Paul and Michelle
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Posts posted by Paul and Michelle
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Joe and Nancy,
Wow...from Fabulous Six Packers to family of five. Congratulations! We are so happy for you! The Dahlkes
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Thank you for the update. She really touched our hearts!!
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My prayers are for this little girl. Oh, I wish I had a homestudy complete!!!!!
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Another Abrazobabe in WI! Congratulations!! So happy for you!
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Congratulations to two families we hold dear to us...The first we met in the "beginning" and the second, we met, via phone, after Carter was born. Congratulations to you both! Doug and Jennifer, may God bless your family! Congratulations - I can't tell you how excited we are!
Gina and Ernie, Congratulations!! It sounds like you have had a journey...but well worth the tears and fears! God bless!!
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Another El Paso girl babe...May she bring you the joy and happiness our little El Paso daughter has brought us. Congratulations and safe travels!!
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Thank you for sharing!! My baby girl is from El Paso too...We can't wait to visit again!
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I agree - every time I see a new post on this thread, I just get all giddy! And nothing against those of you who are so sweet and supportive and are trying to help us with baby chants and baby dust and prayers for babies but it is always sort of anti-climatic when I see no post from Stork Central....
I'd even settle for a subtle little hint of hers at this point - it has been quiet, quiet, quiet on this thread - which would be great if it meant that mothers weren't having to make adoption plans but not so great if it means that these mothers are making their adoption plans elsewhere...because we all know that Abrazo is the best!!!
-Lisa
Ahhh!! I couldn't agree more...I was so hoping to see a baby post!!
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I know some of you may find this last message disheartening, but please don't.
Abrazo is an awesome agency, as the many testimonials on this Forum continue to extole (sp?). However, it isn't the only agency and it isn't the best agency for every family, birth or adoptive. We all come into this process with specific needs and expectations. Abrazo tries to clearly state its needs and expectations so that those interested can choose wisely. And hopefully, you state yours clearly to them in your communications and paperwork so that the two sides can get an honest picture and judge whether the respective goals and intentions align.
But, many people start here with our beloved Forum instead of with direct agency contact. With so much information on the Forum, though, it may take a little while for prospective adoptive families to get a good feel for it all and so they may not recognize a good or ill fit until later. That is why I continue to urge "newbies" to contact the agency directly. Truly talk to and really listen to Angela, or Elizabeth if she's fielding calls that day. How comfortable you feel in that/those conversation(s) will be a good gauge for the "fit" of this agency to your family. And yes, waiting for phone calls may seem like it takes forever, after all, you want to get started NOW, but knowing for certain that you've found the right agency for you (whether you're an adoptive family or an expectant mother considering placement of your child) will make all the difference in the world.
And know, adoptive family, that reaching the point of sending in your inquiry or application does not mark the end of the growth you're going to experience. It's no time for "Whew. Now we're ready!"
Adoption is going to stretch you and your heart in ways you cannot fathom. It's good, but the stretching can hurt. And if Abrazo needs you to grow to be really ready for your child, don't you think the pain is worth it? And if Abrazo is not suited to provide the services you need, don't you want to find that out up front and not way down the line?
This process is profoundly personal (inspecting my septic tank?
), so you're going to be vulnerable and feelings can get hurt. Remember, that Abrazo is focused on the needs of the child, maybe your child, and keep that at the forefront of your mind and heart as you deal with the trials and tribulations of growing your family.Oh, how I remember the nervous days of waiting to see if we would be "accepted". I empathize with you and revel in the joy that is yours to come. You can see my family and the hundreds of other families on here at the end of the tunnel and know that this journey (taken with Abrazo or another agency) does work and it is worth it.
Blessings as you wait! It won't be the last time!
