Elizabeth Peterson

is adopting a child from United States of America

Foster-to-Adopt 6-23-18

Not only are we keeping the door to our hearts open a tiny bit, we are flinging that door WIDE open, y'all. It's not possible after this adventure to go back to 'business as usual' so we are now nearly ready to open our home to foster care for a small child, baby, or two. We should have our first placement(s) by early July. These children may or may not have 'TPR' status (termination of parental rights) so we will soon stop posts and must keep their information strictly confidential. So if you see us with some little ones, now you know!

You all have been such a beautiful village of stalwart friends and family. We have so much gratitude and want you to know you inspire us. What have we learned through the LilyAnna Adventure?

Atlanta is Home
Friends are Everything
We are Resilient
Love makes a Family

We still need to raise funds to cover the total $12,000 spent in legal fees, home study, forensic evaluation, etc. Please do give you are capable. We will be EVENTUALLY adopting (now through foster care) and are regaining our energy, hope, and faith in the process. Thank you!

Adoption Failed 6-18-18

A few days into the revocation period, the birth mother revoked the surrender documents saying she forgave the birth father for his violence toward her and hoped the baby would be with family members. There was nothing for us to do at that juncture but to respect her wishes and stop all proceedings.

Needless to say, we were devastated and have been quietly mourning the loss of beautiful LilyAnna as well as praying for her safety and future happiness. Neither of us have entirely been able to let go of her as her arrival was miraculous.

One adoptive mom I know has been a great ally in this adventure. She said, "I know you are so hurt. Leave the door to your heart cracked open a tiny bit. The universe has some plan for you and although this whole thing is hard to understand and experience, don't let it shut you down."

One thing Jean and I have in common is a hard-scrabble resilience. We are NOT giving up on expanding our family! So…

More Roadblocks… 6-8-18

Folks, I wish we had better news…We spent most of the day in juvenile court yesterday. Initially we thought the foster care petition would be dismissed and we would now be home with baby, but we learned there are new legal complications. The good news is that the birth mother signed the surrenders earlier this week! We need to wait until the revocation period for the surrenders is over to learn our next move. That's around June 18.

There is nothing quite like walking around a court house for 6 hours holding an empty car seat…and then leaving. Those of you who have adopted know, it's a roller coaster of emotions and yesterday mine ran the gamut from elation to dread. Nonetheless, we remain committed more than ever to this little girl and her birth mother. Earlier this week we crafted a beautiful Post Adoption Contact Agreement with the birth mom with many opportunities for connection as baby grows up. We are being led in this journey.

Please continue to help support us as it is only becoming more and more costly. Thank you

T-Shirt Fundraiser! 6-4-18

Check out this super groovy tee to support our journey! CLICK THIS LINK TO PURCHASE YOUR OWN ADOPTION ROCKS SHIRT! https://www.bonfire.com/adoption-rocks-3/

Graphic Design by Ellie Leacock

We are Adopting a Baby Girl! 6-1-18

Two months ago we were miraculously matched with an infant girl. We were ready with funds for an open private adoption and thought it would be straightforward. Unfortunately, halfway through the process there were legal complications. We are absolutely committed to this child, and we could really use your help to finalize placement of our girl. Thank you for wanting to learn our story.

Ten years ago we adopted our amazing son. He was placed with us on his first birthday and changed our hearts and lives forever. This dynamic healthy boy was born in Ethiopia and made his way to the USA through a disrupted adoption. Miraculously, he found his way to us although we were working with a domestic adoption agency. He manages in his own way despite multiple disabilities. Jean works with him full time to coordinate his care, education, and medical needs. Elizabeth works full time and takes additional teaching engagements to support the family. For many years just we three was all we needed!

Then about two years ago, Elizabeth felt the pull of a little heart calling to her to be her mom. We began our new adoption search initially via foster care and then via private adoption. After several stops and starts, we were matched with a wonderful woman in her third trimester who was making an adoption plan. We attended every ob-gyn appointment and created a bond of friendship with the birth mother. She honored us by requesting our presence at delivery. Elizabeth was fortunate to witness the moment of birth of our daughter whose name was chosen by Jean and Elizabeth and the birth mother. She was born with a full head of hair, beautiful brown eyes, and freckles. Remarkably, she also has the very same sort of birthmark on the very same spot as Elizabeth - as if we needed even more confirmation this baby was searching for us!

We have already spent $10,000 in legal fees, paperwork, travel costs, etc. This private adoption became very complicated through circumstances beyond our control when the state stepped in with a temporary foster placement for the baby. That created unforeseen and significant legal costs including legal representation and advocacy for the birth mother. We anticipate another $10,000 to $15,000 before we are able to secure placement and finalize the adoption. So, we are exploring all our resources and getting creative with fundraising efforts including this crowdfunding campaign. Our goal of $7,500 will greatly help ease this significant financial burden.

We firmly believe that adopted children find their way home to the parents they need and that it really does take a village to raise a child. Every adoption starts from a broken place. It then blossoms into something new that changes the child and the family in remarkable ways. Our son made us adoptive mothers, as well as an interracial family living with disability. Our son is so excited to have a little sister who shares his African American heritage and who will likely also share some of his learning delays. All this to say: WE ARE READY!!

We are committed not only to this baby girl, but also to her birth mother who is a strong and resilient person and a generous beautiful soul despite so many odds stacked against her; we are working with our lawyer to draft a contact agreement plan for an open adoption allowing her to remain a close part of our family.