turning 15 months. Enjoy her and being parents, Sandi

Congratulations to the new families who have joined the ranks of parenthood. Its a wonderful club to be in, welcome. Enjoy and really document all the little things, they go by so fast. Sandi

Hi, Just my own 2 cents; We have a picture of Skye's birthmom and birthsister by her crib. We tell everyone that she is adopted and we're proud of it. We try to keep an open line of communication open with her birthmom, but she is not as motivated as we are. There might come a day where she stops communicating with us altogether, but I would still consider this an open adoption. Open in the fact that Skye and everyone else is aware of the situation. Open in the fact that her birthfamily will ALWAYS be acknowledged, loved, missed and welcomed in our home and hearts. I feel that as long as all of the facts are "open" and not hidden keeps this an open adoption and does not "close" it. Just my 2 cents. Sandi

YAY....another little Tater Tot................keep em' coming Congrats Malaguti's, can't wait to meet Neveah at Camp.......oh and you 4 also . Sandi