Celebrities
There are stories out there that Brad and Angelina are in Vietnam right now. So, of course, there are rumors that they are adopting again. I’ve poked around a bit and it looks like they really are in Vietnam, and they visited an orphanage late last year and are now back in the vicinity of that orphanage.
One story says she is there to attend a meeting to promote economic development.
So, I’m not convinced either way just yet.
Either way, I’m not a “star watcher”, but I think it’s a good idea for us to know about these things so that when star watchers ask us about it we have a clue.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:55 am
I sure hope those two stay together….I just don’t have faith in most Hollywood marriages….would hate that those kids got caught up in all that….
January 25th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I’m sorry, but it bugs me when these celebrities just seem to fly around the world with ease, picking up children as they want. I’m happy for the little children who are hopefully getting a better home (although I agree about Hollywood marriages), but it never seems like celebrities go through the process like we do. Do they have to wait as long?? Maybe they do, but the perception makes it look like they don’t. Just frustrating for those of us who are waiting for their first child, and have now been “paper pregnant” for almost 2 years!
January 25th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Dear RQ,
Can they get around the 4 weeks required stay for adoptive parents? I was reading about Vietnam last night.
I saw that Angelina was picking Maddox up at his Kindergarten in NOLA on Tuesday. She is back in the country and with her family as Brad is shooting a movie.
Jeanne
January 25th, 2007 at 10:07 am
P.S. And I wonder if they have to get a home study?? And get it updated?? And fingerprints done….twice!! And I-600A / I171H renewals?? Hmmmmm.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:16 am
They aren’t even married.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:20 am
When Meg Ryan adopted from China, she went through the exact same process as we do. I don’t know about other countries/celebs.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Yes, celebrities have to do the home study and I-171H thing.
Most countries (except Malawi, apparently) are very careful to make sure that celebrities follow everything to the letter and are actually more insistent on rules being followed exactly because they know the press will jump on anything that isn’t right.
Just as someone who may not know you’ve been waiting forever might hear about the referral and see you get on a plane six weeks later might think that was all there was to it, most of the time we don’t hear about celebrity adoptions until they are nearing the end of the process as well.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:25 am
I love Angelina Jolie - congrats to her and Brad if they are indeed adopting again! :)
January 25th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Go Brangelina! :-) (that’s my spin…)
January 25th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I never understood why everyone gets so upset as to what process celebrities go through for adoption. The fact is, we don’t know. Just because they all don’t keep us informed during their paperchase, and process doesn’t mean they didn’t go through it.
We just don’t hear about the adoption until after the fact, and why should we? It’s a personal process that they don’t need to announce to the free world.
I’m sorry this really touches a nerve with me. Those of us in the process know how personal and difficult the journey can be. If anything, I think it’s my job to be supportive to anyone who is adopting.
As far as receiveing special treatment, or a speed ups, I don’t think there’s any proof of that. And if that is the case, if it helps a kid be united with his forever family sooner, fine with me.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:37 am
I think that they are obviously committed to the worlds orphanes and it is wonderful that they have chosen to adopt so many children!! I can’t imagine ANY countries bending the rules just because they are rich and famous!! If anything that would provoke a more thorough review out of fear of the media….
January 25th, 2007 at 10:48 am
chickensoupforchina,
I agree.
LID May 10, 2006
January 25th, 2007 at 10:50 am
I agree that I don’t think they get around the rules, but that we just don’t hear about it until after the fact. Funny though, how the general population (those who aren’t familiar with ANY Intl Adoption process and rules, fees, background checks, or waits) assume that celebs just fly somewhere on a whim, drop a ton of cash, and get handed the cutest baby ever.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:50 am
All of your points are well said, and I do understand. I just need to remember that there are always two sides to every story, and their process probably is just as difficult as it is for everyone. The bottom line: children are getting homes, and that is a great thing. Thanks, RQ community, for making me see the other side.
January 25th, 2007 at 11:04 am
You know, if I was rich, I’d adopt an entire UN too. Let’s see, China will let me have 5, but I’d never been able to finish before my 50th, so I could probably do 3 from China, then Ethiopia is open for me, so 2 or 3 there.
I think 6 would be a nice size family, especially since in this dream world, I’m rich, so neither DH or I has to work…
:)
January 25th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Let’s not forget Mia Farrow, star of Rosemary’s Baby and many other films. She was one of the first celebrities to adopt abroad. She has several children, some bio and some adopted. Rarely is she ever mentioned in the news anymore, but I thought I would bring her up. Now, her “ex” Woody Allen is another story!!
January 25th, 2007 at 11:06 am
I know Angelina followed the rules for Ethiopia. It looked quick because.. well, it was for EVERYONE at that point! We waited 21 DAYS for a referral of an infant girl (3 months old)… total time from first application to baby home- 7 months.
