[anarchamama]

Anyone do an adoption from the US? Who did you go through and what was your experience? We are considering it but still looking for agencies....

Thanks
Heather

[Leigh131313]

I adopted here in Canada, but wanted to wish you well!!

[KarynB]

We have a friend who adopted through the US - noty sure what agency they used but had a good process. they were able to pick up their son when he was only a few days old. We seriously considered it before deciding on South Africa, I love the idea of getting matched with a very young baby.

I've heard it's relatively expensive though, I think I was quoted around $30,000 - but this isn't for sure. I have no idea why it would be so much, no translation, low travel fees, etc.

Are you just looking into it or are you signed up to adopt from there?

[michellesnook]

Hi,

Our son was adopted through the US, and it WAS expensive. (But sooo worth it!)

Some of the reasons for expenses..

Legals in both countries, travel (unless you are driving distance!), agency fees, birthmom expenses (if allowed by the state), visits before/during/after birth..

It was still an amazing experience though...

Michelle

[KarynB]

And was he very young when he was placed with you? Are you adopting from there again?

Our friends' son is AA and so adorable - is your son AA as well? Is it an open adoption? Sorry for so many questions but I think it would remain a possibility for us if SA doesn't work out for whatever reason!

thanks

[michellesnook]

Karyn,

Our situation is a 'little' bit different then normal.

Bmom was the sister of an online-friend of an online-friend But..it just means that we weren't registered with an agency. We have a completely open adoption. And we visited bmom at 20 weeks pregnant, for the birth (in Utah for 5 weeks), at 7 months old, and at 13 months old. (Added expenses..)

Our experience was AMAZING! We had lawyers in both countries who made sure everything was going 'right' and basically we just formed a relationship over MSN, email and the phone.

As an aside-- if you watch Adoption Stories you might be able to catch our story there - we did the whole thing on camera.

Nope, my son is blond with blue eyes and his bmom looks ALOT like me (fluke?!) and we were mistaken for sisters in the hospital.

I'm totally thinking about the US again for #2, but hubby worries more about $$ than me! So for now, we are looking in Ontario

Michelle

[AdoptionAddict]

We're adopting from the US and we live in Manitoba. We're early in the process, but we did a lot of research with both of our agencies before starting (one in US and one in Canada)--just to make sure we weren't going to be heading down the wrong path. We hope to spend under $10,000 and have our baby in less than a year. This is our second adoption and we think our daughter will make a great big sis.

I'd love to hear from others concerning their journeys. I have some specific questions, but I'll save those for another time.

To those in the adoption journey for the first time, stick with it. The road isn't easy but it's so worth it--I know that sounds cliche but it's true. Adoption is so wonderful, and the amount of time and effort you spent in "labor" for your child seems to melt away once they enter your lives (until you start the process again and you're reminded of the "pains" to get to the intended end =-).

Best wishes to all as you travel this amazing path to adoption.

Jenni