We believe that in order to be the best mamas we can for our kids, it is crucial to lean on one another in community, share our hearts, support one another, provide resources, and most importantly learn to embrace and thrive in the plan God has for our families. Here at 2 Adoptive Mamas, we are committed to helping you navigate the day-to-day of adoptive mama-hood through shared resources on adoption and parenting, shared experiences, and by shared opportunities to learn from and grow with one another.
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The Main Thing: Two words that can inflict some uncertainty --- parenting teens . Even more so, is parenting teens from hard places. But here's the thing, they need us and we have so much to learn from them. For Episode 078 Abby Keiser from COBYS Family Services is joining us for Part 1 of a mini-series on parenting your teen. We're starting with the basics and then getting even more specific as we identify what it takes in the day-to-day and how it impacts the big picture. Whether you have a bl...
The Main Thing: Episode 077 is one that we could listen to over and over again. Ashley Mitchell is one of a kind. She's brought her heart, passion, and determination to tackle the tough stuff for this conversation and we're so thankful for it. Ashley is a birth mom, bio mom, wife, advocate, and so much more. Her story brings light to the parts of adoption that make us uncomfortable, and that's precisely why we invited her to be on the show. Take in her words, let this conversation settle in your...
The Main Thing: Heidi Glick is so full of heart, and our conversation with her is like a warm hug from a fellow adoptive mama who has been in the trenches and holds so much hope for the future. She’s opening up about her family’s journey through adoption and embracing the promise of hope we have in Jesus amidst the heartbreak that accompanies any adoption journey. In addition to her personal story, for the first time we’re talking about ethical adoption, care for birth families, and what it look...
The Main Thing: We first welcomed Chelsea Sobolik during Season 2 to talk about her work in advocating for families at our nation’s capital. Her personal story of adoption, journey to international adoption with her husband, and her professional work allow Chelsea to share one-of-a-kind insight. During our conversation Chelsea addresses high-level matters in a way that meets us in our day-to-day and reminds us there is a role for everyone to play. She’s sharing some recent personal highlights, a...
The Main Thing: These stories are hard to share. They open wounds, challenge our faith, and test our hearts. There is nothing simple, easy, or brief when it comes to adoption and foster care. There is beauty and brokenness ---- healing and grief ---- and together we hold it all with the hopes that we can remain centered on one thing. Our heart for Him and our love for them. The children who need us most, and the stories that brought us together. The opportunity to reunify families, and the sacri...
The Main Thing: They're the silent heroes behind the podcast, supporting us since day one and every step of the way. They're our other halves and have walked the joyful, painful, everyday moments with us. They're our beloved husbands, and they're taking over the podcast! We thought it was time for the dads to have a voice and bring their insight to the table. When Dan and Drew agreed to take over the show for a few episodes this season, we were thrilled! So --- time to hand over the ear-buds to ...
The Main Thing: This episode is terrific. That might sound very self-promoting, but it has nothing to do with us and EVERYTHING to do with Raquel's heart for adoption, kinship care, and transforming lives and families with her message. She is fantastic and joins us for a deep dive into shadow feelings, kinship care, and life as an adoptee and a birth mom. During our conversation, Raquel opens up about healthy boundaries, how to preserve your family's story, and what it looks like to thrive amids...
The Main Thing: There's nothing like a good book! But what about when you're looking for one to help tell your family's story, and you just can't seem to find the right narrative? Adoption is beautiful, messy, hard, complicated --- difficult to put into an appropriate amount of pages that won't take days to read. But we're in luck! For Episode 071 we're hanging out with Allison Olson. She's an adoptee, adoptive mom, and now the author of the children's book, Surrounded By Love: An Open Adoption ...
The Main Thing: Sometimes it's difficult to articulate the challenges we face as foster and adoptive parents. As we navigate the needs of our children, our own feelings, emotions, and needs often fall to the wayside and when we finally come up for air we might find ourselves feeling disconnected and deflated by our circumstances. If this sounds familiar to you, you may be experiencing something called "blocked care." Experts Melissa and Lisa are joining us from The Adoption Connection to take a ...
