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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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