We Could Have Missed This

November 30, 2016 Kelley B., November 2016 Feature - Then and Now 12 Comments

November is National Adoption month and a lot of us adoptive parents have been sharing pictures and a bit more about our adoption journeys on social media. For a few years now, a friend and I have chatted from time to time about how we could have missed this. We could of missed the joy, …Read More

So Much More than His Diagnosis

November 30, 2016 first weeks home, first year home, hypospadias, Newly Home, November 2016 Feature - Urogenital, Urogenital System 0 Comments

I could write for days about our journey — our growth, the process, the joy, the tears, the worries, the peace. But for today, I’ll focus a little on the medical aspect of our story because there are so many unknowns, so much research, so much hope…..and knowing you’re not alone in it helps, if …Read More

Find My Family: Austin

November 30, 2016 Family Found 0 Comments

Austin is the cutest little six-year-old boy around! Austin can go up and down stairs, go down the slide, and ride the wood horse. He can chase and play with other kids. Austin can use a spoon to eat and a cup to drink water. He can put on and take off his clothes and …Read More

It’s Just Poop. Except It’s Not.

November 29, 2016 anorectal malformation, bowel management, imperforate anus, November 2016 Feature - Urogenital, Urogenital System, VACTERL 4 Comments

Has this ever happened to you? You’re scrolling through a list of sweet little Chinese faces and suddenly the photo of a completely adorable child jumps right off the screen at you! You read the profile, genuinely intrigued. Then you get to the medical need listed and you think, “I don’t know what that is, …Read More

Then and Now: Hannah

November 28, 2016 November 2016 Feature - Then and Now, Sensory System, vision issues 1 Comments

November is Adoption Awareness Month. And our focus is Then and Now… glimpses into the lives of children – children who were once orphaned – who are now beloved family members. Daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are now blossoming in the love of a forever family… ……….. On Sunday morning, February 28, we headed …Read More

Saying Yes to a Child with a Terminal Diagnosis

November 28, 2016 complex heart defect, Heart System, terminal diagnosis, TGA 10 Comments

When we felt God’s pull on our hearts to adopt, it was the year 2012 and we had three biological children, ages 11, 8 and 6. We had never thought we would adopt, but God had created a yearning so strong in our hearts that we couldn’t say no. Adoption in and of itself was …Read More

Then and Now: Lock

November 27, 2016 adopting a boy, November 2016 Feature - Then and Now 2 Comments

November is Adoption Awareness Month. And our focus is Then and Now… glimpses into the lives of children – children who were once orphaned – who are now beloved family members. Daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are now blossoming in the love of a forever family… ……….. It would be easy to say the …Read More

The Ledge

November 27, 2016 advanced heart failure, Andrea O., complex heart defect, complex heart defects, Heart System, heart transplant 3 Comments

On November 11, 2013, our 24 month old daughter was in the Cardiac ICU, on the national transplant waiting list, and on ECMO life support due to end stage heart failure. The following day, we would learn that she would receive the gift of life through cardiac transplant. During that tumultuous time, I had many …Read More

Then and Now: Caris and Calah

November 26, 2016 cl/cp, Craniofacial, Family Stories, November 2016 Feature - Then and Now 1 Comments

November is Adoption Awareness Month. And our focus is Then and Now… glimpses into the lives of children – children who were once orphaned – who are now beloved family members. Daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are now blossoming in the love of a forever family… ……….. In 2004 when we first felt the …Read More

Pictures, Songs, and God’s Goodness

November 25, 2016 complex medical, developmental delays, Developmental System, encephalocele, hypothyroidism, November 2016 Feature - Then and Now 1 Comments

After several adoptions, I’ve realized there is not a “standard” Then and Now story. We have a heart hero, a tiny miracle with the biggest and brightest joy, a precious daughter who struggles with significant PTSD, and a daughter with great needs who is a two steps forward, ten steps back – kind of girl. …Read More

When You Don’t Know How to Pray

November 25, 2016 Beyond Adoption, Kelly, other ways to care for the orphan 2 Comments

Our Father in heaven, your name is holy. You are a good Father. Reveal yourself in deep and simple ways to those who wait. Let them experience you, the only perfect and ever present Father. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. It’s hard to see your Kingdom …Read More

Love Lives Here

November 24, 2016 Katie 2 Comments

As parents who have adopted children from difficult places, fear is no stranger to us. In fact, I would dare to suggest that it is an old companion at this point. It is never far away. Fear is something so constant it takes on a persona of itself and the word fear becomes a name, …Read More

Then and Now: Abby and Evie

November 23, 2016 adopting again, adopting out of birth order, Family Stories, food issues, Heart System, homeschool, November 2016 Feature - Then and Now, older child adoption, orphanage behaviors, port wine stain, spina bifida, VSD 0 Comments

