One of the most exciting parts of the adoption process is determining which child will be referred to you, well, besides when the new child gets to join your family and home. Jillian Michaels is in the midst of that moment, announcing that she has accepted a referral for a little girl in Haiti. I wonder if this is behind her seemingly sudden departure from the Doctors, although there has been no confirmation of that. From what I am reading she is still pursuing an adoption in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but she was concerned about the viability of the pilot program with the agency she has chosen.

While Jillian is not working with MLJ Adoptions, Inc. where I am Director of Adoption Preparation and Support Services, we have an active program in DRC and have worked in Haiti in the past.

Following acceptance of a referral, several things must occur with some variation based on the country program and the agency who is facilitating an adoption. Jillian has stated that her adoption in Haiti could take a year before her new daughter is able to join her home. Historically, Haiti has had a wide time variance in the time that it takes to complete an adoption. Until Hague becomes a reality for Haiti that variance is likely to continue. Jillian can count on specific steps that must occur prior to the finalization of her adoption, even if she does not know exactly how long they will take.

There is a legal process in country, an application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for a visa for the child, and the passport must be obtained. Many times there is also an investigation to ensure the child is an orphan and additional exit approvals that must be obtained. Those few basic milestones are very detailed and can require several appointments, signatures, and months for each.
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In true “here today, gone tomorrow” fashion, Jillian Michaels has left the cast of The Doctors. She has been a part of the cast for less than half of a season and, as the only non-physician on the show, served as their fitness expert.

Michaels, who was well known as the “in your face” female trainer for many of the eleven seasons of The Biggest Loser, has decided that she will no longer be a series regular for the syndicated show, which focuses on health and wellbeing. She had previously announced a desire to start a family and given that as her reason for departing from The Biggest Loser. She released this statement concerning her time on The Doctors:

“This January I will be departing my role as a regular co-host on THE DOCTORS.  I have enjoyed my time on the show and the opportunity it provided me in my mission to help others improve their lives.  Although it wasn’t the fit both the show and I hoped for, it was a great experience and I wish the show nothing but success.”

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Jillian Michaels - Making The Cut *Enhanced Edition

Jillian Michaels is gearing up for the new year with the enhanced edition of her Making The Cut fitness book. Jillian Michaels, best known for her previous role as trainer on NBC’s show Biggest Loser hasn’t slowed down since leaving the show. Michaels is busy releasing new books, enhancing old one and is now a regular on The Doctors, serving as the panel’s fitness expert.

The enhanced edition of Making the Cut includes 80 demonstration videos by Jillian herself designed to show you how to shed those pesky pounds.

Michaels’ 30 day program uses the process of oxidizing as a way to determine what kind of metabolism your body has in order to burn fat in the best way for you. It is a full body program that walks you through step by step and even includes helpful tips to improve self-esteem and confidence.

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As Beyonce, who is expecting her first child with husband Jay-Z any time now, remains committed to a mostly-vegan pregnancy diet. The actress and singer, who is also a part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign, has been outspoken about her past use of The Master Cleanse to prepare for the movie Dream Girls.

Contrary to celebs like Jessica Simpson, who signed a $3 million dollar contract to lose her baby weight with Weight Watchers, and Jennifer Lopez, who shared her post-pregnancy diet secrets, Beyonce hasn’t yet spoken up about her post-baby plans. In the meantime, she and Jay-Z have remained committed to eating a healthy diet to avoid excessive baby weight gain.

“I’ve been really conscious [about food],” Beyonce told 20/20. “I’ve been trying my best not to lose control.” Instead of indulging in stereotypical pregnancy junk food cravings, the couple has been eating balanced meals that include stir-fried vegetables and tofu.

Along with her healthy diet, Beyonce has remained active throughout her pregnancy, which is important for any mom who wants to avoid excessive pregnancy weight gain.
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New year’s resolutions are mostly synonymous with weight loss. It’s not a bad goal to set when you remember that about half of our country is considered obese.

We spoke with some of the diet and fitness world’s A-list to hear what their resolutions are for the coming year. While they are the pictures of health, many of them are also looking at introducing new habits to their lifestyles in the coming year. Many also model using resolutions to simply better themselves, be it a few less f-bombs or more time with family.

Click through to hear how Joy Bauer, Jillian Michaels, Dolvett Quince, Kirstie Alley, Kithe Brewster, Denise Austin, Tracey Mallett, and others will be resolving to make better choices in 2012.

Next: Joy Bauer

Jillian Michaels – JillianMichaels.com

“My resolution is to stop swearing. While I’m doing that, I’d love to see people quit smoking, eat better, and hit the gym in 2012.”