[cathvash]

Doreen, Welcome to this board! There is such a wealth of information here... I'll bet you can't think of a question that's never been asked! Since you are new to the process, I'd recommend that you just keep reading - Page back through page after page of great threads and posts, or use the search function to hone in on specific topics. You will read a lot of things that could be frightening - Since we come here for both advice and support, you'll see the ugly side of things-gone-wrong and heartbreak, as well as joy and wonder and happiness.

Don't worry about your child - He may be shy at first, but that is normal! Take lots of pictures with you to leave with him in an album. I have learned that it is very possible to bond with a picture - PAPs do it all the time, and surely that works both ways to some extent... Once he opens himself to feel your love, your age, appearance, and "strange" ways won't matter. Best Wishes!!