[Nelson]

I've noticed over the years that various times of year seem to be more active for people pursuing adoption. Do you slow down in the summer? Get serious after labor day? What factors go in to the amount of energy you have to exert on your search?

Chime in.

[vicrose]

Are you really serious with this comment!!!!! ???????? You are definitely not an adoption expert if you have to ask that question!!!!! Get real! Brenda

[Nelson]

I posted the question because I believe it is an issue with more people than you might suppose. Actively pursuing outreach, sitting down to sign the papers with an attorney or agency, finally picking up the pen and writing that letter are all steps that, though necessary to the process, raise fears and blocks that prevent people from moving forward. Often the voice that says "we'll wait until the fall," or "I'm still healing" is just trepidation in another guise. In my years of speaking with PAPs, many have reflected these issues to me. This is a good place to discuss them.

If you disagree, or have a point to add to the discussion, I welcome you to do so. To express your opinion just by criticizing me, however, does little to help your fellow PAPs. I encourage you to become part of the solution.

[tobeafamily]

We did notice a definite slowdown in the summer, picked up in the fall, slowed down again over the holidays, then picked up in February/March or so.

I would say August and December were the two quietest months. August was a little unnerving, we were so anxious. By December we were already connected with Ryan's birth family so I was more relieved than anxious.

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas

[Dino]

Actually, my adoption counselor told me that the summer months were slow for B-Mom's, and that they see an increase in B-Mom's to their agency in the fall.
As for my activity as a "PAP"slowing down in the summer, I have put off part of my homestudy until after our summer vacations and summer visits from family are over. I just figure that if somethings going to upset me, (such a positive attitude, I know... ) I'd rather be upset and not have to entertain at the same time.
However, our profile has been out there since March.

Lee
(searching for #2)

[Opting4Adopting]

We started this journey in late July and so I was guns blazing ahead...until it came time to decide on agencies...then I came to a full halt (well, still working on networking and getting our baby business cards out and working on the website). We're doing the home study through an independent sw, so the rest of the meetings have to revolve around her schedule (we just have the home visit left...and she was going to FL for a month-long vacation, until Francis cut it waaay short)...
But I don't think our stall has anything to do with the time of year, except that my work is bearing down now with new systems going in and I don't have much free time to even sit down and read the material the agencies have sent...
but I can see how otherwise, the season could have something to do with motivation...

[Wnderlnd]

I REALLY appreciate the "discussion topic." This is all very new to me and thought about that questions, but didn't post it.

We are officially applying to our agency next week after meeting with our final reference provider. FYI, we have chosen to adopt domestically with the same agency that my nephew was adopted through 7 years ago. We are SO EXCITED!

Thanks! I will soon be posting here more often...I thank everyone in advance for their support.

Alice