<div id="content"> <div id="left-col"> <div class="box"> <div id="cat-menu"> <h4>Join Adoption Groups!</h4> <div class="box"><span style="font-size:9pt">Click the arrows to expand each group category below</span></div> <h3 class="closed">Family Building Options</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Assisted_Reproductive_Technology1">Assisted Reproductive Technology</a><br /><span class="post-meta">15 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Embryo_Donation1">Embryo Donation</a><br /><span class="post-meta">44 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Infertility_Support">Infertility Support</a><br /><span class="post-meta">45 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/New_to_Adoption">New to Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">516 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Our_Journey_to_Family1">Our Journey to Family</a><br /><span class="post-meta">4 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">Starting Out in Adoption</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Agencies_Reviews">Adoption Agencies (Reviews)</a><br /><span class="post-meta">468 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Networking_Ideas">Adoption Networking Ideas</a><br /><span class="post-meta">83 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Professionals1">Adoption Professionals</a><br /><span class="post-meta">26 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Affording_Adoption">Affording Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">103 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Hospital_Reviews">Hospital (Reviews)</a><br /><span class="post-meta">8 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/New_to_Adoption">New to Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">516 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Our_Journey_to_Family1">Our Journey to Family</a><br /><span class="post-meta">4 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Reluctant_Family1">Reluctant Family</a><br /><span class="post-meta">18 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/You_Knew_You_Could_Adopt_When">You Knew You Could Adopt When...</a><br /><span class="post-meta">77 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">Waiting to Adopt</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/China_Waiting_Parents">China Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">55 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Dealing_With_a_Loss_in_Adoption1">Dealing With a Loss in Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">82 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Ethiopia_Waiting_Parents">Ethiopia Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">63 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Guatemala_Waiting_Parents">Guatemala Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">5 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Hospital_Reviews">Hospital (Reviews)</a><br /><span class="post-meta">8 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Hungary_Waiting_Parents1">Hungary Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">10 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Korea_Waiting_Parents">Korea Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">42 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Looking_for_an_Adoption_Match1">Looking for an Adoption Match</a><br /><span class="post-meta">131 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Matched_But_Waiting1">Matched But Waiting</a><br /><span class="post-meta">61 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Russia_Waiting_Parents">Russia Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">20 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Foster_Adoption_Waiting1">U.S. Foster Adoption Waiting</a><br /><span class="post-meta">333 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Newborn_Waiting_Parents1">U.S. Newborn Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">782 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Waiting_to_Adopt1">Waiting to Adopt</a><br /><span class="post-meta">670 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="open">U.S. Newborn Adoption</h3><ul class="group_list"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Closed_Adoption_Families">"Closed" Adoption Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">22 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adopting_Premature_Babies1">Adopting Premature Babies</a><br /><span class="post-meta">56 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Networking_Ideas">Adoption Networking Ideas</a><br /><span class="post-meta">83 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Hospital_Reviews">Hospital (Reviews)</a><br /><span class="post-meta">8 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Open_Adoption_Families1">Open Adoption Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">504 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Private_Adoption1">Private Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">92 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Adoptive_Families1">U.S. Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">790 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Newborn_Waiting_Parents1">U.S. Newborn Waiting Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">782 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">U.S. Foster Adoption</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Foster_Adoption_Waiting1">U.S. Foster Adoption Waiting</a><br /><span class="post-meta">333 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Foster_Adoptive_Families1">U.S. Foster Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">528 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/U.S._Foster_Families1">U.S. Foster Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">76 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">International Adoption</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Bulgaria_Adoptive_Families1">Bulgaria Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">6 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/China_Adoptive_Families1">China Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">196 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Colombia_Adoptive_Families">Colombia Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">5 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Costa_Rica_Adoptive_Families1">Costa Rica Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">13 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Ethiopia_Adoptive_Families">Ethiopia Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">164 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Ghana_Adoptive_Families1">Ghana Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">14 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Guatemala_Adoptive_Families1">Guatemala Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">177 