[mlb]

I totally agree that we are stronger because of these struggles. Think of the things that we thought we could never do; a lot of that pales in comparison to what have done to have our children.

[Kari]

Sarah - I'm taking a break from REs. We were fortunate enough to be accepted into the domestic adoption program in January (only 3 couples were accepted in our area) - so we've decided to put our money into the adoption fees as opposed to dr. appointments for the time being. We realize that it will be much harder to get back on our agency's waiting list once we already have one child - so we may consider embryo adoption for baby #2. I'm sure we'll be visiting another RE again. I can't give up hope that someday I'll be pregnant.

[sarah16]

That's exciting that you are accepted and done with your homestudy. I guess waiting is not fun though. My friend waited for two years then was matched and found out she was pregnant at the same time. She told the birth mother she was pregnant and she was ok with it. So she has a little boy that was born in March and will have another little one in Sept.

I hope to be done with my homestudy by june. I guess the fingerprinting is what I might have to wait on as it can take up to 8 weeks to come back.

Originally Posted by Kari

Sarah - I'm taking a break from REs. We were fortunate enough to be accepted into the domestic adoption program in January (only 3 couples were accepted in our area) - so we've decided to put our money into the adoption fees as opposed to dr. appointments for the time being. We realize that it will be much harder to get back on our agency's waiting list once we already have one child - so we may consider embryo adoption for baby #2. I'm sure we'll be visiting another RE again. I can't give up hope that someday I'll be pregnant.

[Anavaz]

Hello Ladies,

My husband and I are talking about adoption. I'm just starting to gather information. I have seen some agencies websites but I'm not sure which ones are good and trustworthy.

I suffer from endometriosis and someother issues. We are currently on going treatment with an RE but I think we are coming to the crossroad that it is either IVF or adoption. And frankly I prefer the adoption road. I will be here looking for information from you ladies if you don't mind.

[bq122]

Originally Posted by mlb

Is there a local adoption group near you? They often have opinions on good agencies, fair prices, etc. If you want hand holding, pick an agency that does that. There is nothing worse than finding out that you don't like your agency when you are too far in to change. We had issues with our agencies, but know that they led us to our boys. Remember too, that there is a tax credit for over $10,000. You will have to pay the money to the agency, but you'll get that back at tax time.
Best of luck and keep us informed!

thanks for the info...I def. want to adopt after my dh retires next july 09. we cant even start the paperwork until he is fully retires.

[Kari]

To those thinking about the adoption process, I would highly recommend attending an informational meeting. The adoption informational meeting we went to had a few social workers from local adoption agencies and also adoptive parents who shared their experiences on domestic and international adoption. We found it extremely helpful to listen to the stories of those who adopted because they shared the good and the bad about their adoption process.

[mlb]

Kari - I agree about the informational meeting. I am in charge of the one for our local adoption group and it has helped a lot of people get more information as well as give them ideas they haven't thought of.

[rebecca0130]

Anabel, ask away. THere are a lot of different adoption avenues being explored on this thread. We hope we can help.

[Anavaz]

Thanks Rebecca,

I'm from Puerto Rico and domestic adoption (within PR) is a long long wait. I'm thinking about domestic adoption within the USA. The more I read the more I'm inclined to semi-open adoption, but then I have second thoughts about it.

Has anyone done or considered semi-open domestic adoption?

[rebecca0130]

what is semi-open?
With our agency and state in the US, the decision was up to the birthmom. Ours chose open and we were a little nervous, but now, 2 years in to it - we are so very happy that this was what she selected.

[Anavaz]

Rebecca,

Semi-open is like an open adoption, only the contact with the birthmother is less, it is more restrictive. You only share some information.

[sarah16]

Welcome Anabel. Good luck on your search.

[Lacey]

I've never posted here. But my DH and I are bouncing around the idea of starting the adoption process. I'm getting very burned out emotionally with all the failed IUI's. I'm not sure how I feel about IVF due to, it's so expensive, and if i spent that much money and was not preg. I'm scared of how depressed I would become. So we are thinking of starting the process while still doing IUI's. One of DH's friends adopted their little boy,but did not go through an agency. I guess they just went through an adoption attorney. She said they put together packets with information on themselves, and handed it out to local Dr.'s office's and high school counselers. She said the reason that they did it this way because of the cost. I think they said it cost them 12000, but they got 6000 back at tax time.

What does everyone think about this?

[rebecca0130]

Lacey, it is so wonderful you are considering adoption.
YOu can go with the method that feels best to you, but it seems to me your friend still paid a pretty good amount. Seeing as we went with an agency, paid about 16,000 total and got the full tax amount back of 10,800 (or something close to that). REsearch your options and then decide. Any way, you will end up with a child that was meant to be in your family - congrats, it is amazing.

[sarah16]

Remember you can always go with an agency and attorney at the same time. They can both work for you to get your little one.