[Birdie777]

Ladies, I am so glad to be hearing from you and reading your messages. I believe it's tremendously helpful for me as well as for others, to learn from your experiences to help us get mentally prepared for this long journey. Some of you have been waiting and waiting and have been through major roller coaster rides. It doesn't sound like anyone has had it smooth and easy.

I also whole heartedly agree that God has a plan and I feel that as tough as everything can get, things will work out for the best. In fact, I believe that God led me down this path, that this is what He would want me to do, so we need to hang tough and have faith.

Bethy724, you are absolutely right. Yes, I completely agree that our DS will take the cues from us, and we will set the tone at the get go. I am just going to be honest and tell him (and remind him) that we don't know how long he/she will be with us.

You also mentioned some things that I guarantee will happen in our home! You are spot on, again, that a 5 year old (especially mine) isn't eager to share his parents/attention/toys with someone he may preceive he's competing with. My DS is not the best at sharing but he's going to have to get over it. I know this part will be a rocky road, and this will be one of the things he will need to learn. I've been trying to visualize how different scenarios will play out in our home with our DS when we bring another child in...I want to do my best to be sure that each child feels he/she is getting the attention they need. And you're right, the message I want my DS to know is that we are providing a safe and loving home for a child who needs it, no matter what happens.

I've been reading Parenting with Love and Logic. Has anyone else heard of it? Anyone recommend other parenting books or strategies out there?