[ChelseaCFC]

Hi Guys. Yep I'm still here, been a long week though.

We (actually mostly I) have done a bit of research into International Adoption and in some respects it is appealing, from here it seems to take 2 - 3 years but is at least fairly certain rather than the idea of being in a pool but you might never get picked (takes me back to school days). I think after the uncertainty of infertility, the idea of a bit of certainty is very appealing. But then you have to think about the bigger picture, cost, loss of language, culture, birth family contact, and all that as well. And while that isn't insurmountable it is certainly needs some careful thought. I know some people who are in the process of adopting from China are spending the waiting time by learning Mandarin. So, International is still on the list, Plan B or C I think! I know my kids are out there somewhere and it's just a matter of time before we find each other, be that by medical means or by adoption.

On the NZ stats, don't take this as gospel because math isn't my strong point and neither is my memory, but I have an idea the stats on NZ adoption are something like 100 babies / 200-250 parents, so not bad odds - please somebody else do the math!

What stage of the IVF cycle are you at Richie68? I'm paying because I don't want to wait around - I'm 35 now. Sorry, I didn't mean to be confusing earlier - I did get that you've got a son but what I meant was that 6 years is a long time to wait to be a mum. Like someone else said earlier, its great to know that it's really possible. I can only imagine how amazing it was to get that phonecall .

I like living in the UK, but you're right - NZ is a great place to bring up kids. I do wonder though how tough the adjusting back to life in NZ will be - last time I was back, I was walking down Queen St wondering where all the people were? I do get pretty homesick though - I really miss the beaches. And also the people - in NZ when people tell you to drop by for coffee, they really mean it!

Take care out there.
Chelsea CFC