We Can Do This: Our Adoption Journey

Welcome! We're Jess and Paul, a married couple in our mid/late 30s from New York City, about to embark on the biggest adventure of our lives: adopting a baby! In this inaugural episode we introduce ourselves, and talk a little bit about which route to adoption we chose, and why. Join us every week for a new episode, as we document the process from the beginning—the ups, the downs, and everything in between. NOTE: We're aware of the low audio volume on the first few episodes, and we're working on improving that for the upcoming episodes. Very sorry for the inconvenience, and we hope you'll stick with us! Email us questions and comments, and share stories of your own, WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com. Music: "Superstar" by The Carpenters, 1971

In episode 2, Jess and Paul back up a bit and explain how and why they decided that adoption was the right path for them. NOTE: We're aware of the low audio volume on the first few episodes, and we're working on improving that for the upcoming episodes. Very sorry for the inconvenience, and we hope you'll stick with us! Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com. Music: "Baby-Baby-Baby" by TLC, ©1992

In episode 3, Jess and Paul talk in detail about the lengthy adoption application process.   NOTE: We're aware of the low audio volume on the first few episodes, and we're working on improving that for the upcoming episodes. Very sorry for the inconvenience, and we hope you'll stick with us! Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.     Music: "Wild World" ©1970 Cat Stevens

In episode 4, Jess and Paul talk about the "marketing yourself" element of the adoption process.  Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com. NOTE: We're aware of the low audio volume on the first few episodes, and we're working on improving that for the upcoming episodes. Very sorry for the inconvenience, and we hope you'll stick with us! Music: "Baby, I Love Your Way" ©1994 Big Mountain

In episode 5, Jess and Paul talk about what they learned (and who they met!) at last week's adoption fair. Plus they share how they're feeling about tomorrow's home study.   Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" ©1967 Frankie Valli

In episode 6, Jess and Paul check in after their first home study visit! And fair warning—there's a bit of an epic rant about the subject of religion (from the point of view of two non-religious people) from 25:20 to 42:30. Feel free to skip if that's not your jam. :)   Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Baby" ©2010 Justin Bieber

Jess and Paul have finally completed their home study process! In episode 7 they discuss how visits two and three went, and what comes next.   Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Baby Love" ©1964 The Supremes

The profile is done, it's episode 8, and Jess and Paul are preparing to officially be a "waiting family." The question is, how??  Join the conversation! Email us your questions and comments, and share your own stories at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.  Music: "Baby Come Back" ©1977 Player

Jess and Paul are officially a "waiting family"! In episode 9 they discuss the final steps that led them to this point ... and what it's been like, waiting for the phone to ring.  Join the conversation! Email your thoughts, questions, and stories to WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.  Music: "Ice Ice Baby" ©1989 Vanilla Ice

It's episode 10, and Jess and Paul are settling into the Big Wait. But, as they have a tendency to do, the upcoming holidays are bringing up feelings.  Join the conversation! Email questions, stories, and comments to WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [com]. Music: "Hey Baby" ©2001 No Doubt

It's episode 11, and Jess and Paul have gotten some feedback—and questions. We weigh in on what's been happening in our lives since the last episode, and we answer some listener emails! Join the conversation—email your questions and stories to WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Baby" ©2002 Ashanti

In episode 12, Jess and Paul discuss their experience at the Voices of the Triad event back in November.   Join the conversation! Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Always Be My Baby" ©1995 Mariah Carey

In episode 13, Jess and Paul answer listener mail, and discuss topics such as school in the city vs. school in the suburbs, what's the deal with interim care, and if there's such a thing as adult adoption.   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.    Music: "Drive My Car" ©1965 The Beatles

Happy holidays! It's episode 14, and since last we checked in, Jess and Paul have made some progress on the pediatrician front. Plus, more listener emails, and a good, old-fashioned Smash the Patriarchy discussion.  Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.  Music: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" ©1963 Darlene Love

Happy new year! It's episode 15, and Jess and Paul are ... still waiting. But hey, they've made some progress on their baby registry and Greece trip!  Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! Music: "Rockabye" ©2016 Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul and Anne-Marie

It's our Sweet 16 episode, and the baby registry experience has led Jess and Paul into an epic discussion about targeted email marketing and capitalism in America. Wheeee! Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.  Music: "Baby What a Big Surprise" ©1977 Chicago

Jess and Paul are ... still waiting for a call. But they're keeping busy! In episode 17, we discuss the Women's March, lingerie bags, late night trips to Rite-Aid, and whether or not to read the baby books.   Join the conversation! Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.    Music: "All That She Wants" ©1992 Ace of Base

It's episode 18, and after last weekend's baby class, Jess and Paul are READY TO PARENT! Okay, maybe not entirely, but they get some really awesome and insightful emails from listeners that are sure to help!   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.    Music: "Sunshine Baby" ©2003 Reamonn

Paul had an idea: Let's interview each other. So, in episode 19, he asks Jess the hard hitting questions about life, dictatorships, and TV shows.   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Baby Baby Baby" ©1964 Anna King and Bobby Byrd

