You know, I'm totally FOR you adopting a baby or child, right? Good, because I want you to take some loving and fun POINTERS from this Momma who has adopted (or has been matched) 4 times in under 6 months each time! First adoption was 10 days, second was just about 6 months and third was 2 months till we were matched and 9 weeks later Cece was born. With the Twins adoption, we had ZERO wait- we weren't even really ready but, our digital book was and it was chosen over 10 others bc It was RIGHT for HER and RIGHT for US too! 8 days later we had twins!!! ( learn more about our adventures by checking out our pages or our PODCAST on the Adoption Now Radio Show)!
SO, I'm giving these pointers as a play on this awesome Dr. Laura Book SO, take this in a Light Hearted way. If you know me- you know I'm a bit funny and jest here and there a bit. ( there is also a MEN's version of the book too) Mostly I'm writing this so, I don't have to keep repeating myself to unsuspecting and under-educated new adoptive hopefuls. These things come from a 14.5 year devotion to adoption advocacy, parenting, working with birth parents and running the non-profits for adoption which is heavily involved in birth parent advocacy and support for over 11 years. ( FSA/ UFA/CAFC) AND what BIRTH PARENTS have told me and others about Profile Books.
MOST BOOKS get shut after Page 1 or 2! Believe it or not-You really only have ONE SHOT to connect with your Emom. So, Be Truthful and Authentic!
*disclaimer: no two expectant parents are alike- all will be looking for someone or something different and there are NO guarantees that if you follow these pointers that you will "get a baby" within the time frames that worked for us. You have to JUST BE YOU and be Genuine and Trust in the Process.
DON'T...
10. MAKE PROMISES/ TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE -
Unless you are fortune teller/ intuitive please refrain from going in to much depth about what you will and won't do as parents/ with you relationship with Expectant mom etc. It's just bad form- Tell them what you HAVE done already. Proof is what you have already accomplished! It's obviously okay to say a few things about your future plans for intangible things like " Your baby will be cuddled daily, taught to love everyone etc". Just be careful not to Over promise when you are writing our your profile. Keep the Birth parents in mind and where they will fit into your life and the baby's life as well.
9. BE TOO VAGUE- Saying "We love Ice Cream and We love the Outdoors" does not give the reader much insight or specifics on who you are so Be SPECIFIC and say" Mint chip in a waffle cone is my way to beat a HOT day after a long hike in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado" get my drift? Great- not get those details on each and every page.
8. REPEAT TOO OFTEN- No one wants to here that you love the beach and your dog on every other page or that your child will be cherished or I like Tacos repeated- so just go through your book and look at your letter and your closing page and everything in between. This is your chance to represent your true self in every word! Be Creative! Make your words Matter. Post different and genuine content in different places too. your Insta or FB should show more daily life and it's a chance to make a genuine connection.
7. LEAD W/ YOUR INFERTILITY- UGH, this happens too much- Remember who your Reader is- a woman or a couple facing unplanned pregnancy, a victim of rape, abuse, a younger or older woman who is finding her self in this very tough position of "Searching for Parents for HERbaby" So, although you want to share your heartache and story- save it for a later page or better yet- write that you will discuss it further in person, if she wishes to know. It's totally such a touchy subject but, for once- just put yourself in her state of mind for a second- your glamorous life spread out on a beautiful book while your opening words are " I have pcos and miscarried 3 times" or how you spent 60k and 8 years you will never see again" is just not a way to start off your letter and It's sad/ negative so START with engaging information about who YOU ARE and connecting with Her or Them ( the birth parents).
