[JPDakota]

I have never been in your shoes. As an adoptive parent I can give my view. I would never have considered adopting a child whose mother wanted to and was able to parent. It just would not have been right. As an adoptee, I think would have been very disappointed if my birth parents had changed their mind right after relinquishment and didn't make that known or do anything about it.
You should parent your child unless there are no other options. There are lots of resources out there for you and your baby, and with a supportive family you'll do fine. Parenting is pretty scary at any age, by the way. You'll be great because your primary concern is your child.

Edited to add a clarification.

[taramayrn]

You will be a great mother!!!!

[Marimar]

I am sooo happy for you.
Congratulations on being a mom.. With the support of your family you can do it.. And I bet your parents will also love and cherish every moment with their grandchild.

[BethanyB]

I adopted my two kids and I am a single mom. Single moms can be great moms! It may be a bit more challenging but if you have some family there to help once in a while that is wonderful!

I'm so happy for you and your baby!

[famousgloria9]

JUST ANOTHER UPDATE!

Again, thanks for all the support and advice! I am taking it all in and am really happy with my decision. I cant wait to bring her home! I have been doing research into daycares in my area since I will be returning to school in the fall. My sister is super excited that Emma is going to be coming home, she plans on spoiling her!

Just a few more questions:

1) Since I kept the pregnancy a secret for so long, no one besides my parents and sister knew about it. Now that I have decided to keep my daughter, I have to tell the rest of my family. Any ideas on how to tell them? How to explain to them the situation I was in and that I was terrified?

2) Does anyone know if there is finiacial support for single parents for daycare?

3) How about financial support for me when it comes to school? Any good websites that are directed to single parents as far as scholarships or other things of that nature?


Again, thanks for everything!


--Kate and Emma Paige

[BethanyB]

I would go online and do a search for daycare assistance in your area. My area has assistance for daycare for families that meet income requirements. Check that out. There are also programs out there for housing as well if you meet the income requirements.

I would contact your college and ask them about scholarships for single moms. They should have access to a lot of info that can help you.

[ckbqb77]

see if your school has daycare too! some do.

I am so excited for you 2, Kate and Emma Paige (LOOOOVE her name, by the way!)!!!!!!!!!

[JustPeachy]

1) Since I kept the pregnancy a secret for so long, no one besides my parents and sister knew about it. Now that I have decided to keep my daughter, I have to tell the rest of my family. Any ideas on how to tell them? How to explain to them the situation I was in and that I was terrified?

Just be honest and direct. What you said above is perfectly fine. You were terrified, so you kept the pregnancy to yourself, but now you are thrilled to be a mom and would like them to meet your little girl.

Could your mom also inform some of the family?? I'm sure once the family busybody knows (and there's at least one in every family!) word will get around fast, so maybe you won't have to do much explaining and calling at all.

Best of luck to you and your new baby!

[mygrl4meee]

I am so happy that you decided to raise your daughter. Check the ymca for child care assistance, they go by income.
When will you bring her home?

[taramayrn]

I know this isn't very personal, but what if you send out a birth announcement to share the news?

[dpen6]

Have you picked up your daughter yet?

[agathaj]

I am soooo pleased you are parenting. Trust that the good times will out weigh the difficult times. I almost guarantee that you will not be alone forever and that a wonderful man will come along and you will both be fantastic parents. /blessings to you! BTW I know fantastic teenaged parents.

[famousgloria9]

First of all, all of you are so encouraging and make me feel so much better about my choices!!

Emma will be coming home within the next week. I just want to get everything ready for her before she comes home!

After she comes home, I will begin to tell the rest of my family. My parents are supporting me but I have chosen to tell my family myself- without my parents help-I want to handle it as an adult and allow for them to ask me questions if there are any (and Im sure there are). Im sure they will all adore her especially after they see her!

Im really looking forward to having her home! My sister leaves for college soon and I want them to have some time together before she leaves... during the fall semester itll be hard for my sister to come home because she has a scholarship for athletics, but I can always bring Emma to see my sister at one of her games!

So again, as usual, thanks for the support! It really means a lot to me. And Im sure Emma would thank you as well!!

[kakuehl]

My parents are supporting me but I have chosen to tell my family myself- without my parents help-I want to handle it as an adult and allow for them to ask me questions if there are any

My mother would never have been able not to tell... She busily told everyone when I placed my son for adoption. Sigh! If I had changed my mind she would have shouted it from the mountain tops!

Always remember that today is the only day you have! Enjoy each and every day with all its challenges. Emma will grow so fast! Relax and enjoy. You have support from your family. We are here if you need to vent!

Now for practical advice! Have you checked with you college financial office and counseling services? They may well be able to help you or to point you in the right direction. Check with pregnancy crisis centers, they may have infant seats etc to loan.

Congratulations! Your choice will not be easy, but trust me adoption is not easy either...

[dpen6]

I am very hapy for you and know and have confidence you will make a great mom.

Enjoy her ...they grow very fast!