Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement

Happy New Year, friends! In today’s episode, we’re starting a three-part series on self-care as it pertains to adoption. In Part I, we’re discussing self-care while you wait to adopt a child, from setting solid boundaries, to allowing yourself time to feel, to finding meaning along the way. I pray this encourages you! Don’t forget to join our private Facebook group for waiting mamas. We also have a digital adoption journal for women in the wait. All are linked below, along with some other fun resources! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Public community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Private community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mamas: Thriving in the Wait Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/ Vision Board

Merry Christmas! This episode just so happens to be posted on Christmas Day! For all of you mamas who are dealing with emotions on yet another year without a child in the home, I want to encourage you with some scripture for such a time as this. I pray this encourages you to seek God’s perfect peace and His plan over your own when it comes to growing your family through adoption. Praying for you, friends. Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

It can feel overwhelming thinking about your first meeting with a birth mother, birth father, or birth family. You want to put your best foot forward, but it feels like a fragile situation — one where emotions on both sides are sky-high. In this episode, my husband and I have a candid conversation about what it’s like to meet a birth family and what we’ve learned from these interactions as adoptive parents. We’d love to answer YOUR questions, so email them or post them in our Facebook community. I hope this episode teaches, inspires, or blesses you in some way! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Ever feel like a fraud or imposter as a mama or mama-to-be? I know I have. First of all, what is imposter syndrome? By definition, it’s the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills. Are you waiting to adopt a child and feel like a fraud evening thinking of yourself as a mom? Or are you holding your child in your arms and feel the sting of guilt or grief? Do you walk into a baby or children’s store to buy something and feel like everyone’s staring at you wondering, “Why is she here?” Ever feel like you’re not worthy of the children God has placed in your home? Friend, this is a very real thing. I want to share a few reasons why you might feel like an imposter and different ways to combat this and step into your role as a mother. Please leave me a review in Apple Podcasts! This will ensure other adoptive mamas will find my podcast and be served by the content. <3 I read each and every review! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

In today’s podcast, we’re discussing simplifying holidays with little kids, especially if your family was made possible by adoption. Everything we talk about applies to ALL families with little kids (probably aged 10 and under), but we’re looking at this through the lens of adoption. This may or may not look different for your family depending on your child’s needs, but I think it’s safe to say all children have a need for simplicity and structure. When it comes to holidays, specifically Christmastime, what does your family love to do? What works well? What traditions do you hold to? What lights your children up inside? Are there areas where you need to pivot? Let’s dive into today’s topic and talk about ways to simplify the holidays with little kids in the home. The goal here is to make moms, dads and kids feel loved and not overstressed this holiday season. What are some ways you’re simplifying the holidays this year? Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

