[spaypets]

Our daughter was delivered to our arms on Mother's Day this year two days shy of turning 18 months old.

The whole process of adopting from India took about 18 months, which was much longer than we had been led to believe. India is very bureaucratic to begin with and adoptions slowed down just as we were getting in the pipeline. Children had been being referred at 6 months, but now they are being held back from international adoption for even longer. Our daughter was 10 months when we got the referral and it took another 8 to bring her home. So it took longer and we had a child who was 6 months older than we had thought she'd be when we started.

That being said, we've had absolutely no attachment problems. It's obvious to us that she was VERY well cared for. She is exactly at age level, chattering up a storm, coordinated, loving, cheerful, healthy. She's a wonderful little girl.

We loved India and its people and can't wait until she's older so we can go back and properly see the country.

She was worth the wait, but, of course, while we were suffering through the delays, I didn't know she would be. I thought every day she wasn't home was a day she'd be delayed. I'm so glad I was wrong.

Would I adopt another child from India. I doubt it, given the growing hostility in the government (the likelyhood of us adopting from anywhere again is almost nil) But am I glad I chose India to begin with? Yes, absolutely. Knowing the result, I'd do it again.

[JustMe]

If this works, you should see a picture of Anthony and Arianna taken in June, on our way to see their birthmom...

[JustMe]

Alright...just one more. Arianna in her summer bathing suit...

[reneetaylor]

They are so cute Holly! You must be so proud of them. They look like they have the same nose and eyes....or am I just looking for similarities because I know they are blood-related? Ha Ha! Anyway, they are beautiful and look very healthy and happy. You must be a great mom to them!

How is your continued relationship with their **?

(I'm glad you were able to figure out my directions on how to post.)

Renee

[mgackjeamy]

Originally Posted by Bcelli

We adopted our Russian son in 1998 at the age of 5.5 months, referred at 11 weeks. Our experience was nearly perfect. Money was an issue - as it is for our next adoption of which we are in the process now - however, compared to some of the very unpleasant and heart rending experiences I have read on this and similar boards, quite well worth it. Perhaps it was our inexperience with the process, but we never once had doubts of the outcome and it only took 7 months from somewhat hesitant application 'til we had our son in our arms. We worked with williams international adoptions in Memphis (Williams Moving International Moving & Shipping Canada) and they were WONDERFUL!

your link is to a moving company-I googled Williams International Adoptions, although I found reference to this agency, I could not find a website.

[Bcelli]

My original post was from 2002. Williams International Adoptions went out of business in 2006, I think. I'm sure someone else has since purchased the URL. Sorry.