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A thousand hurrahs for your family, Darren and Danielle. Best, Kay

The Open Adoption Experience is amazing! It covers every single eventuality at every stage of the adoption process. When Baby Adam was stillborn, I was so impressed that it even included a section on infant demise. No wonder Abrazo recommends it for all of their APs! I'm no psychiatrist, but I think that the adoption experience is so powerful emotionally, that there can be very strong, very close connections between people who aren't related, and that some people experience those feelings as similar to sexual attraction. I took the adoptive father-birth mother bond to be a kind of mirror reflection of the sexual feelings that some adult adoptees and birth parents experience after reunion, known in the field as "genetic sexual attraction." But what do I know? Best, Kay

I was prepared for this dynamic between adoptive father and birth mother - in the movie and in real life - because the Open Adoption Experience talks about it, says it's common and natural. So glad neither of you experienced it though. Best, Kay

Well, Jeremy, anytime you and Jessica are coming to visit family and show off the precious baby you adopt from Abrazo, come on by! We can have an impromptu playgroup - Darren and I were in the August 07 orientation group, and we're hoping to become parents in 2008. Best, Kay

Hello! Welcome! Why don't you tell you your name? My husband and I live in Gettysburg, so we're right by Harrisburg. Sorry you're not nearby anymore Best, Kay

Woo-hoo Tina! You rock!! I'm so proud of you and happy you did that. I know exactly how hard it is, because I have a big old mouth. But you never know the effect you are having on people. Some hearts were changed, I'm sure! Good for you!! Kay

I hate to be a worrywart, Tina. But eventually (soon) Mackenzie will be old enough to understand these sorts of things/comments/attitudes, so I do think that some sort of underlying change needs to happen. Like that the environment in the church, in the school, etc be respectful of different relationships. I know you probably don't want your family to be the flagwavers, but some discreet conversations with people in charge might be appropriate. All my best, Kay

What about talking to the minister? Could he give an eye-opening sermon? Best, Kay

Nicolas is precious! I hope you're enjoying every minute, even the awful ones. Best, Kay

JC and Saint, Zowee! It's sounds like quite an adventure, just in time for Christmas. I wish you all the joy in the world, and I hope the birthmom finds comfort in her grief. Congratulations don't express all the feelings I have for you. Best, Kay

What a blessing for the children, Julie and Jon, and the birthfamily! May your relationships grow and flourish. Best, Kay

Jada, I'm very interested in the program you mention. Can you provide any more information about it? Like what is it called? I've never heard of it, despite 10 years of interest in the foster system. Thanks, Kay

Welcome, Liza! My husband and I were in Mexico City in June, our second trip there together. This time, we explored Coyoacan more and really enjoyed it. We loved the mercado there. Being a godmother is wonderful. I adore my goddaughter, who will be 7 years old tomorrow. Congratulations! Best, Kay

I want to share my hearty congratulations to all the new families. What a special time to be united with your babes! I send my best wishes for occasional rest to the new parents and for peace in the hearts of the first families. Best, Kay

I'm so happy to send my deepest congratulations to Annabell and James for being united with the Canteys. What a wonderful family you will ALL - including their first mom - make! Best wishes and blessings, Kay

That's my motto! And the lesson that I believe is most important to pass on to a child. Best, Kay

I think this one looks very good: The Mulberry Bird: Aimed at younger adoptees, THE MULBERRY BIRD is an enchanting story about a mother bird who decides to place her baby bird for adoption. It explains why a birthmother might consider an adoption plan for her child. Ideal for reading aloud to very young children, this delightful illustrated book presents a large amount of objective information concerning the adoption process in friendly, non-threatening terminology. The engaging story helps children of all ages to understand that being placed for adoption does not mean they are unloved. Indeed, the story of this baby bird's journey to loving family life explains that for people who become parents under unfavorable circumstances, sometimes placing the child for adoption is the most selfless and loving act of all. This one looks excellent too: What is Adoption: Helping Non-Adopted Children Understand Adoption : This book helps adults explain and talk with children about adoption. It also provides reassurance for adopted children about their ability to feel secure in their home environments. Finally, it provides easy-to-understand insight into the adoption process for children who live with their biological parents, and thus helps them to form supportive friendships with peers who are adopted. Concepts covered in the book include: positive use of adoption language; different ways of forming a family; different processes for adopting children; possible reasons for adoption; privacy versus secrecy of adoption details; taking adoption into account when forming a sense of identity; and the permanency of adoption. Others that are more generally about diverse families: Who's in a Family? Todd Parr's Family Book All Families Are Special Best, Kay

I was reading this blog post today: The Power of Books in Understanding Adoption. And I wondered whether anyone knew of any book that might be good for (birth)siblings to read to prepare for and understand adoption. Are the usual adoption books, like The Night You Were Born, good for all children? Thanks, Kay

Congratulations! To both new families! I'm so happy for y'all. Best, Kay

Wahoo! What a wonderful announcement! Congratulations, Brett and Traci. Best, Kay

Congratulations, Bob and Diane! I'm so glad your wait is over and your parenting journey has begun. I'm amazed by three quick placements in a row - Abrazo is on fire! Kay

What a day! I'm wishing the happiest of times ahead for these new families.

When it comes to celebrity news, we want the whole story, John. Don't hold back.

Congratulations to both new families!

Hi Maureen, I'm not in Maryland, but close. Just 12 miles north of the Mason-Dixon line. Good luck with your journey and welcome to Abrazo! Kay