[Amber06]

Hello! I am in an odd situation. I need some advice and if any of you could help, I would really appreciate it. Here's the story.
I am 17 years old, and I will be 18 next month. I am an excellent student, and I take school seriously. I have been dating my boyfriend Chad for almost 2 years, and we are really happy. If you can believe that coming from a teen, I know how critical some people can be.
Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been taking constant care of my little cousin "Puddin'" My aunt and uncle, although I love them, are not fit parents. They have four other children other than Puddin' and Puddin' (she is 8 years old.) is pretty much the mother of her 4 younger siblings. She feeds them, clothes them, and it breaks my heart. She is so grown-up for her age because she has to be. I have always been there for those kids, especially Puddin' because she has always been the most neglected.
Now my aunt's sister moved in and takes care of the younger 4 children, so that burden has been lifted from Puddin'. However she doesn't take care of her. She feelss that Puddin' is old enough to take care of herself, and she isn't. She has always taken care of herself, but the point is she shouldn't have to.
That is where i come in. Whenever I am in town (where Puddin' lives) I go pick her up and she stays at my mom's with me and my boyfriend. One night, she asked me if se could come live with me. I thought she was kidding so I said uh- huh sure Puddin'. She asked me questions that made me cry, questions no child should have to ask. "Would I have a bed? Would I get to wear clean clothes? and eat all the time?"
It seriously got me thinking. I turn 18 IN one month. Is it possible for me to adopt Puddin' with the consent of her parents? Would courts go for that? It would take me alot to get my aunt and uncle to let me, but I think I could do it.
I can already think of a few questions you will ask. Yes, I can support her. I have a part time job, and Chad has a full time job. (He is out of school) My mom owns her house and plans to move out and into a house with her boyfriend. So I will get the house and all I will have to pay is electric and phone.
She will also be able to see her siblings anytime she would want because I would be living in the same town. She wouldn't have to switch schools either.
I know it wouldn't all be easy, I am not oblivious to the problems of parenthood. But it would be worth it to get my Puddin' out of that situation.
Sorry for the long story. I need your help!
Thanks!
~Amber