This week’s Birthmom of the Week is Krissy. Krissy is from Washington state and is the birthmom to her daughter Rylee who is five years old and placed in an open adoption. Her daughter and family live about an hour and twenty minutes away so they are able to visit a good bit.

1. How old were you when you placed your child for adoption? I was 23.

2. What circumstances led you to choose adoption? I was not married; I had no father for my baby, no job and no means to support her.

3. Did you consider parenting? Yes, I wanted to parent her with all my heart, because that's all I dreamed of as a child was being a "mommy". I knew in my heart I could not give her everything she needed.

4. Was your child's dad supportive? We are still working on that one. That's a hard one for me to talk about.

5. Were there any influences (parents, birth dad, etc) that led you to your decision? I lived in a Christian Home for Pregnant women during my pregnancy and that is where I first learned of Open Adoption. All I knew of adoption until that point, was closed, and I wasn't about to do that.

6. Did you choose your child's adoptive parents and how did you choose them? I choose them. I was able to look through many profiles that adoptive parents had put together. The first profile I looked at was beautiful and I fell in love with them instantly.

7. What type of adoption did you choose and why? After learning of open adoption, I thought it was the healthiest choice for all of us involved and especially my child. She will always have her questions answered.

8. How do you feel about adoption now? I was never told how hard the first year after placement would be. After that it gets easier and the pain lessens. It's still hard at times, but that's to be expected. I know I made the right decision. Every time I see her I am reminded of that.

9. Anything else to add? I couldn't have chosen better parents for my daughter. They are wonderful and I know God hand picked them for me. They feel just like family to us. My daughter calls me Birthmommy and I love it. I'm so blessed.

10. How is your life now? College grad or in the process? Working? Married? More kids? Etc... I am married now almost 5 years and I am a stay-at-home mommy to two little ones, Jayson is 3 and Kaylee is 1. I also am a step mom to an 11 year old boy!!

Thank you Krissy for taking the time to answer these questions and for sharing your story with all of us!