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Abraham Lincoln and the Purple Castle - the Making of a 5th Birthday Cake

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For her 5th birthday cake, Annie Rose asked me to make a purple frosted castle where Abraham Lincoln and his family could live during his Presidency.  I called, but the local bakeries do not carry that cake in their repertoire, so I set to work planning a culinary masterpiece for my girl! This has been... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 16, 2012 at 8:38 am
• 2 comments

Anti-bullying Reading Recommendations for Children and Teens

Anti-bullying Reading Recommendations for Children and Teens
I am very excited to share this much-researched list of books with you! I chose these books because they all promote themes related to anti-bullying, such as tolerance and acceptance of those who are different, regardless of whether those differences are due to appearance, family structure, gender preference, autism spectrum disorders, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 10, 2012 at 11:05 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
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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
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‘Bully’ Movie: The Must-See Film for Middle Schoolers, Teens and Adults

‘Bully’ Movie: The Must-See Film for Middle Schoolers, Teens and Adults
Bully, the first feature documentary film to reveal what a full school year of bullying feels like to victims and their loved ones, is opening in select theaters on March 30. Directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, the movie provides an opportunity for kids, parents and educators to have a common springboard for discussions. ... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
March 29, 2012 at 9:03 pm
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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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Donna's Good Things Raises $70,000 for St. Baldrick's

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So many people have wanted to do something about pediatric cancer ever since reading Donna’s Cancer Story, and we finally got a chance!  On Sunday, March 25th, the Donna’s Good Things team congregated at Candlelite in Chicago to shave heads, raise money, remember Donna and have a good time. Nicole Knepper, of Moms Who Drink... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
March 26, 2012 at 3:18 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
• 9 comments
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Girl Scout Cookies and Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse Make a Perfect Saturday

Girl Scout Cookies and Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse Make a Perfect Saturday
Sometimes in this Internet-driven world, I feel as if I spend too much time reading articles about how to raise healthy kids and too little time acting on all the great advice that is available. This weekend, with March masquerading as June here in Chicago, I packed up my computer and stored it in the... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
March 19, 2012 at 8:45 am
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