November is Adoption Awareness Month. And our focus is Then and Now… glimpses into the lives of children – children who were once orphaned – who are now beloved family members. Daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are now blossoming in the love of a forever family… ……….. We have been blessed with two beautiful …Read More

The Heart of An Orphan: How One Orphan Inspired a Movement That Brings Hope and Healing to Thousands

November 23, 2016 books, LWB, NGOs, other ways to care for the orphan, Rebecca 0 Comments

“Walking into my daughter’s orphanage for the first time changed everything
 I thought I knew about my life.” 
- Amy Eldridge Do you have anybody you’d like to sit across a table from? I’m guessing you have a list of folks. As for me, I’d designate one of my chairs to Amy Eldridge, founder of …Read More

His Real Special Need

November 22, 2016 adopting a boy, micropenis, November 2016 Feature - Urogenital, strabismus, Urogenital System, vision issues 0 Comments

Our adoption story started much like everyone’s adoption story… my husband Mark and I decided to grow our family by adopting a baby from China. Our log in year was 2007, just before the Beijing Olympics and a few months before the Hague initiative. We were originally told our adoption would take approximately eighteen months …Read More

Find My Family: Raina

November 22, 2016 Family Found 3 Comments

Raina was born April of 2011. Her special need is listed as ectodactylism of both hands and a right lower limb difference. Raina is designated as Special Focus and her file is with AAC. Raina is 5 years old and is a shy and reserved girl. She gets along very well with peers and caregivers …Read More

Questions from Strangers: A Mom’s Response

November 21, 2016 adoption realities, Kelley B., questions from strangers, trauma 2 Comments

Just a few months ago I was at our local children’s hospital checking in for my son who was to have surgery that day. The lady that was taking my information was busy asking all the normal questions we parents get from medical professionals. My son was not by my side but a good distance …Read More

Find My Family: Cody

November 20, 2016 Children Who Wait 0 Comments

Adorable 6-year-old Cody is newly listed with Madison Adoption Associates! Cody is diagnosed as having internal oblique of both eyes and an indirect inguinal hernia. At the age of 2 years, he could walk alone, go upstairs, and pull and push toys. At 2.5, he could run, imitate kicking the ball, drink water with a …Read More

Uncommon Visible Difference

November 19, 2016 adopting a boy, adopting again, Craniofacial, craniofacial cleft, Family Stories, large families, lateral proboscis, referral, surgery, visible special need 6 Comments

There is an art to a successful adoption announcement when you are adopting a child with a visible difference. You learn to manage the situation, to set up the encounter in ways that you would never think about when you adopt a child who looks more typical. You mention your referral. Your friend expresses excitement …Read More

Then and Now: Mila

November 18, 2016 Attachment, attachment challenges, developmental delays, Developmental System, Family Stories, feeding/swallowing therapy, November 2016 Feature - Then and Now, parent-to-child attachment, siblings, Trust Based Parenting 4 Comments

November is Adoption Awareness Month. And our focus is Then and Now… glimpses into the lives of children – children who were once orphaned – who are now beloved family members. Daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are now blossoming in the love of a forever family… ……….. We’ve all seen those glossy magazine ads …Read More

Find My Family: Betty

November 18, 2016 Family Found 2 Comments

Beautiful Betty is designated to ATWA. This sleeping little beauty is one and half years old. Her Chinese name was given to her because it means beautiful, don’t you think it’s fitting? She is described as quiet, but has learned to play by herself and will laugh when she is happy. When she’s really happy …Read More

Changed By Our Children

November 17, 2016 adoption realities, Andrea Y., large families 0 Comments

I sat at the red light waiting patiently and the sign caught my eye. “Tour of Homes”… an event most of our towns have during the holidays, and I imagined for a moment what those homes might be like. I pictured myself going with friends — something the mom with just one or two little …Read More

Cameron Waits

November 16, 2016 Family Found 3 Comments

Cameron is 5 years old and is described as extroverted and positive. His file is designated to ATWA. He’s active and outgoing, enough so that he sleeps well! He sounds like a fun loving kid who likes playing balls, drawing, singing, dancing and playing games with kids. He likes helping the caretakers do what he …Read More

When You Know a Child is Yours: Adopting a Child with DSD

November 15, 2016 Disorder of Sexual Development, Family Stories, hypospadias, November 2016 Feature - Urogenital, Urogenital System 1 Comments

When my husband and I first began filling out our medical needs checklist we had no idea what most of the conditions were or what we could, as a family, even handle. We figured anything in the “mild needs” category could be managed. It’s a funny thing that happens though when you see a child’s …Read More

Find My Family: Summer

November 14, 2016 Children Who Wait 2 Comments

Summer, a cute little peanut who celebrates her 1st birthday this month has had a rough start and has been slow to develop. She was brought to Heartsent’s partnership orphanage when she was one month old and was diagnosed with arthrogryposis, a lifelong condition that affects her limbs. Her file was recently reviewed by a …Read More

