Our Adoption Story: Foster Care, Private Open Adoption, and Blending a Family

There is not just one path to growing a family. In this episode of 18 Summers, we sit down to share our honest, firsthand experiences with the different types of adoption.

From navigating the uncertain and beautiful mess of foster care to pursuing a private open adoption and completing a step-parent adoption, we are laying it all out there. We discuss how we built a standout adoption profile, the reality of unwrapping the "unknown present" of unexpected medical needs, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

We also tackle a deeply frustrating comment that blended and adoptive families hear far too often: "Just wait until you have your own kids."

Whether you are actively considering adoption, curious about the process, or navigating a blended family of your own, we hope our story offers clarity and encouragement for your journey.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 The Different Paths to Growing a Family

0:32 Our Honest Experience with Foster to Adopt

2:45 The Hard Decision to Stop Fostering

5:16 Pivoting to Private Adoption

7:23 How We Built a Profile That Stood Out

9:30 Proactive Steps to Speed Up the Waiting Process

11:20 Unwrapping an "Unknown Present" (Navigating Medical Needs)

14:05 Open vs. Closed Adoption Explained

16:53 Setting Healthy Boundaries in Open Adoption

18:53 Why Adoption is Not a Charity Project

21:23 Step-Parent Adoption and Blending Families

23:45 Dealing with the "Have Your Own Kids" Comment

26:10 Final Words of Wisdom for Prospective Parents

Join the 18 Summers Family! We are talking all things adoption, family, and life. If you found this episode helpful or relatable, please tap the follow button and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! It is the absolute best way to help other families find our community.