On this episode, we welcome our friend, boutique owner, and adoptee, Maria Alosi. Maria was adopted from Russia at age four and struggled with processing her adoption for much of her life. Maria shares her story of adoption identity and managing relationships, including how becoming a parent launched her into her own healing process. We also discuss the role of boundaries, connection, and full-disclosure relationships. If you are an adoptee, an adoptive/foster parent, or if you want to know how to understand and love adoptees better, listen in!

Come along and meet Bryan and Elizabeth, parents to three adopted boys. Learn how they came to adopt a young sibling group and years later, through many trials, adopted their oldest son when he was technically "aged out" of the foster care system. They encourage us to set realistic expectations, celebrate the little wins, and to continue the good fight, even when it might seem hopeless! You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @mama_and_her_groms

From deciding not to foster at all to fostering and adopting 10 children, Amber and Alex get real about the beautiful mess of foster care and adoption. They encourage us that there is no shame in knowing your limits and boundaries, share how hard but worthwhile unconditional love is, and encourage us that though this is tough stuff, we can absolutely do it! Follow Amber and Alex on Instagram @fostering_family12 -- you won't regret it!