Adoption Diaries

In this final episode of this season This or That series , Annie and Caitlin are exploring open vs. closed adoption - and how to find your path.  They clarify definitions, address common misconceptions, and talk about why openness is becoming more common in adoption today.  They will discuss the benefits to openness, healthy boundaries, and how openness can evolve over time as relationships, child...

In this episode of Adoption Diaries, Annie & Caitlin are breaking down one agency vs. multiple agencies and what it really means to be multi-listed.  They will explain how each approach works and why families might choose one path over the other.  They will walk through the pros and cons of each option, including ethical considerations, contract details, and how costs and stress levels can differ...

In this episode of Adoption Diaries, we're comparing two ways families share their stories with expectant parents:  professional vs. self made adoption books. We'll talk about what expectant parents are actually seeing today and how the landscape has shifted in the digital age.  Annie & Caitlin break down accessibility and shareability, along with the emotional storytelling differences between onl...

If you've been waiting for the perfect moment , the right sign , or for everything to finally feel "figured out" before starting your adoption journey-this episode is for you.  The truth is, adoption isn't a path you can fully map out ahead of time.  It's a journey built step by step, decision by decision, with clarity that comes after you move forward - not before.   In this pep talk-style episod...

In this episode of "Adoption Diaries", Annie & Caitlin are diving into another big decision point:  domestic adoption vs. international adoption.  They walk through the legal processes and timelines for each path, and what families can realistically expect along the way.  They will discuss travel requirements, cultural considerations, and typical costs, along with the age of children most commonly...

In this episode of Adoption Diaries, Annie & Caitlin are comparing two common paths to building a family:  domestic infant adoption & foster care.   They will break down the primary goals of each system - permanency versus reunification - and what that means for hopeful adoptive parents. They explore the key differences, timelines, emotional expectations, and costs along with trauma informed paren...

In this kickoff episode of "This vs. Tha:  Navigating Your Adoption Journey" mini-series, Caitlin & Annie dive into why adoption decisions can feel so overwhelming.  With dozens of paths, agencies, timelines, and opinions, it's easy to fall into the Google rabbit hole and feel paralyzed by choice.  We're breaking down why there is no "right" adoption journey - only what is right for your family -...

In this special season finale of Adoption Diaries:  Adoption from the Heart, Annie & Caitlin come together and reflect on the stories that have shaped this season and offer personal takeaways.   Join them as they celebrate the wisdom of the season, the beauty of shared experiences, and the ways in which listening to these voices can guide, support, and transform families on their own adoption jour...

This quick tip episode of Adoption Diaries explores how to talk about adoption from the very beginning - and how those conversations should evolve once your child has their own voice and story.  From instrusive questions to well-meaning but misinformed ones, we share how we respond matters just as much as what we say.   Annie and Caitlin offer a practical guide for protecting your child's dignity,...

In this heartfelt episode of Adoption Diaries, Annie & Caitlin sit down with a very special guest - Caitlin's husband, Tim Munsie - to explore a perspective we don't hear nearly enough in the adoption community: the father's experience.  As a dad to two biological children and one adopted son, Tim offers a thoughtful and honest look at how adoption reshaped his understanding of fatherhood, family,...

In this heart-forward episode of Adoption Diaries, Annie & Caitlin sit down with Tiny Hearts client, Amanda, to share a story rooted in courage, vulnerability, and deep love.   As part of our new series, Adoptions from the Heart, this conversation invites listeners into the real, lived experience of one family's adoption journey - told with honesty, tenderness, and the wisdom that only comes from...

Good communication can change everything - and this episode is packed with practical, bite-sized advice to help families strengthen how they connect throughout their journey.  Annie & Caitlin share quick, actionable tips for communicating with agencies, and adoption professionals, all through the lens of respect and compassion.  This conversation reminds listeners that communication isn't about sa...