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Haiti_Adoptive_Families1">Haiti Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">47 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/India_Adoptive_Families">India Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">47 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/International_Adoption_Support">International Adoption Support</a><br /><span class="post-meta">136 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Japan_Adoptive_Families1">Japan Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">22 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Kazakhstan_Adoptive_Families">Kazakhstan Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">30 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Korea_Adoptive_Families1">Korea Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">154 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Mexico_Adoptive_Families1">Mexico Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">9 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Philippines_Adoptive_Families1">Philippines Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">19 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Poland_Adoptive_Families">Poland Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">12 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Puerto_Rico_Adoptive_Families1">Puerto Rico Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">12 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Russia_Adoptive_Families">Russia Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">173 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Rwanda_Adoptive_Families1">Rwanda Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">2 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Slovakia_Adoptive_Families1">Slovakia Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">2 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Taiwan_Adoptive_Families">Taiwan Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">31 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Ukraine_Adoptive_Families1">Ukraine Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">8 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Vietnam_Adoptive_Families1">Vietnam Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">29 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">My Family</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Closed_Adoption_Families">"Closed" Adoption Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">22 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoptive_Dads1">Adoptive Dads</a><br /><span class="post-meta">37 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoptive_Families_With_One_Child1">Adoptive Families With One Child</a><br /><span class="post-meta">50 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Blended_Families1">Blended Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">92 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Christian_Adoptive_Families1">Christian Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">346 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Jewish_Adoptive_Families1">Jewish Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">39 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Kinship_Adoption1">Kinship Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">63 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Large_Adoptive_Families1">Large Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">84 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/LGBT_Parents1">LGBT Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">118 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Military_Adoptive_Families1">Military Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">60 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Older_Child_Adoption1">Older Child Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">267 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Older_Parents1">Older Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">544 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Open_Adoption_Families1">Open Adoption Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">504 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parents_With_Disabilities1">Parents With Disabilities</a><br /><span class="post-meta">10 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Private_Adoption1">Private Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">92 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Seeking_a_Partner_Who_Wants_to_Adopt1">Seeking a Partner Who Wants to Adopt</a><br /><span class="post-meta">12 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Single_Parents1">Single Parents</a><br /><span class="post-meta">274 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Transracial_Families1">Transracial Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">1094 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">My Adoption Interests</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_as_a_First_Choice1">Adoption as a First Choice</a><br /><span class="post-meta">198 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Bloggers_and_Writers">Adoption Bloggers and Writers</a><br /><span class="post-meta">138 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Book_Club">Adoption Book Club</a><br /><span class="post-meta">4 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_News_and_Media_Group">Adoption News and Media Group</a><br /><span class="post-meta">63 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Professionals1">Adoption Professionals</a><br /><span class="post-meta">26 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoption_Scrapbooks_and_Lifebooks">Adoption Scrapbooks and Lifebooks</a><br /><span class="post-meta">9 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Adoptive_Breastfeeding1">Adoptive Breastfeeding</a><br /><span class="post-meta">109 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Dealing_With_a_Loss_in_Adoption1">Dealing With a Loss in Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">82 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Ethics_in_Adoption">Ethics in Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">20 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Older_Child_Adoption1">Older Child Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">267 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parenting_Adopted_Children_With_Challenging_Behavior">Parenting Adopted Children With Challenging Behavior</a><br /><span class="post-meta">95 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Prenatal_Substance_Exposure1">Prenatal Substance Exposure</a><br /><span class="post-meta">84 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Special-Needs_Adoption1">Special-Needs Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">97 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Talking_About_Adoption1">Talking About Adoption</a><br /><span class="post-meta">40 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Transracial_Families1">Transracial Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">1094 