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You Know You're An Adoptive Family When...

  • your child's new therapist scares the snot out of her... and you love him for it, and know you've finally found the right guy.
  • you daydream about how to add rooms or re-partition space in your small home to make room for more children.
  • for that matter, you wonder if there's someone who could retro-fit your van with another bench seat instead of the 2 seperate ones in the middle row, to make room for just one more child...
  • you have to remind yourself to let out of town friends and family members know how many kids you currently have, in case they missed a coming or a going.
  • you have to explain why the birthparents they love aren't on their "Safe-Side Adults" list.
  • you overhear your newest children talking in the bathroom, debating about whether they like this home better, or a previous one.
  • you tell your son he's your favorite black-haired 8 year old (since you also have a blonde 8-year old), and he replies with "And you're ONE OF my favorite moms."
  • your children see an advertisement with a baby in it and ask if we can "get that one."
  • your children ask to "keep" the babysitter.

Foster & Adoptive Placements

  • **K (3 days old)
    Picked up from the hospital 10/1/10, not sure how long she'll be here, but we're enjoying her!
  • **Gideon (7) and Malaika (5)
    Placed July 13, 2009 for adoption. A relative came forward and they were removed from our home Sept 26, 2009. Returned April 18, 2010. Adoption Finalized September 20, 2010!
  • L (11 days old)
    September 15-16, 2010 (2 days)
  • S (3 1/2)
    January 2010 (2 days)
  • C (6 months)
    December 2nd-23rd, 2009. (3 weeks)
  • C (8) & J (5)
    March 20th-22nd, 2009. (3 days.)
  • T (2) and A (13 months)
    February 2009 (3 days) Update: adopted by a family in Eastern Washington
  • R (1-2)
    February 4, 2009 - February 17, 2010. (1 year). Native child - tribe wouldn't allow adoption. Moved to a long-term foster home.
  • S (age 10)
    New Year's Eve 2008 (6 days) Update: being adopted by a co-worker of Brian's!
  • J (6) & S (2.5)
    December 2008 (6 days)
  • **Hallie (3 weeks)
    Placed August 2003 - Adoption Finalized December 2004
  • **Sam (13 months)
    Placed August 2002 - Finalized Adoption May 2003
  • J (7) & F (18 mo)
    Father's Day Weekend 2002 (4 days)

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01/07/2010

Natalie

We're disappointed, but not terribly surprised that Natalie is not going to be adoptable any time soon.  And while she may at some point become adoptable, it sounds like that's many years down the road... possibly 3 or 5 or more.  And still we could wait all that time and then have to give up our 7 or 8 year old child because they aren't willing to release her for adoption.  And that's just more upheaval and uncertainty than we are willing to put our family through.

So as much as we were hoping for a different outcome, the way things appear right now, it looks like we're going to have to make the difficult decision to let her go, and trust that God has better plans for her, and for us.

Posted at 08:48 PM in Adoption |

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I am so sorry you have to make such a difficult decision. Your family will be in our prayers.

Posted by: Echo | 01/07/2010 at 09:08 PM

:(

So sad for you guys...

Posted by: Stacy | 01/07/2010 at 09:30 PM

We were praying for something different too! I am so sorry for the hurt and challenges you are constantly facing.
I will keep praying.

Posted by: Carolynn Slocum | 01/07/2010 at 09:32 PM

I am so sorry that you are having to make that decision. We will be praying for you all and for God's will.

Posted by: Carrie R | 01/07/2010 at 09:46 PM

I want you to know how much I respect your family for being able to take in these children and love them knowing that it may not be forever. Even if you can't adopt Natalie, you have made a huge difference in her life. The difference in her from a year ago when I first met her to now is astounding.

Posted by: Kara W | 01/08/2010 at 12:45 AM

Oh no! So sorry for all of you, Hilary! I will keep praying.

Posted by: Eliza | 01/08/2010 at 01:47 AM

I am saddened to hear this. I will continue to pray that GOD will protect her and keep her safe. And that she will grow up to know HIM. I will pray for your family especially your children as you face this difficult situation. May the peace of the LORD be with you.

Posted by: Jessica in Michigan | 01/08/2010 at 03:48 AM

Oh no. Poor you and poor Natalie. Such a hard decision.

Posted by: Rebecca | 01/08/2010 at 08:19 AM

What about guardianship? The tribe still claims her and gets all the benefits but she is your responsibility, just wouldn't have your name. (At least that's how it worked a few years ago.) Praying!

Posted by: Tracy | 01/08/2010 at 09:08 AM

Praying for you all.

Posted by: Kylie | 01/09/2010 at 03:45 PM

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