Adoption Insights From Adoptive Families

We receive Adoptive Families Magazine. It's a great publication that serves as a resource for people who are looking to adopt and for those who have already adopted. 

In an article titled "Midlife Moms and Dads," an adoptive mom says this:

"I have done everything I wanted to do as a single person with no children. I've traveled. I've accepted wonderful jobs that have outrageous hours or schedules. I've slept 'til noon and stayed up all night. Now I want to do this - parent."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

What a Tea Cozy Can Teach You About Life

So I mentioned Robert was born and raised in England, right! Yep. He flew over to America at the age of 19 and joined the Air Force. Other than frequent visits across the pond, he's never looked back - and is now an American citizen. He still carries some of the old traditions with him, though. And one of those traditions is tea. More specifically, P.G. Tips.

When I met Robert, I was not a regular tea drinker. Sure, I'd brew up some decaffeinated Lipton and serve it on ice with lemon or occasionally sip Tazo tea at Starbucks but I had no idea what a ritual drinking tea really is until I met Robert. He came complete with kettle, pot and tea cozy. That was seven years ago and we're still using the same tea pot and tea cozy, although we had to finally replace the kettle during Christmas.

Just a few days ago, I was making a pot of homemade thai curry soup stock on the stove. I had ground up peppers, lemongrass, ginger, garlic and some other spices, including turmeric. After I made the soup, I realized the lemongrass was simply too chunky to eat. So I pulled out the blender, poured the soup in and turned it on. Off popped the lid. Soup went flying everywhere - on the wall, on the floor, on the rug, on me and, unfortunately, on the tea cozy. The turmeric in the soup stained everything a dark mustardy yellow. Everything survived but the cozy. I washed it but the yellow didn't budge one bit. Still, I didn't get rid of it because, frankly, it's the only cozy I have.

Randomly enough, we received a package in the mail today from Robert's mum, straight from England. I opened it up. Lo and behold, it was a lovely new tea cozy. She said she ran across it in a shop and thought we'd like it. I happily walked over to the old cozy and popped it off the tea pot. Now, the tea pot is adorned with a lovely, brand-new tea cozy that will assuredly last another seven years.

You know, sometimes life hands you just what you need, even when you don't ask for it. I'm hoping it will work out like that for us in another aspect of our lives. You know what I'm talking about. ;)

Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Chicks found here: http://www.funfacts.com.au/children/interesting-facts/

They say not to count your chickens before they hatch. In this case, I think they've all pretty much hatched ... if you think of blessings as chicks. Recent events - both national and personal - have reminded me of all the wonderful things we have to be thankful for:

• Robert and I have a wonderful marriage that is based on friendship, mutual respect and love.
• We both have large extended families that are healthy and happy, and who are supportive of us in the way we choose to live our lives.
• We are able to support ourselves financially and pay for all the things that we need - a house and a townhouse, two cars and all of the extracurriculars that we desire.
• Robert and I share our lives but also enjoy our own hobbies and friends. I pursue yoga teacher training, for example, and Robert plays and coaches soccer.
• We have a wealth of friends who share in our happiness, and who have their own healthy families.
• We live in an area full of educational and learning opportunities (for all ages), culture and commerce. 
• We are on the powerful journey of trying to grow our family through adoption, and know that we will be able to provide a child with everything he or she needs to lead a fulfilling life.

These are all gifts that have been given to us - but they are also the result of hard work and dedication. We have dedicated ourselves to one another and we work hard on our marriage. We work to keep ourselves healthy and happy. We take advantage of the opportunities around us. For these things, I am thankful.

Even in the darkest of days (we've had those too), I'm sure if you look hard enough, you'll see the egg shells are broken and there are chicks running around everywhere. Life is full of blessings and choices.

There's No Place Like Home

Ruby slippers found here: http://sophieduffy.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/ruby-slippers/

This past weekend was a humdinger for weather in some parts of the country. Here in Virginia it was a little rainy but that didn't stop us from having a pretty normal weekend. Not the case where my parents live and also in other parts of the country, where entire cities were destroyed by twisters in Kentucky and Indiana.

We did have a slight mishap in my family. Mom and dad were watching television when the weatherman came over the airwaves and said D.U.C.K. You know what that means, right?

