Prospective adoptive parents now have 42 adoption agencies that have been licensed by the Vietnamese Government to choose from. They are:

A.D.O.P.P.T Inc.: Phu Tho, Hung Yen, Ho Chi Minh City

Adopt International: Ben Tre

Adoption Center of Washington: Binh Thuan, Binh Duong

Adoption from the Heart: Ho Chi Minh City

Adoptions International Inc.: Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong

Adoptions Together, Inc.: Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa

Alliance for Children: Thua Thien Hue

Americans for International Aids and Adoptions: An Giang

Asian Children's... more

I don’t know if all moms feel this way, or if it holds more meaning to adoptive moms, but when my daughter initiates hugging, holding or cuddling it just takes my breath away. Part of me goes “Yes! She’s attaching!” and the rest just melts. It’s been within the last few weeks that Ella has really started to become more affectionate and I’m just eating it up.

It all started with her treasured books. She loves to “read” and we would always sit on the floor or the couch and flip through her books. Then one day she... more

Viet Nam’s traditional dress outfit; the Ao Dai, has an impressive and long history behind it. The long, flowing, collared top with slitted sides is worn over long, flowy pants. Decadent, colorful ao dais are most often worn to formal events, holidays and weddings, but plain white ones can be seen worn as school uniforms in some parts of the country.

Ao Dai means long dress and is pronounced ao (as in “ow, I stubbed my toe”) yai in the South and ao zai in the North. The Ao Dai most likely received its influence... more

There is talk going on in Viet Nam adoption circles about agencies who are claiming to have adoption programs in Viet Nam without holding a license from the Vietnamese government. Such agencies claim that they are working with / partnering with / or covered under the umbrella of a licensed agency. If you are thinking of working with an agency like this, it will be in the best interest of you and your future child to run in the opposite direction. Fast. Parents adopting from Viet Nam currently have... more

Inspired by a reader’s comments and Faith’s post over at the Hoping to Adopt blog, I decided to dedicate a post to covering things to buy now, things to buy in Viet Nam, and things to buy after you get home.

Things to Buy Before You Travel

A few outfits for your new child(ren). If you can, wait until close to your travel date and ask your agency to get up to date height and weight... more

Most adoptive families are taught to begin telling their child about adoption before they are really able to understand the concept. Doing so will help you, the parent, become comfortable with adoption language and make it feel natural. Here are some tips about talking to your child about adoption.

Use books as a tool to open the lines of communication. Reading about other adopted children will get your child’s mind turning and can naturally lead to discussions about adoption and... more

Well, our house is officially on the market. You know how when you decide to cut all your hair off, the days before your salon appointment your long hair looks amazing? Well, we’ve been having a little bit of that happening. I absolutely feel moving is the right thing to do, but every so often I waver. I know where everything is here, this is Ella’s home and she’s starting to recognize it, it’s gotten to be comfortable. But…the neighbors are not the friendliest, there are no kids around that we’ve... more

I have started to work on Ella’s adoption video and it has brought me right back to those first days in Viet Nam; meeting our daughter, getting to know her in the hotel, exploring Hanoi. Although it wasn’t all that long ago, our time there seems like ages ago and I am so grateful to have those videos to bring me back, and to one day let Ella see our first weeks together.

Today’s Love Thursday post is inspired by Ella’s reaction to watching some video clips of our time in Viet Nam. A few days ago... more

Lately I have encountered a few situations that could have been made infinitely better if only I had practiced some discretion. I too often say too much, offer unasked for information and find myself in a conversation that I never really wanted to be in in the first place.

The most common question that I get asked about adoption is in reference to the cost. ‘Was it really expensive?’ or ‘It costs a lot, right?’ are the two main ones. Instead of going into why adoptions cost money and how... more

Having the support of other adoptive families is hugely important during all stages of the adoption process. During the wait for referral and travel, it is sanity saving to know others who have been in your shoes and can offer advice and support during your wait. Once you’re home, it is important for you and your child to know other families like yours. Not only will it help your child, it will help you as the parent to have someone who ‘gets it’ to talk to. Here are some ideas about finding... more