View Family Summary - A Family For Every Child

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Christa and Aaron
Oregon

Basic Info

Christa

Age: 38
Sex: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian
Religion: Agnostic

Aaron

Age: 41
Sex: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian
Religion: Agnostic

Child Preferences

Age: Infant to 10 years old
Sex: Either
Max Number of Children: 2
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian, African American, Asian, Native American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Mixed, Bi-Racial, Unknown

Special Needs the Family is Open To: Moderate Physical/Medical Disability (Open to Discussion), Asthma, Drug Allergies, Environmental Allergies, Food Allergies, Defiant, Difficulty Making Friends, Lying, Manipulative, Poor Social Skills, Stealing, Wets the Bed, Drug Addicted at Birth, Failure to Thrive, Low Birth Weight or Premature, Prenatal Drug Exposure, Gastric Tube, Physically Disabled-Mild, Hearing Impaired, Speech Delays - Mild, Speech Delays - Moderate, Vision Impaired, Hoarding, Overeating, Cognitive Delay - Mild, Mild Learning Disabilities, Moderate Learning Disabilities, Speech or Language Impairment, One/Both Parents Diagnosed with Depression, One/Both Parents Diagnosed with Schizophrenia, One/Both Parents Have Alcohol Addiction, One/Both Parents Have Drug Addiction, One/Both Parents Diagnosed with Bipolar, Exposed to Domestic Violence, One/Both Parents Have Had a Mental Diagnosis, Child in Residential Treatment, Child has had a disrupted adoption, Multiple Placements, Residential Treatment History, ADHD, Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Heart Disorder: May Require Surgery, Adjustment Disorder, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Previous Psychiatric Hospitalization, Requires Medication For Psychiatric Condition/Mental Health Diagnosis, Requires Counseling/Therapy, Destructive of Property, Runaway - Past, Willing to Maintain Contact via Mail with Bio Family, Willing to Maintain Contact with Past Foster Parents, Willing to Maintain Contact with Bio Grandparents & Other Relatives, Willing to Maintain Contact with Bio Siblings, Child Identifies as LGBT, History of Sexually Acting Out, Sexually Abused in the Past, Sexually Active

Environment

State: Oregon
Neighborhood: Country/Rural
Residency:
Years Together: 8
Children in the Home: 0
Pet(s): Dog(s), cat(s), small animal/rodent(s)

Work

Christa

Occupation: Dog Training Business Owner

Aaron

Occupation:

Adoption Agency

Agency: A Family For Every Child
Worker: Dina Badolato
Worker: dina@afamilyforeverychild.org
City: Eugene
State: Oregon
Zip: 97402

Family Description

We are an active family that lives along the Northern Oregon Coast. We love spending time outdoors, traveling, and relaxing at home. Animals, the natural world, and new experiences are very important to us. We can't wait to share our love of the world with a child.

Preference Description

We are looking to adopt a child or children between the ages of 0 and 10 years old, of any ethnic background. We are willing to accept any mild-moderate medical conditions. They must like/be kind to animals and shouldn't have animal related allergies.

The Shannon Family Profile

We are open to welcoming a child or up to two children between the ages of 0-10 into our loving home. Living on the beautiful Oregon coast, we embrace both indoor and outdoor activities, despite the occasional rain. Nature is a significant part of our lifestyle, and we make sure to explore the wonders it offers. Animals hold a special place in our hearts, so it's essential that any child joining our family shares our love for our furry friends.

Preserving a child's heritage and family ties is of utmost importance to us. We are committed to honoring their background and roots in any way possible. We firmly believe in the value of maintaining connections, and we are enthusiastic about establishing a semi or fully open adoption relationship with any relatives or relations in the child's life. We understand the significance of a child's extended family and aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment that embraces their entire network.

As prospective adoptive parents, we are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching home for the child we are fortunate to welcome into our lives.

Introduction

Our family dynamic is filled with diverse and exciting activities that we would love to share with a child. You can often find us down at the beach, eagerly searching for unique rocks, and embarking on coastal explorations with our beloved dogs. We embrace the great outdoors through camping, kayaking in the nearby lake, and indulging in the serenity of nature. On quieter days, we find joy in solving puzzles, attending plays, reading a captivating book in front of the fireplace, or enjoying movies together.

Beyond our local adventures, we have a profound passion for global exploration. We eagerly anticipate sharing our love for new places and diverse cultures with a child, as we believe that experiencing the world firsthand is an enriching and transformative journey. Our lifestyle allows us the flexibility to devote ample time to nurturing and creating lasting memories with a child, ensuring that their needs and interests are given the attention they deserve.

