A Letter from an Adoptive Mother:
How an Interracial Adoption Made her Family Whole
by Roma Olberding, adoptive mother

Dear Adoptive Parents-to-be,

I am writing this letter to let you know of our amazing experience regarding the adoption of our daughter, Alexa.

I know that while the adoption of a baby or child will bring you tremendous joy in the years to come, you have probably been faced with some struggles along the way to your decision to adopt, struggles with infertility or perhaps miscarriages as well.

Though the hardest part may be over, if you've made the decision to adopt, there will be a few more difficult decisions to make along the way. As an adoptive mother, I would ask that you consider one more alternative on your road to becoming parents, something that may not have occurred to you until now, and that is to consider the adoption of an African American or part African American child.

You see, my husband and I are both Caucasian. Our daughter, Alexa, is half African American and half Hispanic. Despite officially being biracial, I would say that to most people, she would appear to be of African American heritage, if they had to pick only one.

Click here to find out how Roma has been successful in raising her daughter, Alexa.

Writing Submissions

Adoption for Life is accepting submissions for publication in this newsletter and on other web sites. We are considering written pieces regarding adoption, parenting after adoption, interracial adoption, and other topics that appeal to our readership.

If you are interested in being a contributing, please email your completed article, tip, personal story, or advice to us at support@adoptionforlife.com. Please remember to include your name and phone number so we may contact you, should your submission be approved.

Let's Talk Adoption Radio Show

Let's Talk Adoption...with Mardie Caldwell airs each Sunday at 3pm, Pacific Time, and is an informative show that touches on the many aspects of adoption.

When you visit www.LetsTalkAdoption.com, you can interact with the show's producer by emailing in your questions, comments, and suggestions. You can also browse show archives and adoption
resources at www.LetsTalkAdoption.com.

Graphic Artist Needed

Lifetime Foundation is requesting the volunteer services of a graphic artist.

The mission of Lifetime Foundation is to provide birth mothers with the opportunity to purse a higher education. Lifetime Foundation is in need of a graphic artist who will design outreach materials, such as brochures or pamphlets.

If you have graphic design experience, or know of someone who would be willing to volunteer their services, please contact Lifetime Foundation at (530) 265-4915, or send an email to Mardie@LifetimeAdoption.com.

Learn how Lifetime Foundation is helping women, by visiting www.LifetimeFoundation.org

Adoption Education: Breastfeeding Your Adopted Child is Possible!

Karleen D. Gribble, Ph.D., is a scientist in the School of Nursing, Family, and Community Health, at the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Her research focuses on adoptive mother breastfeeding, and the contribution of breastfeeding to the development of secure attachment in adopted children.

Karleen is a passionate advocate of breastfeeding as a viable option in the sensitive mothering of adopted children. She is a mother of two children, one biological and one adopted from China
as a toddler, and has experienced first hand the healing that comes through breastfeeding.

Karleen was recently featured as a guest on the Internet talk show, Let's Talk Adoption, and shared a wealth of information for adoptive mothers who are interested in learning about breastfeeding their children.

Click here to purchase the CD recording of the show.

The Heart of Adoption: Adoption Q & A

Q: My family and friends want to know the details surrounding our adoption and the birth mother's background. Should I share this with them?

A: I suggest that you only share positive information with your family and friends. If your child's birth parents have a less than desirable past, such as prison time, rape, or drug use, this is information that should be kept between you and your adoption professionals.

If shared, no matter how secretively, this information could be used by children later in life to tease your child. It may also be used by the adults in your child's life to judge your child's behavior. Even though you are excited about your adoption, some things should remain private when it comes to your child's past.

Try to keep your conversations light and on a positive note. Let her ask questions to find out about you. Do not interrogate her with accusing questions, but be conversational and nonjudgmental.

Remember, birth mothers have made a difficult, but courageous, decision to place their baby for adoption. Your respect is always appreciated.

Click here to learn about open adoption

Life At Home -- Horseshoe Bar & Grill's Louis Dressing

This is a great recipe for serving with your favorite greens, garnished with hard-boiled eggs, tomato, cucumber, and cold, steamed, or grilled asparagus, artichoke hearts, capers, and of course, cold seafood.

Ingredients:

2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups ketchup
1 oz. Caper juice
3 oz. Capers
1/2 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 oz. Chili powder
Season with salt & pepper

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and serve. Will keep refrigerated for up to one week.

This recipe was originally contributed by Greg Schmick of the Horseshoe Bar & Grill.