Paul and Michelle

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!!!!!!

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!!

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!!

Lisa, I think you took the biggest risk of all!! You chose people to help guide your child through life...What a huge risk!

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!

Hello Michelle & Mike, I hope this is not too premature, but, WELCOME TO ABRAZO!! Let me tell you a bit of our story.... In April 2001, my husband and I contacted Abrazo for adoption. We knew of the agency because a "new friend" (at that time) was in the process of adopting from Abrazo. A couple of days after contacting them, we had the initial form. It only took about a week after the application was sent in when they called us. We went to orientation in November 2001 - one of the greatest weekends of my life! We met some really great people and still keep in touch with most of them. Well worth the trip and money!!! In February 2002, we were matched with a birthmom, but that did not work out the way we hoped. We left a beautiful little boy with his wonderful mother who just could not allow someone else to parent her son. She was, and I am sure, is a good mother...We miss her and her son! In April 2002, Elizabeth contacted us with a atypical situation. One month later, our daughter Chloe was born. She is beautiful (can't ya tell?).. and we love her dearly!! Her birthmom contacts us on a regular basis even though, in the beginning, she wanted nothing to do with us. We are very grateful she has embraced open adoption! Here is where the plot takes a "twist". In 2003, we decided that we wanted to adopt again. I am not the most patient of people and when it was time to sign up with an agency, there was not an "againers" orientation at Abrazo for several months. At the time, it was too long to wait. So, we joined another agency. 2004 was one "heck" of a year...We had 3 failed adoption plans that cost us a lot of heartache not to mention to money. Early this year, we were matched again but not feeling really good about the match. Then, out of the "clear blue sky", Angela called with a little guy who needed us as his parents as much as we needed him to be our son. When we arrived in San Antonio, Elizabeth said, "Welcome Home"...and we were home. The Moral of the Story: The staff at Abrazo is very dedicated to their profession...which is helping all parties to do what is best for each and every child. Your dreams will come true...just believe, be HONEST with yourself and Abrazo...and get ready!

Hi Jennifer! I am watching your adoption story on TV right now. I have not seen it before...and am moved! Hope all is well and we will send you guys a birth announcement and a new picture. We would love some pics too! Take care!

In case anyone was wondering, this is us from Wisconsin!! A miracle truly happened this week and we have Angela and Elizabeth to thank!! We have had three failed adoption plans...with another agency and we found "our way home". Congrats to all of the placements this week - holy cats - I think this is the most I have seen! Our love goes to all parents-in-waiting - miracles do happen, you just have to believe!

There is a special place in my heart for couples who have experienced the pain of failed adoption plans...and then see that patience and believing that the man upstairs was looking just the right baby for right family. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

The only part that may be hard on your mom is watching you, in pain, not knowing what she can do to help you through the experience. She may not be able to say, "I know how this feels"...but, the next day, when you are holding your beautiful child and gazing into his/her eyes, she will be able to say, "I know exactly how you feel". Good luck!

Hello! What is the status of all of placement opportunities posted on November 10? Thanks for the update!! =)

Hello Everyone... My two cents...Apparently the "Adoptive Dad" has his reasons to feel ill will toward Abrazo. However, his manner of dealing with them is not what I would consider to be constructive. I think it is time we as forum members move past it! Every agency has it's upside and downside. We come to this forum to share information about adoption...and share our stories of how adoption has touched (or transformed) our lives. I would not be a mom without Abrazo...I thank God every day for that. As for adopting from other agencies...this is a "free forum". Anyone should truly be welcome as long as their intentions are honorable! Not always is it to sing praises...but it should also not be "bashing" sessions either. Abrazo was gracious enough to put their reputation "out there" on the web. We, as forum members, should be cognizant of that! By the way, back to what this session is about. What were your expectations of an adoption agency? I mentioned mine above. This may truly help prospective adoptive parents know what to ask the agencies they are "interviewing".

Every agency has it's "pluses" and "minuses". Do your homework to ensure the agencies you are contemplating are ethical! Then, my advice is, "trust your gut". If you do not "click" with the people at the agency, then regardless of their placement rates, you may not be happy! Make sure that you have the same morals and values as the agency! For example, if you do want a true open relationship with birthparents, then an agency who advertises "semi-open adoption is not the agency for you. Also, discuss your expectations before "signing the dotted line". For example, my husband and I wanted to feel comfortable calling every other week just to check in. This made us feel better regarding what was happening at the agency. The two things that Abrazo has over many other agencies are this forum and the orientation weekends! My husband and I have made life-long friends from the orientation weekend! Many of us still keep in touch and we are thrilled with this! Good luck and please do trust your gut!!! I believe your instincts are a way for God to lead you in the right direction!!

We love the open relationship we have with Chloe's birthmom! She calls here at least once every three months and she sends pictures on a regular basis! For those who are unsure if open adoption is good...no it is not good... It is great! We have a new family member and are thrilled every time we hear from her! P.s. Jenny and Doug, Miller and Delaney are soooooooo cute!! They are getting so big!

Congrats to the couple from WI! We are from WI too!!! Another WI Abrazo babe...How wonderful! Congratulations!