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The Adoptive Parent Bulletin is sent to all adoptive parents from the time of their intake interview until two years after their most recent placement.  

If you would like to extend your subscription, please contact Marketing and Development Director Sally Shuey at 503-226-4870 or sally@openadopt.org.

• Jennifer and Dan Drayton of Otis, Oregon were delighted to make it to Renton, Washington in time for the birth of their son, Zane Edward on May 29th. They spent some special moments at the hospital with Zane's birthparents Karra and Lance, who felt both honored and grateful that Jenn and Dan chose to keep the birth name, Zane, chosen by his birthparents long before his birth. Coincidentally, the name had also been on their short list as well! Karra, Lance, Jenn and Dan are all excited about their future relationship. During the weeks prior to Zane's birth they bonded over the many similarities between the two couples, as well as Karra's victory at bowling while nine months pregnant.

• On May 31, Emma Nicole Wells made an slightly earlier than expected entrance into the world. That afternoon Rhonda and Paul Wells of Auburn, Washington learned of Emma's imminent arrival and both begun their trek to Eugene, Rhonda from home and Paul from Mexico City where he was traveling for business. Because of her timing, her birthfamily members were able to meet her themselves and witness her introduction to each of her adoptive parents, which was something her birthmother Tiffany loved in particular. Over the next six days there was a lot of good family time including visits with extended birthfamily members and Emma's birthfather. Paul, Rhonda and Tiffany all made comments about how special their time together during the placement was and they are looking forward to their first visit hopefully at the end of the month.  

• On the morning of June 1, Joe and Sue Ledgerwood received the call that they had been waiting for - expectant mother, Alissa, was in labor and expectant father, Josh, was driving her to the hospital!  Sue and Joe jumped in the car with their son, Cammer, and headed north to Seattle.  Alissa delivered shortly after she and Josh arrived at the hospital with only 35 minutes of hard labor before the arrival of their beautiful baby girl.  Respecting Alissa and Josh's wishes to have time alone, Joe and Sue eagerly waited for the call to come to the hospital to meet their daughter, Lucy Rose Ledgerwood.  Throughout the day, Josh's extended family visited. Alissa's birth family arrived from Bellingham to share in the joy of welcoming Lucy. At about 10:15 p.m. that night, Alissa and Josh were ready for Sue and Joe to visit. The hours that Alissa, Josh, Sue and Joe spent together that night and the next morning provided a perfect opportunity to bond and build a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship. Josh's parents and extended family joined in on the entrustment ceremony, which proved to be touching for all. Prior to leaving the hospital talks of visits were already in the works. They all look forward to building new memories in the years ahead.

• Dawn and Theo Thompson, of Milwaukie, Oregon, were nearly speechless when heard they had been chosen to become the parents to a baby boy who was two days old. Three hours later they were at the hospital, where they met their son, Michael True Thompson (born June 6, 2012) and his birthparents, Alison and Michael. The connection between Alison and Michael and the Thompsons, who all share an easy-going, calm demeanor, "felt instantly comfortable" to everyone. The next two days were both relaxed and intimate, as Baby Michael was held and gazed at lovingly by the four doting adults in his life. After welcoming him into the world with deep love, Alison and Michael entrusted baby Michael  into the welcoming embrace of Theo and Dawn, with the assurance that they will always be beloved, special people in Michael's life.

• Becky and Ryan LeProwse from Tacoma Washington, and their son Major were surprised at the early arrival of their son Lincoln Carter on June 23, just one day before Major's fifth birthday. They all rushed to the hospital in Salem, Oregon to meet Lincoln and spend the next three days bonding even more with Lincoln's birth mother, Ember and her extended family. They all had fun eating cake in celebration of both birthdays and shared in the care of Lincoln. They look forward to their on-going and growing relationship, and as Ember said "They're family now!"

Birthfather Gatherings Take Their First Step

Jan Jamieson  

On June 18 we held our first annual birthfathers' events in Seattle, Eugene and Portland to provide birthfathers an opportunity to come together to meet one another, reconnect with staff and discuss their open adoption experiences. 

All three of the offices chose local pizza joints as our place to gather and dinner was provided.  This year we had one attendee (whom we REALLY appreciated ) and we're hopeful that as birthfathers hear more about this annual event they will come and check it out.  Adoptive families and other constellation members are encouraged to tell the birthfathers in their lives about future events and are also encouraged to let OA&FS know about their current contact information so the agency has a reliable way to send out details.  

The importance of birthfathers was articulated by an OAFS adoptive dad, "He's a great guy who just glows around Tristen. I guess we all learn big lessons and self-reflection becoming parents and I had always wondered what Tristen would teach me. In the end, maybe the most important parts of my journey will come from (Tristen's birthparents)."

Call Your Representative About  

Extending the Adoption Tax Credit  

The adoption tax credit has made adoption a more viable option for many parents who might not otherwise have been able to afford adoption, allowing them to provide children with loving, permanent families. This credit will expire at the end of December, however, there is a bill currently being sponsored which will make the Adoption Tax Credit permanent and refundable. We urge you to contact your Representative regarding passing this bill.  Points to consider making:

• Mention being a constituent.
• If Congress does not act, the current adoption tax credit will expire on December 31, 2012.
• Urge your Representative to cosponsor The Making Adoption Affordable Act, H.R. 4373, introduced by Rep. Braley with bipartisan support.
• H.R. 4373 makes the adoption tax credit permanent; refundable; inclusive, by applying to domestic private, foster care, and international adoptions; and, available at the maximum amount ($13,360) for adopting a special needs child.

You can reach your Representative by calling the U.S. Capitol Operator at 202-225-3121 and asking for your Representative's office, then ask to speak to the Legislative Assistant who works on taxes or on adoption issues. Find your Representative's name.