Christina
A message similar to Elizabeth's previous post came out when we were hoping to grow our family. We decided to work with another agency instead of waiting. A few months after this, I stated to a dear friend of mine,"This is not how we were supposed to grow our family! We are not on the right path, but how can we make it right?" A year and a half later, our son found us and no other place but going home to Abrazo could make that dream come true. Moral of the Story: If you are committed to Abrazo and feel in your heart that Abrazo is the right place, but it just isn't the right time. Do some extra soul searching...The wait could pay off in a big way!!
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Welcome to Abrazo!! Starting out can be daunting, scary, as well as exciting! You will love the Abrazo team!! A few words of advice...If that call doesn't come as quickly as you had hoped and you seem to talk to a lot of birthmom's and nothing seems to click...It is because YOUR baby has not found you yet. Have faith, do fun things as a couple, and your baby will find you!!
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An El Paso babe - Yeah!! We have an El Paso darlin'! Congratulations - I hope that you received the same wonderful El Paso hospitality as we did!!
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Thank you for sharing this Elizabeth. When Paul and I decided to adopt, we thought it was very important that the people who made our dreams come true should never wonder if their child (grandchild, niece, nephew, etc.) is well and happy. They should never wonder, "What does he/she look like?; What does he/she like to do?; etc." This issue honestly never entered our mind.
This weekend, my daughter received a birthday gift from her birthmom and she absolutely loves it! We left her a voice mail (unfortunately could not get her "live") but Chloe loved to hear her voice.
I have a funny open adoption story. I wrote a letter to our daughter's birthmother to let her know what Chloe is up to. (We write about every other month). Chloe loves to play baseball. (She is actually pretty good at hitting the ball when it is pitched to her). I told her birthmom this story and she wrote me an email saying that our daughter's birthgrandmother LOVES baseball and was hoping one of her grandchildren would love to play too. It turns out that Chloe's birthsiblings do not like to play baseball...and tChloe's birthgrandmother was quite sad about it. Now, she is ecstatic because she has a grandchild to play baseball!
Thanks again!
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Congratulations to all of the families!! Wow, it has been busy! Good luck everyone and God Bless!!!
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Hello Everyone...My 2 cents!!
Hello Coopers - Congratulations!!
This week our daughter received a package from El Paso, TX. It was a pair of pajamas (Dora princess jammies) from her birth grandmother. I have not been able to get them out of her sight. (Pretty soon they are going to start walking around by themselves...) =)
Pretty scary, huh? =)
I am not sure the root of the fear from most people. Before Chloe, some people in my family thought we were "odd" because we truly wanted an open adoption! Chloe's birthfamily does contact us - and they provide her love and caring. Is anyone loved too much? My family "gets it" now...and they also want to participate (and have participated) in the relationship with our daughter's birthfamily.
It is about education but primarily, people have to talk to and be around people who have experienced the joy of open adoption. Then, they have to live it and the fear just goes away...
God Bless and Happy New Year!!
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Hello Everyone!!
Our thoughts and prayers go to everyone affected by Hurricane Katrina. I work for an organization who is missing some of it's "family" and we are tremendously worried. I had to compose myself as I was arranging to get aid to some of our "family members" in the form of arranging payment for diapers and formula as well as water, food, etc. The thought of hungry babies overwhelms me...I wish I were closer to help!! I am very proud to work for the company I do though...they are doing the RIGHT thing to help people affected by this tragedy!!
I also have to say "THANK YOU TEXAS!" for helping in the big Texas way!! Texas only knows how to do things BIG -and right now you are!!
God Bless!! I am offering monetary assistance but Abrazo, you are close enough to know if there are other things that we can do as an Abrazo community to help!!
Marleygirl, You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
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Oh, I wish! But a 3 year old and 2 under the age of 1 might be a little challenging...
Anyone searching and haven't yet decided on Abrazo... It truly is not "if" but "when".
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The somewhat quick story...
2001
My sister-in-law has a "stiching" friend who was working with Abrazo and expecting a baby in April. She gave me her number & Paul and I met with them. The next week we called Abrazo and started the paperwork.