D - Dash to the lowest level in the building

U - Urgently hide your butt under something

C - Cover ye ole noggin

K - Keep yourself put until the storm passes

Mom and dad headed down to the basement but didn't turn on the light. Mom thought she had reached the bottom. Instead, what she anticipated was the floor was actually another step. She tumbled down, hitting her nose on a wheel barrow. 

I didn't actually find this out until later. Robert came home and said he had been watching the news on the Internet and found out tornadoes were sighted near my parents' house. (Side note: Robert likes to keep watch on the happenings where our families live. He even keeps up with his parents in England online.) I immediately called mom. She conveyed her story and told me she hadn't gone to the emergency department. Thankfully, my older sisters talked her into it. She had a broken nose.

I need to call her tonight to find out if she needs to get it reset. Apparently when you break your nose, you have to reset it within seven days or the damage is permanent - who knew!

Even though my mom has a broken nose, I still feel very fortunate. So many families lost their homes and even their loved ones to tornadoes in many states. In fact, Robert and I were watching the news together just last night. There was a picture of a man holding his dog who had been found in the rubble of the man's flattened home. I said, "you know, that could be us." Storms are indiscriminate.

We are thankful for so many things. Our healthy families, our supportive friends, our beautiful homes, our fulfilling lives. And I personally am thankful for being on this adoption journey. I've met so many wonderful people and learned so much about the process of adoption. I definitely feel all of this has made me aware of what I have been given in life and I'm ready to share some of that wealth, culture and love with another.

Monday Madness

In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don’t try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

— Lao Tzu

A Break in the Storm

Image found here: http://doidasafada.blogspot.com/2009/09/linda.html

It's been raining all day here in Virginia, which is an appropriate setting for how I've been feeling lately. We've had a few calls here and there lately that have taken us down one rabbit hole after another only to find us falling fast onto a hard, impenetrable concrete floor. No one ever said this was going to be easy.

Regardless, Robert and I still believe that one of these leads will take us right through the looking glass. There, we hope to find the right situation for us - a baby whose mom (and maybe even dad) has chosen to place her child in our care. Because of that, we'll continue to take the midnight phone calls and set up appointments that never come to fruition and talk to strangers who say this is going to be the one only to be let down once again, staring at a phone that doesn't ring again.

They say never give up. And we're not. But some days the waiting just wrenches it right out of you. Someday this will all be a distant memory. Some day, all of this energy will redirect itself to something important - a child who deserves the world. When that happens, we'll be there to give it to him or her, whomever that may be.

Happy leap day, everyone!

The Best Days are Do Nothing Days

We've had the best weekend so far ... we've done absolutely nothing! Sometimes do nothing days are the very best days, don't you agree?

Yesterday we laid around all day in our pajamas, watching garbage television, skimming Facebook, reading and lying around with the dogs. I journaled and flipped through magazines - Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Living and Yoga Journal - dreaming about new wall colors and furniture, and brushing up on the latest yoga news. In fact, I didn't get out of my pajamas until around 5:00, when I took a bath with Bath & Body Works Vanilla Verbena foam bath and a candle. (I love Bath and Body Works' aromatherapy line.) Gosh I'm starting to sound like a dang commercial!

We both went to bed around 9pm and woke up this morning to a day of sunshine. It is absolutely beautiful in Virginia today! It's around 50 degrees and sunny. There's not a cloud in the sky. Robert is playing in a soccer scrimmage this afternoon so I plan to join him at the park. I'll probably walk around the fields to get some exercise then hang out and watch. I may actually take pictures if I can get close enough to the goal!

Do nothing days are the best for recharging your batteries. Do nothing days are a way to give yourself some love - to tell yourself that you are important. What have you done for yourself lately? Have you had a do nothing day?

Cover of book found here: http://www.thirdchoicebooks.com/

When Robert and I first decided to adopt, we worked with an adoption agency to complete our initial home study. As part of that home study, we were asked to read The Third Choice - A Woman's Guide to Placing a Child for Adoption. It was my first introduction to adoption from the perspective of a birth mother. 

