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The Shay- Family Profile

I would like to adopt a child who is less than 8 years old. I am open to boys or girls. I feel I can accommodate a sibling group of up to 3 kids. Almost any ethnic background will blend in with my family. I am open to children with many, many special needs. I do not mind having contact with the child\'s biological parents (by email or by phone or by mail ) provided the parent was/is not abusive to the child. I do not mind having continuing contact with the child\'s former foster parents, by email or by phone or by mail or in person . In general,

Introduction

My name is Amanda Shay . I am currently 37 years old and was born in Sarasota,Florida. My husband passed away 4 years ago and we had always wanted more children. Even though I am now on my own I look forward to expanding my family. I have one child whom I adopted when he was 2 1/2 years old after being placed with me and my husband at 10 months of age. I am very open with him about his adoption. My child's name is J.Seth Shay and he is 9 years old. He is very excited about having brothers and sisters! Like me, my child has a caucasian ethnic background. I enjoy being outside and doing things around the house like landscaping and gardening. I like to read and be active. I have started running and I coach J.Seth's soccer team each year. I work full-time for State of Florida as a Digital Court Reporter and have a flexible work schedule.

We are Presbyterian and go to church every Sunday. It is very important to us! I am the Sunday School and Kids Life teacher for the kids.

Love the Arkansas Razorbacks! I am a huge fan of Duck Dynasty! When the TV is on, it is usually on the Disney channel. I listen to Country music and Christian radio stations the Joy and Spirit When we gather, we usually gather in Living Room and Some nights it is getting ready for practices and then home for dinner, bath and reading a book before bed. Other nights it is playing outside until dinner, bath, homework and reading a book before bed. We are very close to my parents and brothers and go over to their house often for dinner and to just hang out.

Home and Community

We live in the State of Florida. Our home is a single family home. We live in a City/Urban neighborhood. We are close to our neighbors-but we are at my parents house a lot and are very close to all the neighbors there. That is the neighborhood I grew up in. We have one or more dogs .

We love to be involved in group sports! We have the YMCA close by that we love to go to! There are parks and we do have dog parks for the whole family to go to There is so much to offer and whatever the interest is, we will find a way to make it happen! There are sports through the Y and other leagues when the sports start to get competitive. We are big into soccer! J.Seth is currently in our zoned public school and they have a part of their school that is just for children with special needs. I am a big fan of Fundamental schools and have him on waiting lists for a couple. I will drive however far I need to in order to get to a good school.

Parenting Experience

I was 16 years old when my twin brothers were born, my only siblings. I played a big part in their lives and it helped me learn parenting skills. I love being around children and helping them grow mentally and spiritually. That's why I love coaching soccer each year and helping out with the youth church every Sunday. I am currently a licensed foster parent and have been so since January of 2015. In that time, I have had 10 boys come through my house as young as 6 months old to 16 years!

Support

As I work each day, the next child(ren) would be in daycare/school each day.

My parents and brothers who live close by are a big help. My church family and other friends who have gone through adoption

Motivation to Adopt

I just can't imagine not having more children in our family! I look at my son and the challenges he's come through and how he would be such a great big brother to other siblings! I am open and willing to take classes to help with the process of introducing a new child into the family and classes addressing any needs that a new child might have. Whatever it will take to make everyone comfortable with expanding our family I will do. Every so often I do ask my son if he still wants brothers and sisters and he is still open. His opinion is very important as this will affect all of us.