Angelina adopts a daughter!

Angelina Jolie is adopting her second child, a girl from Ethopia. The little girls age and measurements are not being released, but her name will be Zahara Marley Jolie. The arrangements for the adoption are expected to be completed on Wednesday. Jolie has said of Maddox: "My son is in love with Africa, so he has been asking for an African brother or sister." Angelina is  adopting as a single mother and she wants that emphasized. Thanks to People and Karwai Tang/Alpha/Globe  for the picture.

Sarah’s note: As I’ve been getting many emails regarding this-I want to make it clear that the baby herself does not have AIDS-her parents did, making her an AIDS orphan. Let’s not spread incorrect information.

Comments

Congratulations to Angelina for her brand new addition! I think that’s its cool that she chose to adopt her kids instead of having them biologically. As for the rumors of her shopping for baby clothes, I guess we know why.

- Shelly on July 6th, 2005

her new daughter is an AIDS orphan

- kelly on July 6th, 2005

That is so sweet, it is evident she is a great mother to her son so it will be great for her new daughter. Congrats!

- Lore on July 6th, 2005

I am so happy for Angelina. She wll take such good care of her new baby, just like she does with Maddox. Congratulations Angelina!

- Erica on July 6th, 2005

I am so happy about the news. I heard earlier on Good Morning America. I guess this explains why she was seen buying baby clothes! Congrats Angie and Maddox. I bet she’s a beautiful little girl and we can’t wait to see her! Good luck!

- joy on July 6th, 2005

I think that is wonderful. I bet they will call her Marley. I wonder if Zahara was her given name. I like Zahara though. It’s beautiful, and different. Best of luck to her Maddox, and the newest baby girl!!

- Yonni on July 6th, 2005

Whatever happened to her second adopted boy – Gleb? He´s never in any pics anymore, but I remember he was mentioned a lot a while ago. Here for instance:

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/10752004.htm

- Reblo on July 6th, 2005

Angelina Jolie was in Ethiopia last week, filing papers in her quest to adopt a girl from that country orphaned by AIDS. The actress, who has toured the world as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations’ High Commissioner on Refugees, made the

trip with her adopted 3-year-old Cambodian son, Maddox, and her “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” co-star, Brad Pitt, according to The Associated Press. The request is expected to be granted Wednesday (July 6).

“The paperwork has gone through. Miss Angelina’s request was accepted last week. Everything has been completed, so the family can take the baby whenever they want,” Hadosh Halefom, head of the country’s adoption agency, told the AP. The only information on the child is that she is less than a year old.

- michelle anne on July 6th, 2005

Congrats to Angelina and Maddox, adoption is such a wonderful thing, Now those pregnancy rumours can be put to rest.

- kiki on July 6th, 2005

Yeah I was wondering about the other baby, does anyone know what happened to him? Congrats to Angelina and Maddox on their new addition!

- Lola on July 6th, 2005

I read somewhere that the adoption of Gleb fell through. I don’t know the particulars, but it definitely fell through.

- bbdoll on July 6th, 2005

Now, this may seem like an ignorant question, but as an AIDS orphan, does the baby have AIDS? Also, does anyone know how long babies survive with AIDS? I hope her baby is healthy and happy and free of AIDS. It’s very sad that so many millions of people are dying in Africa from this terrible disease. Angelina is an amazing woman and has truly grown up and become someone internally beautiful in the past couple years. Her new baby is very lucky and Maddox is lucky to have a new sister!

- Air on July 6th, 2005

It’s my understanding that Ethiopia is only allowing healthy infants to be adopted, and that careful screening is done to make sure the child is not infected. It’s possible for an HIV-positive woman to give birth to an HIV-negative, healthy baby.

- bbdoll on July 6th, 2005

I know it fell through. http://www.bloggingbaby.com/entry/1234000987021005/
There was some internal issues from what I understand. http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/11682004.htm

- Arya on July 6th, 2005

FYI: Zahara is Arabic for “shining” and “luminous”. Beautiful!