In this episode, Annie & Caitlin sit down with Donna Shibley, Annie's mother, to reflect on the ripple effects of adoption within their family.   Donna shares her heartfelt perspective on Annie's adoption journey, offering insight into how adoption has shaped their family dynamics across generations.   This conversation dives into the challenges and joys of navigating adoption with loved ones, whi...

Join Annie & Caitlin as they kick off Season 5 of Adoption Diaries with an overview of their new series, Stories from the Heart .  In this opening episode, they set the stage for the heartfelt, real, and deeply personal conversations to come - stories from individuals whose lives have been forever shaped by adoption.  This season is about uncovering narratives that resonate with vulnerability, lov...

As children grow, their understanding of adoption evolves - and so does the role of adoptive parents.  Tune into this insightful conversation that Annie & Caitlin have with Elena S. Hall, author and adoptee.  Learn how parents can support older adoptees thorugh changing emotions, identity, and development, and new questions that arise over time.  Together, we will talk through resources, books, an...

Transracial adoption is a lifelong journey of learning, listening, and intentionality.  In this episode, Annie & Caitlin share practical ways families can support their child's identity and belonging - from choosing barbershops and doctors offices to surrounding your child with diverse representation in books, toys, and media.  They dive into why these seemingly small choices matter deeply for a c...

Your adoption journey begins with the relationships you build - and your connection with professionals is one of the most important.  In this conversation with Kendahl, Annie, & Caitlin they talk about all things adoption, including why your profile book matters, and how those early interactions can shape your experience in meaningful ways.  Together, they break down what makes a strong profile bo...

That first call with an expectant Mom can hold so much anticipation - and a lot of emotion.  In this episode, Annie & Caitlin walk through how to prepare for the conversation, what questions to ask (and what to avoid), and how to create a safe, genuine space for connection.  They offer language, mindset shifts, and real examples of how to lead with empathy and humility, rather than pressure or per...

The adoption wait can stir up so many emotions on the journey - joy, longing, gratitude, and sometimes grief.   In this episode, Annie & Caitlin offer a heartfelt pep talk for anyone navigating the wait.   Whether you're waiting to be matched, navigating openness, or findng your footing with a new connection, this conversation invites you to pause and breathe.  Together, they share gentle reminder...

Openness is more than a concept - it's a posture of the heart.   In this episode, Annie & Caitlin explore what healthy openness looks like both before and after placement.   They talk through what it means to discuss openness during the waiting stage, how to prepare emotionally, and how to approach the topic with honesty and grace.  Beyond placement, openness often shifts and grows.  Annie & Caitl...

In this opening episode, Annie & Caitlin share the heart behind Walking With You and why they believe no one should navigate the adoption process alone.  They'll reflect on how this series was created to meet families right where they are - whether you're waiting, newly matched, or years into parenting - and to remind you that support, learning, and community matter at every stage. Listeners will...

As we close our Season 3 of Adoption Diaries and the year 2024, we're taking a moment to reflect on the powerful stories, heartfelt conversations, and impactful lessons shared throughout this season.  In this finale, Annie will revisit key moments from the season and shares personal takeaways.  Join us for this reflection wrap-up as we celebrate the connections we've built, the growth we've experi...

In this heartfelt and practical episode of "Adoption Diaries",  Annie and Caitlin explore the importance of having open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations with your child about their adoption journey.   From starting the dialogue in early childhood to deepening the conversation as your adoptee grows, this episode offers strategies and insights to help parents navigate these meaningful disc...

In this episode of Adoption Diaries, we dive into one of the most pivotal moments on the adpotion journehy:  deciding with your partner if adoption is the right path for your family.   We know that reaching this decision is rarely straightforward.   That is why we're sharing essential tips to help guide you both through the process with intention, openness, and a sense of partnership.  From examin...

In Blending Bonds:  Navigating Adoption with Biological Children, Annie sits down with Caitlin for an honest and heartfelt conversation about Caitlin's adoption journey. Through Annie's thoughtful questions, Caitlin shares her experiences of adopting while raising biological children, offering insight into how her family navigating the joys, challenges, and transitions that come with blending biol...