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