[Abdulina]

Hosting is the way to go. Older children are great to adopt but not w/out their issues. Of course, IMO, all PI kids will have issues no matter what. I mean, just look on these forums and you'll see all sorts of issues for infants on up. The key is to prepare yourself and then don't beat yourself up when things go wrong. The first few months home are not a cake walk. We've gotten used to it. These last two adoptions for us seemed to transition the easiest into our family. But it wasn't always that way. There are things you can do(trust me, we've learned all the tricks over the years--LOL), that can lessen their anxiety. Do some of the tricks and you'll have an easier transition period. Kids learn language quickly. Our 8yo has been home 7 months now and can use sarcasm quite well w/her sibs. Urghh.

I think more people should step up to adopt older kids. They get such a bad rap and they really and truly shouldn't. They have just so much to offer to the family. And I thought older kids you wouldn't get to know as well. NOT TRUE!!! You'll know them as well as the younger ones. Plus, there "firsts" are so amazing to watch b/c they can express what they feel. It's awesome. My kids at time of adoptions were: 3, 4, 4, 6, 6, 7, & 8. They are now 4, 7, 8, 8, 11, 12, & 14. Would I adopt another older child?...Yes. Most likely will in the future. Okay, so hubby is NOT on board yet--LOL. Plus, too many other medical things happening right now. But yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Read some older child adoption stories. BTW, Dee's blog is great and her son is recently home! Good older child story and how they transition.

All the best,