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Welcome_Home">Welcome Home</a><br /><span class="post-meta">4 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">My Child's Age/Stage</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parents_of_Infants_and_Babies1">Parents of Infants and Babies</a><br /><span class="post-meta">61 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parents_of_Teens_and_Young_Adults1">Parents of Teens and Young Adults</a><br /><span class="post-meta">81 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parents_of_Toddlers1">Parents of Toddlers</a><br /><span class="post-meta">123 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parents_of_Tweens1">Parents of Tweens</a><br /><span class="post-meta">67 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Parents_of_Young_Children1">Parents of Young Children</a><br /><span class="post-meta">61 Members</span></li> </ul> <h3 class="closed">My Location</h3><ul class="group_list closed" style="display: none;"> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Alabama_Adoptive_Families1">Alabama Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">21 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Americans_Living_Abroad_With_Adopted_Children1">Americans Living Abroad With Adopted Children</a><br /><span class="post-meta">20 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Arizona_Adoptive_Families1">Arizona Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">31 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/California_Adoptive_Families1">California Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">178 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Canada_Adoptive_Families1">Canada Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">51 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Colorado_Adoptive_Families1">Colorado Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">46 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Connecticut_Adoptive_Families1">Connecticut Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">28 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Florida_Adoptive_Families1">Florida Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">117 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Georgia_Adoptive_Families1">Georgia Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">76 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Hawaii_and_Pacific_Island_Adoptive_Families1">Hawaii and Pacific Island Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">6 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Idaho_Adoptive_Families1">Idaho Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">11 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Illinois_Adoptive_Families1">Illinois Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">77 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Indiana_Adoptive_Families1">Indiana Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">50 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Iowa_Adoptive_Families1">Iowa Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">30 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Kansas_Adoptive_Families1">Kansas Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">24 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Kentucky_Adoptive_Families1">Kentucky Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">31 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Louisiana_Adoptive_Families1">Louisiana Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">15 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Maine_Adoptive_Families1">Maine Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">15 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Maryland_Adoptive_Families1">Maryland Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">58 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Massachusetts_Adoptive_Families1">Massachusetts Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">70 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Minnesota_Adoptive_Families1">Minnesota Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">71 Members</span></li> <li><a href="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/groups/group/Mississippi_Adoptive_Families">Mississippi Adoptive Families</a><br /><span class="post-meta">17 Members</span></li> <li><a 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height="40" alt="in1212" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>That’s wonderful news!!! Very happy for you & your husband!!! Congratulations!!! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/9660/">in1212</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 2:49pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22327"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/12336/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_12336-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="ksickafoose" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>excellent news! congratulations! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/12336/">ksickafoose</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 3:33pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22328"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/10862/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_10862-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Genevieve's Mom" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Wonderful news! When is she due? 4.5 hours is not too bad. Glad you do not have to fly. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/10862/">Genevieve's Mom</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 3:37pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22329"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/10753/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_10753-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="MotheringBoys" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Congrats!! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/10753/">MotheringBoys</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 3:44pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22330"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/8305/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_8305-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="yesimln" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Fantastic news! I’m so happy for you both! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/8305/">yesimln</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 4:30pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22332"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/10402/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_10402-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="tabbz82" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Woo hoo!! That is awesome!!! So happy for y’all!!! <img src="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/images/smileys/smile.