6. BRAG TOO MUCH/ TALK ABOUT MONEY-
It's wonderful you have two boats and go to Hawaii every year because the Expectant mom is looking for a blissful , fun life for sure but, after like 6 pages of all vacations and THINGS or too much of your giant house- it yet again, feels intimidating and maybe, just maybe she can't envision herself in your wild and fun life ( or her child for that matter) seems too Good for me or too good to be true. And NEVER talk about money- ever. EXPERIENCES are wonderful to share THINGS not so much
10. MAKE PROMISES/ TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE - Unless you are fortune teller/ intuitive please refrain from going in to much depth about what you will and won't do as parents/ with you relationship with Expectant mom etc. It's just bad form- Tell them what you HAVE done already. Proof is what you have already accomplished! It's obviously okay to say a few things about your future plans for intangible things like " Your baby will be cuddled daily, taught to love everyone etc". Just be careful not to Over promise when you are writing our your profile. Keep the Birth parents in mind and where they will fit into your life and the baby's life as well.
9. BE TOO VAGUE- Saying "We love Ice Cream and We love the Outdoors" does not give the reader much insight or specifics on who you are so Be SPECIFIC and say" Mint chip in a waffle cone is my way to beat a HOT day after a long hike in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado" get my drift? Great- not get those details on each and every page.
8. REPEAT TOO OFTEN- No one wants to here that you love the beach and your dog on every other page or that your child will be cherished or I like Tacos repeated- so just go through your book and look at your letter and your closing page and everything in between. This is your chance to represent your true self in every word! Be Creative! Make your words Matter. Post different and genuine content in different places too. your Insta or FB should show more daily life and it's a chance to make a genuine connection.
7. LEAD W/ YOUR INFERTILITY- UGH, this happens too much- Remember who your Reader is- a woman or a couple facing unplanned pregnancy, a victim of rape, abuse, a younger or older woman who is finding her self in this very tough position of "Searching for Parents for HERbaby" So, although you want to share your heartache and story- save it for a later page or better yet- write that you will discuss it further in person, if she wishes to know. It's totally such a touchy subject but, for once- just put yourself in her state of mind for a second- your glamorous life spread out on a beautiful book while your opening words are " I have pcos and miscarried 3 times" or how you spent 60k and 8 years you will never see again" is just not a way to start off your letter and It's sad/ negative so START with engaging information about who YOU ARE and connecting with Her or Them ( the birth parents).
6. BRAG TOO MUCH/ TALK ABOUT MONEY-
It's wonderful you have two boats and go to Hawaii every year because the Expectant mom is looking for a blissful , fun life for sure but, after like 6 pages of all vacations and THINGS or too much of your giant house- it yet again, feels intimidating and maybe, just maybe she can't envision herself in your wild and fun life ( or her child for that matter) seems too Good for me or too good to be true. And NEVER talk about money- ever. EXPERIENCES are wonderful to share THINGS not so much
( pictures of your cars are not necessary guys!)
5. BE A POSER- Too many posed pictures and no candid pics are a no-go! If everything is so posed and perfect all the time- it feels too intimidating or like your hiding somethings ( like your organic true selves) So put in those phone pictures or ones where you aren't directly making eye contact but interactions are happening. ACTION photos are even better- show us your wake board skills or your FLIPS or your tumbling playful selves. Here's one I love in our home just cooking with my oldest!
So, share like the WIND - LOTS OF PICTURES please but, not so many that every pose looks like a repeat of the last picture. Pictures are connection points and USUALLY why someone connects to a Couples FIRST. One Birth mom said she Immediately loved her Ap's because she saw He had on a Metallica T-shirt on . Others say it was the Dog they always wanted, where they vacationed as a kid, they saw the life they always wished for as a child but, never had, the noses, the hair, the intangible things that drew them in and they formed opinions about this couple immediately. Pretty crazy but, it's true! A picture is worth a 1000 words, right?
4.TALK ABOUT YOUR BABY- So yeah, this child is HER baby- not yours until papers are signed so, do not refer to the baby as YOURS like " we will love our child as though it was our own"- gag me please now! And BTW you better love this child like a million times more -lol. And do not call her a birth mom in your profile- she is not a birth mom until the act of placing happens. She is a woman and mother just not a birth mother yet. It's a title all birth moms hold very sacred.
