In this episode of Stay Planted, we share real-life updates from the world of adoption, parenting, and backyard farming—equal parts practical, reflective, and a little unhinged (in the best way).

We discuss adoption logistics, including the process of obtaining a Social Security number for an adopted child and how missing paperwork can impact health insurance coverage. Lauren shares an update on international adoption from Malawi and discusses how the president’s recent immigration proclamation may impact adoption timelines, visas, and waiting families.

From there, the conversation shifts to everyday life lately—raising kids, juggling projects, and managing animals. We catch up on our backyard farms: chickens that stopped laying, roosters that crow very incorrectly, ducks in deep snow, automated coop doors that don’t always cooperate, and an honest confession about dealing with a rat infestation in the chicken coop. We discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how overwhelming farm chores can be in the midst of parenting young kids.

This episode is a relaxed, unscripted conversation about adoption paperwork, international policy, insurance headaches, chickens, rats, snow chores, and learning to pivot when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Visit Lo's blog, The Carter LoDown, for all your Backyard Farming needs, encouragement, and a little peek inside Lo's life.