Just wanted to put a plug in for toddler boys who might be waiting for forever families. Our son came home in September (one week before his second birthday). We have three bio girls and couldn't be more thrilled to have some boy action around here.
Elijah has been such an amazing blessing to our family. He is so loving and open to giving and getting affection. He doesn't speak much but easily gets his point across. So much so that I never noticed much of a language barrier. I forget sometimes to keep my language simple with him because he seems to understand almost everything I say to him. He adores his dad and loves doing guy things. He loves the typical guy things of balls, cars and trains but also enjoys dress-up and dancing with his sisters.
We have been doing some renovation on the house and he has loved hanging with the men with his Little Tikes tools. I found him banging out a patch of dry wall the other day so the hole to patch now is a little bit bigger
(He is actually sitting on my lap as I am writing this.)
I credit his success to both his amazing personality and his wonderful foster family that obviously took such good care of him during his first two years.
I wasn't even going to attempt potty training until the spring but he seemed interested and was waking up dry and after about three weeks he is down to one accident a week during the day and maybe one at night. He was so much easier than any of my daughters. He is so tiny I had trouble finding underpants to fit him.
Anyway, I had read all the toddler adoption books and was scared to death but knew a newborn/infant was not a good fit for our family so we took a chance and are so glad we did. I realize not every adoption is like this and we were fortunate that the match seems to be a good fit for both him and our existing family. He had three older foster sisters and a foster mom and dad so I think for him our family seems familiar.
I just wanted to present a first hand positive account as well. I stay at home with him as I did with each daughter and I can tell you it is nice to have a companion without so much drama. I adore each and every one of my very different daughters but with Elijah a boo-boo does not mean 30 minutes of crying. I do not have to pretend to be Cruella or the Evil witch and listen to endless conversation. I just have to crash cars together, chase him through the house, and make sure he doesn't take all of our electronics apart or try an ride our dog and still I get an endless supply of hugs and cuddles.
I hope those still awaiting referral will at least consider a toddler aged boy.
Tiersa