International Adoption Featuring the Graves Family
August 29, 2022
International Adoption
In episode 2 of the Spark a Movement podcast, Chloe was able to speak with Brunswick resident Phil Graves about his families experiences adopting two amazing girls, Elliana in 2017 and Brizzy in 2022, who are from Armenia and Ukraine, respectively. Each experience brought unique challenges, from fundraising to logistics, from changing plans to entering a country in the midst of war. Through grace, grit, and determination, the Graves successfully grew their family through all the twists and turns that can happen when adopting, especially internationally. The story continues as Phil, his wife Kristie, and the rest of the Graves family settle into their new normal as a family of 7.
Resources Mentioned in Spark A Movement Episode 2:
International Adoption Featuring The Graves Family
- Learn More about the Graves Family: https://philandkristie.com/
- Sunflower of Peace: https://www.sunflowerofpeace.com/
- Reece's Rainbow: https://reecesrainbow.org/
- Frederick News Post Article Home Safe: Ukrainian Adoptee Settles Into Life With Brunswick family:
- International Adoption (Maryland Information): American Adoptions
Logistics of International Adoption
*Sourced from www.AmericanAdoption.com Please visit the website for more detailed information
1: Choose a country to adopt from & and Agency to work with
2: Apply For Adoption
Apply for adoption with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you adopt from a Hague country, you’ll file Form I-800A. If not, you’ll file I-600A.
3: Family-Child Match
After you’ve been cleared for adoption, you’ll enter a waiting period for an adoption opportunity.
4: Adoption Process
According to www.Americanadoptions.com, "After you’ve traveled to bring your child home, you’ll need to apply for their immigration eligibility back to the United Sates. For Hague countries, you’ll file Form I-800. For non-Hague countries, you’ll file Form I-600. Once you receive the go-ahead for your child to immigrate, you’ll file form DS-260 to get your child’s visa. If both parents were present for the adoption in the foreign country, you’ll receive either an IH-3 visa (Hague) or an IR-3 visa (non-Hague). If only one parent was present in the foreign country or the adoption wasn’t finalized in the child’s native country, you’ll receive either an IH-4 (Hague) or an IR-4 (non-Hague) visa."
5: Finalize the adoption in the United States.
Finalize an international adoption in the United States, even when the adoption process was legally completed in another country to ensure that your child is an official U.S. citizen
Maryland International Adoption Agencies
In a world often filled with uncertainty, Liam, a courageous six-year-old boy, has proven that faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of family can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His journey began on December 11th, 2023 when Liam fell down the stairs. What was thought to have been a seemingly innocent incident, quickly spiraled into a life-altering spinal stroke. Within moments, Liam went from a lively child full of energy to being paralyzed from the neck down, which left his family in shock, grappling with fear and confusion as they navigated the unknown.
