[Jensboys]

I have very good friends who were in exactly the same situation a year ago. Their oldest son was 3, their daughter, 1 and they got a call saying their sons birthmom was pregnant again and wishing for them to adopt the baby.

This is what they did (they had no financial resources left after two international adoptions each costing $25,000).

1) Contacted the agency and asked for a reduced rate. The first agency (the one they had used for two prior adoptions) was TERRIBLE with them and essentially treated the baby as a commodity that they could "sell" to another couple willing to pay "full price". So they switched agencies ... birthmom was willing to do ANYTHING including have a new social worker etc if the adoption would just go through... The new agency was willing to work out a payment plan due to the special circumstances -- they just finished paying now one year after their new daughter's birth.

2) They wrote a letter to friends and family explaining how important it was to them that their son have a chance to be raised with a biological sibling. (yes they did get some "arent you glad to have the two you do etc...") BUT they got some donations from very unexpected sources. Do you belong to a church? Churches can issue receipts for funds that are given to the church with the intent of going to you as a "benevolant donation". Sometimes if people are going to do a charitable donation anyway ... this will encourage them to consider your children.

3) They contacted the airline (using a contact through a friend of a friend) and SHOCKINGLY the airline waived ALL fees. And they were able to use some dontated airmiles for other flying expenses.

4) Through their church they were able to find another family belonging to the same denomination where their daughter was born that ran a B&B and was willing to donate a stay to them

5) A family member took out a line of credit for them under his name and they make the payments. They know it may take them years to pay it back but, trust me, Little Samantha (also my God daughter) is WORTH IT!!!!

Some other suggestions -- cut cable (you wont want in anyway after your daughter comes home), cut on groceries, eating out etc.... and like others said GET CREATIVE. Yes sometimes our pride jumps in the way .. but ask for help. Explain, please no birthday gifts for us or christmas gifts -- only $ for baby. Your kids will be young when they come home .. ask that maybe people would be willing to hold a "$ shower" for you now instead of buying lots of toys after your daughter is home -- trust me, the "gift" of a bio sibling is FAR greater than the momentary joy she will get with a dozen new videos or rattles!