I thought it might be fun to give the four things meme a try so here is my go at it.

Four things I thought about adoption when I was a child: (Ok, this one was hard because I don’t really remember that much about my thoughts on adoption as a child! I don’t know that I really paid attention to it.)
1. That only teenagers were birthmothers and it was usually their first child they were placing for adoption. (I probably wouldn’t have said placing for adoption when I was a child either!)
2. That there were only closed adoptions.
3. That adopted children were usually from foreign countries.
4. That adopted children were usually story lines in movies or adopted by celebrities.


Four things I've learned since then: (Oh goodness, I’ve learned lots since then!)
1. That birthmothers are not all teenagers and it’s not always their first child that a birthmother is placing for adoption. She could be parenting at the same time she is making an adoption plan.
2. That there are open adoptions nowadays, where a birthmother can place her child for adoption and still have a relationship with him or her. Although, I have always learned that open adoptions are not legally enforceable and could close any minute.
3. While there are still many adoptions that take place internationally, many domestic adoptions occur each year as well. There are also many foster adoption situations as well as children who are not living with their biological parents (perhaps in foster care or with relatives) that I don’t think I was aware of until I became so involved in the adoption community.


Four ways my placed child has surprised me:
1. At being so open about his adoption!
2. By calling me his burp mom!
3. By telling everyone he has two Moms!
4. By treating me special and knowing that we have a special connection and bond.

Four things I wish everyone knew about adoption:
1. That birthmothers love their children dearly and unconditionally and forever. They do not stop having motherly thoughts or feelings just because they sign relinquishment papers.
2. That there are many adoptions that occur even in this day and age that are really not necessary.
3. That coercion exists greatly in the “adoption industry.”
4. That birthmothers come in all ages and from all social backgrounds and that just because they place a child for adoption doesn’t mean that are they would be a bad mother or do not know how to parent. Birthmothers often times either already have children that they are good mothers to or go onto to have children and be good mothers.

If you want to participate in the “four things” meme, go for it! Comment and let me know where to read it!

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Other Four Things Posts by Other AdoptionBlogs Bloggers:
An Adoptee’s Four Things about Adoption by Abby
Four Things Meme: My Turn by Jenna
Four Things about Adoption by Erin
That “Four Things” Thing by Sandra
Four Things about Adoption by Mary