Riding in a car is what most of us do daily, if not for hours a day. We really don't think about driving habits or car manners much, until someone (or several some-ones)cause a ruckus and throw things out of the normal.

When Preparing for Mita and Enu, I realized that it was probable that they had never used a seat belt or a car seat. Mita and Enu had lived their entire lives in Addis Ababa and their dad was a taxi driver for most of that time. While some kids from rural areas may have never been in a car until they went to the children's home, I knew my kids would be... more

A story out of Philadelphia has various sides of the triad along with random members of society going at each others' throats regarding topics like search, reunion and an adoptee's rights versus a birth parent's right. In short, a rape victim who placed the child conceived as a result of that rape for adoption is suing over the fact that she was contacted.

Of course, she wasn't just contacted. Her child showed up on her doorstep. I think... more

I've seen the question posed on the forums in the past. It's always a different incarnation, a variation on theme but the sentiment is always the same.

We're looking to adopt again. We have an open adoption relationship with our child's birth mother. Would it be inappropriate to ask her to provide us with a letter of reference?

I'll admit, it seems like a good idea at first, doesn't it? But like any situation, there are pros and cons. Let's take a look at both sides of the coin so you can make a better decision.

First,... more

In the beginning, there is research. And part of researching is asking questions - lots and lots of questions. So, what questions do you ask an agency? I can think of a few...

Do you provide international adoptions, domestic adoptions, or both? If you do international adoptions, in which countries? Of those countries, for which are you currently accepting applications? If you do domestic adoptions, do you have specific programs for those adopting children who aren't Caucasian? Children with special needs? Waiting children? Foster... more

When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it may feel like no one cares about your well-being. You may feel alone, scared and unsure of how to proceed with the care of yourself and your child. In fact, figuring out how to care for your child while feeling alone can make it all the more difficult.

The good news is that people do want to help you! Perhaps, at this moment, that list of people doesn't include your parents but, trust me, even they might come around sooner than you think. Grandchildren have a way of doing things like that to grandparents.... more

Each visit with my birth son or each time I talk to him on the phone, he asks me more questions. I must admit that the first time he ever asked me an adoption related question I was unprepared! I was expecting these questions to come during the tween and teen years. I guess I forget how advanced typical children are nowadays. I stammered answering that first question and almost messed up for a second. I really was shocked as it was so unexpected! But luckily, I took a second, thought, and answered him openly and honestly.

So, at some point in our child’s life,... more

Crayons, markers, glue, glitter are all things I try and stay away from. I am a mom who does not like arts and crafts I admit it. I do, however, appreciate art and want my kids to learn by making things and playing with texture, colors and their imaginations. On top of my refrigerator I have all the glue, crayons, markers, tape and scissors my kids need to have some artsy fun. My two home-grown kids have enjoyed making things, drawing pictures and in general making a mess since they could hold a crayon.

When we brought Mita and Enu home I noticed that they did not... more

A potential adoptive mother who was recently working on the profile that would be presented to mothers considering placement emailed me. Her question was simple and complex all at the same time.

Which pictures should I include in our profile? How many is too many? How many is too few?

While the answer seems like it should be simple, it's not as simple as it seems. I can see where agencies disagree and waiting families get confused. Families who have already been through a successful adoption have anecdotal evidence that... more

As I’ve mentioned before, I love music and can often times here a song and relate to it in some way, shape, or form. The lyrics of songs can cheer me up, make me feel happy or sad, make me feel less alone, or remind me of a particular moment in my life. Often times for me, it isn’t the whole song I relate to but a particular verse, the chorus, or sometimes even just one particular line or phrase. Sometimes I can hear a song repeatedly before it may touch me.

As I was recently... more

We went to a nearby downtown shopping district to buy shoes and have dinner. We walked around a bit after our meal, and Jack was drawn to a large fountain in the middle of a square. At first, we were the only ones there. Then, an apparent family of six appeared on the opposite side of the fountain. Two white parents, two white boys, and two Asian girls. I wanted so much to ask if the girls were adopted. I don't know many adoptive families nearby, you see. Plus, I love talking about adoption. However, I realize that not everyone shares my openness and enthusiasm.

All that... more