Welcome to my Adoption Information Page.
Since second grade, I have been interested in adopting a child with Down's syndrome. I was in a school play with some of my classmates. In that play, we also had kids that had mental challenges. In the middle of the play (Shoemaker and the Elves) a boy had trouble getting his coat on. Without a thought, I went out on stage and helped him get it on. Ever since then, I knew I had a knack, a special gift from God, with working with the challenged kids.
I have always pictured myself with a large family. I tell everyone that I want 15 kids, and I am not kidding as they assume I am. My worst fear was confirmed when in March of '99, after 4 years of trying for a child, I was told that I was infertile. I have a condition called PCOS. After going through treatments for 6 months, we decided to pursue adoption now, instead of later (I will more than likely resume infertility treatments along with the adoption process...one is bound to give in for me!).
I know there are many out there who will not agree with this; however, I feel adoption is a wonderful option for helping your family to grow. There are many children out there who need a loving home and a forever family. There are many myths about the children out there, which keep families from considering adoption. I invite you to do research for yourself. It isn't as scary as most people think, nor is it as expensive.
Paul and I have not started the adoption process yet, because we are due to transfer in May of 2001. We will, however, begin the process then! We are so looking forward to it. We are open to special needs adoptions. These include different races, older kids, sibling groups, and mild to severe emotional, mental, and physical problems. Paul and I are looking for 1 to 2 children; any race, can have mild to moderate problems, and can be between the ages of 0 - 8yo. We want a family to call our own, and can't wait till we have that!
Because we have not started our journey yet, I am going to share some of my FAVORITE links. There is so much information here, and you can find just about anything! When we begin, I will (hopefully) be keeping an adoption journal! I can't wait!
123-Help-Adopt- This is an eGroup that I founded for those wishing to adopt. It is full of caring people who are ready and willing to help and share their experiences. If you would like to join, or just see what we have to offer, check us out!
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.- By far the best site I can recommend. Everything you could possibly need to know about adoption. It is full of useful information about all the different types of adoptions. They have free pamphlets online, and ones they send to you via snail mail. Everything from what homestudies are to individual state regulations and agencies. VERY GOOD SITE!
National Military Family Association- Information about the Adoption Reimbursement for military families.
Tapestry Books- This is a wonderful and informative site on just about any book that deals with adoption and infertility.
Faces of Adoption- Photolisting of children up for adoption all over the USA.
Miracle of Adoption- This site has cards, announcements, clothing, etc. supportive of adoption.
ADOPTION CORRECT LINGO:
I hear alot of people saying things like: These aren't your "REAL" kids, wait till you have "YOUR OWN" baby, or you aren't "REAL" parents.
- If I am not "REAL", what am I? Instant? If my adoptive child isn't "MY OWN", then why do I wake up whe s/he cries, feed them, spoil them, and why would they call me "mom"? As far as having a "REAL" baby, well I don't expect to have a doll. Maybe you meant 'Biological' child. And, when they get older, they won't search for their "REAL" mother, they will search for their "Birthmom," the mother who began their life.
I hope you found some of this information useful. I wish you the best along your road to adoption!!
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