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From needles to home studies to parenthood

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Recent Blog Posts

“Dating” Birthparents

Ever compared meeting potential birthparents with a first date?
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 1 day, 22 hours ago
When I Told

When I told my children they were adopted
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 2 weeks ago
Not a Happy New Mother

Personal story of finding out that new motherhood isn't always happy
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 1 month, 2 weeks ago
“Adopt” a New Word

Suggestions for changing the wording of "Adopt-a-Family" programs which are popular during the holiday season.
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 1 month, 3 weeks ago
It’s Not Your Job

Divorcing a sense of guilt and obligation from infertility and adoption is not easy. These mantras helped me face some very difficult considerations.
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 2 months, 2 weeks ago
When the Open Door Is Shut

Perhaps we were naive to think that our open adoptions would spark lifelong birthparent relationships. But now what do we tell our children?
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 3 months ago
Just Like Mrs. Bear

How I described adoption to my son's first-grade classroom and watched, stunned, as he took new pride and ownership in his story.
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 3 months ago
Anticipation. Anger. Fear. Joy.

An adoptive mother's range of mixed and conflicting emotions range from eager excitement to bitter resentment to pure joy. It's normal - and dizzying.
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 3 months, 1 week ago
The Five Stages of Adoption Emotion

The emotional progression for a couple grappling with infertility often begins with anger, then failure, then grief, and finally hopelessness -- then comes faith, and the decision adopt a child.
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Choosing Your Adoption Route

The range and sheer number of decisions facing prospective adoptive parents can be daunting. Here's one way to simplify the adoption decision process.
- Posted by Danielle Pennel 3 months, 4 weeks ago
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Meet the Author

Danielle Pennel

Missouri

I have recently adopted or am adopting from...
U.S. Newborn, U.S. Newborn

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From Other Blogs

We Journeyed for Miles
from Painting the Nursery
We had the intention of naming our son Miles, to symbolize the journey we had taken to become his parents. When we found out about his delivery on the car it seemed even more fitting.
Wishes in the Night
from The Yin and the Yang
Quietly, I wonder what she might have been about to say, if she felt a pull of loyalty in what--and who--she loves.
Who’s the Lucky One?
from Inconceivable Family
There is something about, "She's so lucky to have you" that sounds as if Anna is somehow indebted to me - and what's worse is that I hear as often, "imagine where she'd be if you hadn't adopted her."
Teaching Kids to Care
from Be Bold or Go Home
"Why weren't my kids, who experienced painful deprivation themselves in their early lives, more sensitive to the needs of others? What have I been doing wrong?"
A Question of Love
from The Yin and the Yang
There is a sense of ferocity in my love for my adopted daughter. A quality ingrained perhaps to overcome all Hanna has been through, maybe all we went through to be together.