"God works while we wait."

The Baby Hope Tree

by Elisa Morgan, former president and CEO of MOPS

as printed in Thriving Family

It was December 21.  The phone rang.  The only other couple in our adoption group who hadn't yet been placed with a baby - besides us- was calling to say they finally had a child.  I hung up, feeling like I'd been shot in the chest.  No baby for us.  We'd been waiting for almost five years, and I longed to be a mother.  

I rolled up my spiritual sleeves and began to beg God for a baby by Christmas.  I set up a Christmas tree and decorated the branches with pink and blue ribbons and christened it the "Baby Hope Tree."  Every day I knelt there, pouring out my prayers.  

Then the phone rang, and I heard the hard truth that there was not going to be a baby by Christmas.  Our first child didn't come until Easter.  At last.  Our second child came two years later in a blistering July summer. 

When I look back at that 21st day of December, I realize now that my daughter was safely growing in her birth mother's womb on Christmas Day.  God was indeed answering my prayer.  He was working while I was waiting.

Every Christmas since then, we've continued to set up a Baby Hope Tree, tied with pink and blue ribbons.  In the early years, my husband and I did the work while telling our children the tale of our waiting and wanting them so much.  As they grew, they began to set up the tree themselves, Eva tying on the pink ribbons and Ethan the blue ones.  Well into their 20s today, they still come by and admire the tree, the tender reminder that God works while we wait.

NOVEMBER

SEVEN NEW BABIES 

WERE PLACED INTO 

THEIR FOREVER HOMES 

IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.  

Can You Relate?

I thought I would be able to sneak through the holidays in one piece. It's so busy and fun and wonderful. I LOVE Christmas and everything that goes with it. I was so sure I would breeze through upbeat and cheerful and was mostly concerned about what I would feel like on January 1st. But I didn't escape. It's the day before Thanksgiving and my heart is so sad, my arms so empty, it's hard to be thrilled about doing any of my favorite things....I just want a baby. Link to a former waiting adoptive mother's blog, http://rebekahpinchback.blogspot.com, to read the rest of the story.

Thanksgiving in Disguise

From small glimpses of God to being a part of grand performances orchestrated by Him, I have seen God and come to know God more this past year than any other time in my life.  When I reflect on why this is, I notice that I have had trials and an aching heart and fear of the unknown like no other time in my life.  During this Thanksgiving season I find myself thankful for trials (what, really?) because it has brought me closer to the One who gives me a hope and a future.  I hope you, too, can claim this promise for yourself this Thanksgiving season.

Host Care - continued

One of our AAI families recently met their "dream come true" and welcomed home a precious baby girl after a two week stay in host care.  Link to Lynette's blog to hear an adoptive family's perspective on host care:   

davidlynnetteadoption.blogspot.com

OCTOBER unites eight families

Adoption placements were falling into place throughout October.  Eight more babies were united with their mom and dad in October.  Four were expecting their baby's birth; four received a surprise phone call about a baby ready to meet them.  Two families found their own birth mother, while the other six were matched through profiles.  Seven of the babies were born in Michigan and one was born out of state.  Four babies went home with their family through temporary placement and four were cared for in host care before joining their families.  Each experience unique; all of them a fall blessing!

Be Our Guest

If difficult or unusual legal circumstances warrant host care to be a part of your adoption journey, you can rest assured that your little one is embraced in love and spoiled with undivided attention from one of AAI's host couples.  We have a small group of dedicated couples who find it an honor to care for these little ones in their licensed foster home until the day they join your home forever.  Because they realize these little ones are already secured in your hearts and the bonding has begun, they welcome you to visit, take pictures and call throughout the day to "check in."  As has been the experience of most every AAI family who has had the privilege of crossing paths with our host families, we're quite certain that you will make new friends and find even more to appreciate about the process than what you first imagined.  So leave your fear at their doorstep and embrace host care!

From one of our host moms:

"Babies are my passion.  I have loved babies since I was a very young girl.  God has given me the opportunity to be a host mother for 32 years, providing care to 254 babies.  My husband and I have lots of love to share and lots of time to share it!  Each baby gets our total, undivided attention.  There is nothing better than cuddling, rocking and caring for a new baby.  I also love to dress them up with my collection of baby clothes and accessories to go with them.  Much love goes into the care of our little ones."

