[Treasuring My Gift]

We worked with LDS FS for our first adoption and are now working approved for a second. There is a fair amount of paperwork, but it's not nearly as much as I had originally envisioned. It took us about 4 months to complete the paperwork for our first one and a little less for the second one, since there's not quite as much paperwork the second time around through the same agency. We could have done it faster if we'd really focused on it, and I'm sure it varies depending on what's required in your state. You can always start the paperwork and not go "active" until you are ready, although if you do it too early, you end up having to redo some of it. Because the birthmother chooses the family, though, I wouldn't recommend going "active" until you are actually ready to adopt. Some people get chosen in a few weeks and others it takes a few years. Averages really don't tell you anything about what your personal situation will be. You will be chosen when the right adoption situation is available.

Note to Deaf Siren: I think I've seen your profile on Parent Profiles when we were getting our site ready and I was browsing other couples sites for ideas and such. I thought you'd done a really excellent job with it. When we adopted our little girl there were so many things that just fell into place that confirmed to us that she belonged in our family. There will be a baby out there for you too and when it happens you will know that it was worth waiting for the child Heavenly Father is preparing for you.