My Story...

    Today is the day that the information stored in my head about my experience with international adoption, attachment and bonding, international adoption agencies and everything else that goes along with it starts pouring out. Witnessing my son develop, change, heal and grow healthy has been the biggest education and gift I could have ever imagined.  Be careful what you pray for!

    I have a son adopted at the age of 19 months via Russian adoption from a well-known adoption agency. As with most adoption agencies, I asked for "as young as possible" and "healthy with minor correctable diagnoses." He was a beautiful boy who I fell in love with at first sight. My adoption agency did an excellent job. But this blog is not about my son. I've learned FROM my son and the Russian adoption what many pre-adopters might really value before embarking on their path for their child or children.  
    I've heard some great international adoption stories with all kinds of endings...all are unique.  I opened up and start digging for answers on why my internationally adopted child acted so differently from the biological and adopted children around us.  In the adoption arena, I have found the answers I needed.  Along with information came the warmest, proudest parents of adopted children who were kind enough and brave enough to tell me their stories.  Now I know how to place my own adoption experience in the correct perspective.  My case is not anything extraordinary.  I just didn't know that I was asking the wrong questions. 


I work and live among many Russian adopters as members of FRUA. They are the ones who've helped me learn the ropes, but few knew of the experiences that went on at home behind closed doors between a new mom-a single mom, and a not-so-ordinary adopted non-English speaking toddler.

If your child is atypical, like mine was, and like so many from orphanages are, at least at first then please dig for answers.  Read the stories of adoptive parents who have been down the road of international adoption and come out on the other side with a rich and deep appreciation of our children, their nations, and our relationships.  Do what it takes to celebrate their differences!  


My hope is to provide adoption stories written by adoptive parents that will entertain you while also leading you to information about international adoption in general and in depth, as well as finding resources that are helpful.