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Posts in category "adoption"

When the Teacher is the Bully -- A Preschool Nightmare

This is a guest post by Melissa Alexander-Flanagan: “When we take our children to preschool, we want to believe they are safe.  Most of us have researched these places ahead of time.  We make visits, we talk to teachers, and most of all we try to stay involved.  These actions keep us in the loop... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
May 25, 2012 at 2:06 pm
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How to Bring Friends and Family "In On It" When You Are Adopting

How to Bring Friends and Family "In On It" When You Are Adopting
Elizabeth O’Toole and her husband have adopted all three of their children, ages nine, seven and five.  During the adoption process, especially as they were preparing to adopt their first child, O’Toole spent a lot of time explaining things to her closest circle of family and friends. Explaining why they were adopting, explaining how they... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
May 21, 2012 at 11:06 am
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Life is Pain, Highness

Life is Pain, Highness
Flashback: It is April, 2003, and Andrew’s brother, Pete, will be marrying Kim next month.  Kim is terrific, a wonderful addition to the family.  She is a kindred spirit, easy to be around, and I am grateful to have her as another sister.  Today is Kim’s bridal shower, which I am hosting along with several... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 24, 2012 at 8:15 am
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The Challenges of Raising a Well-Rounded Boy - Guest Post by Melissa Alexander Flanagan

The Challenges of Raising a Well-Rounded Boy - Guest Post by Melissa Alexander Flanagan
The Challenges of Raising a Well-Founded Boy, guest post by Melissa Alexander Flanagan As a woman and a mother of a 3.5 year-old-boy, sometimes the prospect of raising him to be well-rounded feels…well, daunting.  Gender stereotypes and even bullying start to emerge at such an early age, and I’m left wondering, how will I do... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 19, 2012 at 11:54 am
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Guest Post by Jane Smith -- Raising Funds to Help with Adoption Costs

Guest Post by Jane Smith -- Raising Funds to Help with Adoption Costs
The Power of Fundraisers: 3 Ways to Compensate for Adoption Costs By Jane Smith Adoption isn’t cheap—and if you’ve already adopted one child, you’re more than aware.  On average, it can range anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000 to adopt domestically, depending on the agency and several other factors. For those who wish to adopt overseas... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 9, 2012 at 12:06 pm
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A Little Bit Christian and a Lot Bit Jewish -- Will the Easter Bunny Come?

A Little Bit Christian and a Lot Bit Jewish -- Will the Easter Bunny Come?
I was wondering when Katie would begin ask.  About twice a year (specifically right before Christmas and right before Easter), she starts dropping hints that she should honor her birth religion. For those of you who are new readers to Portrait of an Adoption, here is a reprint of one of my all-time favorite discussions... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 5, 2012 at 10:29 am
• 1 comment
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Day One: Separation Anxiety

Day One: Separation Anxiety
Andrew and I are on our first vacation without the kids since Cleo’s birth.  Our most recent vacation, a family trip to Jamaica, ended in catastrophe when Cleo got viral meningitis, and it turned out to be anything but relaxing. So, it was time. My mom flew in on Friday.  The plan was for her... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 1, 2012 at 8:03 pm
• 1 comment

Portrait of an Adoption on NPR

Portrait of an Adoption on NPR
Today I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel for NPR.  The topic was “New Directions for the Family Tree,” described by NPR as: Family relationships are becoming more complicated as they expand to include surrogate parents, donor siblings, or birth parents. Guest host Jacki Lyden is joined by three parents who all have... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
March 27, 2012 at 8:49 pm
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Open Adoption: The Burden of Truth

Open Adoption: The Burden of Truth
Last week, we called Katie’s birthmom to wish her a Happy Birthday.  Katie took the phone first, disappearing into a closet so she could speak without anyone listening in.  After ten or fifteen minutes, Katie came skipping out and handed the phone to me. “Hi,M!  Happy Birthday!” I began.  We chatted for a few minutes... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
March 20, 2012 at 11:56 am
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Guest Post by Tracy: Two Moms Plus Four Kids Equals Love

Guest Post by Tracy: Two Moms Plus Four Kids Equals Love
Guest Post By Tracy: I’m sitting here waiting for my pain-in-the-butt 3-year-old to finally fall asleep.  He’s thankfully still a prisoner in his crib, but boy, can this kid yell loud enough to wake the long gone if you leave the room before he’s completely down! He’s smart.  He knows his loudness is our Achilles’... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
March 14, 2012 at 9:31 am
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