Meeting the adoptive families and spending time with them in our home has been a wonderful experience.  In some cases, we have become casual friends, although that is not expected from us.  We enjoy emails and pictures from some to keep us updated on "our babies".  We have even attended many baptisms and birthday parties.  How special is that!"

September

Adoption Associates, Inc. placed four babies into loving homes this month.  

We welcomed 12 new birth mothers into a counseling relationship.

Four waiting families were linked to birth mothers in September.

Children's Book on Adoption

The Mulberry Bird is the story of the love for her baby that led a birth mother to make difficult decisions for herself and her child. The message conveyed is that an adoption plan is made with a lot thinking and a whole lot of LOVE.  This book provides a gentle, non-threatening way for parents to help children talk about their feelings and thoughts about being adopted.  It is recommended that the book be shared with the adoptee's friends, siblings, and cousins.  Recommended for ages 5-12 

All In A Day's Work

Today was a flurry of activity for our birth mother caseworkers:

- one new birth mother appointment

- one birth mother chose a waiting family

- two babies were born (both linked to families)

- one birth mother relinquished her rights in court

- one adoptive family signed their adoptive petitions

On Blogging and Openness

One of our prospective adoptive parents had a gift for sharing her heart through blogging and an immense desire to become a mother.  Put the two together and that is how they were introduced to their son's birth mother.  Heart Cries, Rebekah's blog, is full of heart felt sentiments on infertility, deciding to adopt, meeting their son's birth mother through the blog world and the open adoption they now have. Most of all, you will read Rebekah's honesty and raw feelings... the ups and the downs.  If you are wondering how openness in adoption could work or if you're curious about why blogging is such a useful tool for waiting adoptive families, then you should check out:  rebekahpinchback.blogspot.com/.  You don't want to miss this story!

August Plans

Nine babies joined their adoptive families in the month of August after their birth mothers lovingly followed through with their plans for adoption.  Some of these birth mothers had adoption planning in place early in their pregnancy and worked with one of AAI's pregnancy caseworkers for several weeks, selecting a family through agency profiles.  A few others crossed paths with the adoptive couple and then came to AAI to request help in facilitating their adoption plan.  One of our August birth mothers was courageous enough to recognize after just giving birth that adoption was the best plan for her baby even though she had no plans in place.  She placed her little one through the Safe Delivery of Newborns law with one of our waiting families.  Profile matches, networking and gift babies were all a part of August plans.

Safe Delivery of Newborns Law

What is the Safe Delivery of Newborns law?

To end the tragedy of unwanted newborns being hidden and left to die in dumpsters and elsewhere, Michigan lawmakers passed a law, effective January 1, 2001, to make it legal for a parent to surrender their infant in a safe and anonymous manner. The newborn must be surrendered to an emergency service provider, which includes a hospital, fire department, police station, EMT or paramedic. A criminal investigation will not be initiated solely based on a newborn being surrendered.

How is AAI involved?

Because Adoption Associates has established excellent relationships with many hospitals around Michigan, we are often the first ones they call. AAI receives a phone call from a hospital where either the mother has surrendered the baby or the baby was brought by another emergency service provider. AAI responds immediately by identifying a family (usually the longest waiting family that qualifies) and works closely with the hospital to ensure proper paperwork and legal protocol have been followed. The law requires that the surrender must be made of an unharmed infant within 72 hours of the birth. In most cases the adoptive family is notified and a linked meeting with an AAI caseworker is scheduled for the following day. The caseworker will present all known information and then make a trip with the family to the hospital. AAI will introduce the family to the baby where they can visit with the baby while waiting for discharge.

To date, AAI has placed 26 infants into loving homes just hours after being born through the Safe Delivery of Newborns law. We respect birth mothers who are able to lovingly make this safe choice for their newborns and honored to be a part of blessing families with these little ones.

A Good Read

Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families, written by Natalie Nichols Gillespie, is an informative guide on adoption.  The book guides the reader through the journey of adoption and offers further explanation and understanding by using symbols. For example a Red Stop Light are questions to consider, ask oneself, and pray about before taking action.  Green light, Go! are action points to apply in the adoption journey.  Though there are heart warming stories from adoptive parents, there is also a real depth in discovering the joys of ministry in orphan care and adoption. This book is a good read while you wait for your child.

