June 16, 2009
started the process to find you
September 12, 2009
first class for adoption. I could barely sleep last night. Todays subject was regarding raising a child that has been through the system and the differences from raising a child from birth. It definitely wasn't a warm and fuzzy subject and not comfortable, but it definitely made us even more determined to be strong, and be there through the long haul.
Understanding Hurt Children
Raising Children from the System
September 19, 2009
another class, preparing us to be the right parents for you. Today was a subject near and dear to my heart--loss, grieving and healing. I think about how I felt losing my parents at too young of an age and realize that if I feel this way as a grown up, the feelings must seem overwhelming at times for a child. We can't erase the past, but will do everything we can to make the future a safe and secure place.
It's hard to think that what's a happy occassion for us (the addition of you to our family) is a time of uncertainty for you. I'm sure you're feeling mixed emotions. It's okay to love both of your families.
Impact of Loss
UsingFamily Strengths to help Child
Helping Child become part of our family
September 26, 2009
We graduated from the adoption orientation classes today. Now, we progress to the home study. Today we had to close our eyes and imagine a scene described to us in lots of detail. It was describing a child removed from their home and not knowing what was going on. We had other exercisings painting the picture to help us understand your past so that we'll be sure to be patient and recognize the needs behind your behaviors.
October 10, 2009
Attachment workshop
October 14, 2009 & October 19, 2009
individual interviews
October 28, 2009
joint interview and home inspection.
November 9, 2009
Adoption Training
November 21, 2009
National Adoption Day. We were invited to the adoption celebration in Roanoke and the play "They Chose Me". It was a good day, and I can't wait to celebrate that truly, rather than from the sidelines.
January 7, 2010
received our official approval in the mail today. Now, the hard part--waiting to find you.
March 10, 2010
We attended a
Healing for the Attachment Challenged, Angry and Defiant Child, by Bryan Post
Pretty unconventional parenting style, but it makes a lot of sense. Purchased a few of the books as well.
May 14, 2010
We attended a Dawn Wasniak conference today, Trauma and Healing It was the most amazing class!
May 26, 2010
Kimya suggested we make flyers to share with social workers in the state. I'm having a good time trying to put this together.
June 3, 2010
went to an adoption match in Richmond today. Talked to tons of case workers, but didn't find you yet.
June 27, 2010
mailed out flyers to various workers
September 28, 2010
Understanding Attachment
Becoming a Good Detective
Revved UP or Dampened Down Pooh, Piglet or Trigger
October 23, 2010
zoo party--went to the Richmond zoo and played with kids waiting for adoptive parents. You weren't there. We had a great time with all the kids there, but are disappointed that we couldn't meet you.
October 26, 2010
Treating Chronic Trauma Familes training today, covering how to handle chronic trauma and abuse and breaking the cycle.
November 4, 2010
Adoption match reception in Richmond tonight. Almost didn't go, because of so many unproductive trips, but tonight gave us hope.
November 8, 2010
attended the Heart Gallery reception
November 17, 2010
Coping with Grief. No matter the reason our child is in the system, they've experienced a loss, and we need to be equipped.
November 19, 2010
our adoption workers last day is today.
November 20, 2010
National Adoption Day. Attended the celebration in Roanoke, which was rather sad, knowing we were once again on the sidelines. We were told that children waiting to be adopted would be there as well, but we couldn't tell which ones they were.
December 8, 2010
adoption match reception in Roanoke
December 14, 2010
home study update.
