[jbandwb]

Congratulations on your good fortune on finding a hopeful forever child!

Dh and I adopted our daughter from a distant relative in May of 2002and since it was an independant adoption, we first contacted a family attorney. They assured us that they could indeed handle our case, but the cost of it seemed pretty high since we had done most of the leg work ourselves. Long story short, we called an agency and they were alot more informative. I really believe that in the long run we paid less and had a great support group in the agency that we used. They helped us find a social worker to do our home study and they were in constant touch with us throughout the birth and even called us several times in the weeks after bringing our daughter home.

I don't know if you are aware of this or not, but there is a great tax credit for families that adopt that should cover the expenses of the whole process.

It is good to see that you are aware that she may change her mind. I think that is the most nagging fear of all hopeful Aparents. Our bmom stayed with us for the last 6 months of her pregnancy and I know there were alot of times she had second thoughts. I can tell you there were alot of private tears shed because of "The Decision". When the papers were signed, I finally felt relief.

Most of all, I want to tell you that even if this situation does not work out, you will bring your child home. Don't lose hope. I thought I would never hold my own baby in my arms and adoption has changed my life and made my life worth living. Our little girl is the most precious thing I have ever laid eyes on....I know that I could not love her more if I had given birth to her.

If you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to contact me.
my email is jbandwb@sbcglobal.net

Wendy

[Alexzmom]

Hello Denise! I know exactly where Atchison is, I have a very good friend that lives there. I venture up that way every once in a while. My 7 year old stepdaughter was born there too!
To answer your question about the attorney, yes he is very experienced in adoptions, thats why I chose him. I didn't want some general "cover everything" attorney botching anything. He says his fee will probably be around $500-$750.
I keep hoping and praying that things will work out!
I don't think I mentioned that I have a 13 year old bio daughter and 2 stepdaughters, ages 12 and 7 who live in Lawrence with their mother.
My husband and I are also in the middle of MAPP training classes to become licensed for fostercare. This was something we had decided to do before this miracle came to us. We decided to continue in case the adoption falls through.
Thanks for the well wishes! My e-mail is dawnc@the-farm.org if anyone wants to email me!

[Alexzmom]

Hi Wendy, thanks for sharing your story with me and offering encouragement. I can sure use it! I am a nervous wreck!
I have a close friend that I confide in about the adoption that has her own 7 month old baby. She thinks it is weird for me to be helping bmom by babysitting her 4 mth old she already has. She would totally freak out if we let bmom move in. I personally wouldn't have a problem with that since I've known her for 3 years and I know that she works hard. She takes very good care of herself and her daughter. Her and I just chatted on the phone this morning about making a scrapbook together for the baby.

I found my own agency to do the home study, Action for Adoptions in Lawrence. The director came highly recommended to me by SRS social workers. I work for a foster care agency so I come into a lot of contact with social workers. The cost of the homestudy will be between $450-$500 which doesn't seem too bad. I've checked around a little and this seems to be very reasonable. Any comments???

I am aware of the tax credit but not the details. Do I have to itemize to be able to take it?

[drewnphilipmom]

Hi there,

Another Kansas adoptive mom here. We have a 17 month old son who came to us at 2 days old. I am in Lawrence.

I know the director of Action for Adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. Her husband in a teacher at my son's school. She is truly a wonderful person. Is your attorney in Lawrence as well? Ours was in Topeka. We had an independent adoption.

I am glad you have an adoption attorney the laws are so confusing.

Cathy

[Alexzmom]

Wow, another close amom! This is terrific! I was hoping to get some support here in Kansas.
I am so glad to hear more good things about Katie. She was very sincere on the phone with me. I am looking forward to working with her agency.
Our attorney is here in Leavenworth. In fact it is right across the street from my office. We won't start the home study until after the first of the year.
Funny though, my husband has a job interview in Lawrence next week so there is a possibility we may be moving to Lawrence by next summer. It would be great to be near his two daughters who now live there.
This adoption is an independent one as well. I have many nervous months ahead of me but I keep finding comfort in the fact that bmom calls and keeps me involved.
I'm really looking forward to the advice and wisdom from you ladies for the next several months! Thank you so much!

[cscrivner]

It is nice learning of other adoptive parents in Kansas. I live in Emporia with my husband and 13 month old adopted son who we have had since he was 2 days old. Our adoption was final in July.

Adoption can be the most stressful and aggravating experience but the end results is well worth it.

If anyone wants to email me, my email is:
lilscriv2002@yahoo.com

[Mustang]

Hello Everyone. I am hoping somebody here can help me. I was born in Kansas City, Kansas and adopted in Topeka Kansas. I was born at Bethany hospital in February 1968. I was told very little. My Adoptive Mom told me that my birth mom had something to with the salvation army. I was told that my Birth Name is Tina Louise. They adopted me in June or July of 1968 and went back to Cimarron. We then moved to Oregon in 1972 where I now live. If anyone has or can give me any info it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Mustang

[cscrivner]

Its been awhile since anyone has posted here...Just wanted to know what happened to everyone. I live in Emporia and have a 2 1/2 year old adopted son. Looking to reconnect to other parents who used this forum or who are new

[sinesadopt]

I am in Wichita. Moved here about 2 years ago. Have a 3 YO adopted at birth and just found out our home study was approved on the 31st of May to adopt through the State.

[cscrivner]

Congratulations...is your child a boy or a girl? We want to adopt again as well. My son wants a sister, he says he doesn't want a brother. Out of the mouths of babes. He also said he wanted a sister like him...(he is AA). Are you doing an infant adoption or older child.

[sinesadopt]

Our 3 YO is a boy. He says he wants a brother and a sister. I would really like to take it one at a time. We told the agency that we wanted a child younger than our son so that he stays the oldest.

[cscrivner]

My sister just had a baby in Sept and it was a girl that is when my son decided he wanted a sister. Because her son got a sister. The logic of children. He doesn't quite understand that we can't get a baby like she did...I told him he can't pick we get what God sends us

[okcdrummer]

Hi, My Names Scott, I Was Born In Emporia At Newman Hospital On August 17, 1971. My Birth Name Was Robert Hughes. My Mothers Name Was Betty Hughes. I Was Put In A Foster Home In Hartford. I Am Having A Really Hard Time Right Now Because 4 Years Ago I Was Diognosed With A Blood Disorder And Have Had Over 30 Blood Clots In My Legs And Lungs. Im Not So Worried About Me As I Am My Daughters. They Are Not Sure But They Think It Is Genetic. So My Search Is Even More Important. I Am On Disability For The Rest Of My Life. And Now All The Resentment Is Back After So Many Years And Tears. I Hate Feeling This Way, But Im Mad As Hell. And I Dont Know Who To Be Mad At. Well I Guess I Have Gone On Long Enough. If Anyone Can Help I Have A Message Phone At My Grandmothers.
405-382-6667 Not After 9 Pm Please

Again Thank You For Listening..

A Very, Hurt, Angry And Confused Son Looking For Answers.
Scott Mcgaha

[Mustang]

Hi Scott, You should contact the Stae of Kansas. Kansas is an OPEN records state. I found my Birthfather and Birthmother because of the Open Records. They will also do a search for you ipon your request. Good Luck.

[jgl]

I just happened to come across this forum and was wondering if any of you from KS were still around. My husband and I just started the adoption process and we live in leavenworth, like alot of you all. We are using a facilitator and wanted to know what agency the rest of you used here in KS. Also what attourney you used. Let me know if any of you are around to chat with and exchange experiences with. Thanks!