Words matter. I would submit that definitions of words matter all the more. This month, we focused on not just what finalization in adoption means generally, but it what it means to each member of the adoption triad. What we found is that, for the most part, it was...

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I've found this to be true in multiple facets of my life. My husband was deployed to Afghanistan for 13 months shortly after we got married. I missed him so much and upon his return, my heart and love for him had...

Final: coming at the end; being the last in a series, process, or progress. When I first became a Birth Mother, there was so much I didn’t know about adoption. I knew I was going to get updates and a few visits, but didn’t know how much work would be required of me...

As adoptive parents, we are the first line of defense for our child’s story. Throughout their childhood, they will hear many questions regarding their past. A good portion of those could be wildly invasive, or inappropriate. For some reason, our society hears the word...

Sibling relationships are one of the most interesting relationships we can be a part of in our life. Sometimes we love our siblings, and sometimes we can't stand them. Sometimes we want to share our deepest secrets and sometimes we want to keep them out of our...

For birth mothers, we are all too familiar with feelings of shame and guilt. We might question whether we’ve made the right decision and possibly even regret our choice. As mothers, we are hard enough on ourselves when it comes to the life of our children and outside...

I am tasked during Black History month to talk about race issues in transracial adoption from the perspective of an adoptive parent. I could talk about the importance of racial mirrors or acknowledging Historical figures. I could even talk about the importance of toys...

Whether or not you adopt a child with the same cultural and racial background as you, maintaining a connection with the child’s biological family is the best way to encourage the healthy formation of the child’s identity. It is even more important, though, if the...

Over my 36 years of life, I have had to defend and protect my blackness. I have fought against biases, microaggressions, and blatant racism. My blackness despite all of its glory is seen as a threat, and an imposition. For some of you; reading about my truths might...

More Courage; More Perspective I have always loved the beginning of something new. Whether that is a new year, a new class, a new relationship, a new baby or even a new hairdo. This time allows me to become introspective and to hone in on the small details. Honestly,...