This week's Birthmom of the Week is Tamara. Tamara placed her daughter, Hadlee, in an open adoption and receives pictures and updates and visits with her daughter and family when possible considering that they live on different sides of the US.

1. How old were you when you placed your child for adoption?
I was 26 when I actually placed her

2. What circumstances led you to choose adoption?
I was a divorced mother of 3 children already - I knew the birthfather was never going to be a part of my life - and here I was just moving to another state after finding out I was pregnant - living with my kids in my father's home....It was no place to raise the children I have, let alone a newborn. I was not stable in the least bit - and no one deserves that.

3. Did you consider parenting?
Of course! I wanted to so desperately, no one will ever understand that. But I knew in my heart I could never give her all that she would need or want.

4. Was your child's dad supportive?
Ha - that's just a joke. No, he was never supportive of any other decision besides abortion. So he stepped aside and out of our lives.

5. Were there any influences (parents, birth dad, etc) that led you to your decision?
My environment - if you can count that. My children - I struggle still to this day with the 3 of my children. I knew I wouldn't be the amazing mother I wanted to be to Hadlee - otherwise no, everyone I surrounded myself was extremely supportive of any decision I was to make.

6. Did you choose your child's adoptive parents and how did you choose them?
No - Hadlee chose them I believe. It's funny - but I actually met Amy (adoptive mom) through an adoption forum. We both had the same ideas and expectations on open adoption. We started talking regulary - then daily. We finally just chose each other :) It was destiny from the very beginning: the same month I became pregnant was the same month they started looking into adoption - Hadlee knew what she was doing!

7. What type of adoption did you choose and why?
It's completely open - letters, calls, emails, visits - you name it! You see alot about adoption on the television and how the adoptees are always trying to find their birthparents - to find themselves in doing and neither Amy nor I ever wanted Hadlee to wonder about where she came from or why I chose what I did for her.

8. How do you feel about adoption now?
I talk to people about my open adoption - and always find someone who knows of someone or they themselves are adopted! And most people are very proud and supportive of a birthmother's choice of adoption - they know in their hearts (as I do mine) sometimes it is the best thing to do for our children. I love the IDEA that another woman can come into this world - and before even meeting the child - love them completely and unconditionally. It's amazing - a miracle in itself just like the birth of a child.....We need more adoptive parents out there like the ones I chose. :)

9. Anything else to add?
I can't think off the top of my head - but just a thank you to Amy and Jamie for being the most wonderful parents to our Hadlee! They are doing an awesome job raising that beautiful girl!!!! I thank God everyday for putting them in my life the way He did.....I can't wait to be closer though! So that we can visit more.

10. How is your life now? College grad or in the process? Working? Married? More kids? Etc...
Whew - I'm not in college - YET. I will be moving this summer BACK to Oklahoma (woo hoo) and once there I will start college to get my degree to be a teacher! I'm working full time at a great company - and hope I can transfer with them when I leave. Just still have the 3 children (ages 8,7,3) who I love with all my heart - I couldn't be prouder of them! I live (or try to)a pretty boring life actually....it's great! Work, home, and the kids - that's all there is to my life - and I LOVE IT!