Austin Adoption Events

Parenting. Adoption.  And Adoptive Parenting.
Happy Halloween!  I hope you are all having a family filled weekend.  I've just returned from an amazing three day training in Denver and honestly can't wait to get back to work this week...in my new office!

There are a couple exciting adoption-related events coming up in the Austin area that I wanted to share with everyone briefly.

Of course, the Adoption Knowledge Affiliates conference is THIS Friday and Saturday, November 4 and 5.  If you haven't already registerd, I really encourage you to do so.   We have worked so hard to bring Deborah Gray to Austin and I'm confident this will be an amazing conference.  You can register for the conference HERE. 

NEXT- On November 11 - 13, Families with Children from China, along with Adoption Knowledge Affiliates, are excited to host Jane Brown and her famous Adoption PlayShops right here in Austin.  Details about the weekends events are available here:  Jane Brown Adoption Play Shops

A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available here:  Jane Brown FAQs

Jane Brown's Adoption Play Shops get rave reviews- I highly encourage all of you to consider participating in this event.

Enjoy this glorious weather and I hope to see you at the AKA conference on Friday!

Robyn

~


 


Austin Adoption Support Groups
 
Adoption Knowledge Affiliates Adoption Knowledge Affiliates is a place where adopted people, birth parents, adoptive parents and others are coming together to find a depth of understanding unimaginable before.  No monthly November meeting due to our November conference!

COAC (Council on Adoptable Children) The Austin Council on Adoptable Children is a support group for adoptive families.  Meetings are always the second Monday of the month @ 6:30pm.  14000 Summit Dr. ~ Austin, TX

Parenting Across Color A Transracial Parenting Support Group: envisioning a world in which love has no color.  Meetings are always the second Saturday of the month @ 5pm.  Potluck dinner and childcare available.  St. James Episcopal Church ~ 1941 Webberville Rd. ~ Austin, TX

Robyn Gobbel is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) helping children and families in Austin, TX. In addition to a master’s degree in social work, Robyn holds a post-graduated certificate in therapy with foster and adoptive children and families.  Robyn offers counseling for children, collaborates with parents who want parenting to be more fun, and facilitates workshops for both parents and professionals. 
 

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Home Study...Check!

Our home study requirements have been met. We completed three post placement visits and our agency's social worker has completed the home study report. Our next step is to get the appropriate documents on file with the court and request a finalization hearing date.

I believe a sweet baby girl will be ours forever either by Christmas or Thanksgiving. Very exciting wonderful news.

Fall Break

Brice had an extended weekend last week because of fall break.  We took advantage of the time off of school and took the kids to Branson.  We stayed at a hotel with an indoor water park and went to Silver Dollar City.  The weather was beautiful and we had a great 4 days away.

Adopt Without Debt- Atlanta Area Workshop

I received this email tonight and thought many might find it helpful--------

Date: November 19th, 2011 10:00 am-12:30pm
Location: Family By Faith Worship Center
meeting at Midway Elementary School
4805 Atlanta Highway
Alpharetta, GA 30004

Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://familybyfaith-efbevent.eventbrite.com/


It is $15 for individual or $20 for a couple, which includes a copy of
the best selling book!

Family by Faith is proud to present author Julie Gumm whose best
selling book "Adopt Without Debt" is giving hope and direction to
would-be adoptive families. Fulfill your adoption dream without signing
away your financial freedom! Come learn how grants, tax credits, and
creative fundraising ideas can help you raise the money you need for
private or international adoption. Session will highlight specific
examples of families and various fundraising methods. Registration fee
includes copy of book, one per individual registration or couple.

What others are saying about Julie Gumm and her book:

I receive calls on my show all the time about how you have to go into
debt to adopt. Julie Gumm is living proof and a testament to the fact
you can adopt without ANY debt. I highly recommend reading "Adopt
Without Debt" if you are considering adoption.
Dave Ramsey, Best-selling author, national speaker and nationally
syndicated talk radio host

Pumpkins and a Cowboy

We took the kids to the pumpkin patch last weekend.

My lil' cowboy is looking awfully adorable today, don't you agree?

