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I was adopted as a baby and came home to my family when I was 8 days old. I really didn't give it much thought for most of my life as it wasn't an important component in my friendships, and if anyone ever made a negative comment about adoption I usually just ignored it.
As I grew older I discovered that many people are touched by adoption in special ways, many people are misinformed about adoption and many people are interested in growing their families by adoption. My husband and I decided to adopt our first child because we felt it was meant to be. I did not have any fertility problems that I was aware of, and we had always discussed adoption as a choice for us since we began dating. We brought our son home from Guatemala in November of 2006. He was 9 1/2 months old, and the greatest joy!! I was also 3 months pregnant at the time (it was planned), and so our family grew very quickly. We learned a ton throughout the adoption process, and since then I have found myself in many situations where I end up learning that people were interesed in adoption but had no idea where to start or what to do. Since then I have had many conversations about adopting, how I feel about being adopted, what steps should be taken to begin the process, and where are some places to find information. I've added this page as a place to provide links and information regarding adoption for anyone interested in any step of the process. We are still learning as our son grows, but my hope is that someone who needs guidance might find information or the courage to begin the process here! Please don't hesitate to send me any questions or comments in the Advice and Questions forum below at any time!! I feel it is important to be honest and candid, so that's what you'll get! |
WEBSITES:
http://www.adoption.com/ - This is a very comprehensive website including international adoption, domestic adoption, resources, forums, reunions, unwanted pregnancy help, etc. This is a great place to start! http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/ - This is a nice magazine with tons of great articles, references and personal stories. http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/Home - offers information, resources and grants for foster-adopt programs in the U.S. http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html - IRS information on the adoption Tax credit. http://www.hg.org/adoption.html - Adoption law information http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/state-adoption-laws.html - Link to state adoption laws via adoption.com http://www.guatadopt.com/index.html - Guatemala adoption information http://www.eaglesnestint.org/index.php - Website for the children's home in Guatemala our son lived in. BOOKS: Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today's Parents [Hardcover]Deborah D. Gray - Very important read for parents to be aware of what attachment issues look like and how to handle them. OTHER STUFF http://www.baby-memory-books.com/Adoption_Baby_Books_s/31.htm - Adoption baby books http://www.adoptshoppe.com/ - Unique gifts and keepsakes, great website! http://www.adoptionmama.com/ - Hip, sassy, fun adoption designs including really fun shirts for everyone in the family! |