January 25th, 2007 at 11:16 am
2girls,
Woody Allen. Can we discuss how SICK and WRONG he is? Talent, Shamlent….he’s a dirty and sick old man. Sorry RQ, I know we’re suposed to play nice, but how that man is accepted by society after what he did to his DAUGHTER is beyond me.
January 25th, 2007 at 11:19 am
There has been a lot of talk on the VN boards about this. Apparently the person who facilitated her Cambodian adoption has been under a lot of investigations and is part of the reason Cambodia shut down. Who knows all the ins and outs for sure! I just know that our China adoption was so much easier b/c there was not the corruption issues. Now with our VN adoption we had to really do a lot more research on agencies, etc… I hope her heart is in the right place and she just wants to help children. As to how she can adopt. I assume she will adopt as a single since they are not married.
January 25th, 2007 at 11:24 am
If Angelina and Brad are looking to adopt again, congrats and kudos to them and their children. They have made no secret that they intend to grow their family and have indicated that some of the growth will be through adoption (every continent). I have to admit I was a bit disappointed this morning, after all the wonderful match rumors yesterday, I expected to see more of the same this morning. Angie and Brad are so “not” part of our blog. Or are they?
January 25th, 2007 at 11:27 am
I just read that she was there last week without Brad in regards to her charity to help farmers. Here is what some of it said on people.com
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt may be setting up house in New Orleans, but Jolie wasn’t there last week – she was in Vietnam.
The actress traveled to the Asian country to take a meeting on behalf of the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Project, her charity aiding her son’s native country of Cambodia.
According to MJP executive director Stephan Bognar, he and Jolie met with officials from the International Finance Corporation’s Mekong Private Sector Development Facility, a privately funded World Bank initiative that promotes economic development in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
In particular, Jolie is interested in a project to help subsistence farmers grow and sell bamboo, a business that, Bognar says, could increase their monthly income from $25 to $100-300. Bamboo crops also filter toxins from water and help stem soil erosion.
January 25th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Chimming in here, YES Brad and Angelina go thru the same long drawn out process that everyone does. He is a big supporter of our Desert Community here in Palm Springs and frequents my parents restaurant in Anza on his motorcycle….I have not met him, but I hear from my relatives that they talk to him and he is down to earth about most things, especially his kids…for what it is worth.
I am glad that Angelina is willing to adopt so many needy kids.
January 25th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Idle curiosity question:
When celebs have their home studies, which of their homes do you suppose is inspected? Which state’s laws to they have to follow…?
(things that make you go “Hmmmm”…)
January 25th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I support any adoption from anywhere in the US and the world by anyone deemed to be a good parent by that country’s adoption rules. I’m sick and tired of all the jokes by comedians on TV about adoption - so rude and insensitive to all innocent adopted children. Not to mention, those of us parents that think our kids are the most wonderful creatures on earth and that our souls were always meant to be together.
And the single mothers are getting beaten up constantly too - it’s just not right. I was raised with two alcoholics, with a lot of rage and physical violence toward each other and us kids. I can attest that my happy home with tons of friends, a Chinese adoption play group, 2 cats, one dog, great school, nice clean home with a HAPPY parent is ten million times better than where I came from.
OK - I’m done.
Come on referrals - I’m a long way away since I’m LID 5/18/06!
:-)
January 25th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
DaniWestRN-
I just looked at your blog and your beautiful daughter. I love her name, too! Our daughter’s FIRST name will be Josephine.
Heather
LID 9/9/05
DOR 1/3/07
January 25th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Does anyone know how to PM RQ? I have never done it and we got the call that our NSN TA’s are in for the Jan. 3rd referral group. Record timing!!!!! Our agency is trying to get us out next Thurs. YIKES!!!!!!
Thanks,
Pam
January 25th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I guess they won’t be adopting from China with the new rules….unless of course they are already logged in and we don’t know it!
January 25th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
DaniWestRN and GleasonBaby, I am seeing a trend here, our baby’s middle name with be Josephine after my mother-in-law. Her first name will be Amelie, but my dh said he will call her Josie.
PS. I wonder if Bragelina, if they are adopting again, looked into China before realizing single mom’s could no longer adopt after May 1st? Hmmmmm…..
Kristen
LID 04/24/06 9 months “paper” pregant, aren’t I supposed to go into “paper” labor soon : )?
http://www.ouryangnu.blogspot.com
January 25th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Please correct me if I’m wrong………..they are not married but living common-law. Does Vietnam adoptions allow for this arrangement even if she applies as a single? I know that China is quite strict about this. Friends of ours had to get married before their SW would start their homestudy for China. If you apply as a single, can you get away with living common-law? I had assumed that you couldn’t.