- bbdoll on July 6th, 2005

In response to the previous post, “AIDS Babies” are now living into their 20′s. The NY Times magazine recently did a cover story on the issue.

- Elizabeth on July 6th, 2005

Being an AIDs orphan does NOT mean you are infected. It’s also been long known, that children of HIV positive mothers, are born with traces of the virus in there system, but repeated tests are required because the body can reject the viral traces of the illness before it becomes a true form of HIV. Which, essentially means, there born with the trace of it, but some babies are known to loose all traces by there first year and not ever turn out to be infected at all.

- Weezy on July 6th, 2005

I am so happy for Angelina and Maddox. I hope the baby will be healthy and happy in her new home.
Angelina has inspired me in so many ways. I have had trouble conceving in the past and the chances of me ever having a baby are slim but I know that one day when I feel ready to become a parent I will adopt.

- crazy on July 6th, 2005

for all the tough crap she gets, she’s really an inspiration to me. i have always wanted to adopt but i live in a semi-close minded aread and, at least where i live (not sure about other places), there is a horrible stygmatism about adoption. i think Angelina Jolie is breaking down this stygmatism by her wonderful work through goodwill and her adoptions of Maddox, and now Zahara. Congratulations to both Angelina and Maddox!

gorgeous name, by the way. it fits so well with Maddox.

- abbey on July 6th, 2005

I don’t mean to stir up anything, and let me say first how glad I am for this little girl. To say she will have a better life is a major understatement. However, I’m a little uncomfortable with people who are able to conceive adopting when there are couples to whom adoption is the ONLY option. I suppose that there are “enough” kids to go around, but I know of several infertile couples who have been waiting for years. AND they don’t have the $$ or influence to “cut the red tape” JMO

- michele on July 6th, 2005

I’m glad she has adopted her kids from different races.Hopefully others will do the same and not just adopt the blond blue eyed babies

- jasmine on July 6th, 2005

There are actually more children in need of adoptive parents than there are the parents. Children of different ethnicities and special needs in particular suffer from a dirth of adoptive parents. I am so thrilled that Angelina is adopting a child that is in such need. And what a wonderful way to help educate people on the AIDS epidemic. There are a lot of AIDS orphans in particular. http://www.avert.org/aidsorphans.htm
Congrats to them and I hope this ends all those silly pregnancy rumors. We now know why she was shopping for baby things!

- Arya on July 6th, 2005

International adoption costs alot and there is alot of red tape BUT why should these babies have to wait around for someone that can’t conceive to get the money to adopt them when there are people (even though they can conceive their own child) out there that can adopt them now? The real problem here is not people adopting that can have their own child but the red tape and high costs that stop everyone from being able to adopt internationally.

- Maya on July 6th, 2005

I’m with Maya on this one! The problem is not that people with money/ influence etc get to adopt, it is the red tape involved. There are so many needy kids both here in the US and abroad, but due to political melarchy people are discouraged and it is a GREAT disservice to these lovely children. Our realtor’s daughter tried for years to adopt here in the US, but was given so much uphill that they eventually went to South Africa and adopted an “AIDS orphan” as well. He is in perfect health (lost his parents to the disease), and they are besotted;-)
I can only say a HUGE congratulations to Angelina and Maddox on the new family addition! May the Lord continue to smile down on their family…in WHATEVER they choose to do. There aren’t enough celebrities out there who put their money (so to speak) where their mouth is- She is truly a phenomenal woman…Brad is a lucky man:-)

- BP on July 6th, 2005

Congratulations to Angelina and Maddox – what wonderful news!

To answer the question above, an AIDS orphan means the child is an orphan because AIDS killed the parents. Most AIDS orphans don’t have the disease.

- pingpong on July 6th, 2005

what an amazing thing to do, I bet that little girls future would have being awful, and now she has a chance!

