2 Adoptive Mamas

The Main Thing: She started as an elementary school teacher, became an RN, and is now a mom of 6 juggling a myriad of needs while fiercely loving the kiddos God has called to her home. We had the privilege of sitting down with Stacey Gagnon for Episode 034 of the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast. We're asking Stacey about the lies she wanted to believe as she navigated her own family's adoptio...

The Main Thing: There's so much preparation and support that happens pre-placement. But what about after a child finds their forever family? Or after a foster family welcomes a child into their home? What about continued support and resources --- do they exist? They DO! But we don't talk about it enough.  Sheryl Bernot is an adoptee, adoptive mom, and now works with a foster care and ado...

The Main Thing: Cindy LaJoy is one of the most passionate, real, and encouraging moms you'll meet. She has an immense heart for adoption and you name it, she's walked it with her awesome crew. She joined us for Episode 032 to take a closer look at Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). We'll start with the basics and then take a deep dive into how RAD touches each part of the adoption...

When we count our blessings here at Two Adoptive Mamas, we count our listeners TWICE! We're so grateful to have had all of you --- new and "old" listeners --- along for this journey. We can't believe it's been almost a year! Sending a Thanksgiving greeting your way, and taking a quick break to be with family (and eat lots of delicious food)!  2 A.M. Connect:  Stay connecte...

The Main Thing:  As an author, advocate, adoptee, and hopeful adoptive parent, it's tough to find a corner of Chelsea Sobolik's life that isn't touched by adoption. She graciously joined us for Episode 031 of the podcast. She shares about her work on Capitol Hill, the inspiration behind her book  Longing for Motherhood , and how adoption is woven into her family.  Chelsea's kin...

The Main Thing: We had so much fun with Kara and are thrilled to bring you Episode 030 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast --- Keeping Our Cool with School. Kara's energy is contagious as she shares the ins and outs of establishing a recipe for success when it comes to navigating education. She is transparent, funny, passionate, and refreshingly direct --- a conversation that all of us can bene...

The Main Thing:  For Episode 029 we're sitting down with a (repeat) guest, Natalie Vecchione, and her co-author and friend, Cindy LaJoy, to talk about their new book ---  Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and Launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities . As two adoptive moms who have navigated the challenges of FASD and other developmental diagnoses, their heart, passion, and exper...

The Main Thing:  After having their two boys, Melinda and her husband Nate felt God tugging at their hearts to step into foster care. A little over a year ago, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family, and their lives have been forever changed. Through the challenges and special moments of their foster care journey, the Smiths have seen the Lord's hand in it all. Melinda joined u...

The Main Thing:  Growing up, Kelly knew she was adopted. Rebecca always thought she was an only child - she didn’t know that years earlier her parents had made an adoption plan for a child they did not feel they were ready to parent. Fast forward to 2019 --- Kelly and Rebecca find each other --- and the rest is history! We promise you’ll love this sister duo as they share their heart for adoption,...

The Main Thing: For Episode 026 we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Matt Quade to unpack what it looks like to get back to work as you grow your family through adoption and foster care. There is so much conversation to be had around this topic, and so in this bonus episode, we're going to keep it going! Join us for this "fireside chat" conversation to hear our thoughts and...

The Main Thing: Adding to your family is a life-changing event. Whether biological, adoption or foster care, it’s a major event and everything is different thereafter. At some point, it comes time to return to “normal” or some of the responsibilities we had pre-family addition. But how? And with what support? For Episode 026 we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Matt Quade, Associate Profe...

The Main Thing: For decades Show Hope has shown up for families pre and post adoption. Founded in 2003 by Steven and Mary Beth Chapman, Show Hope continues to be a light for families in the trenches of adoption. With a mission to engage the Church and eliminate barriers for those committing to the adoption process to grow their families, Show Hope has continued to expand opportunities for support....

The Main Thing: For Episode 024 we’re rounding up some of our favorite season one podcast moments. What fun it is to relive and highlight some of the moments that made this venture more than we could have hoped for! You also won’t want to miss what we’re sharing about season two - we’re so excited! Episode Resources: Until season 2, be sure to catch-up on any missed episodes at twoadoptivemamas.co...

