A Baby Step Adoption

Myths and Facts about Donor Eggs and Donor Sperm

2012-03-12T13:30:00.002-07:00

Here is a great article from Resolve.org, the National Infertility Association outlining some of the myths associated with using donor eggs and donor sperm to build your family. We at A Baby Step Adoption offer embryo donation and embryo adoption services. Please contact us at info@ababystepadoption.com if you would like more information on these services.

Myths about Donor Eggs and Donor Sperm

Talking to your Preschooler about Adoption

2012-03-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a great article from Adoptive Families magazine about how to talk to your preschooler about being adopted. When children reach the age of 3, they begin to get much more curious and are famous for asking lot of questions. Although preschoolers will understand very little of what adoption actually means, they will begin to understand some the language, concepts, and especially the emotional message of adoption-that they are loved! This is a great article that highlights 5 developmental tasks you can work through with your preschooler as well as encourage exploration.
Budding Curiousity- Talking with your Preschooler about Adoption

January and February Finalizations! : )

2012-02-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

Adoption Tax Credit Advocacy

2012-02-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

After December 31, 2012, the adoption tax credit will revert to a maximum credit of $6,000 for authorized adoption expenses, but only for special needs adoptions. In order to extend, or, make permanent, the current credit for all adopting parents, Congress must act this year. But because today's adoption tax credit was created as part of a larger tax reduction bill in 2001 (the Bush tax cuts) that expires on Dec. 31, 2012, the adoption community needs to begin educating members of Congress that making the adoption tax credit permanent has strong support in its own right, regardless of whether the larger tax cutting bill is renewed.

As a very good start in that process, the National Council for Adoption has put together a "Grassroots Advocacy Kit on the Adoption Tax Credit," which can be accessed here: https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/images/stories/NCFA_Adoption_Tax_Credit_Advocacy_Kit.pdf. The information and "how to" recommendations in the Advocacy Kit are useful and provide an excellent overview of the adoption tax credit. We are urging everyone to write personalized letters or send the sample letter in the Kit, to each of their Senators and to their Representative in the House expressing their strong support for making the current adoption tax credit permanent and available for all types of domestic and intercountry adoptions.

Without the adoption tax credit, many parents hoping to adopt will not be able to without great financial hardship and many others will not be able to adopt at all. Please make your voice heard in order to help make the adoption tax credit permanent!

We want to hear from you!

2012-02-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. As we think about our past clients and current clients we wonder how you and your families are doing. We would love to hear from you and your new experiences with your families. Post on our facebook wall or tweet us @ABabyStep.

Hope everyone is having a great week and we hope to hear from you soon!

More Families Created in 2011!

2012-01-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Celebrities Promoting Adoption :)

2011-12-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Check it out! "A Home for the Holidays" - inspiring adoption stories endorsed by celebrities like Justin Beiber and Mary J. Blige. On CBS this Wednesday from 8 - 9 PM.

http://www.cbs.com/shows/holiday_central/video/2176644413

More Summer Finalizations!

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the families' of Baby Boys Leif, Xavier and Christopher who finalized in August!

Summer Finalizations :)

2011-07-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Someone Else's Kid

2011-06-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Deciding to adopt can be a very difficult process for a couple. It is quite common for one partner to be more eager than the other. In the 2011 Adoption Guide Magazine, Jill Smolowe recounts her adoption experience with her husband. She tells readers that when the topic came up he would often refer to their prospective child as "someone else's kid." Thoughts like this, among factors such as; age, money, time, and family, can lead one partner in a relationship to be reluctant about adopting. Adoption Guide lists "7 Tips to Help Ease a Spouse's Reluctance."

1. Acknowledge your spouse's concerns and fears; try to listen with interest, not judgement.

2. Air and discuss the differences between you, rather than try to cover them up or smooth them over.

3. Don't take a spouse's initial reaction as the final word. When a subject is emotionally charged, people often say things they don't really mean.

4. Give a spouse time and space to consider issues as they arise; recognize that people approach change at different speeds.

5. Find a support group of other couples considering adoption. Hearing that they, too, have reservations may help both of you.

6. If your spouse isn't providing the support and encouragement you need to cope with the rocky adoption process, seek out a sympathetic friend or relative.

7. See a marriage counselor if you have trouble navigating any of these issues. A reluctant spouse may hear questions and advice better from a neutral observer.

Deciding to adopt is a very emotional process. It is important to remember that some people may take a bit longer to warm up to the idea. If you or your spouse are currently facing this issue in your adoption process, keep in mind that it is very normal to feel this way.

