ADOPTION NOW

Bethann was raised in an adoptive family. She was the only biological child out of five siblings. This week on ADOPTION NOW she talks about what it was like to grow up in an interracial family. She shares her own journey growing a family with her husband Zach. After they had two miracle sons, Bethann could not have any more children. They decided to start the adoption process and had no idea the rollercoaster they would be on to finally bring home Baby Vera.

Jen Milian was adopted from Colombia into a loving family as a baby. She had no idea that 6 (maybe more!) of her biological siblings were also given up for adoption. One of her biological brothers grew up just miles from her in New York. On this episode of ADOPTION NOW, Jen talks about what it was like to be adopted, her struggles as she found herself, and her recent incredible story about her biological family.

Heath and Laura's Story by April Fallon

Corrine Hellyar Christian is the Director of Colorado United for Adoption. She is passionate about all aspects of adoption. She is an advocate for birthmother care and open adoption. Corrine shares her journey through miscarriages, adoptions, and pregnancies. She speaks on how she has kept her heart and home open to her children's birthparents and even their extended family. Her story is so inspiring!

Ashley is an birthmother whose adoption story started in an abortion clinic. She shares about her life changing moment and how she placed her baby 11 years ago. Ashley Mitchell has shared her story all over the country through nationally acclaimed writing series, award-winning service, television + radio interviews and hundreds of blogs + business sites. She is known for her vulnerability and realness through her speaking, writing, mentoring and advocacy work for the adoption community. She is the owner of Big Tough Girl™, serving women world wide in their desire to live life as a Big Tough Girl™. She believes strongly in the power of sharing your story, educating yourself on the issues, and providing the resources so that women can feel empowered and successful in their journey. Ashley and her husband now have 2 children. She is learning daily how to navigate open adoption and how to create a life after placement. www.bigtoughgirl.com

Lauren Stokes, M.A., L.P.C., is a licensed professional counselor at Create Connectivity Counseling PLLC. She is also a writer for Adoption.com. She is an adult adoptee who was raised in an open adoption. This means that after she was adopted at 2 1/2 weeks old, her adoptive parents allowed her biological parents into Lauren's life. In this interview Lauren shares the great benefits of open adoption, while also emphasizing the need to embrace the complexities of the emotional journey through adoption.

April Fallon talks with Brittany about her and her husband's journey adopting their son Connor. After a very difficult road and months of waiting for finalization, the couple wanted another baby, but could not afford (financially and emotionally) another traditional adoption. Chris and Brittany discovered Embryo Adoption! She is now 6 months pregnant with a baby girl that the couple adopted. Tune in to this episode to hear this remarkable story!

Noah and April share their current adoption journey. They invite their lawyer, Christine Thurman from Thurman Law Firm, to share her insight on adoption. She has placed 22 babies in the last year and she is fighting to keep the costs low.

Jessica shares Scott and her journey through several failed adoptions, bringing home their first baby Ty, their plan to try embryo adoption, and the phone call that brought baby number two!

Jessica shares her journey to adopt as a single woman. She always knew she wanted to be a mother, but had no idea the process would be so challenging! Two years ago, Jessica was matched to an expectant birthmother in Florida. She shares what she went through to bring home baby Maryn.