Attending an Adoption Seminar Today

Today I'm off to an adoption seminar hosted by an Adoption Practitioner, Sofie Stergianis. She wrote the book, 'What is Adoption? Helping non-adopted children understand Adoption.'

I'm really looking forward to today's seminar although I believe it will be emotionally challenging too. It's easy to think, 'Oooo...I'm adopting a baby!' Today I will learn many great things associated with international adoption yet I will also learn about many of the unique challenges my little girl and I may face. I want to be the very best Mom I can so am trying to learn as much as I can right now. I know the biggest teaching period will come when we meet and begin our lives together but for now, I'll go and soak up as much teaching as I can.

Today's topics are:

The process involved in adopting internationally -- pre and post placement

Preparing for adoption and travel -- emotional considerations, dealing with family and friends, positive adoption language, beginning a "Life Book"

Infertility -- does the pain ever totally go away? (This one I understand: no husband = no baby! :o)

Meeting your child, the flight back, and suggestions of what not to do when you return

Adjustment considerations: food, bath, language, sleeping, etc.

Medical issues & child development -- is my child "normal"?

Attachment & Bonding -- adjustment of older children

Preparing for being "different" -- issues related to mixed racial adoptions

Growing up adopted -- talking about adoption with your child

I'll post later and share my day with you.