What do holiday dinners, weekend game nights, and summer vacations all have in common? They're all traditions that bring families closer together. This goes for ALL families. When a child joins a family through adoption, one of the most important ways to build connection and a sense of belonging is through family traditions and rituals. Whether you’re raising “heartgrown” littles or waiting to become a mama, this episode is for you. What new traditions can you start this year? What old ones can you give extra life to? Which ones are most important and why? Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Where are all my mamas at?! So often, I’m talking to mamas who are waiting to adopt, but sometimes I feel that my current moms are left behind. But I’m in the same season as you - doing the mom thing, raising small kids, doing school drop-offs, chaperoning field trips, packing lunches, fighting screen battles, reading bedtime stories and having hard conversations. What if I told you that good days usually begin with good mornings? So, what do your mornings look like? I’m here to help you make simple tweaks to make your hectic mornings feel a lot more peaceful. Let’s dive in! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Hey friends! We are on the fifth and final week of our series called, A Series on Waiting Well. Over the past few weeks, we have talked about getting our physical bodies, finances, faith and our marriages in tip-top shape as a way to be ready when we get The Call, but also as a way to use this time wisely and wait well. In this episode, we’re going to dive into all aspects of getting our home ready while we’re waiting to adopt or bring a new child home. Take a quick look around. How does your home feel? Are you ready to bring home a child, or are there things you feel need to be addressed before you feel ready? How can you wait WELL in this season when it comes to your home? To be clear, this is not a checklist to get you home study approved. This is more like nesting or “preparing the field” as you prepare your life for a new family member. In what ways are you preparing your home for a child? Share with me! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Hey friends! We are on the FOURTH week of a new series called, A Series on Waiting Well. Over the past few weeks, we have talked about different aspects of our physical bodies, finances and our marriages. When we are expecting a child by adoption, I like to call it being pregnant without a due date. This season of waiting can be a time of confusion, frustration and nothingness…OR it can be a time of renewal and growth. I’ve said it and I’ll say it again: I’m a firm believer in using this time wisely. How can we better every area of our lives while we wait? Because the waiting season is inevitable. What we DO with this time matters. And I believe we can intentionally wait WELL. In this episode, we’re going to dive into all aspects of growing our faith while we’re awaiting an adoption, from diving into the Word, to praying with your spouse, to joining a small group, to the art of being still and quiet. Go back and listen to Episode 5 for more about journaling and quiet time. And don't forget about our digital adoption journal created JUST for mamas waiting to adopt! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Hey friends! In this episode, which is part of our Series on Waiting Well, we dive into budgeting, finding ways to save, creating an emergency fund, creative ways to supplement your current income, and of course, praying about all of it! I hope this inspires you and allows you more financial freedom while you raise your babies or await your child through adoption. Disclaimer: In light of being totally transparent, I forgot to mention a few streaming apps we use! We now use Prime TV and Apple TV, as well as the others I mentioned. Also, we gave up our housekeeper (among other things) during our season of waiting and cutting expenses, but we have since re-hired a wonderful woman who helps clean our home once a month. :) Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com – and don’t forget about the fundraising freebie! Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Before you welcome a child, whether it be your first or third, having your marriage in a strong place sets the tone for a healthy home. Whether you’ve been married 5 or 15 years, marriage takes work! In this episode, I talk about ways you can better connect with your spouse, from continuing to prioritize date night (or date day!), to attending marriage retreats, to doing something your spouse enjoys, to planning a trip together. They key is connectedness and staying fully invested in one another, as that is God's design for marriage. “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Matthew 19:4-6 Marriage Conference: Get $100 OFF using group name: HEARTGROWNMAMA For Women Only by: Shaunti Feldhahn Table Topics Card Game for Couples Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Hey friends! We are starting a BRAND NEW series today called A Series on Waiting Well. Over the next few weeks, we will dive into different aspects of our body, faith-walk, finances and home. I’m a firm believer in using this time wisely. How can we improve every area of our lives while we wait? Because the waiting part…that’s inevitable. What we do with this time matters. And I believe we can intentionally wait WELL! On the very first episode of our new series, I want to talk about how we can bring our focus to our physical bodies as we prepare to grow our families. Our body is a temple. We’ve only been given this one body and we’re supposed to honor the lord with it. Let’s dive in and discuss feeding our body more whole (unprocessed) foods, getting as much gentle movement as possible, prioritizing sleep, and getting checked out by a professional when needed. Let’s front-load our body with the good stuff so when life changes, we will be better equipped to handle what comes our way! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Ever feel like self-care is selfish and unnecessary? Ever say something like, “Oh, I’d love to do that but I just don’t have time!” Today I want to challenge you to shift your mindset. What if self-care was more like a vitamin, taken to benefit your overall health? What if I said taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, would help you pour into others in a more impactful way? Whether you’re a mom or not, it’s a great time to look at how you’re spending your days and prioritizing the hours you’ve been given. We make time for what’s important. I challenge you to track a week in your life and see where more margin might be created for you to fill your cup. I also share ideas for how to incorporate this into your already busy lives! Hope this episode inspires you, friends. Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

