[kathyandmark]

I have wanted to adopt a child for 5 years, and my husband finally wants to (we just hammered it out yesterday). His words were - I want to do this, what are you waiting for, let's get this started right now! And so now...I feel...sick! I am so afraid we are not going to get this "right." I know a lot of it comes from the fact that we tried two years ago to instead have a vasectomy reversal in order to have another child, and it failed. I have been so devastated all this time, and the thought of now trying to adopt, and it not happening...I am actually afraid to really do anything about it. I feel pretty well "educated" in the sense that I have looked into things a lot over the past few years, and I have info. packets coming in the mail and phone calls that should be getting returned, but I am so afraid and I feel scattered and like I don't know what to do first. Is this normal? What should I be doing? Kathy

[kelceesmom]

Partially you are grieving your loss of not being able to have another bio child, which is normal. Now you are stepping into another world where there are no guarantees. Having to let go and just follow along is extremely scary. Especially if you are a control freak like me!!! Take a deep breath and hang on. I am firm believer that God will lead us to where we are supposed to be. Good luck in your journey!

[redbonec]

I second what Denice said.

I also remember I was really excited to be moving along, then the SW called to set up our homestudy appointment, then I got panicky, like it was moving too fast!

There are many things to have questions about, worries, and uncertainty. And, when a baby becomes your son or daughter, you will know that God was leading you through all of that!

When you do talk to agencies, among other things to consider, remember how you feel now--you will want to be working with an agency that is willing to hear from you and listen to you and support you.

[Emster]

as far as being overwhelmed, remember that the whole process is a series of steps, and you just go one step at a time. It really makes it easier to think of it that way. You can do this smll thing, then the next and the next and before you know it, you have your applications completed and you're waiting, and you wished you had something to do

Good luck to you! And congrats on getting started (the first small step!)