Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
F/U to last night's Adoption Class (long)
Yesterday was such an emotional day. We had our "graduation" from the class, and they had 4 families come who had recently adopted. We got to hear their stories and find out what their experiences were like. They brought the kids, who were all so adorable! A couple families adopted siblings like we are interested in. It really reinforced my decision to do that. One of the mothers said they have such a bond, and there is an older half brother they get together with about once a month.
We were allowed to bring family, and DH's parents and sister came. I think it was nice for them to hear positive stories. His family is supportive, but I think are nervous because they have heard horror stories. My adoption social worker has been doing her job for 25 years, and says it has only happened once that a child was placed in a pre-adoptive home and returned to the birth family. More often than not, it is the adoptive parents giving their notice on the child.
We also talked about getting the room ready. One of the couples adopted a 3 and 4 yo, and asked them what they wanted. I think that is cute. So I think we will get some basics like a crib and bed, and stock up on stuff like books, kid movies, and outdoor toys. We may try to get a used swingset and mini-basketball hoop this summer. Clothes and decor we can figure out when they know their age, gender, and interest.
On top of that, at work I had to tell some kids I was transferring offices and felt so bad. I went to a "teen parent recognition award" for an amazing girl I work with, and she made a speech that made me all weepy. Working with kids in foster care has been such an amazing experience. It really put things in perspective for me.
So yesterday was certainly an emotional rollercoaster of a day. I want to thank you ladies for your kind and supportive words, and giving me a place to share updates. I have only told close friends and family, so it is nice being able to "talk" about it openly here.
Re: F/U to last night's Adoption Class (long)
I'm so happy for you guys! It sounds like your evening went really well and I'm so proud of you guys for what you're doing and being so proactive about it. I hope that D's family can warm up to the idea a little more.
Do you guys have any idea how long it may take for you from this point until you have children placed with you?
I'm really excited for you guys! I can't wait until you get your child(ren)
I've been following this closely since, on my really dark days, I think about adoption a lot. I hope everything goes smoothly for you guys.
Congrats to both my TTC buddies, Amberley18 and sb2006 on their beautiful babies!
Stand up for something you believe in.
:Blog:
That is awsome Mel! Another quick happy story for you:
A family that goes to my parents' church had a son and then couldn't get pregnant again so opted for adoption. Received a little girl from China several years ago, then ended up pregnant and had a daughter. Now they've been contacted by their adoption agent and informed that the parents of their adoptive daughter had a son that they would like to have then adopt! So now their adoptive daughter will have her biological brother too, who is 7 months old! So they have their own biological son and daughter and will have adopted siblings! I just thought that was so cool. And the adopted daughter who is now five (they received her her when she was about 1.5 I believe) is super excited and telling everyone that she can't wait to have her baby brother. It's so cute.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and so proud of you both. You guys are doing a truly wonderful thing.