We've been on this adoption journey now for over a year. Still, I often refer back to that book to remind myself about the brave women who choose adoption for their children. I think it's important for those who would like to adopt to educate themselves about all aspects of adoption. Yes, it's a happy time for an individual or couple who are adopting, but it's also a sad time for the person who has chosen as a mother to allow her child to be brought up by someone else. 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book. Remember, this book is written for women who are considering adoption for their child:

• It is your right to ask for as much information as you need in order to make a good decision.
• No matter what your circumstances, there is almost always an appropriate family available who will want to adopt your child. You have a greater chance of finding them of you are straightforward about your history and situation.
• After you have met with all of the prospectiveparents that interested you, the decision is now in your hands. Chances are, you already have a pretty good idea who the parents of your child will be. Some birthmothers say they felt a tremendous relief when they found the adoptive parents for their child, like a burden was lifted from their shoulders. Other birthparents agonized over the decision. It is often just a matter of your style in making decisions. Take your time, and do it according to your own timeline.
• By the time a couple contacts and adoption organization [or adoption attorney], chances are, they have spent a number of years trying to have a baby on their own.

Women who choose adoption for their children have so much to think about - just as adoptive couples do. Robert and I have already been through a couple of near misses, one where the birth mother decided to keep her child just as we were packing up to drive 13 hours and meet her at the hospital. Some days it seems like we will never have the opportunity to adopt. Then, other days, when I'm feeling more realistic, I have compassion - both for Robert and I, and for the women who are going through an unplanned pregnancy and who are faced with a difficult decision. 

Adoption Insights From Jamie Lee Curtis

Picture found here: http://celebritybabies.people.com/2009/12/18/jamie-lee-curtis-and-kids-arrive-for-avatar/

Lately my celebrity crushes have been on celebrities who've adopted. Recent mentions are Sandra Bullock and Mariska Hargitay. My latest celebrity crush is Jamie Lee Curtis. I had no idea she had adopted her kids until I saw a list of notable adoptive parents. There's not a lot of press on Jamie Lee and Christopher Guest's adoptive kids, and I respect that. After all, celebrities are people too (well, some of them). But I did find this quote on adoption from Jamie Lee Curtis' interview in Parents magazine that extracts the romanticism right out of adoption and injects the process with reality:


"Adoption is a very complicated road filled with incredibly emotional and challenging aspects. At its core, adoption is about loss. It’s one that needs a lot of good support for everybody, so that everyone is clear about the feelings that are being stirred up for everyone. Birthdays, for instance, are very hard for adopted children. For everyone else it’s a celebration of the moment of birth, but for adopted children, it’s the remembrance of a birth family that they don’t have. So it’s complicated terrain but still a beautiful way to make a family. You have to just be really open to all sides of it." Read more here. 


Jamie Lee really gets to the heart of it. We've been on this journey for a long time. Some days it feels like we'll never become parents. But when you consider everyone involved - from the hopeful adoptive parents to the birth parents to the adoptive children - you can understand why it takes so long ... and why it really should take so long to adopt. Adoption is a process that happens over time, an unfolding of emotions and a willingness on the part of all parties to be authentic with their choices in life. I think it will be totally worth it. 


As Robert always says, "Life is no dress rehearsal." Why dip your toes in the shallow end when there's an entire Olympic-sized pool full of lovely blue water waiting for you to dive in.

Getting Through the Wait - Channeling Spring

Painting found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/88059835/51-birds-no-18-19-limited-edition

I've been channeling Spring lately. Yes, I know it's only February, but in Virginia, the weather has been quite mild. In fact, our trees are already budding and I saw a knock-out rose bush the other day that was blooming. 

Like Frederick, I'm pretty good at thinking about sunny days when these Winter days get long. But there are moments when I think to myself, "Self, I just wish Springtime would get here."

It's kind of the same thing with adoption. Most days, I can stay upbeat by updating my blog, reading inspiring stories of other folks who have successfully adopted and believing that one day it will happen. In my experience, once I set an intention, it usually happens - but not always on my timeline. The Universe has its own timeline and you just can't mess with that.

So on those days when I start to think to myself, "Self, we'll never find a match," Robert comes through. What you may not know about Robert is that he is ever the optimist. He can turn a negative thought around in a second and inspire you even more than you ever thought you would be inspired. I've had my moments, but Robert has always pulled me through - and I have to say, I've done the same for him. Great marriages are like that.

I believe that this adoption is going to happen. We just have to wait for the Universe to decide that it's our time. All it takes is one phone call with the right person. 

Dave Grohl's Got Heart - Insight from the Grammys

Picture found here: http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/the-2012-grammy-winners-full-list-682951

Last night, we finally got around to watching The Grammys. We had DVR'd it so we could fast-forward through all of the boring bits. Of course we love Adele - she's so down to Earth and has the most wicked cackle for a laugh. (You can see a great interview with her on British TV here.)