The Main Thing: Can you believe it?! Season 4 is HERE! It's been 68 episodes since we introduced ourselves, so we figured for Episode 069 (and for all the new listeners!) we'd take a step back into our stories, our shadow feelings, and how we ended up in this space together. Since day one, we have remained committed to creating a community centered around love, trust, and respect for the experience and opportunities that have made us families. Our children are precious, and their stories belong ...
The Main Thing: The Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast is signing off with a salute to Season 3 for Episode 068. It’s been a really special season filled with dynamite conversations, and we’re just so thankful for the gift of time and insight that our guests have shared. We’re taking a few minutes to reflect on the past 6 months, review some of our favorite moments, and also share our vision for the future of Two Adoptive Mamas. We look forward to all that Season 4 will hold! Episode Resources: We're in...
The Main Thing: This week we’re sitting down with Kelly Mahler to talk all things interoception . Do you know what that is? We had a more general idea and this has quickly become one of the topics we wanted to highlight with a deeper dive! There’s a lot to understand, acknowledge and embrace when it comes to interoception, so while we’re highlighting it for Episode 067, we’re not able to unpack every aspect in our time together — so stay tuned because we’ll keep digging into this topic in future...
The Main Thing: It's par for the course of adoption to have unknowns. Add on top of that international travel, and that adds a layer. But then there was the addition of a global pandemic --- and all bets were off. Our hearts ache for the children and their forever families that still await placement because of the restrictions over the last two years. Adoption has always been complicated --- but this has been uncharted territory. Thankfully, adoptive moms like Brigitta Canfield are willing to sh...
The Main Thing: Adoption is changing. If you've been in the process and engaged in conversation among the adoption community, adoption today is a lot different than the adoption of yesterday . There's so much to navigate once you immerse yourself into this process. It's overwhelming, there are lots of questions to be answered, plenty of paperwork to complete --- but in the end one goal --- family. For Episode 065 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast we're joined by Erin Quick - and let us just say,...
The Main Thing: So you’re in the process of adopting, you’re thinking about beginning the journey, or you’ve been matched and you’re wondering how it’s all going to happen, right?! And when we say how it’s all going to happen , we don’t mean the travel or even the parenting — we mean the mountain of financial responsibility that stands between you and bringing that precious child home. It’s a real stressor and it’s a legitimate hurdle! We have been there and done that, and so we’re bringing you ...
The Main Thing: Greer Cooper's story leaves us in awe of God's plan when we step aside and allow Him to do the math. She started her role as a foster parent long before meeting and marrying her now husband. Now, they continue to open their home together. Join us for Episode 063 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast for a conversation on the day-to-day of foster care, what it looks like to navigate the impact of blocked care , and how to keep your peace amidst so much unknown. Greer has a unique pers...
The Main Thing: To know the work of The Sparrow Fund and the heart of Director, Kelly Raudenbush is to understand their passion about caring for caregivers. We were so thrilled to have Kelly join us for Episode 062 to talk about the important work happening within this organization and also address the mental load that comes with all parts of adoption. Too often we're not talking about the topics that Kelly brings to light, and so in true Two Adoptive Mamas fashion...we're bringing it to the tab...
The Main Thing: If you look up "super dad" in the dictionary, you'll see Peter Mutabazi's name as part of the definition. We can assure you you've never heard a story like his (at least we hadn't!) and that he is one you'll never forget. For Episode 061 Peter joins us to share his personal story of becoming known and his life's mission to make the children in his home also known . Peter is actively stepping into the trenches with children who desperately need stability, love, and a place to call...
This episode features Melissa Telesco, an adoptive mom of four, who transparently shares her family's path to adoption after facing infertility. She recounts the emotional challenges of the homestudy and the unique circumstances of each emergency adoption, including her children's NICU stays and the critical role of routine in building attachment. Melissa offers heartfelt wisdom, affirming adoption as a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey guided by faith and divine timing.
The Main Thing: Surprise! If you didn't catch it on our Instagram, Sarah and her family are awaiting placement in their second domestic adoption process. If you listened to our very first episode, you know how quickly placement occurred with their daughter. This time has been very different and allowed for an opportunity to build a beautiful relationship with a birth mom. If you're open to openness, but wondering what that might look like pre-placement, Sarah's chatting about her own experience ...