Sometimes kids struggle with trying different foods, especially different textures of foods. Repeat exposure and sensory integration through play helps them become accustomed to various textures, such as sticky, soft, crunchy, smooth. To help your child along the way, build a food sensory board allowing them to experience various foods and textures in a fun and colorful manner. The more exposure without expectation to eat the foods, the more likely they will be to try the foods. Present it to them as a snack in a low-pressure environment. Think kid-friendly, finger foods. Be sure to include one or two of their favorites so they have something familiar and comforting on the board as well. Use a muffin tin, ice cube tray or another divided plate to allow for all foods to be presented in a visually appealing manner. A sensory charcuterie board can be customized to fit your child’s interests. For easy grocery shopping list, check out our downloadable list! To incorporate different textures:
In today’s world, screens are everywhere — from tablets and phones to TVs and computers. And while screen time can be fun and educational, it’s important to use it wisely, especially for our youngest learners (birth to 5 years old). The good news? With a little planning and creativity, screen time can be a positive part of your child’s day. If some screen time is right for your family, let’s focus on making it meaningful and interactive. And let’s not forget—there’s a whole world beyond the screen waiting to be explored! Make Screen Time Meaningful Not all screen time is created equal! To get the most out of it, try some of the following tips: Plan what your child watches – Choose age-appropriate shows or apps with educational value. Watch together – Use screen time as bonding time! Talk about what’s happening and ask questions. Record and replay – Save programs for a time that works best for your routine. Encourage active watching – Pause to talk, sing along, or move with the characters. Watch Together: Sit with your child while they watch a show or play a game. Ask questions, sing along, or repeat what you see. This helps build language and thinking skills. Play Along on Apps: There are great interactive apps out there—ones that teach letters, shapes, emotions, and more. Choose ones that encourage tapping, talking, or problem-solving. Press Pause: Pause the show to ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think that character feels?” Turning passive watching into conversation boosts comprehension. Make it Active: Turn a show into a game—can your child dance like the characters or act out a scene afterward? Movement helps with memory and motor skills! Mealtime = Screen-Free Time Turning off screens during meals can help your family connect more deeply. Here’s how to ease into it: Start slow – Focus on one meal at a time. Try fun substitutes – Play soft music, read a short book, or chat about your day. Model the change – When adults skip screens, kids follow suit. Let other caregivers (like grandparents or nannies) know your plan. Stick to a schedule – Eliminate screens from one meal or snack every week or two. In a month or two, you’ll be enjoying screen-free meals with more mindful eating and conversation. Screen Time Alternatives Looking for ways to keep little ones busy without a screen? Try these fun ideas: Get outside – Visit a park, go on a nature walk, or plant a small garden together. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a trip to the park, or watering plants in the yard, outdoor time helps kids burn energy and explore the world. Make an obstacle course – Use cushions, boxes, or toys for indoor or outdoor fun. Crawling under, jumping over, and balancing are all great for motor development. Craft and Create – Finger painting , gluing, cutting, and building with blocks help kids learn focus and coordination—and it’s fun! Story time Fun: Read books, make up stories together, or turn on music and tell a tale using puppets or stuffed animals. Unwind without screens – Before bed, try puzzles, books, songs, or crafts to help your child wind down, relax, and improve sleep. Kids Learn Best Through Interaction Children learn from everything they do—especially what they do with you. So whether it’s watching a show, building a tower, or dancing in the kitchen, the magic happens when we join in. With some thoughtful choices and a focus on connection, it can be a helpful tool — just one part of a healthy, active lifestyle for your little one. Article Sources: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time, https://www.kvhealthcare.org/2024/10/mealtime-without-screens/#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20suggestions%3A,an%20easy%20way%20to%20begin, https://occupationaltherapy.com.au/managing-screentime-in-children/, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-infants-toddlers-and-preschoolers-birth-to-5-years
Jasper’s Journey: Strength, Growth, and Shining Confidence At Pediatric Movement Center, every milestone matters—big or small. Watching a child grow, connect, and thrive through therapy is what motivates us every single day. Jasper's story is a beautiful example of what can happen when determination meets compassionate, consistent care. When Jasper first began Occupational Therapy at PMC, participating in activities was often difficult. Transitions were challenging, and it was hard for him to stay engaged or seated for tasks. But thanks to the incredible support of his family and therapy team—along with Jasper’s own hard work—things have changed in a big way. Improvements Through Motivation & Determination Jasper has made tremendous improvements in functional play and engagement. He now eagerly joins in on activities and sits at the table with his therapist, remaining seated and focused through to the end. Even transitions—once a major hurdle—are now smooth and manageable. Best of all, his personality has truly blossomed! Jasper’s communication has taken off, and his interactions are full of joy, curiosity, and connection. As Ms. Alexys shared, “ His interactions and personality have blossomed with great communication! ” Jasper’s progress in Physical Therapy has bee n equally incredible. When he first joined PMC, Jasper experienced gait abnormalities and difficulties with gross motor skills like getting off the floor, squatting, jumping, and running. Stairs were especially tough—he often crawled or scooted his way up and down. Structured activities were a challenge, and he tended to keep to himself, not fully engaging with others—even his siblings. What a transformation we’ve seen! With consistent PT sessions and a growing sense of confidence, Jasper has made amazing strides in all areas of his physical development. His walking and running mechanics have improved dramatically, and he’s built strength in his core and legs to complete gross motor tasks with ease. Jasper now walks independently and safely up and down stairs, and he participates fully in activities—not just with his therapist, but also with his mom, siblings, and peers. He listens, engages, and uses his words to communicate what he wants to do. As Mr. Connor puts it, “ Jasper has made excellent progress and continues to work hard every session! ” Keep Shining! At PMC, we believe every child has the potential to thrive when supported in the right way. Jasper’s story is a powerful reminder of that truth. His progress is a testament to his perseverance, his family’s support, and the dedication of his therapists. We are so proud of you, Jasper! Keep growing, keep shining, and keep being your amazing self—we can’t wait to see what you do next! Shared with parent permission.
