got bit by the baby bug
pam asked if i was getting rid of clothes because we're done having kids. that's kinda funny, because we just started talking about baby budd #3. we really want to adopt so i've started looking at and asking for more information from various agencies. it's amazing all the different choices and options out there.
right now the two main programs we're looking into (and it's been about a day, so don't read this like these are final well thought out decisions or something. this is still exploratory) are involve minorities or incredibly open adoptions.
with our very limited knowledge, the things that are important to us so far are
1) that ellen and isaiah will be the oldest.
2) that's about it so far.
the minority program is cool because i'm all about helping where there is need. and embarassing as it is, i admire angelina jolie and how she's making her family be a sort of 'world family'. the family is bigger than our ethnicity, social class whatever. and it isn't important to me, but if it was, we wouldn't even qualify for a 'traditional' adoption (i have no idea what to call it...just a normal run of the mill, not a special program adoption) because you have to be infertile. isn't that weird that different babies have different qualifications? i can understand for medical needs or something - but for race? weird.
the attraction with the really open adoptions program is the agency itself. their main focus is not on fulfilling the dreams of adults who want babies, but of helping pregnant women. as a result, they've needed to create an adoption agency. i like that approach. it means that the mothers have really thought this through. they're not pressured, they're not full of regrets, they're confident this is the best decision. they also believe that having the birth parents in the child's life is the healthiest way to go about things - for all parties. so its not just a one time meeting or letter exchange that a lot of open programs consist of, but basically you're making the birthmother (and maybe father?) part of your family too. wow. that's terrifying and wonderful all at the same time.
so i'm eagerly anticipating those manila envelopes coming to my mail box.
posted by Sarah at 5/08/2006 03:03:00 PM
6 Comments:
Wow, that's a big decision. I think you would be a wonderful family for an adopted child.
I'd have to agree. It sounds hugely scary to me, and yet I can't imagine a more wonderful, loving home for any child.
I'm agreeing with everyone else--you two are outstanding parents. Adoption/foster care is in our future, too, so maybe you'll have advice ready for me in that area, too, by the time I get there.
I admire what Angelina Jolie is doing, too. That's neat.
You guys would be great adoptive parents! Ian and I have also talked about adopting children someday. We also would like to adopt a child that is a minority. One thing that I have encountered in my research about that is it is a good thing if the child lives in a community of people where there are many others of their race as well, so they are not always the only one and have someone who looks like them to look up to.
That is cool Sarah. Jeff and I, like Chris, have also thought about maybe in the future of adoption or foster care. I would love to get input and advice from you guys later about what you learn/experience.
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