Trying to adopt a baby can be extremely overwhelming and frustrating – especially when you first start the process. My wife and I have adopted three newborns over the past 10+ years. This is a very special episode of the IAG podcast. In fact, in over 60 episodes, there hasn’t been one as special as this because I’ve invited my beautiful wife Tisha to join me to talk about our experiences. We’ve decided to do this episode for a couple of reasons: 1. We love talking about adoption. It’s been everything in our world for so many years, so it’s time we share our conversations right here on the show. 2. Sharing our experiences with others is something we love to do. So many folks have asked us how we adopted, what we did, how the process works and so on. We hope this episode will help you on your journey to adopt. 10 things we’ve learned through adopting our 3 kiddos * IT’s EXPENSIVE to adopt a baby, but ANYONE can do it. Don’t let money hold you back from adopting.* RESEARCH is your friend. Don’t get analysis paralysis.* OPEN ADOPTION can take some getting used to – it takes effort like any great relationship – but is sooo worth it.* PREFERENCES: they matter – so think about them, don’t assume you can handle everything. Remember that it’s OK to have limits.* HOMESTUDY: You don’t need a perfect home or a perfect life.* PROFILES: Take your time to make a good one that you like and that shows what life would be like for a child in your family.* WAITING: It STINKS no matter how many times you adopt, but there are things you can do that will help you get through it.* PLACEMENT TIME: Be sensitive to your child’s birth mom during this exciting and heart wrenching moment.* COMMUNICATION with birth families is critical. Find out how to communicate in the best way because they are part of your family now.* PROTECT your kids adoption story. You don’t want them to hear about the details of their story before you can share it with them. Have a listen as Tisha and I go through each of these 10 things in much more detail – PLUS – we have a couple of BONUS tips at the end. We hope this episode inspires you to adopt because YOU CAN DO THIS. Don’t let anything stand in your way of becoming parents. We’ve adopted three times and we are not that special, gifted, smart or wealthy. You just need the desire to adopt and some help along the way. We will keep you in our prayers as you navigate this amazing adventure to adopt. GO FOR IT! Links we talk about in this episode: * FundYourAdoption.tv – this is where you can find out a TON of information about how to fund your adoption. Here’s an interview I did with the founders: IAG Podcast Episode 48 How To Fund Your Adoption The Smart Way * Our private, closed Facebook Support Group – only for those who are trying to adopt a baby.*