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="smile" style="border:0;" /> </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/10402/">tabbz82</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 5:26pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22339"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/13144/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_13144-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="blumoon1919" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>CONGRATS!! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/13144/">blumoon1919</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 8:06pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22341"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/10470/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_10470-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="artiste" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Yay! How exciting! Happy for you guys. Also, it’s good to see a husband on the forums. <img src="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/images/smileys/smile.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="smile" style="border:0;" /> Hope all goes well and you’re holding your little one soon! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/10470/">artiste</a> on Aug 03, 2012 at 8:12pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22362"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/12678/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Becky3" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>So happy for you!!! We too have been matched with a birthmom for the end of September. We should keep in touch and compare notes along the way. : ) </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/12678/">Becky3</a> on Aug 04, 2012 at 4:49am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22365"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/9711/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Happy Camper" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>It sounds so excellent how healthy she and her pregnancy is. You must have been so excited to get the news. Ask the mom when she thinks the birth may be…she may have a good idea! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/9711/">Happy Camper</a> on Aug 04, 2012 at 5:57am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22370"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/2941/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_2941-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Thalas'shaya" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Congrats to you! Just a technical point on the language, until parental rights are relinquished, a woman is an expectant mom (or emom, or EM). The term birthmother (or bmom, but never BM!!!) doesn’t apply until after termination of parental rights. It may seem like a silly thing, but it matters.</p> <p>I wish you all the best on your match! </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/2941/">Thalas'shaya</a> on Aug 04, 2012 at 8:00am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22373"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/14010/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="hopeforthechildless" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>WOW! How exciting. Now, try to get some sleep, you’ll need it <img src="http://www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com/images/smileys/smile.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="smile" style="border:0;" /> </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/14010/">hopeforthechildless</a> on Aug 04, 2012 at 3:06pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22417"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/1173/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_1173-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Samsmommy" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Well said Mary! It’s very true. Any of us that have been through this process know what kind of joy it brings, but because of that know that there is a lot to the terminology too. Yes it can protect your feelings a bit if it were not to work out but also to be respectful to the woman that is pregnant and considering you as possible parents for her unborn baby. Its called entitlement, that’s what it all comes across when it’s said and written a certain way. No one is entitled to another woman’s baby. Its also coercive to call her a birth mom before she places her baby for adoption. No one is trying to be a downer but if you know the correct terminology, why not use it!? Hope your journey is a smooth one and the mom and her baby come through delivery safely and healthy. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/1173/">Samsmommy</a> on Aug 05, 2012 at 5:26pm</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22467"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/1173/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_1173-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Samsmommy" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>No one said you didn’t do your research. It’s unfortunate that you do not want accept advice from others that have once been in your position. I am not a waiting parent I have adopted domestically 3 times, and I believe I, as well as others like me have something to offer you research can’t provide. Instead of getting offended and defensive try and see what we are saying. Speaking one way in front of an expectant mom and another when she’s not there is disrespectful, it has nothing to do with grammar police and everything to do with how you feel of the woman who is possibly going to give you a child. Just because a group isn’t meant for expectant mothers doesn’t mean the people here don’t feel strongly about the women who made them parents. The correct terminology is always needed. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/1173/">Samsmommy</a> on Aug 07, 2012 at 12:46am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22471"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/1173/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_1173-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Samsmommy" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>wow! Think you need to go. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/1173/">Samsmommy</a> on Aug 07, 2012 at 3:49am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22474"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/1083/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_1083-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="gqqfier15" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Wow. I don’t think Sammysmom or thalas’ shala was disrespectful or rude in any way. They post a lot here and have a lot of insight to offer.