After meeting Abby, there are two things we know for sure - she is a proud birth mom and loves her son with all of her heart!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I respond to people when they find out that I’m a birth mother. It’s interesting to think about my natural response because it tells me a lot about myself.

When I stepped into an adoption plan as an expectant parent I thought, “I’m going to do the very best for my baby and then, it will be over.” There is a lot of parenting on the front end. I decided who would raise him, how well I took care of him, if I would (or would not) take him to the doctor in the womb, give him prenatal vitamins, etc. Lots of parenting decisions.

"You can't read an adoption story without a then and now. The world sees an event where the adoption community knows evolution."

"Hey there! I’m Michelle, a wife, mom, birth mom, adoption professional, friend, and writer. Most of what I write is adoption related. Why? I’m glad you asked."

You share your title as a mother with another woman along with a bond no one else understands. I knew that placing meant being in the presence of true love. Placing means taking an unplanned situation and turning it into a gift for everyone.

"I will do anything to give you everything in life, even if that means it's not with me." #BraveLove

I have found there to be three important themes related to the adoption journey - grief, shame, and openness. I have come to this conclusion because I am a birth mom and this is my story...

We believe that adoption is not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful and often difficult journey. We want to share your greatest wishes as a way to encourage birth moms during what has the potential to be a difficult season. 

They were truly the light that helped overcome such a dark time in my life. I didn’t “lose” Olivia, if anything I gained three of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I am so grateful to have in my life. They have become two of the people I want to share my happiest news with and who I lean on for support during more trying times.