[wvamom]

There has been no difference in our family between adding a bio sibling (which we have done twice) and an adopted one, except that our kids are a lot older and more mature now. Our bio kids were all totally thrilled about getting a little brother from Guatemala, and basically they still are, except that now that he's been home for awhile they have the typical sibling conflicts--my dad used to call it "sniveling rivalry."

Our older daughter, who is 16, is like a mother to Joseph; our second daughter has really matured from being the "baby" to being a huge help with Joseph. At first she was a little resentful at being expected to help take care of him, but now she is excited about it. And our son loves his brother (although he doesn't have as much "nurturing" tendencies as his sisters, and wants him to stay out of his "stuff").

I really can't tell any difference in their relationships than if Joseph had grown inside me.

Carolyn