My favorite acceptance speech of the night was by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. He said, "It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about sounding correct. It’s not about what goes on in a computer. It’s about what goes on in here (points to heart) and what goes on in here (points to head.)” 

I believe the same thing about this whole adoption process and about being a parent. It's not about being perfect or sounding correct, it's about what's in your heart and what goes on in your head. 

Rock on, Dave Grohl.

8 Ways to Say I Love You on Valentine's Day

Find photo at http://www.mommygaga.com

I pretty much Love Valentine's Day. Even way back when I was single, I'd pick another single out of the crowd and shower them with gifts of candy, flowers and cards. I'd also do something special for myself ... a favorite meal, a small gift for myself, even just an evening to myself. It's a day to tell someone that they are special to you...and don't forget yourself!

This year, Robert and I celebrated Valentine's Day in a few different ways:

• Sent boxes of candy to our nieces and nephews (complete with confetti)
• Went shopping and bought a gender-neutral crib and dresser for the nursery
• Robert bought me lots of Bath and Body Works bubble bath
• I bought Robert lots of candy (non-chocolate, of course, because he's allergic)
• Presented each other with cards and showered each other with kisses this morning
• Called my mom and dad, whose anniversary is Valentine's Day (you should see their wedding pictures ... red velvet bridesmaid dresses!)
• (We will) prepare a lovely meal tonight of grilled salmon, salad and Dave Matthews' Dreaming Tree wine Crush 
• A night of pre-recorded Grammys, Downton Abbey and the Baftas

And it's only 8:30 in the morning!

When we finally have the opportunity to adopt, we plan to share Valentine's Day - and many holidays - with our child. After all, holidays are a reason to celebrate and to mark each other as important. It's an excuse to stop and take a look at what you have ... and to be thankful for all the gifts that life provides.


What are you doing to celebrate your loved ones - and yourself - this Valentine's Day?

FBI vs. USSS Charity Hockey Game

Last night, we attended the FBI vs. USSS Hockey Game at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex with our friends, J and L, and their 5 year old boy, A. They just had a baby a little over a month or so and this was L's first time away from her daughter, whom they left in the capable hands of her mom. As you'll see, J is hard to pin down for a photo op but the rest of us had fun with the camera.

Kris and Robert goofing off during the USSS vs. FBI Charity Game.

The game is an annual event played for charity. This year's charity was Efforts 4 Ellie, a foundation that supports research efforts for glycogen storage diseases (GSD). GSDs are metabolic disorders that make it hard for the body to break down foods to create energy. Ellie was there and stood in the middle of the ice for photo ops then headed up to the prime seats in the house to sit with the USSS.

A and L enjoying the game.

The game might have been for charity but that didn't stop things from getting heated. The first period saw the USSS in the lead, which only spurred the FBI on in the second period, where they pulled out all the stops. It wasn't until the last five minutes that the USSS scored two, pulling them forward for the win.

A mesmerized by the USSS vs. FBI Charity Event. He wants to play hockey now ... the jury is still out on whether mom and dad will let him.

It was only 7:30 pm when the game ended but we were all pooped. L and J were anxious to get back to their little girl and A fell asleep in the back seat. Fun was definitely had by all. Can't wait for Robert and I to be able to share this kind of fun with our own adoptive child, when we are so blessed to be matched to one.

Final score: USSS 7 - 5 FBI

Why We Want to Adopt

Every hopeful adoptive couple (or single!) has a unique story, just as every person who decides to choose adoption for their child has a unique story. Ours began in 2007 when Robert and I were visiting his parents in England.

It was Christmastime and we had just been to a pantomime at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. A pantomime is an English Christmas tradition. In America, we would think of a pantomime as a play with a twist ... the audience gets to participate. The pantomime we saw was Snow White. Like Shrek, this version of Snow White was for kids but also contained humor for the grown-ups. Anyway, I digress as usual.

Robert and I were lying in bed getting ready to shut off the lights and get some shut-eye when he told me he wanted to have a baby. I thought he was kidding. The next day, I brought it up again just to be sure. He reassured me he was ready, and so our journey began.

