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Hemmed In's Hibernation

3/15/2017

4 Comments

 
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Oooh, boy. This is a tough blog post to write. And that coming from one who blogs minimally, at best!
But it's not the time required to write this that's difficult. It's the content.
How to communicate it well, how to convey how the emotion and thought that went into this decision, how to finish it well. That's what's stinkin' hard to do right now. And why I've put it off for so long. But, with the upcoming release of my Spring Canopy collection this week, I knew it was the perfect time to announce that I'm wrapping things up. Making and sending off one final set of canopies (which happens to also be my favorite of all time!) will leave Hemmed In just where I want it: in the everyday lives of hard working, multi-tasking, love-pouring Mamas who could use a little help "simplifying life with baby" wherever they can find it!
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If you haven't guessed it by now, you're probably on the right track:
I am shutting down the
operations of Hemmed In. Specifically, by
May of this year.

The opening quote is the key point: You can do anything; but not everything simultaneously.
While the world around us screams by at lightening pace, and it seems everyone is handling more than ever with picture-perfect ease, the truth is: You can't do everything; despite what your social media feed may have you believe!
I've made it my purpose statement for this business to "Simplify Life With Baby"; now it's time for me to take my own advice and live that very mission.
As our family and business have grown alongside each other, I've struggled under the weight of knowing that both require all of me, all the time. They're both full-time+ jobs, and cannot both be done well by one lone mama! Even moreso, our family is soon entering the world of Foster Care, and possibly another adoption therein, and our desire is for myself, in particular, to be freed up completely to welcome and care for the children God brings us, along with our own 2 young ones. The balancing act of tending to the daily demands of growing a business solo, while caring for children in need, is a feat that would require more than I'm willing to sacrifice...
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...For now. Like my friend and fellow business-owning mentor says, "You can have it all; but not at the same time." The past 4 years has given the time to grow & build Hemmed In. Now, the time is to build into the lives of our children, and any other children who come to call our family 'home.' They deserve my everything, and it's time I "Simplify (my own) life with Baby!"

So, while Spring blooms and another year of new life emerges, Hemmed In will be entering a season of hibernation.

I'm not sure for how long, or what it would look like to pick up the reins again in the future. I don't know if we'll have many foster children or few; or if we'll adopt one or a few of the children we foster.
All I know is that my new title will be simply "Mom." Not "Work at Home Mom," or "Small Business Owner" or "Mompreneur." Just Mom. To who knows how many kiddos! (And on most days, that's probably more than I can handle, if I'm honest!)
I hope that Hemmed In has served you fellow Moms well, and I hope that in some way, my stepping back also serves you. Maybe as a reminder that You're a Good Mom, no matter what daily motherhood looks like for you. Maybe just as an example that it's OK to say no to good things, and stand in the cross current of the cultural norm of constant busyness. I so appreciate you being with me on this journey through small business, adoption and now foster care. Like I've always said, we moms NEED each other! I'm very grateful I've had you all to share this with.

HOWEVER: all that to say, this is not happening today. In a few short months, yes, Hemmed In will shutter its windows. But there's still time for one more round of life-simplifying canopies to get into the hands of Mamas delivering a new batch of babies this spring!
And, I must say, I've saved the best for last:

:: Spring 2017 Canopy Collection ::

These 4 canopies are made from the softest, 100% ORGANIC Cotton and are to.die.for!!

They're each just right for an everyday baby accessory that's really for mom: colors that are understated and modern, with trendy patterns that don't topple over into the cheesy baby realm.

This is an extremely Limited Release, with less than 10 canopies available in each style. They'll be available for purchase, and ready to ship, this Saturday, March 18th. If you're not already a Hemmed In VIP, make sure to sign up today to get in on Exclusive Offers on these and the last few Mini Dot or Solid canopies about to be clearanced!

Thank you so much for reading this, and thank you for your purchases in support of Hemmed In! I couldn't do this without you.
XO,
Wendy

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"You're A Good Mom" Cards Now Available!!

1/24/2017

2 Comments

 
Last week, I explained the origin behind this "You're a Good Mom" idea. Today, I'm expanding it's reach, and inviting you to join me. Watch this:
I can't tell you how excited I am to finally bring this project to life. 

