Thoughts on Open Adoption and Parenting

On Open Adoption

Open adoption appeals to us because it provides the opportunity of developing a life-long relationship with you. Therefore, we will be able to answer your child's future questions as honestly and completely as we can. We can explain the incredible love and courage you showed at this very difficult time. Depending on the level of future contact we all desire, your child could even come right to you to get those answers. Your child will know who you are, and the love that went into your decision.

Imagining Family Life

Discovering the world through a child's eyes Strapping on the baby-backpack and going for long walks Lots of hugs and kisses Swinging in the hammock under the shade of our mulberry tree Reading books like Winnie-The-Pooh or The Giving Tree Singing silly songs Blowing bubbles Bandaging scraped knees Drawing and fingerpainting Learning to swim Finding animals at the zoo Discovering why boats float but rocks sink at the Children's Discovery Museum Making difficult math problems seem simple Attending children's theater productions Trying different sports Visiting the Jelly Belly and Hershey Chocolate factories Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie! Playing in the snow for the first time Building sand castles with a toddler who giggles when the tide fills the castle moat

Thoughts on Parenting

Parenting goes well beyond satisfying the obvious physical needs. Developing a child's intellectual and emotional well-being is just as important. We want to create a place where a child feels safe and secure, free to be his/her own person, but always with proper support and guidance. We hope to instill strong morals, beliefs, and values, along with an appreciation of other cultures and lifestyles. We both love to try new things, but realize that each person is unique and will develop their own interests and abilities. We will encourage creativity and trying new activities. Education is also very important to us. We will be actively involved in our child's schools, and will have a college fund ready when the time comes.

We'd love to talk to you and discover together if we might be the right adoptive parents for your baby. You can reach us toll free at 1-888-DEB-BRAD (1-888-332-2723) or by e-mail at .

You can also contact our counselor or learn more about Open Adoption by calling the Independent Adoption Center (IAC) at 1-800-877-OPEN (1-800-877-6736) or by visiting the IAC website.

http://www.adoptionhelp.org/