January 01, 2014

Adoption News Round-up

In a fitting story for an end of the year round-up, this Minnesota family is still fighting against Putin’s anti-adoption law in Russia, one year after it was enacted. It was devastating to watch so many families and children have their adoptions comes to a hault, but it is inspiring to see that some are not backing down and are continuing to fight for their family and their children.

Today.com ran a beautiful piece from a birth mother who reflects on this past year as the first since she placed her son in an open adoption. The editor notes: One year ago, Callie Mitchell Chadderdon made the agonizing decision to let her infant son Leo be adopted by Kristen and Brian Doud. Chadderdon, 26, chronicled her pregnancy and the open adoption to the Douds in a story she wrote and photographed for the Daily Iowan newspaper. Leo recently celebrated his first birthday. Chadderdon reflects on the past year and her relationship with the Douds.

Recently on MSNBC, a host was discussing Mitt Romney’s family Christmas card, which included his adopted grandson who also happens to be black. This brought on some very unsavory commentary by the MSNBC staff, which callously called out the little boy as being different. April Dinwoodle, a transracial adoptee, wrote a passionate op-ed for CNN about this situation, bringing to light excellent points about the protection and support transracial adoptees need.

And here is that anchor’s response and apology. What do you think? Is this good enough? Was her behavior truly offensive, or are we just an over-sensitive culture?

This girl reunites with her birth father…who didn’t even know she existed. It’s heartwarming to see how happy he is!

Have you heard of attachment parenting? Some of these tips are great for adoptive parents, especially those working on attachment with their new baby.

This TED talk is incredibly inspiring. Want to be happy? Be grateful.

There’s a lot to be grateful for as we move into 2014…what are you most grateful for? Do you have any special resolutions or intentions as you move into the new year?