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*Disclaimer: This is MY experience. I am not saying it is like this in every state, every county, or with every child.*
We did agency adoption perhaps because I _do_ understand the ins and outs of the state system. I worked in therapeutic foster care for 4 years and before that, I worked as a therapist with children in the system for 3 years. I saw how difficult the system could be and saw the high needs kids.
We are first time parents who both have careers and want to continue in our careers. Adoption is also a new thing for both our families and the difficulties and interventions many children need are difficult for them to understand.
Given what I had seen about the difficulties that many kids "in the system" face and some of the crazy reunification plans that I saw take place, I didn't want to go that route. We also had the luxury of having saved up some money.
That being said, we didn't go a "traditional" adoption route. We adopted a sibling set, toddler and infant.
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2/07 - Started researching agencies
7/13/07 - Signed with agency
8/07 - 10/07 - Adoption put on hold
12/19/07 - Homestudy complete
2/25/08 - Officially waiting
5/29/08 - Matched!! Due 7/08
6/3/08 - Baby F born. Surprise!
6/7/08 - Adoption plan fell through 
7/11/08 - Matched! 20 month old girl and 3 month old boy
7/12/08 - The kids are in our care! Instant Family (just add water)!
3/20/09 - Finalized! We are legally, and in all other ways, a family.
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