2005
We are proud parents of 2 Abrazo babes PLUS made some great friends who, thanks to them, we have our 2 beautiful children. THANK YOU Jenni N!! And Chloe has a great friend - Lucas.
That is how we found Abrazo - all the way from WI!
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Congratulations!! Miracles happen at every turn don't they! Can't wait to meet you at Camp Abrazo. I think there will be lots of little babies at Camp Abrazo and oh we can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Hello!
Our homestudy was $2500 and updates were $700.
Boy, I wish our rates were cheaper but, we have an amazing social working here in WI so it is worth it!
Good luck!
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We have our precious baby girl home!!!
WOW just 30 hrs ago we got the call we've been waiting for and spoke to our darling birthmom and now we are a family of four. We are just elated and still feel like it's all a dream. Brenli Kate Macie Tennison(Macie is the name her birhtparents gave her) was born on 4-25 weighing in at 4 lb 13 oz. She was 4 weeks early and was in NICU for 2 weeks. Lauren her birthmom is such a sweet, precious young lady. She has spoke of an adoption plan since the day the baby was born. We all fell in love with each other. We also had the plesure of meeting her birthdad. It was a wonderful,emotional day. We got to know Lauren's mom and we dearly love her too. God is so good. Our baby girl is a little doll. She now wieghs 6 lb 2 oz. She has blue eyes like her big brother Dylan and light brown hair. She is perfect. We are so thankful for all the girls at Abrazo. Thanks for putting up with me. Pamela and Renea you helped make this day perfect in every way. Our birth parents are planning to come vist next wk end and we couldn't be happier. Dylan is so excited and will hardly let me hold or feed her. He has the hang of the Big Brother roll already. I will post more later right now I have a baby girl to get to. I will post photos later too. Thank you all for your prayers. Lot's of Love, Gary, Sherrie, Dylan & Brenli
We are so happy for you!!! I heard a quote in church after our first failed adoption plan, "From dusk comes dawn." Congratulations! Dylan sounds like a GREAT big brother! Take care of little Brenli (cute name) and our prayers go out to Brenli's birthfamily!
God Bless!!
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FAITH...FAITH...FAITH!!!
That is how we get through the risks of adoption! We still have risks. Our son has been home with us for almost three weeks and there are still risks! The medical bills may not be covered, or, most importantly, his birthfather's rights may not be terminated (legal risk placement). In my heart, I know that God has a master plan and that things will work out the way they are meant to.
I love reading the other posts!! Thank you for sharing!
Once again, faith has not steered me wrong!! The legal risk portion of our placement has come to an end! Angela just MADE MY DAY!! Have a good weekend everyone! My family sure will!!
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Hello!
Thanks!! Good luck with the adoption process! The foundation we used needed an active homestudy in order to look at our application. But, it took me almost three weeks to write our story so by the time you fill out ALL the paperwork for the homestudy, you should be just about set to complete the grant application! =)Good luck and God Bless!!
Aren't my babies cute?? Yours sure is a cutie!!!!!!
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Hello Forum Friends,
My husband and I applied for a grant several weeks ago...The company contacted us this week to see if they could assist us!! They can't give an individual money, but they can work through the agency to assist with some of the expenses. We haven't received confirmation that they are going to help, but at least they are investigating!! I am just shocked, amazed and excited that there are groups out there wanting to help people like us.
So, my advice, write your story and apply for grants. There may be a foundation that may be willing to help!
Good luck to all of you!!
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Mike and Stacy,
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! We have a special place in our heart for people who have struggled with failed adoption plans...We have had 4 since we began our adoption journey and our two beautiful children are thanks to Abrazo (and, of course, the man above!)
Second, where in WI are you from? We are also Wisconsinites from Green Bay!
Take care, safe travels, and most of all, God Bless!!
Baby Announcements 2007
in New Arrivals
Posted
Congratulations!! I am so happy for all! God Bless!!