First of all, if you don't know about it, Adoption.com is holding a photo contest at their photo site. It starts on April 1, 2007 and runs through May 31, 2007. The theme is "loved" which, if you put your creative mind to work, that covers a lot of ground. What does loved mean to you? How do you express it in a photograph? That's up to YOU to decide!

Of course, there are rules!

- Photographs must be original photographs

- Photo Submissions must be owned by the submitter.

- No professional studio photos

- All photos must be appropriate for family viewing

- You may enter as many photographs as you wish

- Photo Winners will be picked by the members of our community

- Adoption.com reserves the right to delete photos we believe to be fraudulent, illegal, or in violation of our guidelines

Now, why am I writing about this in the birth parent blog? I want to see some birth parent pictures. I do. Why? For my own well-being: I like to see the bond that other birth parents have with their children. And also for the well-being of all other contestants and viewers: to show them that the birth parent/birth child bond is a normal thing, not something to be feared, and definitely falls under the "loved" category.

Some ideas for my birth parent readers: hospital pictures, a good visit, a moment alone, playing together, doing "normal everyday things" together, a special trip, a special memory, your parented children with your placed child(ren), or your all-time favorite picture together. Even more so, a picture of the birth family (as extended as you want to be) with the adoptive family (as extended as you want to be) just screams love to me. (Do note that professional studio photos are not accepted in the contest. Set your camera up with a timer!) Also, photos of reunion would TOTALLY fall under the "loved" theme, don't you think? I can't think of anything that says love more to me than finally meeting the child that you've thought of and loved every day of their life.

We, as birth parents, are part of the triad. We have love for our children. Let's show it. :) You have until April 1st, the start of the contest, to make some decisions on what picture to enter... or until May 31st to take some amazing shots. Get on it! (And ask your questions at the contest forum.) I know I have some creative photographers who read that also happen to be birth parents. Represent!

Since the judging is based on community involvement and who viewers think has the best photo (based on highest rating of votes), even bloggers are eligible to enter a photo! Just a little note! :)