ABSA is here to support families through every stage of the adoption process. We strive to create happy families and are here to assist in any way that we can. :)

More Families Created in 2011! :)

2011-06-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hello from ABSA! :)

2011-06-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

ABSA Commercial

2011-05-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

A Baby Step Adoption recorded its first commerical that can be found on youtube. It features Jen Sullivan (caseworker), Barbara Casey (director), a mother who adopted a child through our agency, and a birthmother.

Embryo and Surrogacy Adoptions Now Available at ABSA

2011-05-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

         Aside from domestic adoptions, ABSA now offers embryo and surrogacy adoptions. Embryo adoption is an option for women or couples who would like to adopt but would also like to have the pregnancy experience. Once matched with an embryo donation family, 2-3 embryos are inserted into the uterus. There is a greater risk of multiple births with this option since there are generally 2-3 good quality embryos transferred at a time.
        This form of adoption allows for a woman or a couple to have the full pregnancy experience. This includes bonding with your baby before he/she is born, feeling the kicks in your belly, ultrasound visits, and the option to breastfeed once the baby is born.
         As in other adoption options, embryo adoptions can also be closed or open cases. There are also options for semi-open or semi-anonymous embryo adoptions. Regardless of which option is preferred, the adoptive parents are provided with information about the donors. This information includes; physical characteristics, ethnic background, education level, family medical history, and the state in which the donor resides.

For more information on embryo adoptions or donations visit the website of the National Embryo Donation Center at:

www.embryodonation.org & www.embryoconnection.org

Parachute Packer Calendars

2011-04-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

We would like to make you all aware of a new product just out on the market that you may find extremely beneficial to you as parents or parents to be. One of our very own adoptive parents created a set of 5 calendars to serve as a helpful parenting resource. Each one is packed with over 400 creative ideas to promote the healthy development and positive well being of your child. Each calendar starts with your child's birth month and continues through a full year. There is a Newborn, One-Year Old, Two-Year Old, Three-Year Old, and Four-Year Old Year. You choose the one that matches the age of your child. The calendars have many features that make it a keepsake for you and your child as well.

Check out the website at http://www.parachutepackers.com/ to find out more info.

We hope you all take advantage of such a great product!

Revealing an Adoption Scam: CBS Evening News

2011-03-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

After years of infertility issues, a local Philadelphia family turned to Adoption as the final answer to build their family. Upon being matched with a Birthmother due with twins, the family rode an emotional roller coaster only to realize they were being scammed for their money. CBS revealed this Adoption scam artist last night on the Evening News.

Families created in 2011 :)

2011-03-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

We are proud to say that we have finalized over 10 adoptions so far this year! Below are some of our very happy families.

We look forward to many more this year...

Last Finalizations for 2010 :)

2011-01-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

In December, we created four new families to bring in the New Year!

HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEARS TO EVERYONE FROM A BABY STEP! :)

Adoption Tax Credit Update

2010-12-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, December 17th, the Adoption Tax Credit was extended to go through December 31st, 2012. The refundability of the credit still ends December 31st, 2011. For 2012, the credit will be the old adoption credit, with adjustment for inflation.

Adopting is very pricey, and it looks like Congress is trying to help where they can. This is great news for all of our adoptive families!

Here they are, 12 Babies of Christmas!

2010-12-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

From all over the US, the 12 Babies of Christmas:

1. Gabriella (Nevada)
2. Faith (California)
3. Francisco (New Mexico)
4. Christian (Pennsylvania)
5. Piper (Pennsylvania)
6. Randy (Pennsylvania)
7. Emma (Pennsylvania)
8. Twins Bennett and Isabelle (Oklahoma)
9. Darragh (Pennsylvania)
10. Lauren (Maine)
11. Nicholas (Nevada)
12. Joseph (Iowa)

Happy Holidays to our new families :)

12 Babies of Christmas

2010-12-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Rather than celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, this year we are celebrating the 12 Babies of Christmas!

Just this month, we have created 12 new families, including a miracle baby that has surpassed all expectations. We are also working hard to finalize adoptions before the year ends, with five finalizations in the last week of December.

This holiday season, we have a place in our hearts for our newly created families and the brave birth mothers.

Happy Holidays from A Baby Step!

Yesterday's Finalizations :)

2010-12-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we brought together two new families. Just in time for the holidays!

Documenting your Adoption Story

2010-11-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

During a “first meet” with a birthmother and adoptive family, I came across a neat idea that caught my attention. The mother of the adoptive family had kept a scrapbook of her first adoption through China. She took at least one picture of her new child each day, and at the end of the year, put together a collage book with all of these pictures. She explained to the birthmother that this is something she planned to do again, with her new adopted child, and would share with the birthmother in the future.