Spotlight on Tillie: Strength, Smiles, and so Much Progress! At Pediatric Movement Center, we are constantly inspired by the determination, resilience, and joy our little ones bring to every session—and Tillie is a shining example of that spirit. Tillie began her journey with PMC just under two years old, joining us in early February. When she arrived, her movement was limited to rolling and lying on her back or belly. Sitting independently was a challenge, and she would often throw herself backward while trying to sit. But Tillie—and her amazing family—were ready to work hard, and that’s exactly what they’ve done. DURING 8 WEEKS.... Over the past eight weeks, Tillie has made tremendous strides in her development through consistent therapy and dedicated practice at home. She has primarily participated in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) sessions, which focus on building strength and supporting developmental milestones. Thanks to her hard work and the guidance of her therapy team, Tillie is now sitting independently for up to five minutes at a time while playing with her favorite toys—a huge accomplishment in such a short time! But that’s not all—Tillie has also begun pulling her legs underneath her to get into a hands-and-knees position, a critical step in progressing toward crawling. Her smile when she conquers a new skill is absolutely contagious. She lights up every room she enters and brings joy not only to her therapists, but to everyone she meets at PMC. As Ms. Mackenzie so beautifully said, “ Tillie, you are so strong, brave, and resilient. We know we are just getting glimpses of all that you are going to accomplish! The sky is the limit, sweet girl .” Tillie's Progress Tillie’s progress doesn’t stop with motor skills—she’s also been making incredible gains in her speech and communication development. Ms. Robin shared how Tillie has been working hard in her speech sessions and at home, building her visual and vocal attention and engaging in shared enjoyment during motivating activities. Her eye contact and social smile brighten every session, and she is showing so much growth using a high-tech communication system to express herself. A recent milestone that had everyone celebrating was when Tillie used her device to say “Stop!” during a standing exercise—a powerful moment of self-advocacy and an exciting leap in her communication journey. As Ms. Robin shared, “ Tillie is a delight to work with and makes my day brighter every time I get to work with her! ” We Are So Proud Of You! Tillie’s story is a beautiful reminder of the potential that lives within every child, and the amazing things that can happen when therapy, family support, and a determined spirit come together. We’re so proud of you, Tillie. Keep reaching for the stars—we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! Posted with parent permission.
