My husband, Tommy, and I were married in 1999. We were both 29 years old. We had season tickets to LSU football and baseball games. We went to every home game and several away games. We decided we would wait one year then get pregnant. We planned the month we would conceive and the month between seasons we would birth our first child. Neither happened. Days turned into months and months turned into years, and we eventually sought fertility treatments. Through the years of infertility, I … [Read more...]
Setting Limits with your Foster or Adopted Child
So many families that I have the honor of working with describe the immense amount of joy they have experienced through fostering and/or adopting; however, this does not come without its fair share of challenges. A question I am often asked in both clinic and private settings where I have worked with families who have fostered or adopted children is, “How do I set limits?” While every child is unique and there is no cookie-cutter approach to setting limits, I have a few tips for you to … [Read more...]
Matt and Lindsey: Expecting in their Hearts
The Galeys are kindhearted, full of anticipation for an adoption, and grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ. I had the opportunity to ask Matt and Lindsey some questions about themselves, their family, and their faith. As I got to know them I was struck by how important relationships seem to be to them, whether it was their families, each other, or God. “We are motivated by the Lord and trying to be the best people we can be, using the time we have here to help others and to make as … [Read more...]
An Adoption Consultant’s Adoption Experience
We had so many adoption experts participate in our Adoption Perspectives Conference in November who shared valuable information and resources for couples considering adoption, parents of adopted children, and people working to support birth mothers. Katie Manuel was at the conference and shared with us some of the wisdom she has gathered about the adoption process through her own two adoptions, and through her work with Christian Adoption Consultants. We had a chance to speak with her to get … [Read more...]
Taylor Gilbert Says be Proactive with Your Child’s Mental Health
Taylor Gilbert is a licensed clinical social worker and practices from Goodwood Counseling. She shared insights about raising adopted children at Adoption Perspectives Conference. Taylor has a passion for helping young children from 0 to 6 years old. She believes these years are the foundation for healthy development. “I feel so passionately that the earlier you can identify a problem and intervene, the sooner you can help a child succeed.” Taylor warns that the old idea that children … [Read more...]
Adoption Perspectives Conference a Success
Uplift Adoption Network held an event for anyone interested in adoption during National Adoption Month. Sponsored by On Point Legal, Adoption Perspectives Conference offered education and resources for adoptive parents, adoptees, and professionals who work with birth parents. There were talks that addressed how adoption affects us all, breakout sessions tailored for particular adoption needs, and a panel discussion where speakers answered audience questions. Plus five ministries and … [Read more...]