4 Months

Sweet little Avenn girl turned four months old last weekend.
Her latest skills include giggling nonstop during clothing changes.
She is a wee bit ticklish.
She is grasping hold of items and attempting to figure out how to hold her bottle.
Cooing and making all kinds of different sounds working on her communication skills.
Drooling like there is no tomorrow.
We will definitely be seeing some teeth soon.
Using her legs to twist and lift trying to turn over.

We completed our home study requirements and we are attempting to get a finalization hearing set as soon as possible.  We are very excited to be able to finalize early.  We were able to finalize a month early with Rogan and unfortunately Brice's finalization was not complete until a few days before his first birthday.  Tulsa County Courts are not necessarily known for adoption friendliness and quick finalizations.  We hope to be an exception to the rule.  Rogan's finalization was done in San Antonio, it was quick and easy.  Texas adoption courts are much friendlier.

Spirit Week

This week is spirit week around these parts and tonight is homecoming. Football is a big deal here in Oklahoma and the elementary schools even get to participate in the week's events.  Brice enjoyed getting to dress up or wear something special each day.

Monday was pajama day.  I might of sorta forgot to take a picture.  Insert outdated Easter photo of him in his jammies instead.  

 Brice and his best bud Davin rockin' their head wear on hat day.

 

Crazy sock day

 Tie Day

School Spirit Day

Almost Done!

We have our last post placement home study visit today.  This is it!  Our third post placement visit and we are ready to finalize.  After today, our agency social worker will complete the home study report and our attorney will begin the process for finalization.  Our goal is to be finalized by year end!

Adoption Televsion

I am somewhat proud to admit I do not watch many of the popular television shows. I have never seen a single episode of Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives or House.  I do not watch Glee although I hear they are airing or have aired an adoption storyline.  I also heard the episode is/was controversial and has resulted in an online petition.  You can read more about the Glee hoopla here.

I do however watch Parenthood.  Religiously.  I sorta really love that show.  At the end of last season the show began a storyline about Julia and her husband struggling with infertility.  This season began with them deciding to adopt and a potential birth mother entered their lives as the coffee girl at Julia's office.  Of course, being television they had to add a little drama when Julia asked the potential birth mother if she would consider them as adoptive parents.  Last night, the birth mother asked them to parent her child.  I am excited to see where this story goes.  Will the show use open adoption and the birth mother will become another member of the Braverman clan or will the birth mother character be phased out after placing her baby creating a closed adoption storyline?  Will the birth mother's character appear in future episodes?  Will they introduce the birth father and air his point of view?

One thing is for sure adoption talk is entering the mainstream.  I remember watching the King of Queens finale in 2007 as the Heffernans faced infertility and adopted from China.  I had been an adoptive mother for about a year and a half when the show concluded.  I remember thinking I cannot believe someone is finally adding an adoption storyline.

I do not understand all the controversy surrounding the Glee episode(s) because as I said, I do not watch the show.  I do know adoption is in the news and adoption story lines are airing.  People are talking about adoption.

The more we as adoptive parent share information and our stories the more we educate and advocate.  Brian and I have always said the more our kids hear the word "adoption" the more comfortable they will become with it.  If we talk about adoption in our house like it's no big thing...it won't be.

Crazies

A few of us have been sharing some of the CRAZY stuff people will say to you when you have a child who does not necessarily "match" your family.  We have had our share of crazies and their crazy comments.  I have blogged about the sales lady at Macy's who asked if Rogan was mine.  I have also told you about the ladies at the grocery store who ask if my husband is dark complected.  I would have to say the strangest thing that has happened to me and it has nothing to do with adoption actually, was when a large group of Asian students walked by us as we waited for Brice's speech appointment at the University of Tulsa.  Two girls from the group stopped and asked me if they could take a photo of Avenn because they had never seen a "white" baby before.  Uh huh...that really happened.

Oh man people have a lot of nerve.  Be ready for it.

TGIF

After going on a field trip yesterday, today was the Jog-a-thon.  Kindergarten is a very busy class.  Brice ran so many laps today he ran out of room to mark laps on his lap card.

TGIF!  I know he has to be tired after two big days this week at school...I know I am pooped.

Field Trip!

Today, I was able to attend Brice's class field trip to a local apple orchard and pumpkin patch.  A wonderful way to spend my day.  My in-laws were able to come into town to watch the two younger kiddos so I could have a day of fun with Briceman.