[ocracoke]

Keep in mind that you do not need to decide. You can leave it up to fate and see what you are referred. At least with international adoption more people request to adopt infant girls then boys. Not sure why. Even with older kids girls are easier to place. Some agencies will not let you pick gender. Some agencies will not let first time parents to pick gender. You probably have a lot more say with older children then with infants.

That being said -- I did pick gender. Initially I was going to leave it up to fate. I knew I could parent either one. I thought it was unfair to pick. But the deeper I got into adoption the more I realized that I was dreaming of a little girl. I just wanted a daughter. If I adopt again I will again ask for a girl but for different reasons. Now it is because I have a daughter and a 2 bedroom house -- and no plans to change that.

Just do what is right for you.
Samantha