The Main Thing: For Episode 023 of the podcast we got to sit down with Kanisha Tillman from Tutus and Tennis shoes --- yes you heard us correctly --- Tutus and Tennis shoes, how fun is that?! Kenisha is in the business of partnering with transracial adoptive families to equip and empower parents and children to feel confident in all things hair care. Her passion and heart for adoptive families and...

The Main Thing: Episode 022 provided an opportunity for us to connect with Erin Bouchard. She’s a mama with a really special story touched by foster care and adoption and is passionate about resourcing parents in the trenches. Erin joined us to talk about kinship adoption, trauma-informed parenting, and how to seek out resources in our communities so we are supported and equipped! Episode Resource...

The Main Thing: For Episode 021 we're joined by adoptive mom and podcast host, Alex Fitten. It was an honor (and so much fun!) to have Alex join us and talk about the things that are hard to say . Not only is she sharing the beautiful story of how she and her husband have followed God’s calling in creating their family, but she’s also joining us in the trenches to talk about the tough stuff....

The Main Thing: Sometimes you’re in a season, wading through a circumstance and you just can’t see or even imagine what’s next. We were reminded recently that we have promised to walk the day-to-day of adoptive mamahood --- together! So we’re doing just that with Episode 020: Don’t Forget to Remember, A Mama Mini-sode. We’re sharing what’s been happening in our worlds and what God has been teachin...

The Main Event: In Episode 019 we’re talking with Betsy Graham, fellow adoptive mom and superhero at building community among adoptive and foster families. She’s sharing her family’s story in addition to her mission to care for others and yourself. Her genuine heart and tender spirit were such an encouragement to us - we just loved this conversation! 2AM Resource: Betsy was kind enough to recommen...

The Main Thing: You asked, and we listened! We're taking a dive into the topic of parenting biological and adopted children in the same family. In Episode 018, Shannon Vining is here to talk about this --- and more! You won’t want to miss her story of strength and love matched with her steadfast trust in the Lord’s plan for their family. Episode Resources: We asked Shannon what she’s reading,...

The Main Thing: This week for Episode 017 we're sitting down with Laura Kline, an adoptive mama and administrator of a Facebook community committed to connecting adoptive and foster moms through resources & relationship. Her personal story coupled with her passion for helping other moms make meaningful connections makes for an informative and encouraging episode!  Episode Resources: A top...

The Main Thing: This week for Episode 016 we’re joined by Dr. Madeleine Blancher, an accomplished pediatrician and trained child mental-health advocate. Trauma-informed care is a conversation we’ve revisited several times on the podcast and we're excited for this deep dive! Dr. Blancher introduces us to CARES and the Circle of Security platforms for trauma-informed, relationship-based care. H...

The Main Thing: Rosie Mann from Forged in Fire is back with 2 Adoptive Mamas for Episode 015. Her insight and advice from Episode 003 was practical and helpful and so she's joined us to take a deeper dive into trauma-informed care. We're covering the three S's of trauma in today's episode - safety, sleep, and school.  Episode Resources:  Put Your Mother on the Ceiling by Richar...

The Main Thing: It's time for Episode 014, a mini-sode, with just the mamas! We're talking about some of our favorite kid-friendly reads about adoption. We have some recommendations, but also hope you'll be inspired to share yours!   Episode Resources:  Check out these books and more at our resource page: 2 Adoptive Mamas   2AM Connect: Are you following us on Instagram? Find us @2a...

The Main Thing:  It's time for Episode 013 and learning about how to ask for help. Join Liz as she talks with Kandace Lecocq from the Adoption Hacks podcast about why we struggle to ask, how to ask for real help, and some of the best ways to come alongside each other when the waters get choppy.  Episode Resources:  Find Adoption Hacks on Instagram @adoptionhacks 2 Adoptive Mamas 2AM Connect:...

The Main Thing:  We're "Counting the Cost" of adoption in  Episode 012 and hope you'll join our conversation with Rich Metcalfe and Trisha Priebe from Lifesong for Orphans. Their passion for supporting adoptive families emotionally, financially, and spiritually is unmatched. We were so encouraged, inspired, and challenged by our time together and know you will be too! Episode R...