​Feeling the need to get offline and develop relationships right around me last year, I challenged myself to write a note a week. Just a little note to someone that'd been on my mind lately. And I sent 'em the good old snail mail way. That's when it hit me to make a way for you to take the conversation deeper also. With the help of very talented ladies, we brought the vision to life and it's better than I even dreamed it could be! 

A handwritten note means so much. It shows that the writer took a few moments in time to stop the busyness of life, quiet her mind, and think only of the one she's writing to. It's deeply personal, it's intentional, and it's so, so simple! Today, these cards are now available in our shop here; stock up, start writing, and see lives changed.
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  • Kelly, of Before Noon Paperie, is the Handlettering Artist behind the custom card designs.
  • Kelsey, of Kelsey Luciano Productions, is the videographer behind the video that literally brought my "you're a good mom" mission to life.
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Shop the brand new cards NOW

and help me shout this message far & wide!

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"You're a Good Mom" :: Where it all started

1/18/2017

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A friend recently asked me how my "you're a good mom" mission with Hemmed In started. I had to think back to this time last year, when I was redesigning our Canopies with all new fabric, packaging and finishing touches:

I knew I wanted something special on the canopy just for the woman using it. Something small, quiet, something you had to kind of search for. Not obvious or in your face. Like a secret message just between us; from me to her. Around that time, I was noticing a continual conversation happening online between women: bloggers, business owners, SAHM's, each one a Mother, each one voicing a similar cry for affirmation. It went something like this: "I didn't get the laundry done. I ignored my kid while I worked today. I got frustrated with the baby who kept me up all night. I fed by child cereal for dinner.......BUT; I love him more than life itself...She's my world and I want her to always know that....I'm doing the best I can. I hope that's enough...."

Sound familiar??
I kept reading posts like those, from the busiest, most successful "working moms" of one, to the homeschooling moms of a small tribe.
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It was like every woman was aching to know that she wasn't messing everything up.
Pouring out Mom guilt and then self-soothing it with a thin layer of self-acceptance.

I thought to myself; if all these women are feeling this way, having to convince themselves they're an 'ok' Mom, that must mean that they're not hearing that from anyone else. Our needs have a way of making themselves heard, even unbeknownst to ourselves, and I was beginning to think that our community of Moms are being starved of that life-giving affirmation and encouragement.
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I wanted to change that, one Mom at a time. I started telling more moms  in my world that they're a great mom, and why; friends or strangers alike. Just think for a moment; how often do our woman-to-woman conversations hover around the goings-ons of our children, and yet, how often do we affirm the very Mom we're talking to?! 

I have a touch point with a lot of Moms every month; through social media, product shows, and canopies being shipped out to customers. I wanted to let each woman know that she's doing a good job. So my tiny secret message was designed, made into woven tags, and has gone on every single canopy since.

The outcome of it I didn't expect: it's become a way for women to encourage one another, that message is no longer just from me to you! So many of Hemmed In's customers are giving our Canopies to friends, and that little tag on the inside is now a message between them. It's one thing for a stranger to tell you "You're a good Mom," but quite another for a woman in your everyday life to affirm you in that personal way.
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​Now she can see that message everyday on her carseat canopy, and know it came from a friend who believes in her. I LOVE THAT!! ​
The hashtag #YoureAGoodMom on Instagram has become a way for women to tag a friend that comes to mind, reminding her that she's great at being Mom. But the online world moves at lightening pace. A quick shout-out, an 'atta-girl shot of encouragement only lasts so long in the heart of a weary woman.

I do believe that coming soon, there's going to be a push-back from all of our online-only relating. I know for certain that relationships cannot thrive through text messages, tags or shout-outs in a busy, crowded place like social media. It's the face-to-face moments or handwritten words that will knit hearts together. So I'm taking the conversation offline, and encouraging you to do so with me. I've got a really exciting new product release coming next week that's been months in the making. I so hope it will be a tool for us all to help developing stronger, deeper relationships with each other through the selfless, easy act of saying to another woman "You're a good Mom." Stay tuned, friends! 2017 is going to be life-changing :) 
XO, Wendy
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2016 Memories + a New Year SALE

12/31/2016

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Anxiously awaiting a new arrival in 2017?  Hoping to streamline life and its stuff in the New Year? Just love getting that perfect gift for a new mom; especially during a really good sale?!