- ellen on July 6th, 2005

What a beautiful and generous soul Angelina is. How I wish other celebrities would put their money and heart where their mouths are. Start walking the walk if you know what I mean. Thank you Angelina!

- brownie on July 6th, 2005

Congrats Mad on your new baby sister !

- shelley on July 6th, 2005

What wonderful news! Zahara will surely be a blessed child with Angelina and Maddox.

Regarding the comment that only people who “can’t conceive” should adopt children, my reaction is “huh??”

As a biological mother to one child and adoptive mother to another child of a different race and nationality (chinese), I can tell you that, in China alone, over 1 million baby girls sit in orphanages waiting to be adopted. The process is expensive, but most agencies are willing to work with families on the financial part. Our international adoption was neither complex nor did it take a long time to complete (less than one year).

Many people waiting “for years” to adopt, especially in the USA, want a white, healthy infant, while many children – older, special needs, and of a different race, are readily available for adoption.

I wish people would remember that there are many, many more children out there who are in desperate need of parents, then there are parents applying to adopt. Adoption – for anyone – is a beautiful option.

- allison on July 6th, 2005

According to the Sun(yeah, I know the Sun is not a reliable source, the baby is 5 month old.

- - on July 6th, 2005

wow 5 months….I remember Angie saying she didn’t want the whole infant stage. But in reference to the conceiving thing. I want to know where the money goes when infants are adopted. If there are millions of baby girls in china waiting to be adopted why does it cost so much. Wouldn’t it be better to find them good homes? I am just not really that educated on the whole process. My mom’s friends daughter adopted 3 girls from china and they are precious. I think about it myself someday. I saw a documentary on the baby girls in china and it broke my heart. I love what angelina and other celebs do by opening their heart and giving a home to a child in need. Angie is putting her needs aside and saying, “I don’t need a biological child I just need a child.” that’s a lot of unselfishness to do that. Most would only want their own and wouldn’t think about adoption. So for Angie my hats off to you for adopting two beautiful angels and hopefully more in the future. You look like a devoted mother to Maddox and I am sure little Zahara will be just as special.
I hope this allows other people to open up their hearts and to adopt a child. It’s ashame it’s so expensive to get a baby cause I know so many people who can’t conceive but just don’t have the finance to go get a baby.

- joy on July 6th, 2005

The front page of an Australian magazine NW has Angelina pregnant with Brad Pitts baby. Apparently it was confirmed by his brother Doug.
[link]http://nw.ninemsn.com.au/subsection.aspx?sectionid=1217&sectionname=insidehollywood&subsectionid=1596&subsectionname=topstory[/link]
“..Brad Pitt has finally got his wish – he’s going to be a dad. Family members say the clucky Troy star could hardly contain his excitement when he phoned to tell them that his sexy girlfriend, actress Angelina Jolie, would soon give birth to their first child…”

- trina-p on July 6th, 2005

Yeah I saw the same thing on Yahoo news. It would seem odd timing to adopt while pregnant but you never know….crazy thought here….what if she is pregnant with Brad’s baby but they aren’t a couple. She just decided to have a baby for her good friend Brad. She seems like a nice person that would do that for someone she really cared about.

- Bigger Than Britney on July 6th, 2005

Am I crazy or is that little boy’s hair blue? Maybe it’s just bad lighting.

- Patty on July 6th, 2005

My hair is jet black and when some lights hit it, it can take on a bluish hue. Although I could see Angelina adding in a little blue streak in his hair for fun.

- Bigger Than Britney on July 6th, 2005

It’s definately blue. I’ve seen other pictures from that night (I think it was the Shark Tale premiere) and his hair is undoubtedly dyed blue. Does anyone know Maddox’ full name? I don’t know if I’ve ever heard it, and I was wondering if his last name is Thorton (since they did adopt him together) or Jolie. Middle name, too, if anyone knows.