Post Adoption Depression

Join with other domestic and international prospective adoptive parents on Monday, August 24 @ 6:00 pm at AAI's Meeting Room in Jenison, MI. The Meeting Room is right next to AAI's main building; the address is1352 Baldwin, Jenison, MI 49428.  We expect the meeting to last about one to one and one half hours. 

Our topic this quarter is Post Adoption Depression.  Post Adoption Depression refers to a combination of symptoms related to depression, experienced by an adoptive parent and occurring once a child is placed in an adoptive family's home.  The few scientific studies on PAD indicate that over half of adoptive mothers experience it (http://www.adoptionissues.org/post-adoption- depression.html).  

Kurt Ellis, MA, LLP will be speaking on PAD, as well as a panel of two adoptive mothers who experienced Post Adoption Depression.  We hope that you will join us to discuss this important topic! 

Everyone is welcome to attend--those who have adopted already, and have children placed in their home, as well as those who are "waiting."  We would like as many families to benefit from this meeting as possible.  These meetings are a great way to connect with other families who have adopted, or who are in the process of adopting as well.  Please contact your home study caseworker indicating that you are planning to attend and we will reserve a spot for you.

JULY

Three miracle births have connected three birth mothers' hearts and lives with three separate adoptive families.  Though strangers before, they now boast the LOVE that each precious life has brought them through making adoption each of their first choices.  One of these birth mothers found the family she had hoped for her son through profiles.  Two of these families found their own birth mother through networking.  Check back to hear more about their story!

A Destiny Delivered

Need an idea for networking?  Request several copies of our AAI-produced, birth mother video, A Destiny Delivered, to give to crisis pregnancy centers, OB/GYN offices, churches, schools, local health clinics and hospitals in your area.  Then plan a day or two to go to these offices, make a connection and leave behind a video along with your personal profile.  In a day's time you have opened several doors for yourself and the agency!

Check out the video at www.planadoption.com.  If you would like to order "A Destiny Delivered" contact Elizabeth at AAI - 616-667-0677.  They are free of charge for AAI clients.

H. R. 213 - Adoption Tax Relief

The adoption tax credit that has enabled many families to adopt is set to expire in December 2010 unless Congress votes to continue it. The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213, introduced in January, 2009 and currently being studied by the House Committee on Ways and Means, would keep the adoption tax credit from being repealed, and may make the tax relief measure permanent. 

It only takes a few minutes to email or call your senators and congressmen — it’s important for them to hear from families impacted by the tax credit. 

Write your U.S. Representative  Write your U.S. Senator

This site is very helpful and aides in understanding of the bill and the process. Check it out http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-213

Summertime brings us halfway through 2009.  Here are the happenings at AAI so far this year:

Domestic placements: 31

16 - Caucasian or other mixed race babies

11 - African American babies

 4 - African American/Caucasian babies

29 - matched adoptions through agency profiles

  2 - designated adoptions

In addition, we have had three other of our waiting families placed with babies born out of state.  They were linked with their birth mother through networking and AAI helped to facilitate the placement.

Waiting Families:

65 families waiting for a Caucasian baby (37 of these are also open to other mixed races)

 7 families waiting for an African American/Caucasian baby

 3 families waiting for an African American baby

 17 families are linked with a birth mother

J.U.N.E Fingerprints

We are pleased to announce that six more couples have welcomed precious little ones into their hearts and homes in the month of June.  Each adoption is unique.  Each story is special.  Our placements this month were marked like fingerprints - no two stories were alike...yet each one crafted by the Creator.  

Creating a Family

The internet radio show, Creating a Family, is an educational resource for adoptive families covering pre and post adoption  issues. The show is rated the top adoption podcast on iTunes, andprevious guests have included Deborah Gray (Attaching in Adoption), Sherrie Eldridge (Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew), Mary Hopkins-Best (Toddler Adoption: The Weaver’s Craft) Dr. Jane Aronson (international adoption doctor and founder of Worldwide Orphans Foundation), Gregory Keck (Parenting the Hurt Child), Karen Foli (The Post-Adoption Blues),  Dr. Foster Cline (Love and Logic and Can This Child Be Saved),  Michele Bond (with the US State Department International Adoption section), and many more.

The shows airs every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 Eastern Time and  all old shows are still available for listening at the radio page of www.creatingafamily.com.