I'm here to make sure every Mama has a way to simplify all the THINGS that life with baby brings, and our canopies do just that. They're so simple, and yet so useful, it's almost like cheating on all the other one-use baby items that are getting replaced ;)

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The {All-NEW} 3-In-1 Canopy...

1/23/2016

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Almost exactly one year after relaunching Hemmed In with an exclusive Infant Carseat Canopy focus, we're completely revamping it. This past year I've heard from our customers, fans and friends loud & clear: You loved the soft touch of our Minky lining, but wanted a lighter weight option suitable for all climates and all 4 seasons.
After months of experimenting with various fabrics, sourcing all new tags, trims and packaging, and polling every mama I know (plus you lovely Instagram followers!), I am so, SO excited to introduce the All New 3-In-1!!!
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The fabric comes to you all the way from Japan, and is heavenly soft. In fact, it only gets softer with every wash! 
The double-woven design combines 2 layers of lightweight, breathable fabric that gives it a double-sided look, while also decreasing sheerness. For our Winter Collection, I chose 4 subdued, gender-neutral colorways for a modern, chic  look.
Also new this year, I've given over ALL production to a local Sewing factory here in Colorado. I'm very pleased to be able to help support another local business and assure that you are still getting a handmade-in-the-USA product constructed with top quality craftsmanship.

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Used as a playmat or blanket, baby will love the soft texture; used as a Nursing Cover, Mama will love the cooler coverage. And of course, as a Carseat Canopy, baby will still be protected from sun, wind, rain, snow or the overly-eager on-lookers ;)
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Probably my very favorite part of the new design is the "secret message" just for Mom on the inside of the side tag:
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Because every Mama needs to hear (or read!) those words on a regular basis. 
I CANNOT wait to get these into your hands!! With the same shape and our unique design, these canopies will  still accomplish our mission to help Moms simplify. They still replace 3-4 separate, bulky items with one lightweight, easy-to-use, multi-tasking product that not only does a ton, but looks good too. And they still make the best baby shower gift!
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Stay tuned this coming week for some pre-release fun; we've got giveaways planned with some of the top Mama-rated brands-all hosted on our Instagram feed (so follow now if haven't already!)
And to get all the release news first, plus Exclusive offers, make sure you're on our VIP List: you can sign up through the link in the menu or through the bar at the top of our website.

To be released in early February!!
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Celebrating our ReLaunch with a HUGE Baby-Stuff {GIVEAWAY}!!

3/6/2015

22 Comments

 
Ahhh, we're finally open for business!! From our final clothing clean-out sale in early February to today, we've been hard at work here at Hemmed In HQ. Canopy production went into high gear, the website got changed about a hundred times, we went all over town for several photoshoots and even filmed a short video. We're here at last. "Mama's Multitasker™", our 3-In-1 Canopy Accessory, is released into the world :)

And we couldn't be happier to celebrate that with you: our customers, friends, and supporters, with a GIVEAWAY!! But what's a celebration with only one shop giving away one product? Kind of low-key. And we wanted our Relaunch to be anything but low-key. So we've gathered together several of our FAVORITE handmade shops to make the party even bigger-and your giveaway prize even better.

I hand-picked each of these shops, because I can personally attest to each shop owner being someone whom I love to support, who's product is of incredibly high quality, and who's success I celebrate as much as my own. So please, take a look at their shops, read their stories, and show them some small-business love!
Here's what's up for grabs in our Relaunch Giveaway, a $225 Value!!

Hemmed In 
1 Canopy of Your Choice

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Pick from over 20 Styles! 
Boyish, Girly or Gender-Neutral

Bannor Toys
$20 Store Credit

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Handmade, customizable Wooden Toys, 
Teethers & Blocks 

Brandalion Boutique

$25 Store Credit

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Handmade Infant-Toddler Soft-Soled Shoes, cusomizeable

Gal-Pals

$20 Store Credit

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Handmade, beautifully-dressed Plush Dolls & Rattles

Carolyn Nealen Cloth
$25 Store Credit

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Handmade Infant Clothing, Hats & Teethers

Lucy Darling Shop
$30 Store Credit

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Hand-designed Baby's Book of 1st's, Infant Clothing Dividers

