I experienced an uncomfortable situation just over a week ago. I was at a "Granny Shower" for our Pastor's wife. (We were showering the Granny-to-be with books, picture frames, clothes and other babysitting-worthy type gifts since her daughter doesn't live in our church area.) Being pregnant at a baby shower opens you up to a whole myriad of questions, comments, opinions, statements and, of course, unsolicited advice. I wanted to hide under the rocking chair.

While the host of the party knows about my placed daughter, I have not found a need to tell the majority of women... more

In a post over on the Open Adoption Blog, Deb talked about an idea posted on an adoptive mom's personal blog that gave her pause. I, too, had read the post in question and walked away not knowing why the idea left me confused. I should probably explain.

The mother's idea was to create a physical box with an open slot on top for which the daughter could write questions (or statements, opinions, and whatever else) for her birth... more

I've resolved a bunch of my adoption related anger. Most of the thanks I feel can be handed over to my therapist though, to give credit where it is due, I did a lot of work on my own end! I do have some unresolved anger and it can be directly attributed to the unethical agency through which I placed my daughter. Try as I might, I can't get past some of these issues. And yes, I am actually trying.

While reading blogs yesterday, I came across something that hit a note with me. At a blog by mother who had made... more

Mothers who place their children for adoption are often overlooked in many areas. However, one area I think that we need to be paying special attention to is how post-partum depression is effecting the lives of these new birth mothers. Often times the emotional ups and downs are written off as a normal part of the grieving process that follows the relinquishment of a child. While this may be true in some case, it's not the case for some women.

On October 24th, bloggers... more

I can count our panel at the conference as a success, I think. There were no fisticuffs between panel members or the audience, even though the topic turned to adoption language and ethical parties (always hot button topics) a few times. For the most part, people were listening and sharing (and laughing with one another, not at one another!). Even my Husband was vastly interested in what was being shared and we had a great talk over coffee afterwards. (Coffee! Without a two year old saying, "Hot!... more

Oh, sweet glorious Autumn! You have arrived! After starting the week off in the nineties, we're now experiencing more fall-like weather. I'm wearing corduroy pants! And sweaters! And slippers around the house! I feel like making hot chocolate and bundling in warm blankets. I couldn't be more content.

This week was busy as ever, both in our house and on the blog. I took some time to talk about how birth parents should choose words and how they might be perceived, either by your child's adoptive parents or your... more

While Halloween isn't until the end of the month, I thought I'd discuss an idea that surrounds the festivities so that those who are interested can take advantage of the knowledge and do it this year. (Instead of saying, "I'd like to do that next year," and promptly forget!)

There are two ways to look at "costume sharing."

First and foremost, if you have children who are a year or two apart in size, you can literally share their costumes back and forth. This works best for families who have the same gender of child or who normally use gender... more

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm speaking at the University of Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon. The conference, Encountering New Worlds of Adoption, actually started yesterday. However, due to a complicated pregnancy, I'll only be heading into Pittsburgh for my panel on Saturday afternoon. It helps when you're originally from the area, know how to get where you're going and have family... more

I'm giving a presentation on blogging birth mothers this weekend at the University of Pittsburgh (more tomorrow!) and I'm a nervous wreck. You see, I don't really have a problem with public speaking or reading. I majored in broadcast communications in college. I'm used to proper inflection and reading from a prompter (which can go really fast when someone messes up!). I'm not specifically used to a crowd of people but, alas, I think I'll just focus on my Husband's... more

I'd like to be a perfect parent. Newsflash: I'm not! The whole "no processed foods" idea went out the window shortly after he realized that he could say, "No." He has a few favorite television shows. I've lost my temper and raised my voice. I've said "crap" and he has repeated me. The list goes on.

There are very few people on this planet that I would legitimately turn to for parenting advice. My Mom, of course, is one of them because, I figure, if she could raise me, well, then she's pretty capable. (This was not always my thought process! Maturity... more