Adoption Awareness Month
This is my favorite time of the year. Seriously. The next two months include my favorite holidays, are filled with wonderful memories of holidays past, and just seem like a magical time of year where anything can happen. But this year this month is even more special because November is Adoption Awareness Month.
As a former teacher I encountered too many kids who were not living with their biological parents for a variety of reasons and my heart just broke for this kids who were dealing with so much instability in their lives.
When I started to think about my adoption journey I knew my route would be through the foster/adopt process. My whole heart believes that these kiddos need a loving home and I believe I can provide that for them. I am excited to share more about my adoption journey in the coming months and years!
Frequently Asked Questions
In the two months since I shared that I began the adoption process I have gotten a lot of questions about this process and so I wanted to take a minute to answer some of the most commonly asked questions…and if you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments or email them to me!
When will you be getting your child?
That’s a great question! And unfortunately I don’t know the answer. It won’t happen until after the holidays but then it could happen anytime. It could be January. It could be July. It could be next September.
Do you want a…boy/girl/baby/toddler/etc?
I do have some ideas on what age child I will take but my thoughts on this aren’t set in stone. I have prayed, and continue to do so, that I’m matched with exactly the child/ren who are supposed to have me for a mommy. As part of this whole process I have communicated with the county what my preferences are but again, nothing is set in stone.
How soon will they be considered “yours”?
From the day I get that precious child I will not treat them any differently than I would treat a biological child. But to be considered legally my child could take a couple of years. When the child is first placed in my home they will be a foster child and so this does come with the risk that they could be reunited with their first family. I don’t have any illusions that this will be an emotionally easy journey, but I am beyond confident that it is what I am supposed to be doing right now.
Where are you at right now in the process?
Right now I am going through the home study process, which means interviews, a few more classes, and a home inspection. I am also putting together a nursery, which is a little bit tricky since I don’t know if I’m getting a newborn, a six-month old, or what! So if you have any suggestions for must-have baby/toddler essentials…feel free to leave them in the comments below!
29 Comments
Cajun
I’m sure you’ve thought of this, but surely a convertible crib is on your list? I’m all anxious for you, so I can’t imagine how intense the anticipation is for you! you’ll be a great Mama!
Lisa Kerr
I’m so excited for you. You’re going to be a mom! 🙂 I know you’re going to be a great mom and I can’t wait to “meet” your little one.
Theresa @DearCreatives
How exciting! Maybe a convertible crib that changes to a toddler bed. I have Pinterest boards for baby, baby rooms, tips.. You can always go there for ideas or search for them too.
jmdenouden@gmail.com
I’ll check out your Pinterest boards!
Brooke Boersma
I am excited for you! It is a long process, waiting is hard, wondering who will join your family is weird, it’s all crazy and it’s all wonderful! You will be a great mama! I highly suggest reading “The Connected Child” by Karen Purvis and reading up on Love and Logic’s resources for adopted and special needs kids, as well as Dr. Sears’ books on parenting before you get your kiddos. Super helpful stuff. And we are always here if you need anything! I painted our “nursery” tan and did dark brown, tan and white, and then you can add pink or raspberry, or blue or plaid, polka dots or whatever depending on the gender of your child. Also, if you have littles, my favorite item was a baby sling, hands down. Especially for kids who need to bond. They can hear your heartbeat and be snuggled in tight, and your hands are free to work, cook, etc. I’m sure you remember me carting Caleb around the church in that thing all the time! A good runner stroller with a front wheel that pivots is a must too. =) Oh, I’m so happy for you!
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Thank you for your encouragement! I will definitely check out those books and thank you for the tips!
Natalie Patalie
I’m so excited for you!
Shannon Hack
Julie that is awesome that you are opening your home and heart to a little person that needs someone like you. It is perfect. My little man (3 months today) loves http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Discover-Grow-Piano/dp/B004V8VQC8 it’s a playmat I have gotten showers with the help of this gem.
jmdenouden@gmail.com
I will check that out, thank you for the recommendation!
Susan Maccarelli
So exciting! Thank you for sharing. I have always wondered how the process works from a foster care perspective and I’m so excited to follow along as you get more news!
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Thank you for following along with the journey!
Jill
So excited for you!
Heidi Riddle
Thank you Julie. Being one of those pregnant women that your Mom and Dad took in I have always had a lot of love and respect for people who want to love and raise those children that a birth mother just cannot take care of herself. Whether it be due to economics, bad relationships, health issues, etc. There are many reason that birth moms can’t take care of their children. It’s so nice to know there are people who are willing to come forward with their open hearts and love those children has their own. Thank you for being one of those people to have an open heart. Your parents have taught you well and I know you will teach your children to have love and compassion for the helpless. Thank you. May God bless you in this wonderful time of your life.
Ana
So exciting! I have a ton of parenting tips/products on the blog you can reference, but I’m sure with all the love and affection you are providing, your new child will be in great hands!!
Bev
This is such an incredible journey you are embarking on; I am very excited for you!
Toni @ Finding Myself Young
I always wanted to be a foster mum when I grew up and I possibly will still do it a little later on. I love kids so much and feel so sorry for those who don’t have loving families. The only thing I worry about is not being able to handle having to give them back if they went back to their biological families.
jmdenouden@gmail.com
That aspect can definitely be difficult but I think it one of the things that comes with fostering and so you love those kiddos as much as you can while you have them and if they are reunited, trust that it is the best thing for them…and that’s what’s important!
Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments
As a former teacher, I’m sure you’ll agree with this but I recommend starting a “library” collection! I always buy books for new moms because books transcend age! (My nephew may have gotten a small collection of books when he was born…) I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to follow your journey!
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Thank you! I have definitely started a library collection…probably already have 100 books in the nursery!
Jen
Wow Julie, this is amazing! Hugs as you continue through the process:)
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Thank you Jen!
Rosemond
Julie, congrats on your adoption! I’m an adopted mom to a 12 year old girl, who we adopted from China when she was one.
Have you read Nia Vardolos’ book Instant Mom? Nia (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) adopted a toddler through foster care. Her book is so funny and it also gives some great insight on the process of bringing a new child into your family. So worth a read! Also, there is a great charity called Helpusadopt.org which provides grants for families who are adopting. A great resource. Like you I always knew that I wanted to adopt a child. It just seemed to me like a truly special way to form a family.
Good luck and look forward to your journey!
Rosemond (another adoptive mom!)
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Karren Haller
I hope that your adoption will go smoothly, Im so out of the baby loop I would not even know where to begin to offer input. Stopping by from Barbs blog to also invite you to join in Merry Monday Linkup. Hope you have a great week!!
Karren @Oh My Heartsie Girl
jmdenouden@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by!
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Betty Manousos
this is great! i’m so excited for you!
merry christmas! xoxo