The Main Thing: We've had the privilege of exploring the adoption process from a number of angles thanks to our guests and their willingness to step into the mess with us! For Episode 058 we're sitting down with MacKenzie Mygatt - not only is she an adoption consultant (and walked the process with Sarah during her second domestic adoption process!) she is also an adoptive mom and has an incredible heart for the entire journey that is the adoption process. To know MacKenzie is to know thoughtfuln...
The Main Thing: Tracy always had a heart for orphans, so when their family learned of the opportunity to host international orphans in hopes of helping them to find a forever family stateside, they were all-in. After a few opportunities, the Scoggins family hosted a young boy from Ukraine and he immediately stole Tracy's heart. With a heart for adoption, she was hopeful that her family might also feel the special connection. Sadly, the young boy returned to his home, and Tracy was left with an i...
The Main Thing: It's special when you hear from more than one part of the adoption triad, and that's exactly what is happening for Episode 056 of the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast. Daniel Kreider is sharing his story of adoption and how it's transformed his walk with the Lord. As a husband, father, and youth pastor, his insight is not only heartfelt but undoubtedly tells a story of grace, restoration, and growth. It was a privilege to hear from Dan's mom, Deb for Episode 055, and such a treat to no...
The Main Thing: If we've learned one thing amidst our own parenting journies, it's the value of hearing from someone who has gone before you. They've been there , done that , and had to have those conversations. It's refreshing to know we're not alone and that while we might not be in that stage now, we will eventually, and by the grace of our Heavenly Father we will find a way to thrive! Deb Kreider is a mom who loves Jesus and holds fast to the promise of His grace and provision for her family...
The Main Thing: As parents, sometimes there is nothing as comforting as hearing from someone who has been in your shoes, is walking a similar journey, and is willing to share insight from their own experience. For Episode 054 we're sitting down with adoptive mom, Taylor Johnson. When they adopted their son through the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, they had lots of questions and sought out the support offered by the network. Together their family has navigated the needs of their son, b...
The Main Thing: For Episode 053 we’re welcoming Stephanie Thompson, Director of the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN). She is the parent of a son with a Down Syndrome diagnosis and a professional who has been a lifeline and resource to so many families. She’s sharing her personal story along with the care and support the NDSAN provides locally and nationally to adoptive families. As prospective or current adoptive families, there are so many pieces that can seem overwhelming and li...
The Main Thing: JT Olson is a one-of-a-kind guy. His heart for the Lord, care for vulnerable widows and children, and commitment to living out the gospel are unmatched. He’s funny, heartwarming, real, and so down to earth when it comes to equipping others to be the hands and feet of Jesus — and he lives by example! Join us for Episode 052 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast to learn more about JT’s personal story, his family’s connection to adoption, and the unique opportunity that led to the crea...
The Main Thing: From day one it's been a priority at Two Adoptive Mamas to magnify important conversations that need to be happening in the foster and adoption world. More importantly, it is crucial to discuss these topics while embracing each part of the adoption triad. For Episode 051 we're sitting down with Eleanor and Marlene to take a deeper dive into navigating open adoption. Capturing both the adoptive mom and birth mom's perspectives in this episode, we're removing the titles and making ...
The Main Thing: To those who follow her, she's a constant resource, encouragement, and much-needed dose of reality when navigating the ups and downs of foster care. Her heart for the Lord, care for vulnerable children, and desire to keep educating and supporting adoptive and foster families are unmatched. For Episode 050 of the Two Adoptive Mama's Podcast, we're sitting down with Jamie Finn from Foster the Family to talk about love and loss. She's sharing her family's story, her work with Foster...
The Main Thing: It's really important to us at Two Adoptive Mamas that we dive into different stories, perspectives, and experiences in hopes that we'll meet our community of listeners where they're at. Dr. Taylor Whittington brings the adoptee perspective to this conversation, sharing her personal story of adoption and how as an adult and mental health advocate she is passionate about the dialogue among today's adult adoptees. While Taylor's experience may not mirror that of others, her story a...
