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Conference moira::parenting

Title:Parenting
Notice:Previous PARENTING version at MOIRA::PARENTING_V3
Moderator:GEMEVN::FAIMANY
Created:Thu Apr 09 1992
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1292
Total number of notes:34837

535.0. "Adoption: when is it final ?" by CNTROL::JENNISON (John 3:16 - Your life depends on it!) Mon Jun 14 1993 11:01

	My aunt and uncle have just adopted a baby girl through an identified
	adoption.  The baby was born one week ago.  My aunt currently
	has custody of the baby.  The baby was born in Illinois, and 
	my aunt lives in Virginia.  From what I know, she has to stay
	in Illinois another week, then can bring the baby back to Virginia.

	I'd like to send something to my aunt, but do not want to send
	something and have her not return home with the baby.  Is that
	a possiblity ?  I also don't want my aunt to get home and think
	no one cares, so at the minimum, I'd want to leave a message on
	her answering machine.  I'm SOOO happy for her, and want to show it!

	I guess I'm wondering what risks are involved at this point.  
	
	Also, any input from adoptive parents on what friends and family
	did that you appreciated or did not appreciate would be most
	welcome!

	Karen
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535.1My opinion - everything carries a riskNASZKO::DISMUKEWANTED: New Personal NameMon Jun 14 1993 11:1010
    I would say what you feel.  There are always risks - even with
    pregnancy - but even if things change - she will know you cared and
    that sounds like the message you want to get across.
    
    I would wait till she returns before sending a gift.  Sending a card
    would be nice now - but just to be on the safe side, I'd send the gift
    when she returned home.  Either way - let her know how you feel!
    
    -sandy
    
535.2EOS::ARMSTRONGMon Jun 14 1993 11:5413
    There is always a risk.  the largest risk is that after the
    baby is born, the birth mother may not relinquish custody.
    Each state is different and cross state adoptions are much more
    complicated.  Unless you are very close to the adoption and
    the laws of both states, it quite impossible for you to gauge
    the risk and know when it is lessening.

    I would suggest you base all your actions with the full assumption
    that all will go well.  And keep your fingers crossed.

    We were incredibly lucky....3 adoptions and all went smoothly.
    I know that is not typical.
    bob
535.3GAVEL::PCLX31::satowgavel::satow or @msoMon Jun 14 1993 12:448
We had friends that went through an open adoption process.  They flew to 
Atlanta, expecting to come home with a baby, but did not.  There is a lot 
that can go wrong, and right now is a very stressful time for your aunt and 
uncle.  I would suggest an "I'm thinking of you" or "praying for you" or 
whatever suits your style and theirs, and to be prepared for support or, 
hopefully, rejoicing.  That way they won't feel forgotten.

Clay
535.4Send a Telegram!WECARE::STRASENBURGHBetter Days AheadMon Jun 14 1993 13:105
    What about sending a telegram to them . My grandfather sent my mother a
    telegram when she was in the hospital when I was born and I still 
    have it in my baby book. It means alot to me.
    
    Lynne
535.5Be sensitively acceptingSTOWOA::SPERAMon Jun 21 1993 09:4520
    
    I agree, you have to assume it is going to go well and then be there
    for them if it doesn't.
    
    Evergreen bookstore in Sudbury has a baby book...I think it is called
    "the first even years...an adoption version". It is loose leaf with
    pretty pages for recording birth, adoption, shots, etc. It is sometimes
    hard to find books that are appropriate and this one would suit an
    adoption by a couple.
    
    I wanted to feel that my family would embrace my daughter as they had
    all the other children so do you what you would do for the other kids
    in your family with a little extra sensitivity to messages in books
    etc. Maybe send a note that says you can't wait to meet the newest
    member of the family. Do you have children. Some kids I know made
    a little book of drawings welcoming my daughter to church. I think
    she'll like it and it makes me feel good knowing it is there for her.
    
    Be natural and pray..