JANUARY 2011

All across Michigan we're looking outside at Blizzard 2011....or so they say.

Inside at AAI, we've experienced a blizzard of our own. 2011 is off to a fast and furious start with 10 placements marking the month of January. Seven of the ten birth mothers contacted us just a few days before giving birth or from the hospital after giving birth. We believe that our networking efforts with hospitals and pregnancy clinics have created excellent relationships so that when working with a birth mother considering adoption, they think of AAI! Further, have you heard AAI on the radio in your area? - We now have spots intended to spark birth mothers' attention on several radio stations across Michigan.

Looking ahead to February, we have four hearings scheduled for February with another six pending a hearing date. Beyond this we are working with about 30 other birth mothers right now that are in varying stages of their adoption planning.

So here's to January - Celebrating all of the babies that have been given a hope and a future from birth mothers who care so much. We're so hopeful that you'll experience your own excitement in adoption in 2011. If you have questions or just need a chat, feel free to contact your caseworker. We're here for you!

2*0*1*0 tidbits

65 ADOPTIVE PLACEMENTS

52 Matched adoptions

13 Designated adoptions

35 Host Care placements

28 Temporary placements

2 safe delivery placements

34 Caucasian babies 34 Girls

17 African American babies 31 Boys

14 Mixed race babies

1 tremendously blessed staff in four offices throughout Michigan who have been humbled to come alongside of almost 200 families in domestic adoption this year in all phases of their journey - those just beginning, those enduring the wait and those who have been joined with their little one. Thank you for the opportunity! We're hopeful as we look forward into

2011!

Progressing through Fall

October united just one baby with his forever family!

This is likely a direct impact from the slower birth 

mother intake during the summer months.  

In November, we have already been honored to come along side of 11 new women seeking out counsel about planning for her expectant baby's future. They each have a different story, a different reason for exploring adoption, a different vision for her baby's future, but they all have a courageous heart to do whatever they can to provide the best life they can for the little one growing within - which sometimes means letting go.  May each birth mother find what she needs for the coming months ahead!

TIP while you wait

Time to hold, cuddle and connect is crucial to your beginning bond and attachment once a baby is placed into your home.  Explore what adoption benefits and/or leave policies are available through your employer to optimize your time at home.  Now is the time to consider and research these questions:

* Are you eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid family leave under FMLA?

* Are you eligible for paid or unpaid family leave under state law?  How much time is available and when can you take it?

* How many vacation, personal or sick days have you accrued and are there stipulations on how they can be used?

* Can you take vacation days that you haven't accrued yet?

* Will you have to wait longer to be eligible for more annual vacation time if you take unpaid leave?

SEPTEMBER PLACEMENTS

FOR A TOTAL OF

55 PLACEMENTS

SO FAR IN 2010

Rounding out the Summer

Four baby boys and three baby girls joined seven families this August.  Six of their birth mothers choose just the right family for her baby through agency profiles, while one birth mother found her baby's adoptive family through a friend connection after she had given birth.

Summer sun is setting, but fall brings great hope as we typically find new connections with birth mothers who have been chillin' during the summer and a renewed vigor from organizations who are gearing up for a new season.  We encourage you to share your heart's desire to add to your family through adoption with those you know who are in touch with women in unplanned pregnancies:

pregnancy clinics * nurses * high school/college counselors * pastors

abortion clinics * youth leaders * OB/GYN docs * DHS workers

For suggestions on how to get your word out, check in with your caseworker.  She'll be happy to help!

J*U*L*Y*

Three placements occurred in July.

May the birth mothers find peace

with their decision.  

May the adoptive families experience the

privilege in parenting.

May each child know the fullness of two-fold love that they are enveloped in!