about the single baby mama
Jenine Sanford Holmes, is a writer and single mom to an Ethiopian born daughter, Julia. Better known as the Ethiopian Princess. This blog features the highs, lows and joys of parenthood and our life in New York City.
Her main website can be found at: http://www.jenineholmes.com/
Your Essay, “Single By Chance” was beautiful, very well written, and it is obvious that the thoughts you shared came from very deep in your soul. I will be honest and tell you that I am a mother of two children, both conceived by my (ex) husband and myself, through love and luck. Something in your story struck a chord with me, in my heart. I will follow your story and will pray for you and your child. Since my children are grown and I am now expecting my first grandchild in 10 days, I spend a lot of my time knitting. I would truly love to make something special for your child, the coming new center of your life. I don’t know how we can communicate privately, but would love to contact you OR have you contact me. Where there’s a will … I hope to hear from you.
Congrats on your first grand baby. That’s beautiful.
One thing I’ve learned how ever you get your kids, just be thankful.
And you sound thankful.
Nice
That’s so great that you want to knit something for my child! At the moment of one friend’s is knitting away after finally being given the go ahead….and I’m eye baling a pattern myself!
But if I feel I’m running short in the winter, I’ll shoot you and e-mail! : ) !!!
Have great week,
Jenine
I’m also a single, adoptive mother. My path was slightly different but you and I share the same goal: motherhood.
I have completed a book proposal on the subject and would to talk to you!
Hey Nefertiti,
It’s great hearing from you.Kudo’s to you for working on a book. How far along are you? Are you having fun? I hope so…
Let me know,
Jenine
How’s the work going on the proposal?
Jenine,
My time is free and I would love to make something for your new blessing. Although I am expexting my first grandchild next week, neither the newborn child, nor my children are in my life. Nine years ago my children decided I was not good enough for them. Of course, this decision was made after I put them both through college. Perhaps in a different sense, I can understand the longing and emptiness you feel in your heart. Through years of struggle, lonliness and unimaginable pain, I have finally found joy in celebrating special new mothers and I spend my time creating things for these special mothers, mothers like you. I have taken my personal pain and turned it into joy for others. I also knit a variety of things for the NICU at a hospital close to me and I make certain that the local women’s shelter is well supplied with handmade items for those mothers and children that are hurting and alone. My offer remains open. In the meantime, you and your (soon to be) daughter will remain in my prayers. I am so happy for you. Best Wishes
Dear Liz, Will all the things new friends and old have given me for my daughter just in the last week, I now know, the joy of… the more the merrier!
So send that sweater on or whatever else you like to make.
I’d be honored.
Please send it to: Jenine Holmes
P.O. Box 547
New York, NY 10014
Right now she’s close to five months, but a little on the small side…
Thanks again for thinking of us, especially since you care for so many people!
Be well,
Jenine
I love your writing style. Now I know. The Stella visits entry was so poignant. Thank you for this. I know it is an act of staying sane throughout the waiting ordeal and it is quite wonderful on a literary level to read it as well.
Hi Jenine!
Twanna led me to your blog — I’m so thrilled for you! I can’t wait to hear more about your daughter when you get home.
Please come visit us at our site…. there are LOTS of choice mom readers.
P.S. I just finished reading the adoption memoir, “Mamalita” (Seal Press), which I highly recommend.
Hey Rachele, Thanks for reading! I’ll check out the Mamacita memoir and your website!!
Thanks for the referral…I’ll check it out!
Jenine
Thanks for your blog, Jenine. I wish that you had started your blog even earlier–I’m just beginning this journey and am completely befuddled with it all. Hoping that you’re on a plane to Ethiopia soon.
Dear Heather,
I’m so happy to hear that my blog is a help to you! I couldn’t write about the process before, too difficult, to emotional, too, well,…too. I’ll write a post covering more details soon. In the meanwhile, fell free to send any questions my way. Happy New Year! Jenine
Hi Jenine,
I just stumbled upon your blog and I just wanted to say that I hope you hear good news soon. I am currently waiting for an embassy appt. as well (although not nearly as long as you have been). I believe we might even be with the same agency (CHSFS)? I have a 4-year old who came home in 2007.
I can really relate to a lot of what you have written. Your thoughts on being a single mother really hit home for me. Thanks for sharing your story!
Paula
Dear Paula,
Yes, I am with CHSFS…nice group of people, the kind you want with you on this long winding road. Thanks so much for writing! It means a lot since I’m crafting words, off alone. It’s so great knowing someone is out there reading! So tell me about your lovely four year old…. : )
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Be well,
Jenine
Thanks Jenine,
You can see my lovely and lively 4-year old on my blog. I’m almost embarrassed to send you there. I’m not a great writer and I keep it really as a life book for her. I was hoping that you would write back and say that your baby was home. Here’s hoping for embassy appointments!
paula
Hey Paula, Check out my new post and please resend the url for your blog…. : )
Jenine
Hello,
I just came across your post from last year titled “No Black Sperm — My Long, Winding Journey to Becoming a Mom.” I’m a Black man looking to donate. Other than sperm banks, are there any other groups/websites that connect donors with recipients?
Thank You,
Wayne
Dear Wayne,
I believed I sent you reply, but thought I’d do it again through the site. Please contact a donor bank in your community and work with them to add to the bank. For some reason there are more banks in California, but there are more and more across America.
Thanks for your interest!
Jenine