doption Ink, LLC, began with an adoption journey.  My husband, Mike, and I embarked on this journey after two years of unsuccessful infertility treatment.  Nothing prepared 
us for the anticipation and disappointment and frustration along the way.  Then again, nothing prepared us for the incredible joy of parenthood.  This joy prompted us to assign symbols as well as names to our children.  Seeing these symbols in everyday life reminds us of the special bond we share with their birth families.

The heart
Our first child's birth mother went into labor during the day on February 7, 1994.  Eager to involve us as the adoptive parents, she had invited Mike and I to attend the birth.  We entered the delivery room at 9:05 PM.  Elise was born twenty minutes later.  I cut the umbilical cord, and Mike held our daughter for the first time when she was only five minutes old.
 
 

The star
We shared the waiting room with our second child's birth grandparents in the early hours of January 19, 1997.  At 6:30 AM, a nurse beckoned us into the delivery room.  A baby boy!  "Now, you've got one of each," said Mitchell's birth mother.  Mitchell's birth father stood beside her, clearly pleased with the newborn son he'd helped bring into the world.
 
 

A new line of work
Early in our journey, we took classes to learn about the adoption process.  Part of this process involved writing a profile, or "dear birth parent letter," describing our personalities, lifestyle and parenting goals.  As a professional writer, I could hardly wait to get started.  Few others shared my excitement, though.  Many felt anxious and even overwhelmed at the idea of pulling together the words and images that would impact their future as parents.  This observation moved me to want to help. 
 
After Mitchell's adoption, I volunteered to teach writing techniques to others hoping to adopt. The enthusiastic response encouraged me to continue. Thanks to feedback from participants and additional research, those first sessions evolved into a full writing workshop.  After enough requests, I also began offering one-on-one consulting, which led me to create my Red Pen service.  Given the increasing demands on my time, I turned my volunteer efforts into a business.  Adoption Ink, LLC, now serves adoptive families everywhere.
Our adoption journey continues as our children grow.  The knowledge that I am helping others further their dream of parenthood is my work's greatest reward.  If you wish to learn more about my services, please explore the rest of my Web site.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.  
 
Warm regards,
 

Copyright © 2002, Adoption Ink, LLC
 
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