LID 11/06 and a long way to go………….
January 25th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
DaniWest,
I think I know you from the ttc adoption site, right?
Erica2
9/29/50
January 25th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Oops! My previous post should have LID as 2005, not 2050 (although it seems like it’s been that long)!!
And for what it’s worth, I’m happy for Jolie and Pitt. Think of all the “celebs” (and I use that term loosely) like Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie who appear to do nothing important with their wealth.
January 25th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I think celeb adoptions, for the most part are fine, great in fact. I think their kids have the potential for a really great life. What free time the parents have can actually be spent with the kids. No laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping. They have drivers to deliver kids to activities when schedules conflict. The resources to teach kids the languages and cultures that they deem important and pertinent. Tutors that come to them, they don’t have to coordinate every Wednesday evening or whatever. Wonderful travel opportunities. I have the feeling that celeb adoptions where the parents are savy of cultural needs is a win win situation.
I heard on some trash *news* show that Angelina’s Maddox was eating fried crickets, because they are a delicacy in Cambodia. They were laughing like she was some weirdo, when in fact I believe that she is just being a consciencious (sp) Mother. I have the feeling that her kids are going to have the confidence to walk among people of their homelands without feeling totally alien.
Celebs have the resources (hopefully the desire) to really give their kids a wonderful life without worrying about the things that the average person has to worry about. I say more power to them.
January 25th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
DaniwestRN, GleasonBaby and kbdelaros,
Great minds….Our baby’s middle name will be Josephine after my grandmother. We have a long wait but I love following everyone else’s journey.
I’m a long time lurker and first time poster. RQ, many thanks to everything you do.
Andrea
LID 10-27-06 for Marissa Josephine
January 25th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Wow, so many Josephines! Well, it is a beautiful name. You all have great taste. :D
sophieMom- yup, you do know me from ttc. Small world sometimes.
Dani
12/11/06
January 25th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
LostInDespair,
The homestudy is done from the home that you claim as your primary residence. Thus, the homestudy is done from that state. Lots of people own several homes, and that’s how it’s done during the paperchase. It’s very common.
January 25th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
The other day, my dh and I went to a hardware store and ran into a guy I went to high school with. We talked about kids and I told him we were in the process of adopting from China..and guess what his response was? “Who you guys trying to be? Brad Pitt and Angela Jolie? I just shook my head and said…please..don’t say that again. The nerve!
January 25th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
3tsmom,
Next time, give them my stock answer:
“Yes, people mistake us all the time for that couple. It’s a striking resemblance, I know. Although Brad would need to work out alot more to look like hubby, and Angelina could use a little nip and tuck. Then we could practically be twins. That’s what you were referring to, right?”
Then do the eye-roll.
It’s fun.
January 25th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
we live in Seattle part year and the rest of the time in Palm Springs ours was done in Palm Springs I was stressing that we had to do two and they thought I was nuts lol
January 26th, 2007 at 7:54 am
Well, they won’t be adopting from China..she can’t as a single mom and he is banned. This came up on my Comcast homepage today..thought it was timely. I went to Wikipedia and here is what I found…now I guess if they got married she could travel alone..
“Brad has also been banned from China for life for his role in the controversial film Seven Years in Tibet.”
January 26th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
My sister just got back from Vietnam with her new son. She did not have to stay four weeks, it was more like three weeks but a very long trip. They are so happy and her son is so amazing! Adoption is such a blessing for all of us!
January 29th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Angelina Jolie’s mother dies
January 29, 2007
(BANG) - Angelina Jolie’s mother Marcheline Bertrand has died.
Marcheline, who battled ovarian cancer for more than seven years, was with her son James Haven, Angelina and her partner Brad Pitt when she passed away aged 56 on Saturday (27.01.07).
Angelina dashed across America to be with her mother when she heard her condition had worsened.
She arrived at her mother’s bedside in Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 4pm on Saturday (27.01.07), four hours before Marcheline died.
It is thought to be unlikely that Angelina would have contacted her estranged father Jon Voight in the wake of her mother’s death, as the pair haven’t spoken for five years.
Voight walked out on Marcheline when Angelina was a baby, leaving Marcheline to bring up their children alone.
When Angelina’s daughter Shiloh was born last May, Marcheline, who had small roles in 80s movies ‘Lookin’ to Get Out’ and ‘The Man Who Loved Women’, said: “My heart is overflowing with joy with the new arrival of Brad and Angelina’s third child. Maddox, Zahara and Shiloh are deeply loved children. They have very kind and caring parents who love and support each other in every way.”
A private funeral has been planned for Marcheline. The family have requested no flowers or gifts - and instead asked for donations to be made to the Women’s Cancer Research Institute at Ceders-Sinai.