1. ANNOUNCEMENT

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Adoption.com would like to wish you all a happy New Year, from our families to yours. May your hearts and homes be full of love, joy, and peace this new year.

ADOPTION.COM UNVEILS NEW HOME PAGE
The Adoption.com home page has been re-designed to help our visitors more easily find what they are looking for and improve the user experience. You will soon see this new look and feel on the sub-pages of the site. Visit http://www.Adoption.com, and let editor@adoptionmedia.com know what you think of our new home page. We'd love to know what you think.

LET ADOPTION.COM REPRINT YOUR BOOK ONLINE
Have you written an adoption-related book? Adoption.com would like to talk to you about licensing your book to reprint on the Adoption.com website. If you are interested, please contact editor@adoptionmedia.com.

CALL FOR ADOPTION-RELATED PHOTOS
Adoption.com is developing a new section on its website of adoption-related photos and is looking for photos from families and individuals touched by adoption. Please e-mail photos or questions to editor@adoptionmedia.com. We can provide a physical adress if you would like to send the actual photos.

CALL FOR ADOPTION-RELATED RECIPES
Adoption.com is developing a new section for recipies that are connected to adoption. Did you adopt from China and now have a favorite Chinese recipe? Did you adopt your child from New Orleans and now have a great cajun recipe? Does your adoptive family have a favorite recipe you would like to share? Submit your favorite recipies and adoption story for use in our new section, as well as a cookbook compilation. Please send your recipes to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

2. NEW ARTICLES

The views expressed by the authors are solely their own, and for which the authors are responsible. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.

My Son - new article contributed by Carol Butzen
My name was on the National Registry in the State of Wisconsin, but nothing was happening. My son, Matthew, even paid money to get help with his search. This netted us loss of money, but a bad result. The person we contacted was rude and nreceptive. My son said that if this was his brother, it was best not to know him. We sat back and thought of other options, but nothing came. Then, one day, I received an email from a woman I went to school with. She had found my name on the National Registry, and since she had found her adopted son, she wanted to help me. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=397

Alex - new article contributed by Terina Aranda
I die inside each day I do not see or hear from him or his family. I have never been given the opportunity to apologize to him for letting him down, or not being the mother he needed. I have also never been able to tell him how much I love him, apart from the only day I held him, and he looked into my eyes before he went home from the hospital with his new family. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=398

To Katmandu, with Love: An Adoptive Mom’s Journal III - new article by Cynthia Yoder
Still, there is an element of struggle to our wealth. It has become our mode to struggle over finances, and this is one remaining hitch to our lives that we both are taking steps to resolve. I’m beginning to think more in terms of what our children will inherit – not the money but the attitudes toward money that they’ll inherit. And ours has been one of struggle. We thought that it came with the territory – Jonathan’s a minister; I’m a writer. But I’m learning -- following one’s passions shouldn’t be a struggle. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=399

Thank You for Not Forgetting Us - new article contributed by J.R.
The experience, for us, has been magical. She gave birth to me in 1976, when the belief was that it was best for mom and baby not to meet. They covered her face with a sheet while I was being born, and for 27 years I have longed for her touch, for her eyes to behold me. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=400

Read these articles at http://Magazine.Adoption.com, and submit your adoption-related articles to editor@adoptionmedia.com for publication in Adoption Week e-Magazine and Adoption.com.

By submitting content, you represent that you have the rights to this content and that you give Adoption.com and Adoption Week the right to reprint this content on the internet, via e-mail, and in print form.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

3. ADOPTION NEWS

The Adoption Experience (CA)
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2003/December/29/local/stories/01local.htm

Long Ride for Foreign Adoptees (UT)
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Dec/12292003/monday/monday.asp

Why Are Babies Still Left to Die? (IL)
http://www.news-gazette.com/story.cfm?Number=15152

Special-Needs Children Need Home for Holidays (MN)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.kdlh.com/news/headlines/552257.html

Families Foster Spirit of the Season (NY)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.theithacajournal.com/news/stories/20031223/localnews/89612.html

Living with a Mystery (AZ)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/1224hatbox24.html

If any of the links to the news articles do not work, visit http://www.adoption.com/news for a list of headlines.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

4. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

EDEN'S SECRET JOURAL: THE STORY OF AN OLDER CHILD ADOPTION

Eden's Secret Journal is written as a diary of a foster child who is being adopted by a single woman. It is illustrated throughout and covers the story of Eden's early life and her reactions to growing up in the foster-care system as well as issues faced by foster children everywhere. It is geared for pre-adolescent children but is of value to professionals and foster or adoptive parents as well. It is poignant and written in a straight forward and simple language that is deeply moving with out being maudlin.


