“Dating” Birthparents
Ever compared meeting potential birthparents with a first date?
Adoption Blogs
Photo Contests
"Our Adoption Story" Video Contest
Submit your family's recorded adoption story for the chance to win a $200 prize, and to share your journey in Adoptive Families magazine and online. Share footage of your story today! (See full contest rules.)
Submit your family's recorded adoption story for the chance to win a $200 prize, and to share your journey in Adoptive Families magazine and online. Share footage of your story today! (See full contest rules.)
Recent Contests
Announcing Our "Summer Fun" Photo Contest Winner!
As summer ends, and fall begins, we celebrate Kiya's first-place photo and reveal these runners up!
Aren't Our Daddy and Me Photo Contest Winners Cute?
We have a winning duo: Dad Kurt and son, Ryan! Check to see if your entry is one of the runners up!
Follow Us on...
and
Adoption Blog
My Paperwork Pregnancies
From needles to home studies to parenthood
Recent Blog Posts
-
-
When I Told
When I told my children they were adopted
-
Not a Happy New Mother
Personal story of finding out that new motherhood isn't always happy
-
“Adopt” a New Word
Suggestions for changing the wording of "Adopt-a-Family" programs which are popular during the holiday season.
-
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.
-
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?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Thankful Words
I don't think that I am an amazing person for adopting, as all I wanted to be was a mom like most every woman.
-
What to Expect When You’re… Adopting
How the adoption process can resemble a typical pregnancy in its stages and emotions.
-
She’s Healthy. That’s All You Need to Know
You've received 'The Call.' You're bursting to share your child's information with loved ones. Don't. I promise, you'll regret it.
-
The Adoption Paparazzi
Before our first transracial adoption, we needed to see real, visible adoptive families in our community. We needed to see them shopping, eating, just being. We needed to be adoption voyeurs.
Blog Search
Meet the Author
Danielle Pennel
MissouriI have recently adopted or am adopting from...
U.S. Newborn, U.S. Newborn
Monthly Archives
From Other Blogs