Phyllis Harris Designs
$25 Store Credit

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Hand-drawn & Painted Children's Artwork, Customizable 

Wash With Water
$20 Store Credit

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Organic Skincare line for Children & Infants

Now that you've been properly introduced, get yourself entered, and Good luck!
THANK YOU for celebrating Hemmed In's relaunch with us :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
* Terms & Conditions: Giveaway ends March 11, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST. Open to Residents of the US only, must be 18 years of age or older. Winner will be selected randomly via Rafflecopter.com and be notified by email. All entrants will be notified via email with winner announcement, plus consolation prize. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Wendy will send a canopy of your choice to you directly, and will email you the coupon codes to use for store credit at all other giveaway participants' shops. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. Facebook and Instagram are in no way associated with this giveaway.  By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to Wendy, owner of Hemmed In, alone.  She will not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.
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{Big Changes} at Hemmed In!

1/26/2015

8 Comments

 
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I'm not sure how to write this blog post. It could be very in-depth, and likely too personal, or it could be straight-forward, factual and seemingly distant. I'll try to find a middle ground so that I don't lose any of you on account of TMI or TLI (Too Little Info, of course!) 
**If you're not one for details, scroll down to the end--there's a HUGE CLEAN-OUT SALE you won't want to miss with all the changes coming!

Over the past 2 years of designing & making clothing for Little Ladies, I've learned so, so much and grown in ways I could not have imagined. From all the intricacies of starting a business, to finding my passion for protecting the innocence of children through the clothing I design, it has been an unparalleled journey of discovery! I've been touched by the words of countless customers who have found my designs to be just what they were looking for, and I've had so much fun meeting you, seeing your Ladies in their Hemmed In clothes, and sending you package after package of "Little Lady goodness" :)    {THANK YOU for your support, encouragement and love!!}


I entered 2015 with so much excitement for the new Spring line, and plans to start hiring designers, seamstresses and interns. However, our family also entered 2015 with big, new endeavors on the horizon. Namely, an adoption and being part of a team that's planting a church in our new town. Two HUGELY exciting adventures, but also two very time-intensive adventures that we will need to be committed to for the long-haul.

It became increasingly obvious that the business and our personal lives were not congruent with one another.  We needed to SIMPLIFY!
 
However, Hemmed In is still a BIG part of our lives and, we believe, still has a lot to offer the world! It just needs to operate at a different capacity. 
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So, from here on out, Hemmed In will not be offering Little Lady's clothing collections. 

Instead, we will be turning our focus to exclusively producing our one-of-a-kind, 3-in-1 Infant Carseat Canopy Accessories. These have actually been one of our best selling items, even though it's just been an "on-the-side" item!

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I love that in narrowing our niche, the mission of Hemmed In is actually coming into even greater focus. 

I love that Hemmed In still serves Mamas with a product that is needed, useful and highly functional for her everyday life with Little Ones. 



I love that we've already built a strong base of loyal customers specific to this product that have bought Canopies for themselves, their friends, their coworkers, neighbors and are passionate enthusiasts in telling others about it! 
(*These are just a few of the new styles coming soon!)
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And I love that the verse that inspired Hemmed In's name some 3 years ago still fits so perfectly with the Canopies: 
Psalm 139:5 says:
Isn't that a perfect picture of what a canopy does, functionally? It goes behind, before and above, protecting your little one with a comforting cover. But big-picture, it shows us a glorious and ultimate comfort for not only our children, but our own lives as well. We are 'hemmed in' by God, and His loving protection is perfect. Even in the unknown that lies ahead of us personally and in business, I'm so comforted by His ever-present hands behind us, before us and upon us!!

I'm so grateful and so excited for where He is leading our family in this new season, and I'm grateful that Hemmed In still has a contribution to make to many other families. 
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So, the BIG SALE: we still have clothing and aprons and tote bags in the shop to move out! Starting in a couple of days, every clothing piece will be 40% off (I've NEVER gone this low!!) But if you want to get in on even more exclusive deals, join our VIP Club and you'll receive another 10% off coupon code. And of course, all orders Ship FREE :) You can get signed up through the form here, and watch for an email in the next couple days.
ALL SALES WILL BENEFIT OUR ADOPTION FUND. Which seems appropriate! Clothing made for Little Ladies going to support the adoption of a little one in need of a home. :) 



THANK YOU for sticking around, and for being a part of Hemmed In's story!!
"you hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me."
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Hemmed In + Down Syndrome Awareness Month

10/27/2014

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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and I almost missed it!! It's a month to spread awareness, advocacy and inclusion throughout our communities, and it's a cause I'm passionate about. 

