Successful Open Adoptions

I have two children, both adopted openly, one through an agency, and one privately. If anyone wants to discuss the process, I'll be happy to share my experiences!

I have two children, both adopted privately. I love being part of their lives!

Hi Lisa; my husband and I plan to adopt internationally (China) however we're waiting to fulfill various requirements; one of them being age. We're both 25 and the age requirement is 30 and up; so needless to say we're counting the years to make our dreams come true... ...However we'd love to hear the process you went through here in the states 'if that's okay with you'. Also the cost; so that we may compare. Thanks; email me at: [email protected] Sincerely, Keila

Hi Keila! Our first adoption was private, and very expensive. We adopted a healthy white newborn whose birth mother met us, and decided we were the right parents for her baby. She had to have a C-section, and had no insurance, so we had to pay cash for all her medical bills. The whole thing cost about 15,000.00, in 1989. Our second child, adopted in 1998 was placed with us by Adoption-link, an agency in Chicago which places black and bi-racial children. Because fewer people adopt minority children, it was MUCH cheaper--about $7,700.00. We were able to claim an Adption Credit on our tax return, which almost covered the entire cost (it was not available in 1989). I also have a good friend who adopted from China. Her beautiful daughter Grace, now 7, was found as a newborn, abandoned in a public restroom. She was one of the lucky ones. Because couples are limited to one child, and for some reason everyone wants a boy, little newborn girls are found abandoned all over China, and usually not in a safe place like a public restroom. Many of them starve to death or die from exposure. I did not realize there was an age limit. We did not start our first adoption until I was 29, and my husband was 44, so we ran into age limits from the other direction. Good luck on your journey. If you need information, I can probably get my friend to get you some resources. Lisa

My husband and I are considering adoption. We have looked at international adoption, probably from China. However, we are getting ready to move to California and it would be pointless for us to start the process before we get there. Also, if I am able to have the surgery (Long story there) we are trying to figure out if we should try and get pregnant first. I know at the weight I am currently, there is no way I would get pregnant. It's something we are trying to figure out. I guess I am not quite sure what the Lord has in store for us!

Giving Birth is easier than adoption but adoption can be very rewarding. I know, I have adopted seven children. Pat

Hi Eileen! I agree you should wait until after you move to start. Home studies have to be redone every time you move. I was never able to get pregnant because of multiple fibroids, but I'm sure they would not have gotten so big if I hadn't been so overweight. Good luck. Whatever child you get, biological or adopted, will be the one you were meant to have. Lisa

why go out of the state to get a child? when there are so many babies crying for the love of someone right here in the states. I'm not being a smart butt but I was a faster mother and I have two more children I got them when they were 6wks and 14mons.. and in a few more weeks the Da will be 1yrs and Dre will be 2yrs.... and they are just like I have gave birth to them myself.......

I agree haveing a child must be easier then adoption..Im a 30 yr old that has had a 6yr old little girl(Dakoda)that i have had since shes was 5 1/2 months. My cousin had her and i was only suposed to have her for a yr cause my cousins was going through army training,but she ended up pregant almost when that yr was over and couldnt take her right then i dont know i cant explain her action on this,but after two yrs when shes had the baby i took Dakoda to her,but Dakoda wouldnt have anything to do with her and its not that i wanted to give her up my caousin said dont get attached im takeing her back,and i stayed with her for a couple days and when Dakoda cried everytime my cousin touched her my cousins knew that things were about to get hard.The father is in the army thats were my cousin was on a base.He beat my cousin alot ,so she got rid of him,and i took Dakoda up there a couple times to visit him,but he didnt want nuttin do to with her.My cousin told me take her home and she would let me adopt her,and i new it was right cause one day when i was going to the store,and i left Dakoda with my cousin, Dakoda came crying out mommy for the first time(tears)i knew the battle i would be going though to have her,but it was ok(smile).The father went out seas ,and a yr,and 1/2 he has been back in his home town of PA , and im in IL and my cousins in NC.He has just signed the papers and im waiting on my cousin to sign and them im done or close to it(I hope)The father may have signed the papers ,but he still thinks he should have rights you know the dead beat dad that just wants to do all the things with the child ,but dont wanna pay or give her insurance.. sorry,i dont know much about the process i let my lawyer take care of that If i could do it all over again i would,but i would like one of my own some day too

Im so glad after such a long wit the dad singed jan 29,2004 and the mother april 15,2004.im so excited