[DannieAS]

Howdy....let me try to answer some questions and just tell you what worked for me so far (in middle of process)

1. I say at whatever age you feel you have stability and the emotional gumption to do so, if this is what you want, then whatever age that is works.

about me, I wanted to be stable because I knew I'd be starting out this route as a single woman....so I moved from my apt. to my parent's house at 28, so I could save money and pay off my student loans...by 29 I was looking for my house, I paid off my student loans at 29, bought my house right before I turned 30 and started the process a few months after. At this time, I'm 31 and matched with a prospective child.

2. I went fost/adopt route...(i work in the public schools and I'm familiar with social services through my work somewhat so it was logical for me to go through my county's Child Protective Services) I went to my orientation Nov. 2008, started my classes Jan. 2009, licensed and homestudied by June 2009 and had a match fall through and now I'm matched again....so for me it was under a year...however, I was open to 0-5y/o, I hear 0-2 y/o usually waits longer.

3. Research, research, research... I find fost/adopt does not discriminate and is lovely to us single people...however, if you don't want to deal with the roller coaster ride, I'd research both domestic/international. I know the laws are always changing for international adoptions so you do have to be on your feet making sure things are still going well and laws haven't changed regarding single people. Research agencies as well, some are better than others.

4. I'm a speech therapist....I can handle some disabilities such as speech delays and anything that may indicate learning disabilities in the future...however, although I'm good at working with children with autism and mod.-severe disabilities, I marked that I didn't want that at home...some people do a good job with that, I want to keep my work at work and home different.

5. Make your preference known....I originally wanted 2-4 y/olds, I was convinced to go 0-4 (but I really was praying for a preschooler or older as it would be hard for me to go to work while I have a baby....plus I'm not a baby baby person....however, they grow and there was a need last year for them so I did change my age range, I didn't feel forced (don't feel forced to change, unless you grow during the experience and know you can handle a little more)...but now I'm matched with a 5 y/o and she sounds like she and I would make a good family so in the end you go with your gut)

Good luck with your information and do what is right for you....you would be creating a family.