Unfortunately, the fashion industry is one of exclusion more often than inclusion. Rarely do you see any model on a runway or in a product shoot who has special needs. I wanted Hemmed In to be different in that way, specifically.

Then I met Autumn; a local children's store owner who happens to be the grandmother of one of my Hemmed In models: a sweet, spunky little Lady who has Down Syndrome and a beautiful smile. (pictured above) 

Last year, Autumn spearheaded an inclusive Fashion Show with children from all over Denver who have Special Needs, and has big plans to continue it for years to come. I was there, I LOVED it, and I wrote all about it in the blog here.

SO, not to miss out on being a part of this support & awareness-raising month, I'm donating 10% of ALL SALES this week to the Proud To Be Me Fashion Show. 

Please Help us show our love & support by shopping!! 

Shop here on Hemmed In with Site-Wide FREE Shipping, and be a part of celebrating individuals with Down Syndrome!
(Like their FB page too) :) xo.

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Hemmed In {Fall/Winter 2014} Collection is live!

9/17/2014

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It's finally ready!! The Hemmed In Fall 2014 Collection has hit the shop, and just in time for those Christmas Card photoshoots :)  

I've been working all summer designing & sewing brand-new, beautiful items for every section of the shop. Just like you've come to expect, it's all meticulously handmade and stitched with pure love. Every package goes out with a FREE fabric rosette hair clip (no waste!) and I cover your Shipping. 

I was extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with 2 other Mom-owned, Handmade shops for the hair accessories that we styled the photoshoot outfits with.
Abbey of The Pleated Polkadot and Nikki of Southern Adoornments are as genuine as they are talented, and I wanted to keep every. single. piece they generously sent!! But I also want to share the love with you because you're going to want more of where that came from.
So I'm giving away 6 bows/headbands this week! 
--> Go check out our Facebook page to see all the details and get entered in the accessory giveaways.

I'm also incredibly thankful for crossing paths with Meghan Hof, the gifted and even more patient photographer behind the lens of these gorgeous photos. What most would describe as a chaotic hour-long meeting of toddlers and fast-paced outfit changes, she managed to capture childhood sweetness and spontaneity all while showing our products in clear detail. She's a gem to work with, so if you're in the Denver area, don't look anywhere else for your next photo session!

For family portraits, visit Meghan Hof Photography, for Weddings, visit Gathering Light Photography
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The Best Market of the Year :: {Proud To Be Beautiful Me}

2/25/2014

1 Comment

 
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Market season officially started for Hemmed In this weekend, and I'm certain that I've already been to the best one of the year! We were so thrilled to be a small part of the inaugural Proud To Be Beautiful Me Fashion Show event, hosted and dreamed up by the store owner of a darling local maternity & children's consignment store here in Golden, CO.

The Fashion Show was made up of adorable, beautiful kids from all over the Denver area who have various special needs, and the day was devoted completely to them. They got pampered, gussied up and doted on by family, friends and supporters, and it was so. so. so. stinking cute. Denver Tux donated Tuxes for the little Dudes, and Bumps & Bundles donated dressed for the Little Ladies. There were food donations, photography donations, door prize donations, floral donations, and most importantly, financial donations towards several deserving programs in our area that support children & families with special needs.
 
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The mini models were led across the auditorium stage while the Emcee described their 'loves' (a lot of peanut butter sandwiches, pizza, toys, and even siblings were mentioned in their lists!) and what charity or program their family's ticket sale proceeds were benefitting. The event was probably just as important to the parents as to the kids--seeing their little loves be adored in the spotlight by an auditorium full of onlookers is empowering and affirming. 

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    Wendy, owner & designer of Hemmed In, shares inspiration for living simply, bits and pieces of running a small business, and a sneak peek into the journey of domestic adoption.


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