[ocracoke]

What is the wait like for a young infant boy? Longer, shorter, same as an older child?

This depends heavily on the agency that you use. Some agencies currently have a waiting for referral time frame of about 3-6 months and others are closer to the 12-18 month range. Generally speaking the longest wait time will be infant girls, then infant boys, then older children. Keep in mind that some agencies do not allow for gender preference (although some will allow you to specify a boy even if they will not let you specify a girl).

Cost for everything, including travel?

My adoption, including everything, was about 20k. Realistically I think you need to plan on the 20-25k range.

Time frame from dossier submission to bringing baby home?

This, too, seems to differ between the agencies. I brought my daughter home 8 weeks after referral (and I got my referral 11 weeks after submitting my dossier) but that was 2 years ago. I think it is typically in the 3-5 month range after referral to homecoming. Keep in mind that the Ethiopian courts close every year from early August to late September so if you court date is not done by July then you would be waiting longer. I have seen as long as 18 month aftrer referral for a child to come home but that was with agency problems and paperwork problems.

One trip, correct? So baby needs to be readopted in US?

You only do one trip. You can do 2 or you can escort. So typically the children come home on the IR4 visa which requires the readoption and applying for the Certificate of Citizenship.

We are anticipating beginning next fall, most likely and would really like to have the process wrapped up by the end of 2010. Based on today's timelines, is completing the process in 14 months possible or likely?

Depending on the agency you pick it may be very possible.

Is there a waiting period from homecoming to readoption in the US? What is that timeframe?

I think that is state dependent. You would need to check locally to see what your state requirements are. You have agency post placements due at 3, 6, and 12 months. I was required to not move for the readoption until the 2nd post placement visit was done.

Samantha