For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP12123.html.

Find 1,400+ other adoption products at adoptionshop.com.

To share your favorite adoption book with others, join the Adoption Book Club on AdoptionLists.com at http://adoptionlists.com/index.php?action=lists&listname=adoptionbookclub.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

5. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

6. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

Mara is an attractive girl that enjoys interacting with others. She has little vision and will smell you as an identifier. She is attending "functional living class" and requires a great deal of interaction. Mara has Pervasive Development Disorder. She is also considered mentally retarded. Her sight is limited as well as her verbal skills. She is currently getting occupational and physical therapy.

Photolisting.Adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,700 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. Add your agency's waiting children to the most popular adoption website, and help them find loving homes faster. E-mail exchange@adoptablekids.com for info.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

7. ADOPTION GEM

8. ADOPTION BUZZ

Thanks for Life: - Found Birth Parents
http://forums.adoption.com/t127913.html

Birthfamily Post Relinquishment: - Mother of 15-Year-Old Bmom Needs Advice
http://forums.adoption.com/t128098.html

Becoming Foster Parents: -Does Fostering Affect Your Relationship with Spouse/SO?
http://forums.adoption.com/t127539.html

Adoption Poetry: - Two Different Pains
http://forums.adoption.com/t86901.html

Special Needs Adoption: - Special Needs Babies
http://forums.adoption.com/t127612.html

A Social Worker and Therapist's Point of Veiw on Foster Care: - Too Many Daddies
http://forums.adoption.com/t127533.html

If any of the links above do not work, visit Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions.

For more online adoption discussions, visit Forums.Adoption.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

9. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: Tax-Credit.Adoption.com.

Many foster and adoptive parents and kinship caregivers are eligible for tax benefits worth, in some cases, several thousand dollars. Certain tax benefits primarily affect lower income families, others can affect middle and even upper income families. All foster and adoptive parents should meet with a tax advisor to discuss which of the following tax benefits may apply. Information below describes sources of free tax assistance for lower income families. For mor tax credit information, visit Tax-Credit.Adoption.com.

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit Adoptions.Adoption.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

10. ADOPTION DESTINATION

InternationalAdoption.org is the internet's authoritative destination for international adoption. You will find fact sheets, adoption information, travel information, culture and heritage, maps, weather, books, currency exchange rates, periodicals, news and much more for dozens of different countries with active international adoption programs.

This week, the country of focus is Greece.

Greece is the official language spoken in Greece; however, English and French are also spoken. Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about half of GDP. Tourism is a key industry, providing a large portion of GDP and foreign exchange earnings. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 4% of GDP.

To learn more about Greece's government, geography, and communication information, or its history, visit Greece.Adoption.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

11. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

WHITE HAIRS

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"

Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."

The little girl thought about this revelation for while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

E-mail your humorous story or joke to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

12. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Adoption Law Office of Morse & Bratt
Vancouver, WA
Toll Free: (800) 945-4084
Phone: (360) 699-4780
mtilden@morse-bratt.com

We specialize in representing adoptive and birth parents in domestic and international placements; and in creating networking resources for private adoptions. Also stepparent, second parent and interstate adoptions.

Services: • Adoption Attorneys • International Adoption • Stepparent Adoption

For more information on Adoption Law Office of Morse & Bratt, visit http://www.morse-bratt.com/practice/adoption.html.

Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at Directory.Adoption.com.

To see your ad here, visit http://directory.adoption.com/upgrade.php.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

13. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

Language Littles Russian (Anna) - Only $38.95
Language Littles will introduce foreign language to children from kindergarten through grade school. When one hand is pressed, the doll will recite a series of greetings and phrases, in a friendly human voice. When the other hand is pressed, the doll will count, recite colors, numbers, days of the week, etc., in both English and a foreign language. What's more, the inflection and language will be a perfect translation. Each doll is equipped with a sophisticated sound module safely and well concealed in the doll's stomach. Adults can rest assured that Language Littles meet all government safety standards. Learning really can be fun!

