[joskids]

Sounds like you have made the best decision at this time. I know it is disappointing for you and I'm sorry that things did not improve in terms of your child's bio mother getting her act together.

I did open up the adoption of our daughter with the bio mother who lost her rights when our daughter was 20 mos. old. She also had substance abuse issues and even nursed our daughter using drugs/alcohol. BUT, for the last couple of years, we have slowly gotten to know each other. We respect each other completely. She ALWAYS refers to us as our daughter's parents, even though it may hurt her to do so at times. You cannot maintain an open adoption with a woman who does not respect you as the mother of your child. It's not your issue, it's hers. Obviously, you'd like things to be different for your child, but you cannot change this woman who has gone on this long not making the choice to leave the alcohol and drugs by the wayside and care first for her children. I'm hoping her daughter does not stay in a home where she is likely abused and neglected.

Josie