Straight from an Adoptive Dad's Heart

Here comes Father's Day... a hallmark day swirling with sentiment and emotion, but in the hallways of your heart this day is fragile.  Emotions are high, but likely not the good feeling ones.  Keep holding on, cling to the hope...  Read an excerpt of Kip's story written from a new dad's perspective as he reflected back on the wait.

I have to admit after a year of waiting I was giving up and had let a couple of friends know how doubtful I was of the process and that I didn’t feel we would ever get picked. It seems like adoption has gotten so popular and it started feeling like there was no hope. It was difficult hearing all the stories people would tell you about when we would mention were in the process. Our faith is strong yet I was fading in the process.  When we traveled to Traverse City with another couple for a long weekend I mentioned to them I was giving up and couldn’t bear the stresses of it anymore. In a sense, I had turned it over to God in my heart and low and behold ten days later we got the call from Jennifer the AAI social worker about our birth mom. She had chosen us to be the parents of her baby.   I was shocked and all the doubt and fear subsided. It started a whole new process within me and boy did it.  The anticipation and expectations soared.  I knew we had a whole lot to do in a short window of three months. I myself had tried to not let it grab my heart, trying to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. The wonderful opportunity being at the hospital for the actual birth was incredible. I myself kept pacing and was wondering “would she change her mind?” We were blessed with a blissful experience and praise to God for his blessing of a son.  Life and the perspective now as a FATHER hit quick.  I was so thankful I didn't give up.  He was worth all the wait!

Open Doors

Crossing paths and building relationships with those who closely encounter women in unplanned pregnancies brings opportunities for AAI to share ADOPTION with these women as they consider their alternatives.  We are confident that women who just were not expecting to be pregnant are often scared, concerned and open to hearing about their options.  At Adoption Associates, Inc. we want to be sure that those first contacts (hospitals, OB/GYN offices and crisis pregnancies) are equipped to share the message of ADOPTION as well.  

This week AAI hosted an inservice for hospital social workers at an eastside Michigan hospital. Paula presented the process of domestic adoption and how hospital social workers can readily include adoption as an option for any new parent who is asking.  

A few counties away in mid-Michigan, Nancy, dropped off some donated baby clothing to a local crisis pregnancy center and was invited to come back to present ADOPTION to their entire staff.  They are eager to incorporate more resources and talk about adoption.

Doors are being opened - doors to encourage 'choosing life', doors to educate about the blessing of adoption for both expectant parents and waiting adoptive parents, doors for the future of adoption.  We are committed to developing relationships that bring hope for unborn babies, positive plans for expectant birth mothers and children for waiting families.  Do you know of a potential relationship opportunity that we could develop with a crisis pregnancy center, OB/GYN office or hospital? Let your caseworker know or call our offices 1-800-67-ADOPT.

Blogging Our Adoption Journey

Blogging is a personal online journal that is updated frequently and intended for general public consumption.  You have certainly heard about the craze, but have you considered it as a tool in your social networking efforts?  Adoptive families are using blogs not only to keep family and friends updated on their journey, but also to make themselves available to birth mothers surfing the internet. Blogging is the first of our social networking ideas that we will highlight for waiting adoptive parents.  Read Wendy's thoughts below and then check out their blog.

by Wendy   

In July of 2006, my husband and I decided that we wanted to start our family. We were really excited and talked a lot about baby names and what our child might look like. After trying to conceive for about a year with no success, we decided to see a specialist. As we began going through infertility treatment, I started looking online for information about what we were going through. I joined fertility-related chat boards and got to know others who were going through the same things that we were. Three years later, I am still in contact with some of the same people, even though we are at different points in the process. I discovered the world of blogging through many of these women. By reading their blogs, I was able to see that we were not alone in our struggle to have a baby.

In July of 2007, I decided to start my own blog. It began as a way for me to write about how I was feeling in an online journal. As I wrote about each step of our treatment, I was able to sort out my feelings. As I continued to write, other bloggers and non-bloggers began to read what I had written. These readers have become a great support system for me. I read their blogs as well.

