In private infant adoption, you dream of hearing those wordsfrom an agency… “It’s a match!” Today we are taking a behind the scenes look at the matching process to better understand how an expectant mother chooses an adoptive family for her child. We are joined by Becky Merryman, Domestic ProgramCoordinator with Building Arizona Families, to discuss what info is collected from both parties, how profiles are presented to expectant mothers, and how agencies ensure that the matching process is handled ethically.

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast -because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram & TikTok atadoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank-Track:On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Welcome back to Part 2 of our interview with our dear husbands, Bryson & Alex! In this episode, we discuss their thoughts and emotions behind becoming fathers and how they hope to talk with their sons about adoption as they grow. Despite teasing them throughout preparing for this interview, we loved having them on the podcast and greatly value their willingness to share from the dads’ perspective!

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast -because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram & TikTok atadoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators atTuneTank-Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

We’ve shared about our thoughts and emotions throughout the adoption process, but what about our husbands? What led them to consider adoption? What were the men thinking when we panicked cleaning for the home study? What part of the process was most unexpected for them? Join us today as we share Part 1 of our interview with our loving, jokester husbands - Alex & Bryson!

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast -because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram & TikTok atadoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators atTuneTank -Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

We often picture our lives going in one direction,but sometimes God has an entirely different story for us. Today we welcome Katie, the mutual friend who first connected us (Steph & Andrea). Her story contains many twists and turns for growing her family, including IVF, fostercare, and private infant adoption…and a surprise ending! Through it all, Katie & her husband leaned on their community and never gave up on their desire to become parents.

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast -because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram & TikTok atadoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators atTuneTank - Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

While the goal of foster care is typically reunification, there are times that it is not an option. We are joined today byJodi, who opened her heart & home to several kids in need of a foster placement, which led to the eventual adoption of two beautiful children. Jodi discusses the requirements & challenges of serving as a foster family in Pennsylvania, and the journey that led to her children joining her family through the blessing of adoption.

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast -because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram & TikTok atadoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators atTuneTank -Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

The term “disrupted adoption” is every hopeful adoptive parent’s nightmare. How do you recover emotionally and financially? Today we welcome back special guest Bre, who helped us navigate our own adoptions through Journey Adoption Consultants. Bre shares her personal story of adopting her two beautiful children. Her story contains some incredibly painful events, but the ending? Simply breathtaking!

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast -because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram & TikTok at adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators atTuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Consent has been signed, and your child is placed with yourfamily. What happens next? How can you prepare for this last stage of the adoption legal process? Kelly Newport, Director of Adoption By Choice, discusses the final steps with us in today’s podcast, including the ICPC wait (InterstateCompact on the Placement of Children) and the post placement caseworker visits to your home.

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because noone should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here!<3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

The big day is finally here…you’ve matched with an expectant mom, and the baby is on the way! It’s go time! What does the hospital stay entail? What are ways to make the most of your time with baby’s biological family? Today we are joined by two Birth Mom Advocates from Heart to Heart Adoptions, Haley & Kathy, who share from their wealth of experience working with both birth families and adoptive parents.

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because noone should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/