Fast forward to 2009. Robert and I had tried to have a baby naturally but it just wasn't happening. Month after month, we'd build ourselves up, only to be let down by a big fat "-" on the pregnancy test. We talked with our doctor who recommended we see an infertility specialist. He conducted test after test. I had a CCCT and an HSG (which, by the way, is not a comfortable procedure at all). Robert had a sperm analysis (I won't go into the details but how humiliating!). Everything looked a-okay. We started taking Clomid. That didn't work. We decided to try IUI coupled with ovulation induction - yes, Robert had to inject me with hCG to increase the number of eggs available for insemination. It was all becoming so scientific. And the majority of infertility treatments are not covered by insurance. Robert and I were disheartened, thinking we would never get to be parents. We decided to take a much-needed break.

What people don't tell you about infertility is that it takes a huge emotional toll on couples. Robert and I were worn out and our spirits were low. We came to the realization that we just were not going to have a baby naturally. And so we shifted gears and started working on our relationship. We reconnected in a different way - our relationship slowly grew stronger and stronger. We both realized that even though we could not have a child naturally, we still had a desire to parent together. And the fact that our child might not be our biological child somehow just didn't seem to matter. Slowly, a glimmer of hope began to emerge.

We began researching adoption as an option for us. But there were so many choices - international vs. domestic, private/independent vs. agency, open, closed, biracial, transracial ... which one was right for us? After many months of talking to people who have successfully adopted, meeting with an adoption attorney and talking with an adoption agency, we decided to adopt domestically (in the United States). We also decided on an independent adoption instead of an agency adoption. Independent, or private, adoption is where the hopeful adoptive couple finds an individual or a couple who have chosen adoption for their child. All parties come to an agreement that works for them and an attorney takes care of the details. We've also decided we don't care what race the baby is or whether the baby is a boy or girl. We know the right situation will find us, no matter what that is.

And so here we are almost five years later still trying to find our someone. This road has not been an easy one. The financial burden alone has been tough. But I have to say Robert and I have grown so strong as a couple because and despite it all. We continue to reach out to family, friends and even strangers to find someone who would like for us to adopt their child and raise it in our home. I hope it happens soon but, if not, we will persevere.

Sunshine on My Shoulders

I drove to my yoga class this morning in the beaming sunshine! I can't believe this Winter has been so mild. The temperature today was in the upper 50s. 

We're looking forward to Springtime in Virginia. In March or April, Washington DC has its annual Cherry Tree festival. The festival lasts for just a short time while the Cherry Trees bloom. There is so much for families to do and see. I hope the weather remains pretty throughout the season. 

In the coming weeks, we're planning a trip to Richmond, Virginia. Richmond is full of history and is the capital of Virginia so promises to be a fun trip. We are going to shop at Short Pump, a town center and mall that has all kinds of shops. We are slowly pulling together a nursery and are looking for furniture that is gender-neutral so we can welcome either a boy or a girl to our family when the time comes. 

Also on our list is the National Zoo. I've been to many zoos throughout the country but am looking forward to seeing all the animals. My favorites are usually the seals and otters. They are so playful. I think of them as water dogs! 

Most of all, though, Robert and I are looking forward to more and more days of sunshine. We look forward to gardening and walking, grilling out and sitting out on the patio in the evenings. Here's to Spring! I can see you on the horizon!!

My Boogie Shoes

I've mentioned on a number of occasions that I work from home. I chose to work from home so I could provide a loving, stable home for an adoptive child. Working from home provides flexibility, saves money (because I'm not driving back and forth to work) and I think more productive. Plus you get to work in your pajamas, unless you have a Skype meeting. Though me and my boss have a Skype meeting every Friday in our pajamas.

The one thing I find challenging about working from home is staying motivated to exercise. I do some form of exercise almost every single day. Most of the time, it's a walk outside or on the treadmill. Other days, it's yoga (did I mentioned I'm in a yoga teacher training program?). I also keep three-pound weights by my desk so I can get up every once in a while and give my arms a mini-workout. But staying motivated to do all that requires .... you guess it ....

My Boogie Shoes

I used to get dressed and head downstairs to my office in my slippers. But I found my slippers are so comfortable that I'm not motivated to get up and exercise. I've started a new routine now. I get dressed every morning and dash downstairs in my Boogie Shoes! They're cute. They're fun. They're just the thing to get me up off the chair ... and onto my treadmill at various intervals!

Funny how a pair of tennis shoes can make all the difference in the world, huh. And did you know walking is one of the best exercises if your pregnant? Just saying. Of course, check with your doctor first. Heck, your doctor might just want you to take a load off. If so, then definitely grab your slippers.