In this heartfelt (and sometimes teary-eyed) episode, I talk about losing my daddy just a few months ago, followed by the loss of my son’s biological grandfather. Two wonderful grandfathers: one by biology and the other by adoption. Two significant losses for our family in such a short time span. I discuss how we told the kids, how we are continuing to navigate things as they start to sink in, and how we aren’t shy about crying around here when we need to. Our children’s birth families are the keepers of memories, traditions, genetic predispositions, and family lineage, so losing such an important person in your child’s story is heartbreaking. The heaviness of this loss is not lost on my husband and me, but our kids are too young to understand it. It’s our job to gather and save everything we can, so that when we do lose these loved ones, we still have the stories and information to share. One legacy my daddy leaves behind is to love your people deeply and make it a priority to spend time with them while they’re here. Invite them over and feed them! I miss his hospitality, his hugs and his generosity so much. We love you, Boompa! One legacy my son’s biological grandfather leaves behind is….my son. I wouldn’t be a mama without his marriage, child and grandchild. What a blessing he was to know for such a short time, and what a gift it is to be part of his family! Here are the books I mentioned: The Memory Box: A Book about Grief by Joanna Rowland The Invisible String by Patrice Karst When Someone You Love Has Died by Stephanie Seidler You’ll Find Me by Amanda Rawson Hill Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I’m talking about the BEST children’s adoption-related books to stock your nursery while you wait, add to your registry, buy for your child, or gift a friend! I go through a summary of each book, the look of the cover, the content, and how “giftable” each one is. I’ll also go over a few of the benefits of reading to your child, especially as it relates to forming new neural pathways and increasing the parent-child bond. Grab my list below for an easy book shopping journey: Wish by Matthew Cordell I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb I Wished For You by Marianne Richmond You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman God Found Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren Tell Me Again about the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis The Story of My Open Adoption by Leah Campbell A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza Yes, I’m Adopted by Sharlie Zinniger My Family Trees by Lindsay Baker The Adoption Tree by Kimberly James Adoption is Both by Elena S. Hall Did I leave any great ones out? Send me an email and tell me your faves! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Do you struggle with feelings of sadness after you’ve adopted your long-awaited, very prayed-for child? Or maybe you feel grief or guilt that won’t let up. Mamas, I’m here to tell you that you’re normal and it’s okay to feel sad post-adoption. In this episode, I’ll share a few examples as to WHY you might be sad, from reality and expectations not aligning, to sleep deprivation, to PADS, to trauma, to analysis paralysis of being thrust into NEW motherhood (with a twist). **I am not a medical professional, but want to tell anyone out there: if you are struggling with depression that hasn’t improved, or you fear hurting yourself or your child, please seek help immediately. This podcast is intended for intermittent grief or sadness that comes with a big life change. Clinical depression should be treated by a professional** If you're seeking an intimate group of like-minded women to talk about all things adoption, check out my private Facebook group: Heartgrown Mamas: Thriving in the Wait. Answer a few simple questions and you’re good to go. See you next week, friends! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

In this episode, we discuss positive adoption language – in other words, are you choosing your phrases or terms wisely when speaking about your child or child’s birth family? Maybe YOU are, but what about your inner circle? We’ll discuss common phrase mistakes and what to say INSTEAD. We will even talk about really sweet things people say that actually aren’t true or helpful! In Proverbs 31:26, the Bible says, “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Let that verse be a guide for this episode as we lovingly and gently teach by words or by example so we don’t inadvertently hurt the people we love. Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” When we’re in relationship with a child’s birth mother, father or extended family, it is imperative that we choose words that lift up or value versus words that are insensitive or minimize the situation. This is not just a “politically correct” way of thinking, but rather a loving and respectful gesture to your child’s first family, and a step in the right direction for minimizing the negative talk or stigmas attached to adoption. Thanks for listening today, friends! I hope this was helpful! Some verbiage we discussed on today's show: Put up or give up for adoption, adopt out ---> make an adoption plan, choose adoption, place a child for adoption Real child ---> biological child, child Real parent ---> biological parent, birth parent Adoptive mom/dad –--> mom, dad Own child or one of my own ---> child, biological child To keep her child or changed her mind ---> she decided to parent her child IS adopted --- WAS adopted Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/ In On It by Elisabeth O’Toole – great book to gift family/friends