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/LIT00003.html.

For more adoption products, visit adoptionshop.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

14. COUNSEL FROM AN ADOPTEE

This section is not intended for search advise. It is meant to be an advise column for people with questions concerning their feelings, interested in the opinion of someone who can relate. The views expressed by this author is solely his own, and for which the author is responsible. The content within this column is not to be considered as professional medical, legal or behavioral health information to be used in diagnosis, treatment or actions that would require the consultation and/or services of a licensed, certified or accredited professional. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.

Question:

I am a birthmother. This has been the one thing that has marked my life for the last 12 years. I am now married and my husband and I cannot have children. We have started the process to adopt from Russia. I have a deep sense of sadness inside - not for the children I cannot have but for the child that I have loved so deeply for so long.

I want to know if there are other life-mothers out there that are adoptive moms. I feel like I just need to talk to someone - to put words to what it is I am feeling.

Thank you,

T. - Life-Mother to K.A. and adoptive mommy to Zachary waiting for us in Russia.

Answer:

T:

Even though you are not asking a question that I can answer, I have included your question, and I encourage other people in your situation to email me and I will forward the responses. I think this is an important issue, as I am sure it happens more than you hear about.

To our loyal readers, if you are in a similar situation, please email me your advice, and I will forward that and your contact information to T. It will be up to her at that point to contact you.

Happy holidays,

DB

Question:

My name is N., and I wrote a few months back about finding my birth mother. When I contacted her, she denied contact with me. I appreciate the advice but now need some more help.

I have written her a letter and scanned some pictures of myself, and I am not sure whether to send them or not. The letter just explains the reasons I have searched and that I would like to know the name of my biological father. I also made contact with her sister and niece (who are not suppose to know about me), but they recently informed me that we should cease all contact as to respect my b-mom's privacy. They explained if or when she decides to tell them about me, then we could have contact.

I'm 38 years old and already missed all those years with them. I feel they are wrong and we should get to know one another. They also informed me she was never married and I have no siblings. I feel they are my only other biological link, especially as to who I may look like.

I'm at a loss; any suggestions?

Thank you,

N.

Answer:

N.

I do not think you should send your biological mother photos unless she asks for them. I do not object to sending her a letter explaining why you have searched, why you want contact with her and that you are also inquiring about your biological father. In my opinion, after she denied having contact with you, to send her photos is pushing it.

About her sister and niece, I do not think they are wrong in their choice. It is their choice, and they are taking your birth mother's wishes to heart. There is a reason she didn't tell them about you. Whether that reason is right or wrong, it doesn't matter. It is her reason and that is good enough for her and them. I think you need to respect that. I am sure it is a difficult decision for them to make. I would assume they probably want to get to know you as well. They just do not want to betray your birth mother's trust.

I would keep both parties updated with your current contact information, just in case they change their minds. Also, I do not see a problem sending your biological mother a letter, as long as you keep it to the pertinent information and do not drill her as to why she will not contact you, etc. Other than that, just give it time. What is meant to be, will be.

Happy holidays,

DB


BIO:

The author is a 21-year-old adoptee who wants to help those affiliated with the adoption community. Although the author does not have a medical degree, etc., he is simply extending a listening ear and the perspective of a young adult who is involved in the adoption triad.

His opinions are not necessarily those of Adoption.com and are provided voluntarily on a weekly basis.

To submit your questions, e-mail adoptionquestions2003@yahoo.com

In order for your questions/comments to be answered in the next week's issue, questions need to be submitted before 12 noon each Wednesday.

In addition, please remember to keep your questions appropriate for Adoption Week e-Magazine; otherwise, they will not be answered or included in the next week's edition.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

15. SPEAK OUT

In response to "Wife of Adoptee": - Dear Editor, I couldn't help feeling a twinge of sympathy for the husband of the lady who wrote the letter about her husband just sitting on the paperwork instead of going ahead with his search for information regarding his past.

I am a 52-year-old and waited until October 2003 to go ahead with my search. My adoptive parents are now deceased so I feel that I can delve without fear of them finding out and feeling hurt by my search. I understand that it really is the right of any child to have a family medical history, and although I had loving adoptive parents, my adoptive mother was extremely possessive and would have been devastated by even a hint of me wanting to know more. It must be difficult for non-adoptees to understand this way of thinking.