</p> <p>Most of the books I read prior to adopting and my agency used the term birthmother too. That doesn’t make it right. I’ve seen posters correct others in a much ruder way than what was said to you. I’ve been called a baby Stealer.</p> <p>This is a public forum. In fact if you google a topic or person posts will come up. That means anyone can read what you have written including an expectant mother considering adoption. So it is important to watch what you write at all times.</p> <p>I also thought I used a very ethical and reputable agency. American Adoptions. It has been pointed out to me that they may be coercive towards expectant mothers. Different people come with different experience and viewpoints. Three years after adopting I see things a lot differently than when I began and I researched for years prior to adopting too.</p> <p>I’m sorry you are so angry. I know when we were matched not a second passed that I wasn’t aware that she could change her mind at any second. Every time the phone rang I knew it was the agency calling to say never mind. It was the most stressful time in my life. Always was I aware that adoption was different than pregnancy and that I could not celebrate in the traditional since an expectant mother could celebrate. This is the path I chose to be a mother. That was just the beginning of the differences. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/1083/">gqqfier15</a> on Aug 07, 2012 at 5:04am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22475"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/713/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="RRB" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>I have been reading this thread and quite frankly, must agree with medicmatt. I was just looking at some paperwork from my agency and see the abbreviation BM all over. And also my agency has a birth other social worker not an expectant mother social worker. My agency was Catholic Charities so not some new organization. </p> <p>Maybe instead of critiquing him, we should read his post and take it for what it was. A man excited to finally have a chance to become a dad. Let’s not take that away from him because you don’t care for how he worded his sentences. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/713/">RRB</a> on Aug 07, 2012 at 5:06am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22476"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/713/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="RRB" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/713/">RRB</a> on Aug 07, 2012 at 5:11am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22477"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/1173/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_1173-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Samsmommy" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Newsflash people…just because agencies have been around for years doesn’t mean they aren’t coercive. Do some more research and ask moms who relinquished a child what they think of yours and your agency’s terminology. The agencies use it doesn’t mean it’s right or that you have to follow suit. I was happy for him and I was not rude but I also took his post for what it was too…awful terminology and disrespect. <br /> Honestly medicmatt no, it wouldn’t make me happy, it makes me sad to see new hopeful adoptive parents be so close minded. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/1173/">Samsmommy</a> on Aug 07, 2012 at 5:35am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22538"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/12915/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="katiesue" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Mary M, I was thinking of that program too - great minds think alike. </p> <p>If I were an expectant mother and been matched with a couple, if they said to me something like “we know you have a very difficult decision to make and we will always care about you whether you place your child with us or not, you have to do what is right for your child and you”, I think I would appreciate them doing that and feel that they cared about both me and the child. </p> <p>This concerns me that you say this after all MaryM and Samsmommy have said:</p> <p>“She has chosen us, so to us, this will be our child.”</p> <p>This is the point of what they are trying to say that, no, it is not definite that it “will be your child” but that it is better for you to think “may be your child”. </p> <p>Remember, “it ain’t over until the fat lady sings”. (sorry, that is the actual quote, I’m not trying to offend the more voluptuous amongst us).</p> <p>Btw Medicmatt, I did read another post of yours and I do know that you want to do what is best because you have said that you wanted to chose an agency that treated emoms well, so I know it is hard to hear what has been said on here but no-one is trying to hurt your feelings but just try to help you learn from their experiences. We see too many broken hearts on this side because they have been too invested - they then need to learn to find a happy medium where they are cautiously optimistic but realistic. It will always be hard. </p> <p>Btw I note that your agency is one where it isn’t all about adoption (it was easy to figure out who they were), so that it is a positive in their favour and I suspect you chose them because of that, and if so, good on you for at least considering that. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/12915/">katiesue</a> on Aug 08, 2012 at 4:23am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22542"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/12915/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/site_images/default-user-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="katiesue" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Actually, medicmatt, from your picture, you and your wife look like lovely people and I have no doubt that you have the makings of lovely parents to a child. </p> <p>Anyway, good luck for the future. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/12915/">katiesue</a> on Aug 08, 2012 at 4:51am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment" id="reply-22594"> <div class="comment-image"> <a href="/members/profile/10862/"> <img src="/images/sized/images/member_photos/photo_10862-40x40.jpg" width="40" height="40" alt="Genevieve's Mom" /> </a> </div> <div class="comment-text"> <p>Op…. i am on your side 100%. It is really semantics when in the context of your happy and enthusiastic post. Please just focus on every moment of your beautiful journey. </p> <div class="comment-meta">Posted by <a href="/members/profile/10862/">Genevieve's Mom</a> on Aug 09, 2012 at 6:30am</div> </div> <div style="clear:both"></div> </div> <div class="bumper"></div> <div class="comment-form"> <h4>Reply to this thread</h4> <p><i>You must be logged in to reply. To login, <a href="/site/login/groups/topic/Met_with_birthmother/">click here</a>.</i> Not a member? <a href="/members/join/">Join AdoptiveFamiliesCircle</a> today. 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