After we moved from medical treatment to the world of domestic adoption, writing a blog became a way for me to document our journey to our child. I wrote about how we chose to work with Adoption Associates and how we completed the home study process. Now we are waiting to be chosen by expectant parents who are considering adoption. I have been writing about us being a waiting family. I always look forward to reading the comments and feedbacks I get after I write each post. It really helps me to feel connected to other people who are adopting. I have also been fortunate enough to “talk” online to a birthmother who also reads my blog. The waiting can be stressful. Many of the people who read my blog have offered a lot of wonderful advice about how to get through this time. The readers have also reminded me that it is important to focus on ourselves as a couple and to enjoy each step of our road to parenthood.

When I read some of my old posts, I am reminded of how much we have been through. My online friends have grieved our losses and celebrated our milestones with us. Every step of this journey, from making the decision to adopt to the present waiting period, has been a learning process. Blogging has, for me, been a valuable form of self-expression.

You can read my blog, Our Story: A Blog about Adoption, IVF, and Infertility at http://wendy-steve-andg3.blogspot.com/.

Also check out:  chrisandlisafamily.blogspot.com for an example of posting a profile

Seeking Adoptive Families for our African American Babies

There are opportunities for families interested in adopting an African-American infant.  Because of our increased placement numbers of African American babies, AAI only has a handful of families waiting for such a little one with only three of these families being from Michigan. 

We are interested in helping couples build their families. Often during their waiting time, couples come to realize that their desire to be a family transcends race.  If you are one of those couples, contact your home study caseworker to let her know of your interest. She'll be able to guide you through the steps of welcoming an African American baby into your heart and home.

...or if you are not already an Adoption Associates family and you are interested in learning more about the domestic adoption process please contact one of our caseworkers at 1-800-67-ADOPT.  We would be honored to get you started on the journey of a lifetime!

New Beginnings in May

Congratulations to the six families that brought home their son or daughter during the month of May.  We also remember the remarkable strength of each birth mother who lovingly and selflessly followed through with her adoption plan.  May these babies, birth mothers and families experience a sense of peace as they each embark on their new beginning!

Been In Your Shoes

I don't know how long you've been waiting, but I know that every day can be hard.  I remember thinking that every month that we waited felt like another failed fertility treatment.  There were days when we wanted to give up, but that just wasn't an option.  We were in the waiting families pool and it wasn't like we were going to back out.  This is the good news.  Even when you feel hopeless, the agency is out there working for you and supporting you.  And the even better news is God is creating your story while you wait.

When I was trying to stay hopeful I would think to myself, "When our time comes, it's going to be a greater experience than giving birth because we've waited so long!  We'll appreciate everything more."  I would also try to do everything that would be hard to do once we had a child.  This included going on vacations, going to dinner with friends, reading, playing the piano, volunteering at church, exercising, taking art classes, etc.

We did a few things to 'help our cause'.  We sent a note with our Christmas letter letting everyone know that we were interested in adoption.  We sent emails.  We talked about it to anyone who would listen.  We sent letters to friends' churches.  While we were waiting this made us feel like we were doing everything we could.  It gave us hope.

But there is something MAJOR that I didn't know at the time.  Sometimes birth mothers don't plan ahead.  She may decide at the last minute to make an adoption plan.  When this happens, sometimes birth mothers ask Adoption Associates, Inc. to pick a family for them.  The agency will often pick families that have been waiting the longest.  That was us!  Imagine that - we were picked because we waited so long.  It was even better this way because when we got our call our baby was already born!  The waiting was over!  

I always hated people giving me their advice, but this is what I was given the opportunity to do. So, my main advice, annoying as it may be, is to pray!  Pray for the right baby at the right time.  I remember rolling my eyes when people said it to me, but that prayer was answered for us. Please remember that unlike fertility treatments, adoption WILL happen.  You just need to wait and see when your miracle will arrive.  It WILL!  The agency will help you every step of the way.  And, just picture God smiling as he writes the story of how your family began.

Peace and hope to you,

Carolyn

Previous waiting prospective parent; now mommy 

Social Networking

Connecting with a purpose; a simple definition for this internet frenzy called social networking that is bombarding our world.  Whether through networking sites such as Facebook or LinkedIn, through live video feeds on YouTube, whether journaling your thoughts and perspectives on a blog - social networking is where connections are being made.  Common goals, dreams and interests are realized through social networking. 

Adoption Associates has become a part of this interconnectedness and we believe there are benefits for you to join in too as you journey to adopt.  Check back as we highlight in the coming weeks how you can safely and privately make connections with a purpose - helping your dream come true.

