[crathke]

Our son was 31 months old when he came home. We specifically entered the process wanting a 2 to 4 year old. English was his third language and I agree with the poster who said that the language barrier could be the most frustrating. (it was for all of us). However, at such a young age, children adapt very quickly and within six months we were able to communicate reasonably well. Three years later his language skills are 100% age-appropriate.

We had virtually no attachment issues (I can think of precisely One circumstance), and within six months it was as if we'd been a part of each other's lives forever. He bonded extremely well to our older son and they are extremely close.

On the plus side...even with the language barrier it was far easier to know what he wanted than trying to figure out why an infant is crying (which was without a doubt the most stressful part of parenting an infant for me)--he was semi-independant and able to amuse himself more readily (of course, he amused himself by turning off the furnace. In January. In Minnesota....). He also slept through the night (again, something that didn't happen for Three Years with our older son).

Personally, I am a huge advocate of toddler adoption.