3. NOT CROP YOUR PHOTOS - GET CLOSE UP!
Real connections start with your eyes and your smiles! LET'S SEE them ( just not every picture needs to be posed)- here's a GREAT example off of parentprofiles.com ( and yes they are available- so cute!)
2. HAVE A FUZZY/ UNPROFESSIONAL OPENING PIC OF YOU-
Worst thing ever - don't do it- even if you do look perfect in that dress you love- if its not clear or looks dull- save it for another spot in your slides/book/profile. Set up a quick photo shoot with your local photographer for your adoption profiles pics/ head shots- spend the money - its worth it. Let's see those EYES!
And might I add- MAKE IT POP and not like everyone else out there you see!
5. BE A POSER- Too many posed pictures and no candid pics are a no-go! If everything is so posed and perfect all the time- it feels too intimidating or like your hiding somethings ( like your organic true selves) So put in those phone pictures or ones where you aren't directly making eye contact but interactions are happening. ACTION photos are even better- show us your wake board skills or your FLIPS or your tumbling playful selves. Here's one I love in our home just cooking with my oldest!4.TALK ABOUT YOUR BABY- So yeah, this child is HER baby- not yours until papers are signed so, do not refer to the baby as YOURS like " we will love our child as though it was our own"- gag me please now! And BTW you better love this child like a million times more -lol. And do not call her a birth mom in your profile- she is not a birth mom until the act of placing happens. She is a woman and mother just not a birth mother yet. It's a title all birth moms hold very sacred.
3. NOT CROP YOUR PHOTOS - GET CLOSE UP!
2. HAVE A FUZZY/ UNPROFESSIONAL OPENING PIC OF YOU-
Worst thing ever - don't do it- even if you do look perfect in that dress you love- if its not clear or looks dull- save it for another spot in your slides/book/profile. Set up a quick photo shoot with your local photographer for your adoption profiles pics/ head shots- spend the money - its worth it. Let's see those EYES!
And might I add- MAKE IT POP and not like everyone else out there you see!
And Last but certainly not least ( in fact this is usually the FIRST thing an Expectant mom or parent sees)...
1. BOMBARD YOUR EXPECTANT PARENT LETTER WITH MORE than 1 of THESE SENTENCES/Statements:
"Dear Birth Mother,"
- she is not a birth mom until placement. As my good birth mom friends said- some women in crisis have not even admitted to themselves that they are pregnant, let alone placing their baby yet. Address your letter as if you were speaking to a friend. Suggestions were " Hello there! Hi, We are the____, Dear Expectant parents, Dear Expectant mom, We are_____ etc. Get creative and again Be genuine.
" I can't imagine what you must be going through"-
DUH your not in her shoes so just don't say it. ( if you must say this- follow up with REAL meaning) Remember once is enough.
"I know this is such a hard decision"
- another one _ really? you think so?
" Words can't Express how grateful we are that you are looking at our profile book/ Considering us"
-everyone says this and you are RIGHT words can't express this- at all. s They know you will be grateful. But, a E mom is not "grateful" that she is in this position and having to make this choice at all. This wasn't Her plan so, although you are grateful- and you mean well, it's like you are saying " I'm grateful you got unexpectedly pregnant and will have to rip your heart out now" UGH too much. Try and wording it a bit differently if you use this expression.
"this is such a difficult time for you" .-sure is!
"We know that you probably feel a lot of different emotions right now, ( how'd you guess?) not all of them may be so easy. ( yup)
" We want to first say thank you for considering an adoption plan. We
realize that it takes a great deal of courage, love and selflessness to
make this decision"
( everyone is saying these same things- and YES it doesn't take courage but, guess what- part of why someone chooses to place has nothing to do with adoptive parents- it has to do with where an EM is at in her life and situations not concerning AP's- frankly! It's all about the baby She is carrying and it's future) If you use this one- again- make it in your own fashion of words.
