[Krista]

Hi all- I've been away for a while, but I'm back. We're getting ready to move forward and DH just told me he's okay with adoption. Not that we'll stop trying for our own, but this is a HUGE step for us.

Now I'm looking for an agency in the Seattle area. I'm interested in domestic infant or young child adoption. Please PM me if you have thoughts. Local or national doesn't matter. I ust want someone who will get us a baby- legally!
Any input is much appreciated!

Thanks-
Krista

[arucker]

What is mayan adominal massage? Never heard of it. what does it do and where do you get it?

[kristyr41982]

Glad to see that your DH has finally decided to move forward with adoption. We are trying on our own as well. Moving onto adoption for us is not giving up, it's just hopefully going to mean a larger family for us than we expected. We plan to do another IVF in 3-4 years post adoption. That is if we don't have our hands full. Good luck finding an agency. We were fortunate and had a friend that worked for one. I would definately recommend looking up reviews online of the agencies you are interested in. I just googled and got alot of responses by people who had already used the agency.

[Krista]

Originally Posted by arucker

What is mayan adominal massage? Never heard of it. what does it do and where do you get it?

Mayan abdominal massage can help straighten your female organs, putting everything back in the right place. Supposed to help things like a tipped uterus and torturous cirvix.
Here is a link that can help you find a practicioner in your area.
I use the Tummy Temple in Seattle.
Maya Abdominal Massage - The Arvigo Techniques

[Krista]

Originally Posted by kristyr41982

Glad to see that your DH has finally decided to move forward with adoption. We are trying on our own as well. Moving onto adoption for us is not giving up, it's just hopefully going to mean a larger family for us than we expected. We plan to do another IVF in 3-4 years post adoption. That is if we don't have our hands full. Good luck finding an agency. We were fortunate and had a friend that worked for one. I would definately recommend looking up reviews online of the agencies you are interested in. I just googled and got alot of responses by people who had already used the agency.

Thanks- I think I may have located a good agency near us. We're probably looking at 30K in expenses. Is that typical for open, domestic infant adoption?

I'm still doing research on everything. So much to think about.

[arucker]

my agency said also it's usually $25-$30,000 in expenses, but I don't know how that could be. Our application was $50.00 the homestudy is $1,500 lawyer fees range around $1,200 and placement in KY with their agency is $3,000. That's around $6,000. Where is all of the other money going towards? I know every state is different, but $30,000 just seems like alot to me. Has anyone else actually spent that on an adoption? And what was included in that fee?

[arucker]

krista, did you get my PM? Just wondering.

[KelB]

Originally Posted by arucker

my agency said also it's usually $25-$30,000 in expenses, but I don't know how that could be. Our application was $50.00 the homestudy is $1,500 lawyer fees range around $1,200 and placement in KY with their agency is $3,000. That's around $6,000. Where is all of the other money going towards? I know every state is different, but $30,000 just seems like alot to me. Has anyone else actually spent that on an adoption? And what was included in that fee?

Dh and I are just beginning the adoption process. Fortunately, we have quite a network locally of friends who had gone through adoption and we are planning on using the same agency they did (which just happens to be out of Washingon). Anyway, I was lurking and saw your post about the cost of adoption and I was curious as to whether or not you got an answer for where all the money seems to go. We also estimate spending $25,000 - $30,000. Any answers as to where all the cash goes??

[Wannafamily]

Originally Posted by KelB

Dh and I are just beginning the adoption process. Fortunately, we have quite a network locally of friends who had gone through adoption and we are planning on using the same agency they did (which just happens to be out of Washingon). Anyway, I was lurking and saw your post about the cost of adoption and I was curious as to whether or not you got an answer for where all the money seems to go. We also estimate spending $25,000 - $30,000. Any answers as to where all the cash goes??

I think it depends on the agency, but a large portion of the adoption fee an agency charges is to cover expenses for the birth mothers. They cover medical costs, food, room & board and other living expenses if the ** needs it up until the time she gives birth. This is how the agency gets birth mothers to work with them. Our agency charges one fee for everyone and it includes EVERYTHING including ** expenses, legal fees, finalization, etc. We paid what some would think is a large amount of money, but we had our newborn baby girl 3 weeks after we completed our home study (and 6 days after we turned in our profile). The agencies pool the money as some birth mothers will have a lot of expenses and others will not, so your fee doesn't necessarily cover your exact birth mom's expenses. I think the most important thing is to find a reputable agency who discloses ALL fees up front so that you know what you are looking at.

Good luck!!