I expect that enthusiastic responses are the natural expectation when adoptive parents announce that they have adopted a child. If you already have a large family to begin with, snide comments probably might inquire as to why you are adopting again.

In general though, I imagine that the news of a newly adopted child usually brings positive comments. When most people hear that a child has a new home, they are enthused and happy for both the child and its new family. Indeed, an enthusiastic response is a natural response and should be offered.... more

We have only met once in person so far, Kate and I. However, we have traded many emails back and forth and have gotten to know each other via those exchanges. Kate grew up in the North Eastern United States with fond memories of berry picking as a child with her sister. I grew up in the South in a suburb of Memphis in spitting distance of Graceland, hanging out at the gate hoping for a glance of Elvis.

Kate is naturally somewhat reserved and proper, but most decidely not stuffy. No one would ever describe me as either reserved or proper.... more

Part 1 received such great comments, I decided I had more to say on this subject. Deb made a mention of my "glossing over" the fact that some birth parents really do not care about their children, and wrote a post about it too.

However, I did not mention that reason because I believe that it is the first reason that generally pops into one's head when birth parents pull out of an adoption. I have seen mention of it numerous times by adoptive parents, and wanted to offer other explanations... more