[Kasey]

I think the other ladies explained differing waits, so much depends on agency, region, and the current climate and/or issues with russia. That is why things seem so vague.
Our first adoption in 2004 went slow until we switched agencies and then we were home with our child in 4 months. The total costs for that one including travel and all fees and souveniors was 31k
This time around we started off requesting a girl under 18 months (in March)so we were told we were info for a 6-9 month wait for referral, in May we changed our request to either gender and got our referral in August, we make our first trip in a week.
This time we anticipate total costs to be around 35k, maybe a little less since we are traveling in off peak season.
We like you paid for all the beginning costs (HS, documents, appostille, etc..) with savings and we took from our home equity line of credit for the rest. We have 0% interest credit cards for airlines and hotel costs.

Hope that helps!!! Best wishes to you on your journey!