[EmilyNchains]

Please at least talk to your local HUD housing office, WIC center, and Food Stamp/welfare office. You would be amazed at how much they can help you. With monthly TANEF (cash assistance), and food stamps, and subsidised housing and/or daycare, you don't need a dime or a job, and you can raise your son yourself. Lot's of community colleges can help you finish your degree, and depending on your financial need, offer free or sliding-fee daycare. Please look into your other options BEFORE signing away your parental rights. Open adoptions aren't garunteed to stay open, and you never know what could happen. Please do some research in the search/reunion section oƒ this site too, to see what some adoptees go through when trying to reconnect with a birthparent. Remember- a birthparent never forgets!

[srosalia]

I've seen both sides.
Let God and your heart guide you.

[73mach1]

I just want to update veryone as to everything that has gone on. I met with a couple that I chose through some profiles. They seemed very nice. There were so many similarities between me and the couple. They had been trying for 14 years to have a child of their own and decided they wanted to adopt a child. I met with them and they seemed very nice and we got along very well. I decided on the spot that they were the couple I wanted my son to live with. We came up with an agreement that they would send me pictures and letters directly and I can send presents and such. The same day after I met with them, I signed the papers that were to be sent to the courts terminating my rights. It is sad, but I do feel this is the right decision. The day after I met the couople, I placed my son with them. They named him Jacob, which I had given him as his middle name. I miss him, but they are taking very good care of him. The foster family had given me a lot of pictures from while he was in their care.

[taramayrn]

((((HUGS)))) Please know I'll be thinking of you during this difficult time.

[srosalia]

My heart is with yours.
It's so hard to know what to do.
With God's help and your heart you do what is best for your child.

[EmmaLeigh2882]

Keeping you in my prayers, I know your heart will need time to heal, I hope you can find peace!

[SchmennaLeigh]

You're also in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

[ATDx2006]

My prayers are with you. I know how difficult it is, but if you felt it was the right decision, it probably is. I believe very strongly that parents intuition helps guide you to adoption. I know that it did in my case. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. I know you don't know me, but sometimes talking to someone who has been through it...

[srosalia]

I couldn't agree more with you.
Very well said.

[73mach1]

Well, it's been two weeks today since I placed my son with his adoptive family. I just received some pictures from them yesterday. I was kind of surprised that I got some already. We had agreed on 3 times a year, but they did say they would like to send them more often, I just wasn't sure how soon they would start sending them. They say that he already weighs 11 pounds and is 24 inches long, and he is only 5 weeks old! He's been lifting his head up since he was 3 weeks old. He's taking his pacifier in and out of his mouth by himself too.

[EmmaLeigh2882]

Its great that you updated us... Please continue your healing and sharing with us!

[bromanchik]

Originally Posted by 73mach1

Well, it's been two weeks today since I placed my son with his adoptive family. I just received some pictures from them yesterday. I was kind of surprised that I got some already.

He sounds like a strong, beautiful boy. And the adoptive parents sound sweet. Can you send them letters/pictures too?

[happygmom]

It is so good of you to send updates and let us know that you are doing okay. Hang in there and don't be afraid to share the tough times too. There are a lot of people here who care about you and want to help.

Congratulations!

Happy G'Ma

[childrenslove]

Originally Posted by 73mach1

Hi...I am only 20 and recently gave birth to my son. I did not know that I was pregnant (I had no symptoms except for not having my period), which should have been a giveaway, but I just thought it was from being stressed at school. I have not told any of my family members, and there is no father for this baby. I know that the right thing to do would be to give him up for adoption, but I held him the whole time he was in the hospital and can't stand being away from him. I do not know how I would even begin to tell my parents of this. I am so lost on what to do.

Hello,
Honey the only one that can make the decision is you! It is hard. We have 2 lovely girls through foster care and we will be adopting them. You are thinking of the baby and that is great. Also stop and think of yourself. Hope everything goes your way and I am here to help I am 23 and happily married with 5 foster children that is a little about me. Take care!!!

[73mach1]

Originally Posted by bromanchik

He sounds like a strong, beautiful boy. And the adoptive parents sound sweet. Can you send them letters/pictures too?

Yes, I can send them letters, pictures, e-mails, I can also send presents for him anytime I wish.