It's here. 2009. Have you started writing on your clean slate of a new year yet? This week I plan on giving you some ideas to help you start your adoption relationship(s) off on a great foot. And so what is first on my list?

Write letters!

Of course, that's a rather vague goal. So I want you to define the quantity of letters that you will write to your child (grown or adult) or your child's family in 2009. A very attainable goal is one letter per month. That means you would write twelve letters in 2009. Not too difficult, I promise but, at the same... more

First of all, Happy New Year to all of you! As one year ends and another begins like many others I take some time to reflect upon the good and the bad things that have occurred in my life in the passing year as well as what is in store for me in the upcoming year.

Although it isn’t related to adoption, by far the biggest challenge of 2008 for me has been dealing with loss of vision in my left eye and being diagnosed with the eye condition that has caused it. But the good news is that I will soon be traveling (next week!) to yet another specialist a few hours away at a... more

If 2009 is the year in which your baby will be born, I encourage you to start the year off on the right foot. How so? With your child in mind. Granted, you likely have your child in mind most of the time. But I encourage you to do so in a very proactive manner.

Whether you choose to parent or place your child for adoption, you will one day be faced with questions from your child. While some questions may not always have the perfect answer, you can do things now that will show your child that you always had his or her best interest in mind.

Journal, tonight and/or tomorrow, about the plans you are dreaming for your child's future. Talk about anything and everything. Be honest... more

With 2009 waiting just a few ticks around the clock away from us, I wonder what your goals are for 2009. And not weight loss goals. (I mean, I have one, too, but that's not what I'm aiming for this evening.) I'm talking about goals as a birth parent.

Whether you are in an open adoption, a closed adoption or reunion, there's a big chance that you can make some positive changes in your relationship(s) this year. Even if you've had a great year, surely there are improvements that you could make. Little ones, big ones, it doesn't matter. An improvement is an improvement.... more

As 2009 sits right in front of us, you might likely be thinking about the coming year. What does it hold for you? What does it hold for your open adoption relationship? Are there things you can do to improve it? Likely, the answer to the latter is yes!

But you don't have to do it alone.

As you usher in a new year, consider talking with your child's adoptive or birth parent (whichever one you are not!) about what things the two of you can do to make 2009 a great open adoption year. Now, now. Don't just fluff this off as more of that "positive thinking" stuff.... more

2008 might hold some bad memories for you as your unplanned pregnancy likely began at some point in time this year. As we stand on the threshold of 2009, I encourage you to look at the future that awaits you with a positive outlook.

True, you are still likely pregnant if you are reading this specific blog. True, you will then still be faced with some difficult decision. And, you know, labor and delivery. But don't panic! Trust me! You're going to be okay.

I now encourage you to think about what lead you to this point. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying;... more

2008 has been a whirlwind year here on the birth parent blog. Both personally and in general, it has been a year of growth. As with all years, there were some setbacks, road blocks and general tripping up of feet and words but, on the whole, it was a good year.

If I could say anything about this year and what writing on the birth parent blog here at AdoptionBlogs has taught me, it would be this: While we're all experiencing a unique set of circumstances, we're still all in this together.

I don't mean just birth parents. I don't mean just adoptive parents.... more

The title of an article out of Oklahoma caught my eye.

"Open Adoption Good for All Involved"

Well, maybe. It can happen. And that's why I find the title to be misleading. Open adoption is not automatically a good thing for all involved. When adoption agencies, attorneys and facilitators try to sell it to both expectant parents considering placement and potential adoptive families... more

Another year has come and gone, our children have grown and our lives enriched. As we celebrate Christmas this year, we think of all of the children from around the world who will spend another holiday season without a family to call their own.

Everyone here at Adoption.com would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

If you'd like to find out how you can give a child a home for the holidays next year, visit the Adoption.com Photolisting.

Best wishes for a safe and happy New... more

On Wednesday, Miles Harrison was acquitted of any wrongdoing the death of his adopted Russian-born son, Chase, who died of heatstroke after being left in the car unattended in front of Mr. Harrison's workplace.

In recent years, the death of Russian-born adopted children has had far reaching implications on the process of adoptions in Russia as well as Russia's willingness to continue to work with families from the U.S. who are interested in adopting one of the thousands of children currently living in orphanages throughout Russia. This recent case is no different.

A... more