Profile of a Single Adoptive Mom: Donna

When I started this blog, I wanted to profile a single adoptive mom at least once a month. Well, all I can say is....life got/gets in the way. And hey- being a single mom does mean you are busy:) But- I was recently contacted by Donna who said she had followed my blog and it gave her hope. So, I wanted to profile Donna and share with you her gorgeous baby girl Anna (isn't she just the cutest?). Profile and pictures follow.
Background:
Donna is the mother to a beautiful baby girl, adopted domestically named Anna Grace who is currently almost 3 months old. She is a first grade teacher and decided to adopt on her own because since in her late 20's she wanted to adopt. She put that dream on hold to pursue another dream, getting married. After a brief marriage and a pregnancy loss, Donna returned to her dream of adoption. Donna had always thought she would adopt internationally but after doing some research she decided to pursue a domestic adoption. She is glad she did as it only took 3 months from the time she was home study ready to the time she was matched with Anna's birthmother and Anna was born 3 weeks after the match!

Although Anna's placement was through an adoption agency, she worked with a consultant that was very single friendly and had success placing children with single moms. She felt the advantage of working with a consultant was that they were always there to talk to and bounce questions and concerns off of. They were able to give her advice and suggestions based on their own adoption experiences as all the case workers had previously adopted. The consultant also helped her develop tolerences in many areas and educated her on health issues and transracial adoptions. This all came in handy. The consultant was also networked with many agencies and lawyer sources throughout the US and has developed a favorable reputation over the past 20 years. Most of the families (both single and married) usually successfully adopt a child within 3-12 months.

Advice for other single moms who want to adopt
Her advice for other single moms would be to do your research and figure out the best plan for you. Every area of the country is different when it comes to resources. For instance if she had lived in Utah, she likely would have just worked with the two lage agencies there. But because of the adoption laws where she lives, it was easiest to work with a consultant. She would also suggest getting your finances in order, setting a realistic adoption budget as she found the cost could vary greatly based on many factors.

Hardest Part of Being a Single Mom

The hardest part of being a single mom for her is childcare! It has been a challenge for her to find good childcare. Being a teacher, she had hoped to get a spring placement, but because Anna was born this winter, the first situation (a nanny) did not work out but she is confident the daycare center Anna is about to start will be a good fit. She have also found it a little difficult to balance everything, but hope that once she has reliable, quality childcare that will make things easier. She also hopes to find a single moms group in her area soon - she thinks that support will help.

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Thanks to Donna for sharing your story and inspiring other single moms. Her wait was VERY short and she has a beautiful baby girl. Please let me know if you are open/willing to share your story.

Baby Anna Grace

Cutie Pie!

Sweet picture of mom and baby girl!

Happy mom!

Look at her cute smile!

Yep, those gorgeous brown eyes are going to break some hearts one day!