Family traditions play a significant role in our lives, both on a weekly/daily basis and throughout the year. Every weekend, we come together to make delicious biscuits and gravy from scratch, savoring the warmth and comfort of a shared meal. Each morning, we cherish a unique tradition called "chippy TV," where we enjoy breakfast while watching the playful antics of chipmunks outside our window. Our furry family members are also an integral part of our routine, as we delight in giving them treats before bedtime each night.

When special occasions arise, we have cherished yearly traditions that create lasting memories. We embark on a memorable hike to find the perfect Christmas tree, engage in a spirited cookie house competition, and venture to North Idaho to celebrate the holiday season. Halloween brings excitement as we visit the pumpkin patch and immerse ourselves in creative costumes. Additionally, our family looks forward to an annual out-of-country trip, broadening our horizons and fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

We are thrilled at the prospect of welcoming a child into our vibrant and adventure-filled life. With boundless love, support, and a rich tapestry of experiences, we are committed to creating a nurturing and joyous environment where a child can flourish and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Home and Community

Nestled in a picturesque coastal town in Oregon, our home offers the perfect setting for a child to thrive. This beautiful small town is renowned for its close-knit community, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Within the walls of our abode, we share our lives with a delightful ensemble of two dogs, three cats, and a charming ferret. Each one of our animal companions possesses their own endearing quirks and brings immeasurable joy to our everyday existence. The abundance of fresh air, sandy beaches, and the wonders of nature provide an inviting canvas for a little one to explore and discover the marvels of the world. Our home's proximity to the Junior High and High School, just an 8-minute walk down our tranquil dirt road, allows us to witness the joyful gatherings of families during school events--a glimpse into the future we eagerly anticipate being a part of.

Parenting Experience

Our family brings a diverse range of experiences and interactions with children. Christa, as an aunt, has garnered valuable firsthand experience in caring for and guiding children. She has also taken on instructing children for horseback riding lessons, nurturing their skills and fostering their growth. During her teenage years, she actively mentored children through Girl Scouts, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Additionally, Christa maintains strong connections with close friends who have children, engaging with them regularly to support and nurture their development. Aaron, too, excels in his role as an uncle, bringing a natural ability to connect with and care for children. He has accumulated experience through his interactions with friends' children, contributing to his well-rounded understanding of nurturing and supporting children.

Collectively, our combined experiences and interactions with children, along with our dedication to continuous learning, form a solid foundation upon which we are prepared to create a loving and supportive environment for a child to thrive. We have broadened our understanding of adoption and child development by immersing ourselves in knowledge through reading several impactful books such as 'Attaching in Adoption' and 'The Whole-Brain Child.' Furthermore, we have engaged in comprehensive adoption education programs, encompassing state foundation training, seminars, orientations, podcasts, and online courses. Through these endeavors, we have dedicated countless hours to learning about crucial aspects such as attachment, executive functioning challenges, development, trauma, drug exposure, and transracial adoption.

Support

Despite living in different states, we prioritize regular and meaningful connections with our families. Our parents, enjoying their retirement, frequently embark on journeys to visit us, fostering a strong bond despite the distance. Equally, our siblings hold a special place in our hearts, as we eagerly welcome their visits and reciprocate by journeying to see them. Beyond blood relations, we embrace our close friends as an integral part of our chosen family. Their steadfast support and love are unwavering, and we consider them an essential support network in our lives. Our child, regardless of their genetic background, will be unconditionally accepted and cherished as family by everyone who holds a place in our hearts. Furthermore, both of us have formed deep and lasting friendships with individuals we have known for most of our lives. These friends, many of whom have children of their own, provide an additional layer of support and kinship. We eagerly anticipate witnessing our children grow up together, forging lifelong bonds and creating cherished memories as they navigate life's adventures side by side.

Motivation to Adopt

We wholeheartedly embrace the challenges that come with building a family. Just like any other family, we understand that there will be hurdles to overcome. With a profound understanding of the significant trauma often associated with adoption, we are fully prepared to guide and support a child or children through their healing journey. Our ultimate goal is to provide a nurturing and loving environment where a child can flourish, feeling an abundance of love, support, and confidence. We are committed to helping them lead a joyous life filled with enriching adventures, where they develop a deep appreciation for others and cultural diversity, cultivate self-love, revel in the wonders of the great outdoors, and explore the limitless opportunities that life presents. Our promise is unwavering: we will encourage, love, and support them unconditionally, empowering them to chase their dreams while remaining true to their authentic selves.