The best birthday gift EVER!!

Jan- That is so wonderful! I remember getting the first birthday card from J that said "daughter" . It was the most beautiful gift I could have ever received! Happy belated birthday to you and I am so thrilled for you!:love:

Thank you for the birthday wishes, and your not belated. Today is my b-day. Jan18...January 18...get it?! :)Thanks again!Amy

Jan18, I understand what you mean about hearing "Happy Birthday!" from the woman who birthed you! It was an amazing moment for me too... one that I still treasure each year. May God Bless you on your birthday!

I see you were a adoptive child. I adoptived 2 girls about 4 years ago. They are sisters 9 and 11 years old now. The are sisters to my step-daughter in simple terms they are my husbands ex-wife's kids. He is not their father. We took them in becuase the b-mom went to prison. She has been out of their lifes since 1/03 and she will be in prison till 12/9. They get letters and b-day cards from her and that is the only contact. Can u tell my if their story is at all like yours? also, how would it have changed u if u had contact from her b-mom or knew her in your early years?

Patti:I was adopted as an infant. I believe I was 2 wks. old when my parents "picked me up" at the adoption agency. I grew up in an upper middle class home with a huge extended family. I knew from an early age that I was adopted.I am not sure if an open adoption would have made my life different or not. I have anxiety problems. Not sure if it because of being adopted, biological or a combination of both. I grew up during the years where there were several b-families who were able to regain custody of their relinquished children due to formalities on the adoption agencies part. I lived in fear, when I was younger, that my b-mom would come and take me away from my parents.I wondered about my b-parents throughout my life. I never had any regrets about the path my life took. I didn't search for my b-family until I was 32 years old. I am happy to be in contact with the family I have connected with, so far. I am still developing a relationship with my b-mom. We talk on the phone on a bi-weekly basis. We e-mail every few days. My b-father passed away when I was little, and I have no contact with his family because everyone on his side has died.Not sure if I answered your question. Every case is different. If you think it is right for you kids to have contact then continue. You are their parent and have their best interest at heart!