Perhaps the gentleman still has living adoptive parents and feels as I did. I have been lucky so far, in less than 2 months I received copies of my adoption papers, and now I have an adoption registrar going ahead with a search to locate my biological mother. Thanks for your magazine. Sincerely, Rita.

---------------------------------

This is in response to the wife of adoptee writer: The emotions that come along with finding out the heritage/medical information are what holds some of us back from searching. We've had a feeling of rejection all of our lives and to find out at the end of your search that your birth mother and/or family does not want to have anything to do with you is the worst fear of all. This possibility is what holds some of us back, I think. It is not the heritage/medical information you obtain, it is the emotional aspect that it carries, and a search can be very emotionally draining as well. I, as well, have all the paperwork to find out who my birth mother is, but I am sitting on it mostly for this fear of further rejection and not being wanted by those who should want you the most in life because this is a possible outcome. I hope this answers some of your questions. Be patient with your husband. Encourage him to do what is right for him at the time he sees fit for him...Lindsay

---------------------------------

Hello Wife of Adoptee, I am an adoptee who has been reunited with her birth family. I waited 36 years before I searched one reasons was I didn't know how to go about it. The second and most important reason it took me so long to decied to search was fear of being rejected again and concerns for not wanting to hurt thee adopted parents who raised and loved me with all their hearts. I went to counseling before I began my search and it helped me to chose whether or not I wanted to look or not.

---------------------------------

Hello: About three weeks ago, I posted how I had helped a co-worker find her mother. Several responded and I said I would try and help, most I got e-mails for, and the last few, I deleted by accident. One I remember was Angela Ferrell, I think. If you e-mailed me before, please e-mail me again so I can make sure I didn't miss anybody.Holidays and long hours at work have cut my search time. Today, I talked to my co-worker that I helped find her mother, and she found her dad yesterday (Dec. 19). What a holiday: mother before Thanksgiving and dad before Christmas. Keep praying and looking. I am no professional searcher; I just like helping others.
- payn5795@bellsouth.net

---------------------------------

Could you tell me for sure (if) in Longview, TX, Gregg County I could have a judge open the sealed adoption records to help find information where my biological brother might be? He is now 38y/o. he was adopted out by the state of Texas in the early 70's. I was told by an adoption professional that I could. Thank you. Sincerely, Brenda Morgan

---------------------------------

I was recently reunited with my bfather who has been living for years in the same city that I have been living. I contracted an agency to do the search for me, and they have done a great job. Still looking for bmother. Since she has such a common name it has been harder, but I trust in God that she will be found soon. On my father's side I have 4 sisters and a brother and 17 nephews. This just happened 2 weeks ago, and he still is kind of in shock. When we talk on the phone it's like we don't know what to talk about. I want to think that this is normal. We met and after we've talked twice on the phone, because he is too busy with work and it takes him a while to get the voicemails I leave him. I am going to visit my adoptive parents for New Years and will bring back some baby pictures to show him, hoping this will give us some time to talk more and get closer.

---------------------------------

Hi, I am looking for my daugther Staci Leah, born on Oct 6th 1985. She and a younger brother were adopted in around 1994 or 1995. They have an older brother and a sister, Lisa. We are looking everywhere. Staci was born in Manistee, Michigan. Younger brother, Derick was born in Traverse City, Michigan. Please, if anyone can help us to find Staci, contact me via e-mail, kcburson@hotmail.com. Thank You, Cindy

---------------------------------

Hi, I am searching for my husband's birthmom. He was born in Olathe, Kansas on 04-25-67. We obtained his original birth certificate, and it says his birthmother's name was Cassie Lou Fulk. She lived in Overland Park, Kansas and was 24 years old at that time. She was born in California. It is frustrating to have so much information and still not know how and where to search. In case she is looking for "Scott" (his name at birth), contact me by email at robinh@citlink.net, or call (928) 692-2799 and leave a message.

