HeidiK

Welcome to the family!

I am not really sure if I agree with this - I think being race specific should be in the same category as the rest- after all most AP's are not open to children of all races. And just becasue I was open to only children of African American decent doesn't make my choices any "better" than anyone else......I need to think some more on this subject

I have a different "take" on the choosing thing. With my 1st adoption - I was OPEN to everything - color, health issues, premie, sex of the baby, age ( up to 3yrs old) openess, drug exposure, unknown birth father, legal risk - it didn't matter - I wanted to consult and think about each situation as presented. I thru my "hat" in the ring on just about everthing that I was consulted on ( about 10 different situations) with the exception of one 23 week premie little girl that God called home all too soon , I said show my profile. However for my 2nd adoption I was MUCH more selective - I only wanted a full or 1/2 African American child of either sex and was strongly encouraging an open relationship. I was still open to everything else BUT I really believed that the race of a 2nd sibling was important. I just felt that Gabriel shouldn't be the only child of color in this family and that having to kids with the same ethic background would allow them to similiar expereinces

Honestly gang - openess as something I agreed to because I simply thoughtit would help me get placed faster - did I just admit that out loud . But it was the truth. I had NO idea why I checked YES - but I knew the more NO's on the sheet the longer it would take to match - I just figured I would figure it all out later and I did. I also knew that I am the type of person that keeps her word, personal intergrity is very important to me - so if agreed to visits, or pictures or whatever - I knew that I would do as I had promised. Five years later - I can't imagine not knowing my sons entire families - and in return I have a peaeful heart as do Latonya and Sandra - and that tranlates into sons that I hope will undersatnd the choices the women around them made for them.

For all you nurses out there - many of you can relate to this situation "getting home and finding out you have the "KEYS" in your pocket". WELL that is what happened to me this weekend - and I had todrive back to work and get home again - I live an hours drive form work and I was exhausted from working a long tough shift..... My praise is for a dear friend in West Virginia who talked to me for the entire drive - making me laugh so hard that I was so glad to have actually taken the keys home as is gave me a chance to connect and laugh. Big Praise for a wonderful freind!

May God's choice be blessed...welcome to the family little boy

Love to hear stufff like that - Gabe got a holiday card from his birthmomma too. Its all good

May you all find peace

You know open adoption is working when you are talking to your friend (Sandra and Parker's birth mom) and she couldn't wait to tell you about this lady she did some work for that had two adopted children ( white woman with two biracial girls) AND she spent an hour talking to her about "opening" up her adoptions and why open adoption works. Including whipping out one of the many brag books I have made and sent in the past two years filled with all the wonderful momments we have spent togther....in her words as "A FAMILY" my heart is full!! !

Jada - I have been thinking ALOT about yur comments the past few days ...and I am churning your thoughts around in my head. One thing for sure- PLEASE don't stop posting your ideas, ...........you represent an amazing point of view - so needed here and everywhere heidi

You have a wonderful gift Sabrina - thank you for sharing

Light one today in honor of the start of the festival of lights

Happy Hannukah to all my forum family. May you all enjoy the season of miracles The Kristall Family http://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Someone-L...350&sr=1-42 I got this book last week and it is an AMAZING book for Jews transracial families...LOVED IT!!!!

YES YES YES - Tina- follow that tug and do the ground work and drag Jay. I love that my boys are 3 years apart - but I started the process after Gabe turned one thinking that under 2 years apart would be awesome. I really wanted another baby ( meaning under a year old child) but both my boys were really low maintence newborns- I know I got lucky... I say "Just Do IT" You too..........Sandi...

Seems our candle gallery needs a wee bit aof attention this moring

Yippeeeeeeeeee.............................offical Abrazo alum----yea Arianna you are abig sister now

And of course you have the best taste in baby girl clothing Majorie! Thank you everyone for your warm congratulations! We have been through a whirl wind of emotions in the past 24 hours. It started with broken hearts from a match that was so good falling through and ended with joyous hearts as we signed the papers for our daughter Cecilia Colleen. Our prayers go out to all those feeling loss tonight-- may God bring you peace and a happy ending! Your heart felt comments bring tears to my eyes....Congradulations

20 points of light

I hope that this young woman finds a peaceful heart on this journey. May all involved be tender with her and show her kindness as this path is not easy or simple.

Sounds like sandy and scott could set up an NY office for Abrazo in their new home...right? #two...next summer........why wait I say.....

6 becons of light remind me of the sweet things in life

Sending shouts of joy to the heavens for answered prayers

Great article in Adoptive Family Magazine about how sib sets for the currently childless family is often a great option even better than againers..may these little ones find a very special family.........

happy Family forever................yippee