The magnolia is Louisiana's state flower. Knowing how pretty magnolia trees are in full bloom, I would hope that their post-adoption contact agreement laws are of a similar beauty. While they aren't as ugly as some states, take Florida for example, they do leave a little room for improvement. Not because they're inherently unfriendly but because of a little bit of confusion on the wording. They do, however, offer some great examples of how specific wording can benefit... more

I like pictures. I take a gazillion and a half on a regular basis. I have so many pictures of my son's various facial expressions that I cannot begin to count how many I have taken in his two short years. During visits, my camera is constantly with me. I also like looking at other people's pictures. Because I'm nosy like that!

I especially like looking at pictures of my online friends and their children. Whether they're first moms, adoptive moms or moms without determiners, I just like smiling mothers and children. And so when Nicole from Paragraphein... more

Indiana is the next in our line of alphabetical state reviews concerning post-adoption contact agreements. (Yes, that means quite a few states between Florida and Indiana didn't even address the issue.) Indiana gives us some unique perspectives and some unique questions that we haven't had to ask before! Their wording is rather specific but confusing at times. Let's just dive in!

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Ann. Code §§ 31-19-16-3; 31-19-16-9 A... more

Florida may be a pretty state to live in but I sure wouldn't want to be an expectant parent considering placement or a birth parent relying on a post-adoption contact agreement in that state. While Connecticut seemed mostly useless when it comes to specifics on various statutes, Florida is downright unfriendly towards biological families. It's rather disheartening to see this kind of law on the books today. If I lived in Florida, I'd be fighting the system to get something... more

Connecticut is the next state in our alphabetical review of post-adoption contact agreements. While both Arizona and California hit on some good ideas, Connecticut decided to burst the bubble of progress. Instead, this particular state decides to leave us with more questions and answers by their vague language that is parading around as specific language. Wordiness is not... more

I've been silent about the title of this month. If you want to know my feelings on it, you can read my post from last year (as, once again, the President left a large group of people out of his proclamation). However, I'm all about raising awareness. That's never been a secret. While my series on post-placement adoption agreements... more

If you thought Arizona was in the business of getting specific and wordy with their statutes on the matter, wait until you look at what California has to say about post-adoption contact agreements. I mean, they're all about covering bases. I think families in all states could benefit from reading up on how this state words their laws so that they could consider putting different things in their own contact agreements.

Let's dive in, shall we?

What... more

Whoa! Where did November come from? Apparently it decided to sneak up on me while I was complaining about the warm temperatures that ruled over October. Because, here we are! Speaking of November, how did you enjoy the time change? We've yet to see what it will do to Nick's sleep schedule (and, thus, our sleep schedules). Here's hoping that it's a simple adjustment. I mean, we do have a baby on the way. I'd like to get some sleep before this child arrives. (Please?)

We wound up October in a quiet fashion. (I had been pretty wordy for the entire... more

As opposed to Alaska, the state of Arizona gets a bit more specific when addressing post-adoption contact agreements. Of course, getting specific can sometimes create an obvious view of who is favored and who is, well, not favored by certain laws. Looking at the first section of wording in Arizona's state statutes on the topic make it pretty clear and rather quickly!

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Rev.... more

It's November! And as such, it won't be all that surprising that a lot of the traditions presented this month will focus on the holiday that looms near the end of the month: Thanksgiving! I don't know about you, but I love me some turkey. And stuffing. And cranberry sauce. And mashed potatoes. But not sweet potatoes. Or, really, sometimes sweet potatoes. It depends what mood I am in.

Since our families live so far apart, it is unlikely that we will spend a Thanksgiving together unless super-special arrangements are... more