[Cjmeck]

I'm an adoptive mom; I hope its okay that I post here... I just wanted to offer you some words of encouragement! My little sister got pregnant at the age of 17, was a single mom. We live in Ohio and she received TONS of public assistance. It is incredible what single moms are entitled to! My nephew went to daycare for free, and my sister just graduated from college (for free as well!). YOU CAN DO THIS! Go to your local WIC office to start with. You can get formula for free (if you aren't breastfeeding) and they can guide you towards programs that you'll qualify for. Being a mom is hard at any age. We ALL have moments when we doubt overselves and our abilities. If I were you, I'd just send out birth announcements; don't feel like you owe anyone an explaination about the potential adoption stuff--its none of their business. Congrats Mommy!!

[Rondidondi]

I receive partial daycare assistance for my lil guy. I went to my local social services for that. They should be able to hook you up with food stamp, medical, and housing assistance if you qualify.
As the previous poster stated, apply for WIC as well. Formula is expensive! If you are breastfeeding I believe they give vouchers for cheese, juice and some other food items.
There should be grants available for school, both state and federal, I would talk with your college councelling department.
As for informing your family...I like the idea of a birth announcement. "Look who's new in our family!" Some will ask questions, simply say I had other plans for her, but realized I couldn't live without her in my arms everyday.
Again-I am so happy for you! Let us know how things are going! I think many of us are thinking about you!

[famousgloria9]

Thanks for all the advice. Things are going smoothly so far! My parents are excited and so is my sister! I am going to see my counselor tomorrow so we can talk about my plans some more and I also get to see Emma! I am so excited to see her. While Im there we will be figuring out exactly when Emma will be coming home!

I have applied for some scholarships for school, so hopefully Ill hear back soon about them. My neighbor has offered to watch Emma for free for the few hours a day that I will be spending at school in the fall.

Life is already better for me, I am happy and looking forward to spending time with Emma and watching her grow. I cant wait for her to be home. Tomorrow will be two weeks since I gave birth to her, so Im happy I will get to spend some time with her.

Ive decided that my immediate family (the ones I am close to) will be told about Emma from me- face to face. And the rest of the family I am not really going to worry about, because we only see them maybe once a year.. and Im sure through the grape vine they will hear, and if they want to come and get to know her, they can call. And for my community, Im not going to bother to tell them, its not any of their business. I will tell a few of my close friends and thatll be it.. everyone else can find out in their own time. I am only worried about my few friends, my close family, and of course Emma.

So as usual, thank you for everything, and as soon as it is decided when Emma will be home- I will let you all know, because I am sure I will be so excited that Ill have to tell!

[quantum]

Please do tell! It will be an amazing experience for you! NOt always easy, but I love being a mom to my little girls.

[taramayrn]

So glad the plans are falling into place. When are you planning on bringing Emma home?

[famousgloria9]

Emma will be coming home on Tuesday!!! I finally got all the shopping done yesterday! So this weekend we will be setting everything up and getting last minute things. I am so excited to get her home!

I saw her on this past Tuesday and she looks so different already! Looks so much like my dad (which melts my heart because Im a "Daddys Girl").

Thanks for helping me feel confident in my decision, especially now that I see my dad in her, I cant imagine giving her up- that would tear me apart. I am just thankful that I have the parents and sister who support me and who love Emma.

I know already this was the right thing to do. And all of you are the ones who helped me see that. So again, thank you for truly being Emma home, I needed the push to realize that its okay to be a 20 year old single mom.

[bromanchik]

Congratulations! Let us know how it goes....

[BethanyB]

I'm so happy for you. Enjoy that little girl. I LOVED the baby stage. There is nothing like lying on the couch at night with an infant lying on your cheast. Watching their cute little face and holding those sweet tiny hands is just unbelieveable! Have fun!

[cbrink7]

I just wanted to say congrats on your baby girl! Emma is such a beautiful name! It is so great that you have such a supportive family! Take care

[josh1788smom]

Congratulations and keep us posted.

I just wanted to add, even though you aren't back in school until fall, your college is likely fully staffed during the summer. Set up an appointment with the financial aid office to find out what is available for your education. Also, call some of your local daycare centers. I am on a Board at a daycare center in my area, and we have several clients that receive assistance. It has different names in different states. If you call one that does not accept state aid, ask if they can refer you to one that does. It's always good to have more than one daycare option.

Also - my children go to a state certified home daycare provider. She used to accept state aid also, but now only has private pay. Still - there could be many in your area. Check with your local Child Resource Center on listings of those. My daycare provider used to charge $2/hour for up to 4 hours. My 11 year old son, still refers to her and her husband as Mamaw and Pappy. Your daycare providers become such a part of your children's world.

Good luck!!!

[lglysson]

You are a wonderful parent! You have been thoughtful and concerned. Do the best possible job. That is all any of us can do. Your daughter needs you! I have been a foster parent for 5 years. I have rocked severly depressed babies to sleep. Yes, babies can be very depressed because they are separated from a parent. They really don't care that they were not in the best of circumstances, they want their mom!!

You are ahead of the game because you have supportive parents.

God bless you!

[Bessie]

It sounds as if you have already decided which is the right choice to make - she is lucky to have such a caring and loving mum, don't feel any guilt over initial fostering - sometimes we need time to make the right choice. I wish you all the love and luck in the world - enjoy being a parent and congratulations on having a daughter

[sstuart]

Today is your day!! Hope everything went well. Enjoy your time with Emma! Congratulations

[sheababy]

I am an adoptee and a recent adoptive mom. The first woman who chose us changed her mind and decided to parent. I would never want to adopt a child whose birthparents weren't 100% sure of their choice.

You seem like you have made a sound decision and will make a great mom. Only you know what's right in your heart-go get her and don't look back!

Congratulations and best wishes!

[famousgloria9]

Emma is finally home!

As I type this, she is sound asleep in her crib, right next to me. Again, as always, thank you for helping me realize what the right choice was! I am soo happy she is finally home! Ill update you all as the days go by!!!