We adopted our son 2 years ago from Kazakhstan and left our 7 yr old daughter with my parents. There are pros/cons either way.
Mostly, it depends on the region. We arrived to find a nice hotel (indoor pool, gym, etc.) and the whole second floor of the hotel had Americans who were adopting. Some brought their children and they were allowed to go to the orphanages. There also would have been plenty of "babysitters" if we needed one.
Now we are starting the process again and leaving our son would not be an option. He is very attached and it would be traumatic for him. It isn't like we could say we'll be back in 3 weeks and him understand us. He'll probably throw a few tantrums and completely embarass us. But I would rather be embarassed then risk the beautiful bond we have created.
So we are taking both kids. Our biggest concern is cost for the plane tickets. I think it is inevitable that he will be cranky. Hopefully, by next summer he will be more patient...he'll be three then after all.