---------------------------------

David Blair is my birth name, and I am looking for my birthmother and birthsister. I was born 53 years ago today - 12/01/50. My sister was born in 1947. Our mother was 27 at the time of my birth. My maternal grandparents separated between 1935-1940. Since I was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., I assume all the above took place in the Metropolitan area. Anyone with any info regarding the Blair family please contact: RJSfootball@astound.net

---------------------------------

To Speak Out and share your opinion or a comment, or to respond to a message, e-mail editor@adoptionmedia.com

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

16. ADOPTION POETRY

17. ADOPTION CALENDAR

CHAT SCHEDULE:

Sunday:
Reunion Support Group Chat with Loretta in the Search and Reunion room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern

Monday:
Join Dr. Art Becker-Weidman in the hosted chat room at 2 pm Pacific, 3 pm Mountain, 4 pm Central, 5 pm Eastern and ask him questions on attachment therapy and treating children with trauma-attachment disorders.

Adoptee Chat with Thea in the hosted chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern. Thea is a caring adoptee that has recently reunited with her birthmother.

Tuesday:
Birth mom chat with Angelwings. Angel is a birthmom and adoptee. Her chat is held in the BirthMother.chat room at 4 pm Pacific, 5 pm Mountain, 6 pm Central, 7 pm Eastern

Birth father's General Support Chat in the hosted chat room with adoptee and birthfather, Terry. All are invited at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm central, 9 pm Eastern

Wednesday:
Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Hosted in Adoptive Parents chat room at 5 pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern.

Parenting issues for adoptive/foster parents with Dimasmom in FosterCare chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern.

Join an informative chat on the ups and downs of reunion hosted by Sabra since 1997. Talk out your next step and share your experiences in search and reunion at 7 pm Pacific, 8 pm Mountain, 9 pm Central, 10 pm Eastern in the Search and Reunion chat room.

Thursday:
Evening with Colleen Buckner, search expert, in Search and Reunion chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern.

Friday:
If you are having a "limbo" type experience with your reunion, come and talk it over with those who've "been there-done that" themselves. Join co-hosting birth mothers, April and Judy, in the Search and Reunion room on Fridays: 5 pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern.

Saturday:
Older child adoption/foster care behavioral issues with Jerry in FosterCare chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern.

For a listing of times and descriptions and to attend scheduled chats, or join the live chat, visit Forums.Adoption.com/Chat.

ADOPTION EVENTS:

PRE-ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP - Eight Tuesday Evenings
January 6 - Feb. 24 (7 pm - 9 pm)
San Jose
Resolve of Northern California
Explore your questions and concerns about adoption, and enjoy peer support while you learn about the adoption process. This support group provides information and support about the decision to adopt, and about all types of adoption. Led by Sara Lively, founder of Adoption Paths, an educational organization independent of any adoption agency. For more information and to register, call (831)476-7252 or visit http://www.AdoptionPaths.com.

EXPLORING ADOPTION: AN EDUCATIONAL SERIES - Four Saturday Afternoons
January 10 - 31 (3 pm - 5 pm)
Santa Cruz, California
Adoption Paths
Explore your questions and concerns along with other people who are interested in adopting. This educational series provides extensive and unbiased information about all types of adopting. Taught by Sara Lively, founder of Adoption Paths. For more information and to register, call (831)476-6252 or visit http://www.AdoptionPaths.com.

For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit Events.Adoption.com.

Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________

CALL FOR CONTENT
Adoption Week Magazine is looking for well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news, event announcements, product reviews, photos, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, job openings, letters to the editor, reviews of adoption websites, product recalls, information on adoption legislation, great deals on adoption and family-related products, other adoption-related content. To submit content, or if you would like to be interviewed or to nominate someone for an adoption service award, please visit AdoptionWeek.com.

TO ADVERTISE
Would you like to advertise in the Adoption Week e-mail magazine? Call 1-800-ADOPT-HERE or e-mail sales@adoption.com for more advertising information.

REFER IT
We hope you enjoyed this issue of Adoption Week e-Magazine and encourage you to forward it to others who might find this information useful.

TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE
If you want a free weekly e-mail subscription to Adoption Week e-Magazine, or would like to unsubscribe, visit AdoptionWeek.com.

DISCLAIMER
This e-magazine is provided as a free community service, and by using and reading it you agree to the terms and conditions as posted at AdoptionWeek.com. Adoption.com makes no warrantee about the accurateness of any information in this magazine, and does not endorse any adoption professional, adoption product or other adoption service. If you have received this e-mail erroneously, or do not agree to the terms of this disclaimer, please unsubscribe.