Adoption and DVC planning

[suzanny]

We just got approved for our adoption homestudy, so (at some point in 2011) we are expecting a new baby!!!

I'm really at a loss on our vacation planning. As a DVC member, I'm so used to planning everything a year in advance. Now here I am, having to deal with with 6 weeks I can't plan for! It's driving me crazy not knowing when something might happen.

we are booked at HHI for Christmas this year, and BLT for the 3rd week of February. I'm pretty sure we won't be matched with a baby this month, so we're still planning Christmas break.

I'm really wondering if I should cancel the February one, though. I don't want to put our lives on hold and my dd10 is really looking forward to the parks... I guess what are the odds (3 in 26) that we might miss our vacation and not be able to cancel? Or I should save my vacation for when the baby comes (aka, putting life on hold).

I guess I know my options, I just hate not knowing what's going to happen! Anyone else have a similar experience? What did you do? I feel like if I cancel the vacation, then nothing will happen on the adoption front for a long time. I guess if we miss a reservation and have a new baby, I probably won't be all that upset ;-)

 

[cel_disney]

How old do you think the baby will be? Its not hot in February, so I wouldnt cancel - if you have been matched - take the baby with you!

I would just avoid the summer months - June/July/Aug/Sept because it would be too hot for a little one..

We postponed our September trip to December when we found out we were expecting #2 - we leave on Sunday with a 4 month old and a 4 year old - it should be great!

 

[bwvBound]

Congratulations on your approval, suzanny!

 

[speakupjc]

I hope you get your referral soon. We adopted a little girl from Guatemala
6 1/2 years ago. We had already booked a trip to Las Vegas before we got notified we could go to Guatemala and pick her up. As it was we got to choose our dates to travel so we were able to still go on our trip to Las Vegas and then 2 days later travel to get our little angel. My advice is to keep the trip to Disney and if you are notified you can travel to bring home your child during that period of time go to that country a couple of days after your trip to Disney. It will be the last time that your daughter will be an only child and I know that she would love some special alone time with her Mom and Dad prior to having the baby come home. You can even tell her that this is her special trip. Good luck and please keep us posted. I hope you enjoy your forever family as much as I enjoy mine.

 

[cvjw]

My Sister tried to adopt a baby for over a year after being approved for her home study. She ended up having a baby the old fashioned way, but tried really hard to adopt one. She and her husband were picked by a couple of the birth mothers, but ended up not taking the babies because of the potential drug use by the mothers/health problems of the babies. My cousin and his wife just adopted a baby a few months ago. They were matched with a baby about 9 months after getting their home study approved. I guess it just all comes down to luck - having the birth mother pick your family for her baby, and you being OK with the baby that is offered. Good luck with your adoption, and I would say that your February trip is probably safe.

 

[suzanny]

Thanks everyone! We are adopting domestically, so most likely will be a newborn. We live in Georgia, but are actively looking for a situation in Florida. We signed with an agency in Sarasota, so it's true, we could keep the baby with us! I didn't think of that before. I wouldn't bring a newborn to the parks, but we could still have our family vacation. Dad and sis would probably enjoy the time out of the room, I could enjoy some alone time with the baby to bond.

Much more likely is we'll take the vacation as planned and the baby will come later (I am constantly reminding myself to be patient. it's not working!)

I was also afraid to buy park tickets because we are also saving to pay for the adoption. Adoptions are pretty expensive! I think we could actually take a couple days to go to non-Disney parks and save some money (shocking, I know!) This is our first time staying at bay lake tower, so we have to go to MK at least one day!

We were also planning to do the dining plan, but might forego that and save money cooking in the room. At least dining reservations are easy to cancel...

 

[JenG]

FWIW - I have taken a newborn to Disney - I took both of my daughters at 4 weeks old - It was a great trip and they are so portable at that age!

Good luck to you !!

 

[kim532]

Plan your vacations and go. If you have your child, then I think it would be a lovely first trip. I am an adoptive mom (China), and adoptions can be so unpredictabe. That is the only predictable thing about them.

Many blessings to your family. And I hope you get a referral quickly.

Kim

 

[Sunshine22]

Congratulations on your home study approval! Since it's nearly impossible to predict when you will be matched and the timing of a due date, I would plan your trip now with your 10 year old. Sometimes domestic adoptions take a year or more. Why put everything on hold for that long? If you end up with a baby sooner than expected, count your blessings and enjoy the trip with your new baby. You'll have a great time either way!

 

[burnsoc]

Congratulations! We adopted twice and it's been the greatest experiences. When we were in the middle of the adoption process we tended to book our DVC trips relatively last minute. Once we had our children we booked trips 2 - 3 months after they came home as a celebration. Good luck, the waiting is hard but soon forgotten when your holding your little one.