In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey open up about the things they wish they had known before beginning their adoption and foster care journeys. They share the emotional weight of waiting for placements, the complexities of navigating relationships with birth mothers, and the never-ending paperwork that adoption entails.

Memorable Quotes"I wish I understood the emotional weight of waiting.""You really don't know what to expect.""Adoption does not heal infertility."

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In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, hosts Lora Rose and Abbey sit down with author and adoptive mom Kristin Hill Taylor, who shares her three very different adoption stories. While agencies were involved, each connection to her children’s birth moms came through unique personal relationships — a family friend, a lawyer, and even her doctor. Kristin reflects on how these experiences shaped her perspective on adoption and ultimately inspired her writing career. She also opens up about open adoption, navigating work and family, and the importance of community support throughout the journey.

Sound Bites "We fell into it backward."
"I think God built our family."

Resources

Kristin’s Website: www.kristinhilltaylor.com
Kristin’s Books on Amazon:

• Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family

• Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories About Gathering & Nourishing People

• Created for Communion: Discovering God’s Design for Biblical Friendship

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Description:In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey unpack the whirlwind of the first 30 days after bringing a child home through foster care or adoption. From navigating time in the NICU to setting realistic expectations for attachment, they share practical tips and honest reflections on what those early days really look like. You’ll hear why self-care matters, how to balance routines with flexibility, and why limiting visitors can make a big difference for both you and your child.

Memorable Quotes:

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Join Lora Rose & Abbey as they laugh through the everyday parenting battles we all face—but sometimes decide just aren’t worth the fight. From kids refusing to wear what you picked out to the chaos of mealtimes and routines, they share real-life stories of when it’s better to let go for the sake of connection. This episode is full of honesty, humor, and grace for the messy middle of parenting.

Memorable Quotes:
"You can't be all things to all people."
"Sometimes you just have to let them wear the pajamas."

Links & Resources:
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⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen
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In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey engage in an open and honest conversation about the complexities of motherhood, work-life balance, and personal identity. They share their personal journeys, the emotional struggles of parenting, and the societal pressures surrounding work and family roles.

In this Episode

• Navigating motherhood involves constant evaluation of personal choices.

• The balance between work and family is a common struggle for many mothers.

• Emotional health is crucial in the journey of parenting.

• It's important to recognize the invisible load that mothers carry.

• Finding identity beyond motherhood can be challenging but necessary.

• Support systems play a vital role in managing parenting responsibilities.

• It's okay to seek escape from motherhood at times.

• Personal growth often comes from reflecting on past experiences.

• Every mother's journey is unique and should be respected.

• Open conversations about these struggles can foster community and understanding.

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In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose and Abbey interview Wilson Munsterman, an adoptee, author, and college student. Wilson shares his adoption story, the dynamics of his adoptive family, and his experiences growing up as a transracial adoptee.

In this episode

• Wilson’s adoption story, from being born in China to joining his adoptive family at 10 months.

• The role of cultural identity and how it shaped his experiences.

• Struggles with self-worth, belonging, and feeling “enough.”

• How Wilson reframed his journey to focus on positivity and growth.

• Why he wrote Marked by Adoption and the impact it’s had on readers.

• The importance of grace in adoptive parenting and navigating complex family dynamics.

• Why sharing positive adoption stories matters for adoptees and families alike.

  
  

Resources & Links

Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ ⁠Buy us a coffee⁠ to support the podcast & don't forget to follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey sit down with Beth Michiemo, a foster mom with experience parenting both biological and foster children. Beth shares her journey into foster care, the dynamics within her blended family, and the emotional realities of welcoming children from hard places.

In this episode

• Beth shares her journey into foster care and what motivated her to start.

• The dynamics of parenting three biological kids, one adopted child, and one currently in foster care.

• Why community support is vital for foster families.

• The emotional and spiritual demands of foster care compared to biological parenting.

• The importance of being sensitive to the backgrounds and needs of foster children.

• Why foster care is truly a family commitment.

Resources
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In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey dive into the complexities of navigating adult relationships as parents — especially for those who have adopted or fostered children. Through personal stories and candid reflections, they explore how friendships evolve after parenthood, how to respond to awkward adoption-related comments, and why community with like-minded families is so vital. This conversation is a gentle reminder that you're not alone, and meaningful connections are possible, even in this season.

In This Episode:– Navigating friendships post-adoption and the shifts that come with parenting– Handling awkward or insensitive comments about your child’s story– How to find (and be) the kind of friend who “gets it”– Understanding that some friendships may be more surface-level and that’s okay– Navigating limited social opportunities while parenting in the foster care system– What it looks like to reevaluate your needs and expectations in friendships– How honesty about your family’s story can help build connection

Resources:Download our⁠ FREE teacher email template

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⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ ⁠Buy us a coffee⁠ to support the podcast & don't forget to follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of disrupted adoption matches and the emotional impact of when an adoption plan does not move forward. Please listen with care if you’ve experienced adoption loss or related grief.

Summary:

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose and Abbey sit down with adoptive mom and teacher Tara to talk through the emotional ups and downs of her open adoption journey. From navigating failed matches to parenting both biological and adopted school-aged children, Tara shares what’s surprised her most about adoption and what she wishes she’d known.

In This Episode:

• How Tara and her husband’s adoption journey began

• Navigating the grief and hope of failed adoption matches

• Creating meaningful connections with birth mothers

• Talking to kids about their adoption stories

• Managing adoption conversations at school and with peers

  
  

  Resources:Download our ⁠FREE teacher email template⁠

  
  

  Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!

  ⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen

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Summary:In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey dive into the complexities of advocating for adopted and foster children in school environments. From navigating 504 Plans and IEPs to fostering relationships with teachers, they offer practical strategies and personal insights to help parents feel empowered and equipped. This episode highlights the unique needs trauma-impacted children may bring into the classroom—and how parents can effectively communicate those needs to educators with clarity and compassion.

In This Episode:

• The difference between IEPs and 504 Plans

• Why one-size-fits-all education often fails adopted children

• When and how to begin the advocacy process (hint: it starts early!)

• How to build trust and collaborate with teachers and school teams

• Why understanding the school system can make you a stronger advocate

• Tips for approaching childcare settings with the same intentionality

• The importance of leading with compassion—for both your child and their educators

Download our FREE teacher email template

Support the Show

If you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!

⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen

☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast

& don't forget to follow us on Instagram