 

Getting the Word Out

Farmington Hills director, Paula Springer, is passionate about  

getting the word out.  She is determined and driven in her work to help expectant women know about her options when considering what is best for her and her baby.  For Paula it makes the most sense to cross paths with other professionals meeting with women in unplanned pregnancies.  She frequently makes herself available to share adoption at crisis pregnancy centers.  Most recently she jumped at the opportunity when invited to speak at an inservice for the staff at a crisis pregnancy center in southeastern Michigan.  Throughout her presentation, she was pleased to learn that this CPC makes it a priority to present adoption as an option and was delighted to build on the strong connection with Adoption Associates,Inc.

When a new crisis pregnancy center opened up just down the road from Adoption Associates - Lansing, one of the first people through their door was our own Nancy Cannon, director of the Lansing office.  Nancy was received with open arms and was able to present our birth parent services to the staff at this CPC.  A new relationship was established with workers on the front lines of meeting with women in unplanned pregnancies.

Do you know about a Crisis Pregnancy Center in your area that might benefit from our staff either talking with them or receiving our information?  Please let your caseworker know if you have ideas.

An Adoptee's Heart for Mother's Day

Read this perspective from Andrea, an adult adoptee, who pays tribute to the blessings of two mothers... and know that one day soon you'll be a mother of great influence too!

http://www.thebanner.org/magazine/article.cfm?article_id=2092

Another Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming... you don't need the reminder; they are all around you. It often proves to be the most difficult "holiday" for women waiting to become mothers, yet it still comes around every year. We recognize that without a baby in your arms, you're not doing a whole lot of celebrating this year. Grasp the hope that adoption brings and allow it to be rooted in your heart. Nurture that hope by: 

•  journaling or blogging your journey; maybe write a letter to baby 
  
•  reading parenting books 
  
•  attending your local offices Waiting Families meetings 
  
•  praying for your baby's birth mother
  
•  connecting with adoptive moms who have been there
  

Karin reflects on past Mother's Days...I remember the isolation and loneliness. Feeling like no one understood - not even my husband. Feeling like I was watching other people live their lives. Being so disconnected from relationships. Not participating in the joy life had to offer.I remember trying to be polite and socially acceptable while inside I wanted to tell people what they just said to me was really stupid and insensitive. I remember not liking that people knew or talked about why we weren't having children over their Sunday lunches. I remember how when each girlfriend told me of their happy news it felt like a punch in my stomach. Being in God's waiting room was a tough place to be when you are a control freak like me. Suffering is a gift that does build character but that cannot always be appreciated until you are on the other side of the pain. Mother's Day was always rough and very public. It is a hard day to bear when you are already feeling so fragile. The good news is that God is always there. Whether you have a biological baby or adopt a child. Whether you have one child or eight. Whether your child looks like you or not. Whether your child is disabled or not. Think of the worst thing that could happen to you...the thing you most fear - even if it came to be - God would still be holding us. God can heal our every wound. He is our father, mother, friend - he is our everything. Draw near to God this Mother's Day and he will not disappoint you.

...and know that we are here with you and look forward to celebrating with you one day! 

April Showers

For several waiting adoptive families, April brought more than just rain showers.  It is likely that seven of our families were honored at baby showers celebrating the additions of either a new son or daughter after seven birth mother relinquishment hearings occured this month.  In addition, eight more families were linked with a birth mother in April and are hopeful that in due time a placement will happen in their homes!  One of these families received their phone call that a baby girl had arrived for their family via the Safe Delivery Act.  Bring on the rain!

AdoptionThreads

At Adoption Associates, Inc. our greatest delight is bringing birth mothers and babies and families together through this amazing thing called ADOPTION! We call it an honor that you have chosen AAI to lead you into and through this journey of making dreams come true. The wait is unpredictable and uncertain, but our commitment to supporting our waiting families is not. Our news blog, AdoptionThreads, is designed to deliver current and relevant adoption information to our waiting families in order for you to have the latest scoop on the happenings in our domestic infant adoption program. Rather than an interactive blog open to questions and comments, this informative blog is set up to pass along pertinent, consistent news to our families. Should a post spark questions or comments, please take these directly to your caseworker and she can personally assist you. We're in this together and aspire to meet you where you're at.... aaiadoptionthreads.blogspot.com.