If mealtime in your home feels more like a standoff than a shared moment of connection, you’re not alone. Whether your child is a picky eater or just a little hesitant to try new foods, it can be tough to know how to support them without pressure. But here’s the good news: with a little patience, a lot of love, and some playful strategies, you can help your child grow into a confident, adventurous eater. Let’s take the pressure off and bring the joy back to mealtime! 🍽 Start with Comfort and Control Before diving into what’s on the plate, focus on how mealtime feels. The more comfortable and in control a child feels, the more open they’ll be to exploring new foods. Make it a routine: Kids thrive on predictability. Establish consistent mealtime rhythms, even if it’s just a few times a week. Wash hands together, set the table, and maybe even sing a little song before sitting down. Prepare the setting: Let’s make meals feel special! Fun plates, silly cups, colorful utensils—these small touches make a big impact. The more inviting the environment, the less intimidating the food. Below are some of our favorite food supplies! Animal Food Picks Sensory Construction Utensils Dinosaur Sensory Utensils Space Themed Plate Meal Spinner Plate Support their body: A comfy body helps a curious mind. Aim for 90-90-90 sitting (hips, knees, and ankles at 90 degrees) to make sure your child feels physically supported at the table. 🎨 Play with Food (Yes, Really!) Exploration is key when it comes to building trust with new textures and tastes. Let go of the mess and say “yes!” to play. Use all the senses: Let kids touch, smell, and even squish foods before tasting them. Describe foods using fun, sensory language: “This carrot is super crunchy!” or “Whoa, this yogurt feels really cold!” Ask, don’t pressure: Instead of asking “Do you like it?” try “What does it feel like?” or “Can you find something red on your plate?” Descriptive language builds comfort and curiosity without judgment. Create silly names: Call broccoli “tiny trees” or chicken nuggets “space boulders.” Food becomes way more approachable when it’s part of a game. 🍕 Familiar Foods First, Then Build Start with what your child already loves, and gently introduce something new alongside it. If pizza is their jam, add a small bowl of dip or a new veggie on the side. Even if they don’t touch it, just seeing it is a win. Change the shape of their favorite foods—use cookie cutters on sandwiches or serve sliced apples like a fan. Novelty sparks interest! 🛒 Invite Them Into the Process Ownership turns fear into fun. When children feel involved, they’re more likely to try new things. At the store: Let them choose a new fruit or veggie based on color, shape, or just curiosity. In the kitchen: Invite them to stir, chop (with safe tools!), or plate the meal. Prep meals together ahead of time, especially breakfast and lunch, to reduce anxiety by making them more familiar with their food. In the imagination: Draw food, make sticker charts, or create a checklist of foods to explore. This builds exposure outside of mealtime, where there’s less pressure. 🧠 Consider Sensory Needs Children take in the world through their senses—some seek more input, others are highly sensitive. Meet their needs before meals. Try a quick “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” movement game to address the wiggles, or offer tactile games beforehand to ground their sensory systems. Family-style meals (where everyone serves themselves) help with desensitization—kids see, smell, and maybe touch the food without needing to eat it right away. 👨👩👧 Model the Joy of Eating Kids love to watch, learn, and copy—especially the grown-ups they love most. Eat together whenever possible. Even if your child isn’t eating the same foods, sitting with you while you enjoy a meal helps normalize it. Talk about your food. “This is so juicy!” or “This pasta has a fun twisty shape!” Show them that food is something to be experienced and enjoyed. 💡 Caregiver Tips: Prompts and Possibilities Here are a few mealtime phrases that can support exploration without pressure: “Can you find something round on your plate?" “Which food is the softest?” “Wanna help me scoop some onto your plate?” And remember: offer options. Let your child have a say in what goes on their plate or which new food to try. When kids feel like they have a choice, they’re more likely to take a chance. 🌱 Trust the Process, Meet Them Where They Are Every child is different, and that’s a beautiful thing. Some need more time, others need more play, and many just need to feel understood. Watch for signs like pocketing food, gagging, or long chewing times—these may signal oral motor challenges worth discussing with a feeding therapist. But for most kids, consistent routines, sensory support, and a whole lot of playful love go a long way in helping them build confidence at the table. 🧡 Final Thought: Thrilling & Filling Make mealtimes more than just about food. Make them about connection, curiosity, and comfort. The goal isn’t just to get a bite in their mouth—it’s to help them build a joyful, lasting relationship with food. Because a confident eater isn’t made in a day. They’re nurtured—mess by mess, smile by smile, bite by bite. 🎥 CLICK HERE to Watch/Listen on YouTube