- nicole on July 6th, 2005

This is such great news. I love the fact that she is adopting from Ethiopia, because in doing so she’s not only doing something wonderful for her family, she’s bringing awareness to the fact that just b/c a child is orphaned by AIDS, does not mean they are unhealthy. Brava to her and Maddox, who I bet will be a great little brother. I love that the baby’s name means luminous in Arabic, it’s so pretty. I cannot wait to see her!

- Erica on July 6th, 2005

This may be off topic for this thread, but since we are talking about celebrities adopting children from impoverished countries… I wonder if the thought has ever crossed Oprah Winphrey’s mind.. she’s been there and saw for herself the devestation these children live with everyday… I’m kind of amazed it hasn’t happened yet.

- shelley on July 6th, 2005

Maddox’s full name is Maddox Chivan Jolie. His birth name was Rath Vibol before Angelina adopted him.

- Ally on July 6th, 2005

Look, foreign adoption is not rare. In fact,the Bush administration has made it financially easier for middle class Americans to do just that then probably any period of time in history then right now. I have three foreign born cousins, who are all amazing girls today (adopted when they were are all under ten, now all in their teens and older).

As a young American woman (even with my blonde hair and blue eyes), I know life can be tough, but what about all the forgotten girls that are our same age living in dire (to say the least) situations overseas. I have travelled extensively and I know I will someday adopt, not because I cannot have my own child, but because there are SO MANY kids who just need care and just need love … honestly, so many just need someone to hold on to and love themselves.

I feel my cousins were very lucky to be adopted, but I also know there are too many other children that NEED that same support and help.

I wrote this last year. Hope it’s of interest….

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/articles/2004/05/16/features/living/living02.txt

- Keechs on July 7th, 2005

PS: I have NO idea where that picture came from. I am not related, or even know, anyone in the picture that is implanted in my column.

Love to you all…

- keechs on July 7th, 2005

All I see is Angelina adding to her already gorgeous family by adopting another precious soul (AIDS orphan or not).
Congratulations to Angelina and Maddox!!!

- Nishka on July 7th, 2005

First of, I’d like to congratulate Ms. Jolie and Maddox on the arrival of Zahara, the newest member of their family! May God bless them mightily and watch over them always. (I wonder if she’ll be nicknamed Zara. I hope so – it’s so cute!)

In response to Michele, I have to wonder how many of the infertile couples she refers to are willing to accept children such as Ms. Jolie’s. While I’ve never been in this position myself, I’ve heard several infertile couples who have adopted say that one’s expectations have a lot to do with the length of wait time. I’m going out on a limb here, but perhaps the folks Michele speaks of might want to consider adopting from Cambodia, Ethiopia, etc. as Ms. Jolie has.

BTW I am totally flabbergasted why a person would feel “uncomfortable” with the idea of ANYONE adopting for ANY reason, whether one’s fertility is in question or not! Michele, do you have any clue whatsoever of how many children on this planet do without a loving home because they don’t meet an ideal, a certain “standard of perfection”?

Additionally, have you considered that if MORE people capable of conceiving chose instead to adopt a child already here (as Ms. Jolie has done), it would be a blessing not just to the child and the family, but to the entire planet? Overpopulation is a reality, Michele! This planet needs more people like Ms. Jolie – people who are concerned with providing a loving home to a child who desperately needs one, rather than worrying about passing on one’s DNA.

Ms. Jolie – and others like her – have my utmost respect.

- mom4bob on July 7th, 2005

I just wanted to add that there is actually a less than 1% chance of an HIV-positive mother infecting her baby if she is specially treated during her pregnancy. If she is not treated then the chance is increased to something like 25% chance of infection. Having and HIV-positive mother does not mean the baby will automatically be HIV-positive. In fact, it’s quite unlikely if she is treated. HIV-positive women can have perfectly healthy babies. But it’s VERY important that they get treated during their pregnancy, as their is obviously a huge difference between a 1% chance and 25% chance.