Documenting the first year of life with your adopted child and/or your actual adoption process can really contribute to making this process even more special. It will not only be a great way to share the story with the birthmother but also a very touching way to share adoption with your child as they grow.

Here are some ideas:

Diary/Journal: Write down your thoughts during the adoption process to help express your feelings, needs, and worries.

Photobook: Taking photos and putting them together for your family, and maybe even sharing this with the birthmother. Check out Shutterfly for creative ways to compile photos.

Scrapbook: A mixture of your thoughts and photos together in one book, a great way to share with others.

Blog: Share your story through the web as there are many people out there who can relate.

Happy National Adoption Month!

2010-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Congress has recognized November as National Adoption Month, a month devoted to raising awareness for the adoption of children in foster care as well as to celebrate children and families involved in adoption. In our foster care system today, there are more than 423,000 children with about 114,000 of them waiting to be adopted by a loving family.

Dedicating a specific day to events to help these children, November 20th is National Adoption Day.

Some National Adoption Day facts:

Over 30,000 needy children have joined permanent, or 'forever', families
In 2009, almost 5,000 adoptions were finalized through more than 325 National Adoption Day events
Events take place in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico

Congress plans on devoting $1.9 B in taxypayer money to assisting these children in need find families and encourages citizens to consider foster care adoption as a possibility.

Please help support these children in need!

For more information on details and events, visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/ and http://www.adoptuskids.org/nam/

Today's Finalizations :)

2010-11-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Once again, we had a great day in court of bringing families together. Here are some of the happy faces!

The federal adoption tax credit. Are you eligible?

2010-11-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

To help ease the cost of adoption, the federal adoption tax credit was increased to $10,000 in 2001, today worth $13,170 for each adoption attempt. This credit does not eliminate the initial need for financing but eventually helps with the overall financial burden of adopting. However, adoptive parents are often confused whether or not they are eligible for this credit. Adoptive parents can usually claim the credit for the year of the adoption finalization, even if some expenses were incurred the year before.

Here are some specifics that describe the eligibility of the tax credit:

For families with special needs adoptions, this bill provides “flat credit”, meaning the parents are eligible for full credit regardless of their expenses.
For parents taking advantage of their employer’s adoption assistance benefits, the bill has an income exclusion which allows parents to exclude these benefits from their net income.
For lower income families, the tax credit is now completely refundable. This means if the family’s “qualified expenses” exceed their tax liability, they receive the difference in their refund.
What are qualified expenses? These are directly related to the adoption and are reasonable as well as necessary. Such expenses include agency and attorney fees, court costs, travel, and costs associated with a failed domestic adoption. These expenses do not include those reimbursed by an employer or funded by a government program.
For families with a combined income of about $180,000 or more, the maximum available credit is greatly reduced.

Here is an example: Adoptive parents spend $15,000 on qualified expenses, so they are eligible to claim the full credit of $13,170. The remaining $1,830 can then be excluded from the family’s taxable income if one of their employers provided adoption benefits.

All good things can come to an end. As the bill is set to expire in December 2011, make sure to find out if your Congressperson supports the bill at Thomas.loc.gov and search “Adoption tax”. If not, write to them with your personal story including costs, hardships, and a picture of your new family.

Annest, Janna J. “How does the tax credit work? Am I eligible?” Adoptive Families. Dec. 2010, Page 11.

On the Today Show: Helpusadopt.org

2010-11-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

As we all know, adopting is a finanicial strain for most, if not all, adoptive parents. Luckily, there are people and organizations out there willing to help.

The charitable organization, Helpusadopt.org, grants adoptive parents with thousands of dollars each year. The organization was started by Becky and Kipp Fawcett, an adoptive family that spent plenty of time and money on the adoption process themselves, and now dedicates their time to helping others in the same boat.

Check out Becky Fawcett on the Today Show:

Adoption Finalizations

2010-11-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, on October 27th, 2010, we were thrilled to finalize adoptions for three happy families, and their new little addition.

The start of our blog

2010-08-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

A Baby Step Adoption is blessed with a wide variety of staff and caseworkers. Each of us has a story to tell. We have started this blog to share our story. Every day in adoption is different. Every day is unique. Throughout the years of adoption, we have shared laughs, plenty of tears, and amazing joy. Throughout the coming months, you will see posts from all staff, that will tell a current story or a glimpse of a past one. We hope to give you an insight into the life of adoption. It really is an amazing one.