The Lucky Ones: Adopting a Child with a Visible Special Need

November 13, 2016 birthmark, Family Stories, hemangioma, phakomatosis pigmentovascularis, port wine stain, Vascular System 2 Comments

The Lord uses many avenues to speak to the hearts of his people and call them forward to adoption. For some that call comes from the Bible and teachings of the church, for some that call comes through knowing people who have adopted, some people meet the vulnerable in orphanages and fall in love, and …Read More

Find My Family: Nathan

November 12, 2016 Children Who Wait 2 Comments

Darling Nathan, born February 2015, is described by his caregivers as cute, sharp and active. They also say he is a very observant boy who is always watching what people are doing and listening to them talk. Nathan is currently designated to AAC. Nathan is very curious and “will try to get his hands on …Read More

From School Psychologist to Adoptive Mama: A Series Part Two (Trust Based Relational Intervention)

November 11, 2016 Amy A., Attachment, attachment activities, attachment challenges, discipline, parent-to-child attachment, TBRI DVD Series, Trust Based Parenting 1 Comments

Because the majority of our NHBO readers are parents who have adopted children through the special needs program in China, part one of this series was an introduction to special education. My goal for that post was for parents to feel empowered by knowing their child’s rights. I shared links regarding the special education law …Read More

Find My Family: Donna

November 10, 2016 Family Found 7 Comments

Donna was born in December of 2007 and admitted into the CWI in December of 2012. Her special need is astigmatism of both eyes. At the time of entering the CWI, Donna’s height is 102cm, weight is 17kg, head size is 47cm and chest size is 49cm. Her general condition was good but her nutritional …Read More

Then and Now: Ayla

November 9, 2016 beta thalassemia, beta thalassemia major, Blood Conditions, developmental delays, November 2016 Feature - Then and Now, thalassemia 0 Comments

November is Adoption Awareness Month. And our focus is Then and Now… glimpses into the lives of children – children who were once orphaned – who are now beloved family members. Daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who are now blossoming in the love of a forever family… ……….. “I do not think she will live …Read More

Waiting Child Highlight: Lincoln

November 8, 2016 Children Who Wait 0 Comments

We would love to introduce you to Lincoln, a special 12 year old boy who has participated in the AWAA Hope Journey Camp. Two volunteers met him and would love to share more about him with you: From Heather: I met the most amazing young man. He entered the room carrying his baritone horn case. …Read More

Meet the Mastersons

November 7, 2016 2016 Featured Fundraising Families, fundraisers, Kelley B. 0 Comments

We’d like to introduce our featured fundraising family for November – the Masterson family! Mom, Leslie Masterson, shares a little bit about their journey to bring daughter Ellie Grace home from China. ……. We are Sean and Leslie Masterson. My husband and I are in full-time ministry here in the Midwest. Five years ago, we welcomed …Read More

Waiting to be Chosen: Brooklyn

November 6, 2016 Children Who Wait 0 Comments

Born in September of 2010, gorgeous little Brooklyn recently turned 6 years old. Brooklyn is a strong and tough little fighter who has overcome so much in her short life. Now she needs a family to come forward and give her the family she needs to love her, fight for her and support her to …Read More

Adoptive Mama Overthinking

November 5, 2016 adoption realities, Attachment, epidermolysis bullosa, Whitney 4 Comments

Raise your hand if you tend to overthink things. Now, raise both hands, jump up and down, throw your head back and yell, “Yes, this is me!”, if you’re an adoptive mama and you tend to overthink things. Overthinking is a habit that can be dangerous in the best of situations. Overthinking when you’re processing …Read More

Find My Family: Quinten

November 4, 2016 Children Who Wait 0 Comments

Quinten is an adorable little boy born in May of 2014 who is now 2 years old! He is very inquisitive and likes the attention of his nannies. He needs a family to love on him! Quinten was just a few months old when he was found. After a search for his birth relatives was …Read More

Adopted

November 3, 2016 Rebecca 16 Comments

You, my child, were adopted. You have a birth family. You have a forever family. You have two, both very real, lines of genealogy. You have two countries to call home. /// You were designed on purpose, long before your birth, by a loving Creator. Your name has been written in the palm of His …Read More

In the Trenches

November 1, 2016 anorectal malformation, bowel management, bronchial deformity, Family Stories, imperforate anus, incontinence, November 2016 Feature - Urogenital, tracheo-malacia, tracheoesophagel fistula, Urogenital System, VACTERL 1 Comments

When my husband and I were researching the needs of our would be son, we turned to various physicians, websites, and blog posts in search of not only what the diagnosis was and what it would entail medically, but also what the day to day parenting for a child with his special needs would be …Read More

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