Congrats to Angelina! I can’t wait to see pictures. I think it’s great that she’s continuing with adoption.

- Jay on July 7th, 2005

to make a few comments.

I do not believe Angie is pregnant…didn’t she just come out and confirm that she wasn’t and the only reason the rumors were flying because she was seen out buying baby clothes which are probably for little Zahara?! She wants it also made clear she is adopting as a single parent. Her and Brad probably have something going on and Brad’s been very into being a good will ambassador himself maybe he had some say in Angelina’s adoption. Remember he always said he wanted 7 little girls one day! I actually didn’t expect Ang to adopt a girl. I thought for sure she’d get another son but I am glad to see that she plans on adopting all races from all kinds of countries. I wish her the best of luck.

Secondly, Oprah I believe did say once that she was considering adopting at one point or another. I don’t know. Oprah would probably make a great mother and she’s so caring and giving but at the same time she isn’t a youngin anymore lol. And maybe she has decided not to be selfish by picking career vs. child. Maybe when she is finished with her show she’ll have more time to think about it.

btw I don’t think we’ll be seeing pics of the new baby anytime soon but I sure can’t wait to get a peek at her.

- joy on July 7th, 2005

I saw Angelina and Billy Bob’s divorce papers and Maddox’s name is listed as Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie.

- kiwibyrd on July 7th, 2005

With regard to adoption- it is absolutely wonderful and of course we should be loving and respectful of those who choose to adopt.

However, every family comes to adoption and chooses how they will adopt based on their own family. I don’t think it’s every appropriate to criticize families for their adoption choices, such as whether or not they adopted domestically or internationally. We do not know individual families’ circumstances and so I do not think we should pass judgment on them.

International adoption expenses go to pay for legal fees (because lawyers and government workers, while I’m sure they love connecting families, must also support their families) and in the case of China at least, the families are required to donate to the orphanage of the child’s origin, to help with the kids left behind. Each country handles adoption differently.

In the US, it’s true. Many couples do want a white baby. However, adoption here can also be free, if it costs less than the $10K tax credit. Sadly, children of color are over represented in the pool of adoptable children. I still don’t think it’s right to criticize a family for their adoption choice.

To reiterate, I don’t think anyone should be forced to adopt when they aren’t ready yet. Infertile individuals/ couples shouldn’t be told to adopt, ever! They can reach that decision on their own. It shouldn’t just be intfertile people who should adopt- why can’t those who already have biological children also adopt if we are going to be so adamant about people adopting.

As to why families in other countries aren’t adopting available children, we don’t know them and we don’t know their reasons for not adopting. It’s rude to make assumptions about their morality. In many countries for example, people live in grave poverty and don’t have the resources to care for additional children.

- kit on July 7th, 2005

congats on the new baby girl. More respect to her. The baby girl is AIDS free(E! wedsite).

- jenny on July 7th, 2005

Ahhh i do love all your comments. There’s this one blog, where people are continously bashing Angelina & her adoption and its making me sick. Theyre saying horrible things like “shes buying” another child, and worse things. Its disgusting. They said, many countries have refused her, because shes an *unfit* mother. Its really horrible, especially when you dont even know that person. She inspires me and I hope one day, I can adopt. ive wanted my own and adopt children from other countries. She has my respect, and everyone else that adopts. I think its beautiful. I wish them luck. I hope theyre happy. Those kids are lucky…she always said she wanted a rainbow family. Hopefully, theres more to come.

- magda on July 7th, 2005

She is such a caring person, I think it is wonderful news that she is adopting a little girl. I love her name, Zahara, it is so pretty.

- Heather on July 9th, 2005

Hi,

I congratulate Angelia on her adoption and wish her the best. I was wondering about the possibility of the child having Aids. When does a person know for sure if a baby is HIV free if the biological mother had Aids. I think it is at about 12 months and depends on three tests done on the babies own DNA. Does anyone have any information on this information on this?

- Linda on July 17th, 2005