Thursday, February 28, 2008

Adoption Update

I wanted to catch everyone up with the latest on the adoption front. Nathan and I went in this afternoon for our first of two interviews with the adoption organization, and it went really well! The hard part was over as soon as we turned in all of our paper work, so I feel like this portion of the process is a piece of cake comparatively. The most exciting part of today's meeting was getting the chance to meet one of the counselors who works directly with the birth mothers. It was wonderful to hear from her about the ends and outs of what they do for the ladies who come in, because she, more than anyone else, has the hands on contact.

Listening to the counselor reminded me why we have such a peace about the fact that we are adopting through this organization. It is so reassuring to know that the mothers have not been cajoled in any way to choose adoption when parenting is a viable possibility. The "client" at Life Choices is always the mother, and their desire is simply to help provide support for each lady in whatever capacity they can, whether that means helping them make a plan for adoption or preparing them for the adventure of parenting. I love the fact that the birthmother of my future child will choose adoption because it is the right thing for her and the baby, not because her arm was twisted!

Today I walked away from the meeting with an even greater respect for the birthmothers. As I listened to the preparations the ladies make as they work toward making an adoption plan, I was overwhelmed by the amount of love the mothers have for the children they carry. To begin with, choosing life is not the easy option, and the decision to carry the baby for nine months, even in the midst of crisis, shows such strength of character. I was also struck by the love it requires to realize that it is in the best interest of the child in some cases to put him/her up for adoption. What a selfless choice!

I guess in the past I have assumed that a mother who gave her baby up for adoption was too immature or self-centered to be able to face the responsibility of parenting. What a misconception! I'm embarrassed to even say that now that I know just how far from the truth that really is. But that is how far I have come in understanding what adoption is all about. It is really the uniting of two love stories. That is what I want my baby to know all of his life...that his is the story of being doubly loved.

We will have our second interview this Tuesday, and then we will be officially able to adopt. So as of Wednesday, the waiting begins!

28 comments:

Rachel said...

Glad things are moving along so quickly in the adoption process. Praying that God is even now preparing the birth mother's heart as she makes the decision to share with you the wonderful gift of life and love.
Rachel in PA

Rachel said...

Glad things are moving along so quickly in the adoption process. Praying that God is even now preparing the birth mother's heart as she makes the decision to share with you the wonderful gift of life and love.
Rachel in PA

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Angie,
I am so excited for you guys - I can't wait to see, to hear how this unfolds. You are a blessing!
Praying....
Kim

Cathy said...

Angie,
I have written you before. Not only am I Annabel's mom T-18 (almost 3 this month) but I am the mom of 5 other children through adoption. They were all adopted at birth. I am so glad you realize how much love that these birthmoms have for their babies. I am glad you are blogging on this subject to educate all who may read. We also own the agency where Annabel was born so I work with birthmoms each day. Each night at prayer we have always blessed and thanked each birthmom of each of my children since they were old enough to pray. I will pray for your adoption process to continue to be the blessing it is becoming to your family.
Cathy & Annabel

The VW's said...

How exciting! Praying for you as you await a precious little one and also praying for the birth mother who is so giving and loving to make the choice of adoption! Whoever this child may be, he or she will be very blessed to be a child of such a loving and Christian family! May God Bless you today and always in whatever He has in store for you!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Dear Angie,

As I read your post today, it is so clear to me the parallel in paths between you and your babies birth mother. Life is chosen for the baby even in the midst of crisis, carrying the baby to it's term, loving it all the while, and being willing to place it in the arms of another, true strength of character, a selfless choice. These are the things you went through with Poppy Joy. How blessed you are to understand the birth mother's heart, the one who is carrying your new baby that will change your hearts forever, again:)
God will use this in the choice of you for her baby, and I don't believe you will be waiting too long. I love you guys and I know there is a baby out there, waiting to bless you!! Waiting with you and praying for you and Nathan and Marianna. Poppy Joy already knows who this baby is.:) I am so excited to walk this new road with you again.

Love and Hugs, Laurie in Ca.

Just Me said...

As I was reading your post, I was thinking along the same lines of what Laurie wrote. How you truly DO know what it feels like to carry a baby, give her life, and then entrust her care to someone else. I believe that your understanding of this will help the birth mother's decision to choose you as the family for her baby. Praying for her, and for you.

=) Amanda

Anonymous said...

I have followed you for a while and enjoyed praying for you. My son will be 20 in July, I haven't seen him since. As a birthmother I can tell you it was and something that is with you for the rest of your life. I still think about him and what he is doing. He also now has 3 brothers and sisters. His dad & I married several years after he was born and are very happily married. I wish you the best on your journey.
Mary in Michigan

Court said...

Angie ~ praying for you on your adoption journey. It is amazing to hear how quickly the process has gone for you. My husband and I are now in our 15th month of our adoption process! But, we know that God is in control and that our children will be brought to us in His timing and in His ways. We will be praying for you!

Kenzie said...

Angie-

I'm SO incredibly excited for you guys! The Lord is so good and I know he has the perfect child picked out for you... what a lucky baby to get to call you mom and dad!

So much love and continued prayers,
Kenzie

Anonymous said...

We are so excited for you all. Still praying and following here in Ms. and also Praying for the birthmother as well, its a big decision and know God has a plan for your lives.

