AdoptionThreads

JANUARY 2011

2011-02-01T21:23:00.002-05:00

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!

201*0 tidbits

2011-01-01T16:48:00.005-05:00

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

2010-11-12T16:24:00.004-05:00

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

2010-10-08T11:12:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-08T10:52:00.006-04:00

FOR A TOTAL OF

55 PLACEMENTS

SO FAR IN 2010

Rounding out the Summer

2010-09-01T09:50:00.005-04:00

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!

JULY

2010-08-02T12:38:00.003-04:00

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!

A Saved Life

2010-07-22T14:11:00.003-04:00

Celebrating a life that was saved!!! AAI responded to a new birth mother inquiring about ADOPTION after receiving our information at an abortion clinic appointment. This happened just one week after we dropped off new materials at the clinic. The clinic staff has now asked AAI to come and provide training for how to present adoption to their clients! Take a moment to celebrate this baby's life and pray for many more saved lives!

Summer's Sunshine

2010-07-03T20:23:00.005-04:00

11 placements in june...

9 matched + 2 designated

6 caucasian + 3 african american +

2 caucasian/african american babies

5 boys + 4 girls

SUMMER BLESSINGS!

Talking About Adoption

2010-06-11T09:43:00.004-04:00

One of the most important issues in bringing an adopted child into your family is learning how to help that child and those around you understand that ADOPTION IS AN ACT OF LOVE. If you can approach adoption with a clear and comfortable understanding of your own personal feelings you will have a much easier time explaining it to your child and to others. Questions like "When is the right time to start talking to him or her?" "What's the right thing to say?" "How will I know it is the right time?" are very likely thoughts we all have had. Please don't be afraid. The more comfortable and open you are with adoption, the more willing your children will be to sharing their thoughts and feelings. While you are waiting to be linked with a birth mother, please begin reading and feeling more comfortable talking about adoption. Just like there is no best time (except for as soon as possible) there is no one best way except to be open and honest and never lie or mislead your child.

There are several books and articles written on the subject that will help you get started with your conversations:

Using Books to Open the Adoption Dialog - Jane Brown

Opening the Dialog - S.M. Macrae

Parenting with Narratives: The A, B, C's of Adoption Stories - Jean Macleod

The Backwards Lifebook - Joy Rees

Before You Were Mine: Discovering Your Adopted Child's Lifestory - Susan Tebos (AAI adoptive mom) and Carissa Woodwyk

Adoption Lifebook Do's and Don't - Beth O'Malley

Lifestory Work: The Next Level - Beth O'Malley

My Experiences with Lifebooks - Carrie Kitze

The Baby Lifebook

MAY miracles!

2010-06-02T18:47:00.002-04:00

In May we acknowledge the many ways that babies are joined with their families

Birth mother chooses a family from profiles about two months before she gave birth in March. Birth mother relinquished in court in May. Baby was home with family through temporary placement. All paperwork is completed in May.

Birth mother calls from the hospital that she had given birth to a healthy baby and had found a family that she wanted to place her baby with. AAI stepped in to facilitate the placement, which occurred in May.

Birth mother relinquishes her baby boy through the Safe Delivery of Newborns Law in March...one happy family was able to meet their new bundle the next day. Court proceedings were completed in May.

After a couple of months of counseling with an AAI caseworker, the birth mother was coincidentally introduced to an AAI family through a friend and, therefore, a designated placement occurred this month.

A family called AAI in April to say that they had connected with a birth mother due in three weeks. AAI completed the home study and the birth mother counseling; resulting in a completed placement with a relinquishment hearing in May.

Birth mother contacted AAI three weeks before her due, selected a family from profiles; however delivered early. The birth mother and adoptive family met for the first time on the labor and delivery unit and found an instant connection - the birth of their baby. Both birth mother and adoptive family signed paperwork in May making it official.

A hospital social worker called on behalf of a young woman who had just given birth and wanted to learn more about adoption. AAI caseworker went to meet with her and presented profiles. A match was made and the court proceedings were handled in May.

Relinquishment and adoption comes in many shapes and sizes. We praise our God who weaves each story together in a beautiful way!

Honoring Courage

2010-05-06T22:01:00.004-04:00

Since the beginning of 2010, 48 mothers have been deeply transformed by the collision of emotion at the heart of adoption.

Love had brought heartache... and then from heartache grew love!

Pain has cried out for healing... and then healing one day replaced the pain!

Loss gave way to hope... and then hope changed lives lost.

Honoring the courage of 24 birth mothers who selflessly gave of themselves out of love for their child!

Holly Jasmin Alicia Carri Dominique Pamela

Jennifer Sarah Gracie Abby Evelyn Charity

Brenda Amanda Crystal Brandi Aimee Angela

Alicia Jessica Kathleen Safe Delivery BM (2)

Erika Katherine Rachael

Celebrating the journey of 24 mothers who have received a gift of love in a life-sized bundle called son or daughter!