Just for Fun - Roald Dahl Stamps

What would an adoption blog be without a little bit of fun? Nerdy fun, that is. 

As I mentioned, my in-laws are from England. They are what is known as dual citizens, which means they are citizens of both England and America. (Remind me to tell you about Robert's mum's citizenship test ... whew!) From time to time, the post office in their village sells booklets of stamps. Robert's mum started sending me booklets, like Winnie the Pooh and Harry Potter ... oh, and don't forget Lord of the Rings. These little booklets peaked my interest in stamps. Now I fancy myself a novice stamp collector. (I warned you this was nerdy.)

Yesterday I received a little parcel in the mail. Inside was this lovely booklet. It features Roald Dahl, the author of such children's books as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the booklet says Dahl was a chocoholic ... they say write about what you know!), Fantastic Mr. Fox and Matilda, among others. I'll be honest when I tell you that I knew these books from childhood but I had no idea who wrote them! 

What does this have to do with adoption? Well, you could say that one day our adoptive child will have quite the stamp collection on his or her hands. 

Parenthood: Open vs. Closed Adoption

I don't know if you watch the show Parenthood, but right now, there's a story line about adoption. Julia and Joel have a little girl but decided they wanted another child. After trying and trying, they learn that Julia is infertile. They decide to adopt. (Isn't this just wrapping up nicely?) Julia meets Zoe, a coffee barista who works in Julia's office. Turns out, Zoe's pregnant. Julia strategically strikes up a friendship with Zoe and then asks Zoe if she can buy the baby. Yes folks, I did say "buy the baby." I was appalled at that language - especially since the Julia character is a lawyer - but television is television, after all. (See my post on Juno.) Zoe, who really likes Julia, says no. Shocker for all.

Never having adopted (but truly wishing that an adoption will come through for us), and never having had a baby, I have never been in the situation that Zoe is in. (Again, I do realize this is a TV character and not real at all!) But when Zoe told Julia the reason she didn't want Julia and Joel to adopt the baby, I was surprised ... she wanted a closed adoption.

In a closed adoption, the birth parents remain anonymous to the child. In an open adoption, the birth mother or birth parents decide on some level of contact with the child. Whether that be yearly photos and a letter, periodic emails or a higher level of contact is up to the birth parents and adoptive parents to decide. I always assumed that for our adoption, the birth parents would request some level of openness.

Robert and I are willing to consider all of the birth parents' requests without judgement - no matter what they are. And I have no judgement about this character Zoe at all. (Even if she was a real person and not a character on a TV show.) I have not been in that position and don't know what I would choose if that choice was mine. I think what's important to understand is that birth parents have choices, and they should explore those choices to decide what's right for them. And vice versa.

A television show is fine for what it is - entertainment - but if you really want to know what your options are, educate yourself. Read as much as you can. Talk to people who are experienced. An adoption attorney (lawyer) is a great place to start. Meanwhile, you can start your journey here:

Unplanned Pregnancy: Educate Yourself

You're Not on Your Own

Did you know that 75 to 80% of adoptions are done through private adoption? Private adoption is when a birth mother (or birth parents) choose adoptive parent(s) for her child. The adoption is finalized through the court system after the birth mom and the adoptive parents come to an agreement about the adoption of the birth mom's child.

We are Kris and Robert. We're pursuing a private adoption, and right now we're looking for a birth mother who would like to consider us as adoptive parents for her child. We know that this decision is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Your courage in considering adoption for your child tells us that you are a caring, committed and supportive person.

If you're curious about us and want to know more, please have a look around on this blog or visit our Facebook page. (You can find us on Facebook under krisandrobertadopt@gmail.com.) From time to time, we'll post pictures, stories and information about us to help you get to know us better. It is our goal to alleviate any concerns you may have about selecting us as adoptive parents for your child. We know you probably have a lot of expectations for your child and we want to know what those are. We'd love to honor you in the adoption process and make sure your feelings and emotions are respected.

Please don't be afraid about the legal procedures. We will help you find legal representation (a lawyer). This will be someone who represents your interests.

You are a beautiful person and are entitled to information so that you feel comfortable with your decision. If you have any questions or want to talk to us directly, please feel free to email us at krisandrobertadopt@gmail.com, call collect or text us at (540) 300-0223.