Calling all moms with sensitive or easily overwhelmed kids! Is your child highly sensitive, have anxiety, ADHD, a sensory processing disorder, or just seem to have a hard time transitioning to the home environment after school? We had a hard time with this, too. Between the uncertainty as to what we were *supposed* to be doing, to our constant meltdowns from being over-tired and over-stimulated, we found a few simple systems we could implement to make the transition go much more smoothly. And the best part is, it doesn’t cost a thing! Tune in to today’s episode for 6 easy ways you can make coming home a little less overwhelming and a lot more restful and supportive. And that goes for you too, mama! What would you add to this list? Email me! Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Waiting to grow your family through adoption can be lengthy, hard, or just downright frustrating some days. In today’s podcast, I want to share some mindfulness and gratitude practices, and even some physical habits you can implement today to make this wait just a little more bearable. From gratitude journaling, to body scans, to nature walks, to finding your tribe – we’ve got a whole lot to cover! So, buckle up and get ready to take some notes! Don’t forget, we have the perfect journal for such a time as this. It’s called the Waiting Well journal. I poured my whole heart into this after I adopted my first child. What I needed during my season of waiting didn’t exist….so I created it. It’s a digital journal you can use on a tablet or print out and put pen to paper (my favorite method!). Whatever you do, use this time wisely because it’s a time for massive growth and transformation, mama! You’ve got this. I see you and I’m here for you. Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Grab the Waiting Well digital journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/

Hey friends! This episode was a fun one to record. It takes me back to the excitement (and even uncertainty!) I felt when we had completed the mountain of paperwork, finished the home study and were officially a “waiting family.” It was hard not to go crazy and buy a lot of baby items, or allow loved ones to throw us a baby shower, but we held off, and instead got only the essentials so we could be ready-ish when we got The Call. In hindsight, I can see what items were pretty important from the get-go. This list, while certainly not comprehensive, is a way to let other mamas-in-waiting sift through the chaos and just get the few things you need for the first week or two. The rest can usually wait. Pop in those earbuds and listen in for the 9 items you can bravely purchase while you wait to adopt an infant. Here are a few links for easy shopping: Please note, by clicking the links below, I may earn a small commission, which will help support the continuation of this podcast! Carseat - this is the one we loved for both of our babies Portable Crib/Bassinet Sound Machine - truly the bees knees! Avent Bottles Glow in the Dark Pacifiers - you'll thank me later ;) Solly Wrap - the exact one I have. Looooooove. I’d love to hear from you! What would you add to this list? Did this help any waiting mamas out there feel a bit less overwhelmed? Fun fact: Did you know that Amazon has a baby registry program now? Yep! It’s free, you get an extended return period, they have EVERYTHING (because, well, it’s Amazon), and you can do it from home in your jammies. Email Me: [email protected] Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama

In today’s episode, I want to talk about what open adoption is so that you may be better prepared to navigate this often “scary” part of adoption. We’ll dive into topics such as: What is open adoption, anyway? What does having contact look like? Who does open adoption benefit? Is it hard? How do I establish boundaries from the beginning?

This one's for all the mamas out there getting ready for back-to-school time! If your babies are BIG kids now and they're headed into the school year, tune in while I talk about my favorite (tested and approved!) gear, from backpacks to baskets to planners for all things #momlife! Earthley

Today we're talking about approaching the adoption journey as a team with your spouse. On this episode, I challenge you to do two things: 1) Ask your husband how you can be praying for him. 2) Journal prompt: If it were just the two of us, would I still be okay? Then ask the Lord to match your desires to His will for your family.

Hey friends! Welcome to the Heartgrown Mama podcast. This is a quick intro to who I am and the type of content you can expect in future episodes. I hope this podcast brings you encouragement -- whether you're waiting to bring home your child, or while you're busy raising your beautiful family. Make sure to subscribe and stick around for more episodes!