Annette Wendy Lisa Susan Monika Sarah

Talia Nicole April Debra Jennifer Melissa

Theresa Cheryl Julie Carrie Renee Carlia

Sandra Deanna Brooke Jamie Susanna Stephanie

For you all have been through pain, heartache, and loss, and as memories of days past fade, we pray that the healing, love and hope will multiply.

Take heart for those of you in-waiting... it is our prayer that you soon will be in the collision of emotion... moving from heartache to love, from pain to healing and from loss to hope again!

Thinking of all of you on Mother's Day.

4+1

2010-05-01T18:57:00.003-04:00

Four domestic adoptions were signed and sealed this month through the relinquishment of birth mother's rights and the petitioning of four families to adopt these babies. Plus... one more baby boy was delivered safely to his waiting family through the Safe Delivery of Newborns Act. Our education and networking with hospitals and crisis pregnancy centers are enabling those professionals to bring the hope found in adoption planning.

March Babies

2010-04-01T09:49:00.004-04:00

Ten babies joined their families in the month of March!

Here are some interesting tidbits:

6 girls 4 boys

7 matches 3 designateds

8 Caucasian babies 2 Caucasian/African American

One of these placements was a baby placed through our Farmington Hills office through the Safe Delivery of Newborns Act.

News: Adoption Tax Credit Extended!

2010-03-25T12:00:00.003-04:00

There has been confirmation that the Adoption Tax Credit, which was scheduled to expire in 2010, was extended for one year (through December 31, 2011).

Here are the highlights of the Adoption Tax Credit changes:

* The maximum credit was increased from $12, 150 to $13,170.

* The Adoption Tax Credit is now retroactive. This represents a potential increase of $1,000 for adoptive families.

* The Adoption Tax Credit was made refundable. If a family has no tax liability, the IRS will refund the amount due.

Note: The extension of the Adoption Tax Credit through 2011, was passed as part of the health care reform bill which was signed into law by President Obama on Monday, March 22, 2010. There was some concern that the Adoption Tax Credit would be included in the reconciliation process, however we have confirmed that it is not part of reconciliation. This means that the Adoption Tax Credit is law until December 31, 2011.

Our efforts in advocating for the extension and hopeful permanency of the Adoption Tax Credit have been many. We thank those of you who have joined in these efforts for the benefits of the many children in need of families and families dreaming of children!

February - Twice Blessed

2010-03-09T21:52:00.005-05:00

In February, five precious babies

received the selfless, sacrificial

LOVE of a birth mother and the

unconditional, embracing LOVE

of an adoptive family resulting

in a double blessing of love that

multiplies.

Relationships for Life and Adoption!

2010-03-06T15:08:00.007-05:00

AAI staff is focusing on RELATIONSHIPS with those who cross paths with women in unplanned pregnancies for the purpose of communicating the message of LIFE and ADOPTION! After a careful look at our referral sources we are certain that RELATIONSHIPS are key. Many of those in the medical and public social service arenas shared that they struggle with how to professionally approach the topic of LIFE and ADOPTION with women who are weighed down by deciding how to proceed with her pregnancy. We want to help!

February proved to be a busy month of connecting with new faces and reestablishing our support and working, professional relationships with those at OB/GYN offices, abortion clinics, crisis pregnancy centers, hospitals, college and high school campuses throughout Michigan. We are also in process of launching a new birth mother website to reach women throughout the United States.

Do you have places in your community that we can connect with to share the message of LIFE and ADOPTION? Contact your caseworker with any suggestions you might have!

Take ACTION!

2010-03-02T21:57:00.005-05:00

Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.-- Henry Ford

Let's work together to help couples to continue to have the ability to adopt children and make forever families. The Federal Adoption Tax Credit is set to expire on December 31, 2010. In 2009 the tax credit was $12,150, and in 2010 the tax credit will be $12,170. We are urging everyone to contact their US Senators and US Representatives and let them know how important this is to the future of adoption. We would like to have the tax credit made permanent.

Attached is a form letter that can be used, or please pen your own letter. We also are including links to find your Senators and Representatives which service the area in which you live. Please send this email on to family, friends, coworkers, and church families to enlist their help to maintain this adoption assistance.

This link is to find and contact the US Senators:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators

This link is to find and contact the US Representatives:

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

There is a bill, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act, in the Senate (S.2816) and the House of Representatives (H.R. 213) proposed to make this tax credit permanent. This bill has been referred to committee and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Representatives David Camp and Sander Levin from Michigan are on these committees for this bill.