" If you choose to place your baby with us, we will always be grateful that you trusted us with the most precious gift that life has to offer. You would make our dreams of becoming parents come true. ( um, every adoptive couple feels this way- it's not unique to you and don't assume every reader will want to hear that their baby is a "GIFT" like something you can register for at Nordstrom or Target. Yes, there is an act of giving involved but it's called PLACING a child with another not Giving a Child away.)
Remember ONE of these type of phrase is Enough. You can add a tad of it in the beginning letter or the closing letter but, Be sincere and BEST OF LUCK! You will be matched with the right situation one day, if you don't give up and truly come to Understand that you can't do this whole Parenting thing without Her or them. Such a Honor and Sacred Trust we Hold.
SO these are Some TOP 10 Stupid things People do to Mess Up Profiles! Now YOU are informed and can write your letters/ profiles and all things geared towards expectant parents with more LOVE, understanding and clarity.
As Always, Love you all so much
* And I hope you find your DREAMS will COME true in and out of Adoption. Also, Remember to Pray for guidance as you write these very important words ( or meditate to mother Earth- whatever floats your boat!)
~CC
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK and Birth moms - any thing I'm missing???? Comment!
1. BOMBARD YOUR EXPECTANT PARENT LETTER WITH MORE than 1 of THESE SENTENCES/Statements:
"Dear Birth Mother,"
- she is not a birth mom until placement. As my good birth mom friends said- some women in crisis have not even admitted to themselves that they are pregnant, let alone placing their baby yet. Address your letter as if you were speaking to a friend. Suggestions were " Hello there! Hi, We are the____, Dear Expectant parents, Dear Expectant mom, We are_____ etc. Get creative and again Be genuine.
" I can't imagine what you must be going through"-
DUH your not in her shoes so just don't say it. ( if you must say this- follow up with REAL meaning) Remember once is enough.
"I know this is such a hard decision"
- another one _ really? you think so?
" Words can't Express how grateful we are that you are looking at our profile book/ Considering us"
-everyone says this and you are RIGHT words can't express this- at all. s They know you will be grateful. But, a E mom is not "grateful" that she is in this position and having to make this choice at all. This wasn't Her plan so, although you are grateful- and you mean well, it's like you are saying " I'm grateful you got unexpectedly pregnant and will have to rip your heart out now" UGH too much. Try and wording it a bit differently if you use this expression.
"this is such a difficult time for you" .-sure is!
"We know that you probably feel a lot of different emotions right now, ( how'd you guess?) not all of them may be so easy. ( yup)
 |
| Is that what you really meant to say? |
( everyone is saying these same things- and YES it doesn't take courage but, guess what- part of why someone chooses to place has nothing to do with adoptive parents- it has to do with where an EM is at in her life and situations not concerning AP's- frankly! It's all about the baby She is carrying and it's future) If you use this one- again- make it in your own fashion of words.
" If you choose to place your baby with us, we will always be grateful that you trusted us with the most precious gift that life has to offer. You would make our dreams of becoming parents come true. ( um, every adoptive couple feels this way- it's not unique to you and don't assume every reader will want to hear that their baby is a "GIFT" like something you can register for at Nordstrom or Target. Yes, there is an act of giving involved but it's called PLACING a child with another not Giving a Child away.)
Remember ONE of these type of phrase is Enough. You can add a tad of it in the beginning letter or the closing letter but, Be sincere and BEST OF LUCK! You will be matched with the right situation one day, if you don't give up and truly come to Understand that you can't do this whole Parenting thing without Her or them. Such a Honor and Sacred Trust we Hold.
SO these are Some TOP 10 Stupid things People do to Mess Up Profiles! Now YOU are informed and can write your letters/ profiles and all things geared towards expectant parents with more LOVE, understanding and clarity.
As Always, Love you all so much
* And I hope you find your DREAMS will COME true in and out of Adoption. Also, Remember to Pray for guidance as you write these very important words ( or meditate to mother Earth- whatever floats your boat!)
~CC
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK and Birth moms - any thing I'm missing???? Comment!