January 10, 2011
new adoption specialist
February 8, 2011
Empowering Parents of Foster Children Training
February 24, 2011
Home Visit
March 5, 2011
Adoption Fair, Virginia Beach
March 8, 2011
Underderstanding Impact of Trauma on Children in Foster Care
March 16, 2011
home visit, interview M
April 15, 2011
CPR and first aid class
May 20, 2011
Meeting with Jennifer RE: recruiting
June 4, 2011
Adoption Match Party, Laser Quest
July 30, 2011
How to End Lying, Stealing and Defiance, Bryan Post
August 11, 2011
Bullying Seminar
August 26, 2011
Adoption Match Party, Swaders Event
October 1, 2011
Adoption Match Party, Bowling
November 17, 2011
Adoption Match Reception, Richmond
December 13, 2011
home visit, home study update
January 12, 2012
Dealing with Sexually Acting Out Behaviors
January 13, 2012
phone interview A
February 10, 2012
interview H
February 14, 2012
Understanding the Explosive Child (excellent training on understanding attachment challenged kiddos)
March 14, 2012
Medication Administration
April 24, 2012
Fostering Attachment Through Parent-Youth Activities
May 10, 2012
Treating Explosive Kids
June 2, 2012
The Waiting is the Hardest Part: Tips & Strategies for the Matching Process (webinar)
July 28, 2012
Foster Handbook Training
August 9, 2012
Attachment: New Concepts and Strategies
August 20, 2012
Your Adopted Child: Angry Devil or Wounded Angel (The Relationship Factor), Bryan Post (webinar)
August 22, 2012
When Severe Behaviors Feel Hopeless, Helene Timpone (webinar)
August 23, 2012
Loving All of Our Child: Why an Adoptee's Story Matters Webinar
featuring the authors of "Before You Were Mine" Susan TeBos & Carissa Woodwyk
September 8, 2012
6 Minutes That Can Change Your Child's Life (and Yours!), Bryan Post
9 More Minutes That Could Change Your Child's Life (Yours too), Bryan Post
September 9, 2012
videos:
October 13, 2012
Crisis Intervention Training
2013
3 month book study on The Boy that was Raised as a Dog
January 8, 2013
Emotional Abuse: How Bad does it have to be?
March 9, 2013
Five Love Languages of Teenagers and their connection to Attachment Parenting (fyi--kiddo 1st is gifts, 2nd is time together)
November 12, 2013
Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
Adoption Preparation Reading List (2009-present)
How To Say It To Kids-Dr Paul Coleman & Richard Heyman, Ed.D
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, Sherrie Eldridge
From Fear To Love, B Bryan Post
Attaching in Adoption, Deborah D Gray
The Confident Child, Terri Apter, Ph.D
The Great Behavior Breakdown, B Bryan Post
The Dads & Daughters Togetherness Guide, Joe Kelly
Parenting from the Inside Out, Daniel J Siegel, MD & Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.
Nuturting Adoptions, Deborah D Gray
The Connected Child, Karyn B Purvis, Ph.D. David R Cross, Ph.D. and Wendy Lyons Sunshine
Not So Stupid Parents, Hayley DiMarco
Adoption is Another Word for Love,
3 Things Kids Need the Most, Fred A Hartley, III
How to Help Your Child with Homework, Jeanne Shay Schumm, Ph.D.
Mom's Almanac
Little Things Long Remembered, Susan Newman, Ph.D.
Mother Styles, Janet P Penley with Diane Eble
Bad Childhood, Good Life, Dr Laura Schlessinger
Parenting the Hurt Child, Gregory C Keck, PhD & Regina M Kupecky, LSW
Adopting the Hurt Child, Gregory C Keck, PhD & Regina M Kupecky, LSW
Parenting Adopted Adolescents, Understanding & Appreciating Their Journeys, Gregory C Keck, PhD
Last Mom Blog
Way of the Peaceful Parent
When Love Is Not Enough--A Guide to Parenting Children with RAD-Reactive Attachment Disorder
A Childs Journey Through Placement, Vera I Fahlberg, MD
The Foster Parenting Toolbox, Phagan-Hansel
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook--What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing, Bruce Perry & Maia Szalavitz
The Healing Power of the Family: An Illustrated Overview of Life with the Disturbed Foster or Adopted Child, Richard J Delaney, Ph.D
Troubled Transplants, Richard Delaney, Ph.D & Frankl R Kunstal, Ed.D
The Explosive Child, Ross W Green PhD