Dear (add the name of your senator or representative),

We are writing today to request that you will pass current legislation, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act, which would make the Adoption Tax Credit permanent. (S. 2816 and H.R. 213) This Tax Credit is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010. A permanent adoption tax credit presents a win-win situation as it promotes adoption , all the while making good economic sense. The cost of adoption is prohibitive for many tax payers. The need for and appropriateness of a permanent adoption tax credit could not be clearer with the number of children needing permanent homes and families. Adoption benefits all society, not only those who adopt or are adopted, because children raised in loving, stable families grow up to be good citizens and productive members of their communities.

Please vote to make permanent the Adoption Tax Credit. This is positive for everyone.

Respectfully,

(Sign your name)

January Placements

2010-02-02T11:05:00.004-05:00

A great start to 2010:

Five new little ones ... five happy families!

Multi-racial Families Being Built

2010-01-28T11:45:00.004-05:00

We are connecting with an increasing number of African American women in unplanned pregnancies. They are exploring adoption through Adoption Associates and preparing to find just the right home for their baby. At the same time, AAI staff diligently works to prepare and ready prospective adoptive parents to receive these little ones.

We have an urgent need for couples who are eager to become parents or extend their family through adopting an African American or mixed race baby. We are seeking African American and interracial couples who are considering adoption. Further, we are seeking homes that embrace becoming a multi-racial family and celebrate diversity! Families would need to give attention to their child's first culture and heritage, commit to instilling pride in his or her ethnic/racial identity and be willing to learn the skills to navigate through a race conscious society as a multi-racial family. If you have questions about what this means for your family, we have trained staff prepared to talk about these opportunities with you.

If you are home study approved or are interested in beginning the adoption process please contact us at 1-800-67-ADOPT. We'd love to come alongside of you!

2009 Stats

2010-01-22T17:10:00.002-05:00

72 placements

of which 68 were Michigan birth mothers

4 were out of state birth mothers

57 links through profiles

15 designated links (family found their own birth mother)

20 African American babies

6 Caucasian/African American babies

46 Caucasian and other mixed race babies

God is good!

"God works while we wait."

2009-12-07T19:54:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-03T12:33:00.004-05:00

SEVEN NEW BABIES

WERE PLACED INTO

THEIR FOREVER HOMES

IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.

Can You Relate?

2009-11-25T15:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-25T12:13:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-05T19:49:00.003-05:00

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

2009-11-01T21:34:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-28T12:47:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-01T16:09:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-24T11:09:00.009-04:00

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

2009-09-16T21:45:00.006-04:00

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

2009-09-09T14:50:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-31T22:45:00.006-04:00

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

2009-08-27T14:40:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-16T20:58:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-05T12:17:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-03T14:24:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-20T14:57:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-11T13:29:00.007-04:00

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

2009-07-02T16:46:00.006-04:00

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

2009-06-30T22:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-22T22:58:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-18T20:25:00.007-04:00

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

2009-06-12T16:35:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-08T22:43:00.011-04:00

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

2009-06-02T18:22:00.010-04:00

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

2009-05-29T21:54:00.007-04:00

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

2009-05-27T11:15:00.006-04:00

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

2009-05-20T21:29:00.005-04:00

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

2009-05-14T08:27:00.005-04:00

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

2009-05-10T10:01:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-08T10:17:00.007-04:00

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

2009-05-01T08:40:00.011-04:00

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

2009-04-29T14:27:00.008-04:00

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.

AdoptionThreads

JANUARY 2011

2*0*1*0 tidbits

Progressing through Fall

TIP while you wait

SEPTEMBER PLACEMENTS

Rounding out the Summer

J*U*L*Y*

A Saved Life

Summer's Sunshine

Talking About Adoption

MAY miracles!

Honoring Courage

4+1

March Babies

News: Adoption Tax Credit Extended!

February - Twice Blessed

Relationships for Life and Adoption!

Take ACTION!

January Placements

Multi-racial Families Being Built

2009 Stats

"God works while we wait."

NOVEMBER

Can You Relate?

Thanksgiving in Disguise

Host Care - continued

OCTOBER unites eight families

Be Our Guest

September

Children's Book on Adoption

All In A Day's Work

On Blogging and Openness

August Plans

Safe Delivery of Newborns Law

A Good Read

Post Adoption Depression

JULY

A Destiny Delivered

H. R. 213 - Adoption Tax Relief

J.U.N.E Fingerprints

Creating a Family

Straight from an Adoptive Dad's Heart

Open Doors

Blogging Our Adoption Journey

Seeking Adoptive Families for our African American Babies

New Beginnings in May

Been In Your Shoes

Social Networking

Getting the Word Out

An Adoptee's Heart for Mother's Day

Another Mother's Day

April Showers

AdoptionThreads

201*0 tidbits

JULY