It's Paul's turn to be interviewed! Get a glimpse into his mind regarding such fascinating subjects as kangaroo pouches, peanut butter cups, and ... gerrymandering. (Also, please forgive the sound of the dogs chewing their bones in the background. At least it kept them occupied during recording time!)   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.    Music: "Baby Beluga" ©1980 Raffi

As promised, episode 21 centers around the good and not-so-good portrayals of adoption and foster care in film, books, and television. There's a LOT to discuss on this topic, so we're breaking it up into two episodes. Tune in next week for part 2.    Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: The Fosters theme ©2013 ABC Family/Freeform Audio clips: Easy A ©2010 Sony Pictures Dinosaur Train ©2009 The Jim Henson Company A Child of the State TED Talk ©2012 Lemn Sissay

Hey guys, just a quick update. We're having some computer issues this week and don't have access to our recording and editing software, so unfortunately we'll have to skip this week. :( But we'll be back next weekend with Representations in Media and Pop Culture Pt. 2! Thanks for understanding! xx Jess and Paul

We're back! And so is Jess's computer! In episode 23 we pick up where we left off with Representations in Media and Pop Culture numero dos! Email us at WeCanDoThis [at] gmail [dot] com. Clips: The Avengers ©2012 Marvel Studios Despicable Me ©2010 Universal Pictures The Christmas Prince ©2017 Motion Picture Corporation of America Twinsters ©2015 Small Package Films Music: "The Hard-Knock Life" ©1999 Walt Disney

Since Jess's notes on South Africa disappeared in the Great Laptop Crash of 2018, we're skipping another week. :( But come back next week for a brand new episode! And in the meantime, email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!

We're back! And with some amazing emails, a couple wonky life changes, and a brand new computer! :) Join the conversation! Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com. Music: "Biggest Part of Me" ©1980 Ambrosia

In episode 26, Jess and Paul share what they've learned about adopting internationally from South Africa!  Thanks to our sponsor Sudio Sweden! Looking for a set of earphones/earbuds that sound AND look amazing? Visit Sudio at https://goo.gl/JkZgFi, and enter code WECANDOTHIS for 15% off and free shipping worldwide. And, as always, email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com. Music: "Africa" ©1982 Toto

Paul is in California for work but Jess is an independent woman who gets stuff done! So, join Jess for this solo episode in which she talks to herself for 40 minutes about lots of stuff—including marketing yourself to expectant parents. Visit https://goo.gl/JkZgFi to check out Sudio headphones and earbuds! Use code WECANDOTHIS for 15% off any purchase AND free shipping worldwide! Music: "One" ©1968 Three Dog Night

Paul's back from Cali! The move is over! The Greece trip starts now! Join us for episode 28, in which we are way too tired and slap happy! Woo! Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com! Music: "Leaving on a Jet Plane" ©1967 Peter, Paul and Mary

Greece was amazing. Paul's subsequent surgery was ... not. But if this year has taught us anything, it's how to roll with the punches! Join Jess and Paul for (a still a little jet-lagged) episode 29.   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.    Music: "I Wanna Get Better" ©2014 Bleachers

Jess met her self-imposed deadline! Yay! Spend episode 30 with Jess and Paul as they discuss fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Also we finally had that check-in call with our social worker—find out how it went!   Email us if you have questions/stories to share about FASD or anything else adoption-related! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.    Music: "Baby" © 2013 She & Him

After nearly 8 months as a waiting family, Jess and Paul have some news! Ahhh!!    Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Cry Baby" ©1971 Janis Joplin

Guys, it happened. Paul and Jess are parents! And ... very sleepy. :) Tune in to episode 32 for all the latest!   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" ©1987 Beastie Boys

Jess and Paul stop in for a quick update on their last two weeks—accompanied by a teeny tiny, very talkative special guest. :)   Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "The Circle Game" ©1970 Joni Mitchell

Join Jess and Paul for an update on life with a newborn! Find out what Baby Girl's name is, plus we answer some listener questions ... and more!   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Unless I'm Led" ©2011 Mates of State

To vegan or not to vegan? Jess and Paul discuss, in episode 35. Plus, in other news, daycares in Brooklyn are flippin' expensive!    Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Mama Said" ©1960 The Shirelles

It's Markéta's three-month birthday, and we're back for a new episode!   Email us at WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Baby, I Love You" ©1967 Aretha Franklin

Jess, Paul, and Markéta stop in for a catch-up, including an update on the African-American Parents Advisory Group, and where things stand in the adoption finalization process. Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com!   Music: "Baby Shark" ©2018 The Countdown Kids 

At long last, Jess, Paul, and Markéta are back. And with lots of updates! Also, did you know November is National Adoption Month? Join us in celebrating!   Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "We Are Family" ©1979 Sister Sledge

Happy New Year, everyone!   Do you live in the U.K. or know someone who does? Episode 39 is jam-packed with information about the adoption process in the United Kingdom, thanks to listener Michelle!   We found this information fascinating, and hope you do too! Enjoy!   Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Here Comes My Baby" ©1967 The Tremeloes

After a little hiatus, we're back! Thanks to those of you who've stuck with us during our break.   In episode 40 (!!!), Jess and Paul talk in detail about their family's adoption finalization day, as well as lots of other things.   Email us! WeCanDoThisPodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.   Music: "Be My Baby" ©1964 The Ronettes