Michelle said...

I have followed your story and continue to pray for you all and are lifting you up in this new exciting time of adoption. As a mommy of 2 adopted girls I too prayed for their birthmom's and my sweet girls even before we met. 2 very different adoptions but like you said, they chose LIFE for my girls and made me a mommy when I thought I would never be. I can't wait to see God's plan unfold for you! Feel free to email me if you have any questions! I'm happy to share!

Blessings in OK!
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your post today. As a birthmother (23 years this past week) I really appreciate your comments. Adopted children are loved twice, once by a courageous women who puts the interest of the child first, once by a family who prays for both the child and birthmother's well being.

As I key this message, it is through tears of joy. Thank you for respecting your future birthmother and realizing she is not being selfish.

I am very fortunate to be happily married and have a healthy 7 year old. We have also lost two babies over the past two years (22 weeks, 12 weeks). Adoption just may be our next avenue to grow our family.

In selecting the family for my child so many years ago, it was important to me that an older sibling be in the picture. Each birth mother has their unique 'thing' .. I suspect beautiful Marianna will play quite an important part in her selection of you.

Cheers!

Candi and Skeet said...

Wow, that is so great! I will pray that everything will continue to go well. I check for updates everyday and think of you often!

Much love,
Candi

Candi and Skeet said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Q's NEWS said...

How exciting! A friend of mine adopted a little girl and when she had questions about adoption, etc. her parents explained to her how special she was because she was "chosen". I think it helped alleviate some of the issues of why her birth mother gave her up. They also celebrated the day she came home as a "gotcha day" - (like the day we gotcha). I always thought that was neat. They had adopted a girl from Korea and the agency there wasnt even sure of the girl's correct birthday. Her birth certificate said the week of September 9th. That really bothered me. I am so glad you are going through a reputable adoption center and that they have the birth mother's best interest at heart. I know you guys will love this child more than life itself!! And what a perfect fit it will be!

CJ said...

Oh that is all so exciting. I have adopted twice (the first time it was a package deal of a brother and a sister and this time around it was a baby girl, 6 months old).
I remember just waiting for the phone to ring. When it finally did it was thrilling beyond words. I have 2 bio kids and I can say that getting the call is just as exciting as seeing 2 lines on a test!
I will be praying that everything goes smooth...and quick too.

Judy said...

I just notice on my last comment that it posted under my son's name, CJ. I didn't realize he was signed in. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

I am excited about all of the amazing things ahead of you on this adoption journey, and blessed to have the opportunity to pray for you along the way. Can't wait to see how the story turns out!

Anonymous said...

Angie,
I am so glad to hear about your
adoption process. I have been
following you since Poppy Joy
birth and I can honestly say I have
never known anyone like you and
Nathan.
I feel so blessed to have been able to keep up with you and your
story. You have been a inspiration to me from day one... you are so
lucky to have such a loving husband (which I know you know
that) your grandfather "Dr Rogers"
would and is so proud of you!!
I am praying that God continues
to bless you and your loving family and I can't wait til I hear
the great news!!
god bless you.

Lolly said...

What a blessing that you got to understand the birthmother's perspective. Not many people truly understand. I was a foster mother for The Gladney Center for 8 years. I met many birthmothers. This was the hardest decision for them, but they were so unselfish. Their motivation was that they loved their baby so much, they wanted to give them the life and opportunity that they could not provide. In my opinion, placing a baby for adoption is the most unselfish act that any woman can do. I hope you get your "gift" soon.

Alison said...

As an adopted child myself, thirty seven years ago, may I tell you how happy it made me to read your desire that your child know s/he is doubly loved. There is nothing greater than the acceptance of the fact that there is another mother heart involved. I have connected with my birth family almost seven years ago, and Mom still struggles with that. I wish she was as willing to embrace my birthmom as you are planning to be for your child.

I will be praying as things unfold in the Lord's perfect timing!

Rebeca said...

How exciting! I agree with you about birth mothers- they are amazing! I have an aquaintance who just gave birth to, and gave up a baby for adoption. Watching her go through this for the good of her baby has been amazing. I'll look forward to seeing who God places in your sweet family!

The Adoption Of William said...

Adoption is such a wonderful option for growing a family! We will be praying for you guys!

With love and hope,

Jen-William's Mom

www.specialneedsbaby.blogspot.com

Kenzie said...

Angie-

Praying that your interview went well last night and that now everything is ready to go... I know you are so excited and I can see how many are thrilled for y'all as well. We continue to pray each day for your family!

Love you!
Kenzie

Anonymous said...

I love your new blog layout - it's just perfect for Poppy! Blessings as you await the next step in the adoption process.
Katie

Household6 said...

I have been following your blog for some time. I know we've never met, but I posted our "semi" connection on one of your posts months ago. I was reading through my normal blogs and found this today and thought of you.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10034301

Seems very appropriate.

Heather Spencer www.spencerhouse.blogspot.com

Jen in Al said...

Angie, i am praying for you daily! i am an adopted child and am so thankful for the incredible way the Lord has blessed me through my family! oh, i just love your new blog header!!!! i have to say that knowing your story and the stories of other precious families with little angels has me seeing the world with different eyes, too. Thank you for sharing your journey! Thank you for sharing Poppy! praying for you as you prepare to welcome your child into your lives. jen in al