Adoption Diaries

On this episode of "Adoption Diaries", Annie and Caitlin will dive into the complexities of navigating the holiday season while in the waiting phase of adoption.   The holidays can be a season of joy, and for hopeful adoptive parents, they can also bring unique challenges - unanswered questions, well-meaning family inquiries, and the weight of waiting during a time focused on togetherness.  Annie...

During this episode of "Adoption Diaries" Caitlin leads a heartfelrt interview with Annie, focusing on the intricacies of transracial adoption.   Annie candidly shares her insights, challenges, and joys, offering valuable perspectives on navigating identity, culture, and belonging with transracial adoptive families.  Tune into this authentic, transparent, and open conversation, as we learn, grow,...

Welcome to Season 3 of "Adoption Diaries" - Engaging in Honest Conversations, where hosts Annie & Caitlin will embark on a compelling series delving into the mulifaceted world of adoption.    Join then as they have honest, difficult, raw & real conversations.  

As we reach the culmination of "Adoption Diaries" Season 2, hosts Annie & Caitlin invite you to join them in a heartwarming and reflective season  finale.  In this episode they will take time to appreciate and honor the diverse voices that have been shared within the adoption community throughout the season.  Annie & Caitlin will engage in meaningful recap and reflection, weaving together the thre...

Join Annie & Caitlin as they offer a much needed pep talk for hopeful families navigating the adoption journey.  This episode serves as a beacon of encouragement and guidance for those experiencing the challenges and uncertainties of waiting.  They will share practical strategies and insights aimed to help hopeful families find their "one thing" - that one small, manageable step they can take when...

On this episode of "Adoption Diaries" Annie & Caitin sit down with Danielle, a remarkable adoptive mama who shares her journey of becoming a mother through adoption not once, but twice.  Danielle is also a content creator on Instagram!  We love her page adoptingourlittles - so head over and check it out! Danielle candidly shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in navigating her adoption...

During this episode on "Adoption Diaries" host Annie will engage in a compelling conversation with Adrian, he shares how he navigated the complexities of being a transracial adoptee growing up in the state of Vermont.  This episode provides a platform for Adrian to openly share his unqiue experiences and perspectives on the adoption journey.    Annie will actively listen, discuss, and learn from A...

During this "Pep Talk" on "Adoption Diaries",  Annie & Caitlin explore "being present where your feet are."  This episode is tailored to both hopeful adoptive parents and those who have a sweet little one at home.  Annie & Caitlin will share how to truly embrace the present moment and how to navigate the complexities of adoption while staying grounded in the here and now.   Whether it is savoring...

In this episode of "Adoption Diaries" hosts Annie & Caitlin dive into the profound and often unheards stories of birth parents.  They will engage in a candid conversation with Leah Outten, a birth parent, and the author of "The Sixteenth Year: An Open Adoption Memoir." This episode will peel back the layers of Leah's experience, emotions, and insights into the intricacies of being a birth parent. ...

During this episode Annie & Caitlin will sit down for a conversation with Stephanie Shivers who is a Community Trauma Trainer and has worked as an Adoption Professional most of her career.  Stephanie is passionate about moving the conversation from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" and dismantling the stigma of mental health.  Annie, Caitlin, and Stephaie engage in an insightful...

During this "Pep Talk", Annie & Caitlin will dive into the importance of reaching out and discovering your adoption community.  The adoption journey can be a rollercoaster of emotions and having a supportive community can make a difference.  Annie & Caitlin will draw from their personal experiences and offer valuable tips on how to connect with others who are on a similar path.  From navigating on...

During this episode, Annie & Caitlin will engage in a thoughtful conversation with Isaac Etter founder of Identity Learning and delve into the unique complexities adoptees experience as they navigate culture and identity.   This conversation will explore the profound importance of identity for all adoptees and dive into more specfically transracial adoption and culture.  This discussion on "Adopti...

Welcome to Season 2 of "Adoption Diaries:  Lifting Voices - Learning from All", where hosts Annie & Caitlin embark on a new season dedicated to amplifying diverse voices within the adoption community.  The first episode of this season (Episode 11) the dynamic pair sets the stage for a season dedicated to the diverse voices within the community.   They will delve into the crucial importance of ampl...

In the final episode of this series with "Adoption Diaries" Annie & Caitlin will deliver a powerful pep talk that resonates deeply within the adoption community:  the potential harm of comparing stories.  This episode will address the natural tendency to compare adoption journeys and the impact it can have on individuals and families.  Join us as we explore the importance of embracing the uniquene...

Today on "Adoption Diaries" we will guide you through the unique experience of the waiting that comes along with navigating Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) process when adopting across state lines.  Learn about the dynamics of waiting for ICPC clearance and the significance it holds in the context of the adoption journey.   Whether you are currently in this phase or preparin...

On this episode of "Adoption Diaries" Annie & Caitlin will tackle the intricate rollercoaster of emotions that surface during the adoption matching and placement phase.  This will invite listeners to embrace and navigate the complex range of emotions that come with the anticipation of matching with an Expectant Mama.  Join us as we share practical strategies for coping with the highs and lows of t...

This episode of "Adoption Diaries" Annie & Caitlin will dive into the crucial aspect of the adoption journey:  maintaining transparency and honestly with Expected Mamas who are making an adoption plan.  Join us as we share insights, discuss the pitfalls of over-promising, and emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations.  Navigating these conversations authentically is vital for buil...

Today on "Adoption Diaries" we will explore the theme of patience and positivity during the adoption wait.  This pep talk is designed to inspire and encourage prospective adoptive parents to find the bright spots along their adoption journey.  Discover the transformative power of focusing on the positives, celebrating the small victories, and building a support system that sustains you during this...

Today, Annie & Caitlin explore the challenges and emotions tied to navigating the adoption path when faced with limited information.   This episode addresses the common longing of hopeful adoptive parents for more details, especially medical records.  Join us as we delve into the complexitiies of accepting uncertainty and finding ways to move forward with hope and confidence.  Discover the power o...

In this candid discussion, Annie & Caitlin will talk through their personal stories of experiencing "Not Yet".   If you have faced this or are feeling discouraged in your journey, this episode is for you.  We explore coping strategies, mindset shifts, and the importance of community along the way.  Tune in for a dose of inspiration and a reminder that each "Not Yet" brings you one step closer to t...

Today in "Adoption Diaries" Annie & Caitlin explore a crucial aspect of the adoption journey - the process of selecting the right partnership with a consultant, agency, or lawyer.  This episode will offer practical strategies and invaluable insights to guide adoptive parents through this important decision-making phase.  Discover the key factors to consider, questions to ask, and red flags to be a...

In this episode of "Adoption Diaries" Annie & Caitlin tackle all the details that make up the adoption process.   This will be your practical guide for prospective adoptive parents on staying organized from the initial steps to the joyful moment of welcoming a new little on into your home.  Join us as we share, offer valuable tips, and strategies to effectively stay organized while maintaining a s...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Adoption Diaries" where co-hosts Annie & Caitlin dive into their hearts for adoption!   In this opening episode, join us as we introduce ourselves, offer a glimpse into our lives, and the unique perspective we bring into the world of adoption.  Get ready to come alongside us as we journey together.  Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoptee, birth parent, conn...