Adoption....where to start, thoughts

[3MinnieMom]

Amanda and Todd-

Best of luck to you! Over 10 years ago, my DH and I were going through infertility treatment (with no luck). Through one of my professional pharmacy organizations, I met a fellow pharmacist who told me all about his beautiful 4 yr old (adopted) daughter. My DH and I were very willing to adopt, but the agencies honestly told us the normal LONG wait period. I asked this gentleman how he and his wife were able to adopt so quickly, and he gave me the best advice...tell EVERYONE you know that you want to adopt!!! It seems odd, because most of us do not want to share our personal lives with everyone, but I took his advice and started to do that. Lo and behold, within 6 months of telling EVERYONE (I bet I was a real "hit" at parties back then!), I found myself telling one of my favorite pharmaceutical sales reps about our situation. He told me that, after raising their 2 kids, his wife had recently gone back to work as a social worker. He told me he would mention us to his wife. One week later, he came back to my office with great news - his wife met a young girl through her social work who was looking for a couple to adopt her baby. Only a few months later (but enduring quite a rollercoaster ride of the birth father constantly changing his mind - we had a wonderful attorney, thankfully!) our beautiful first daughter was born! She came home to live with us the next day, and we completed our home study through Catholic Charities (even though our adoption was private). Our beautiful baby girl is now 10 yrs old, and she is a true blessing. Our story does get even more blessed - 3 weeks after our oldest DD was born, we must have found some "time" in our new parenting schedule because I became pregnant with our 2nd DD (and we had stopped all the infertility treatments!!) Our two oldest DDs are only 9 1/2 months apart (a year apart in school), and they are closer than any two siblings I've ever met. In Oct of 1997, we took them for their 1st trip to Disney World, and we brought back the best Disney souvenir of all - a baby sister for them (she's now 5 yrs old). We have to thank my in-laws for her - they joined us halfway through that trip, and let our oldest DDs have a "sleep-over" in their room one night of the vacation!

Anyway, to make a long story short, I think your decision to adopt a child is so wonderful! Sorry that my response is so long, but I love to spread the word about the blessings of adoption. Try our advice - tell EVERYONE you know!! You might be surprised who becomes your "Angel" in the adoption process!!

 

[believe]

Thanks for all the wonderful life stories. I have 2 DDs (5.5, 3) but feel that our family is not complete. I am probably still able to have children, but really want to adopt. We don't want to adopt a newborn, as we feel they will definitely be adopted and prefer to adopt a child who is less likely to be adopted.

 

[lynetteSC]

believe~ JUST finished homestudy a few minutes ago! Whew ~ what a BREEZE! Super easy! I am sure it was because the Social Worker we had was awesome! But, just wanted to share it was not as stressful as I thought it would have been. Lots of questions, but no white glove inspections or anything!

Now, we have to wait for the birthmom to make her decision.

I know since you would like older child (toddler) it is usually much faster process. Good Luck to you!

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

I agree with telling EVERYONE about your adoption plans. I emailed EVERYONE in my address book, sent out letters to people I usually only contact at Christmas, let everyone at work know, everyone at church, you name it. Although we have not "found" a mom yet, I still keep spreading the word. I've told my gynocologist, my friend has told hers, my parents have told their friends...I just keep on trying.

Maybe we should start a thread here. Lord knows there are enough wonderful DISers out there. Hey, EVERYBODY! DH & I are looking to adopt within the USA. You know a pregnant woman who is thinking of giving their child the gift of adopt, PM me. I have an 800#, have completed my home study and DH and I are ready to offer love to a child (and you know the child would NOT be deprived of Disney!).

I hope this is appropriate, but as has been said, you've got to pass the word on (how else is God going to hear?).

Good luck to all trying to adopt (in all the variety of ways).