[snewsie]

This may seem like an irrelavant question, but I wondered... If you don't travel to get your child for 4-6 months in Guatemala, doesn't the baby respond to it's birth name? What if you have a different wish for the babies forever name?
Thanks,
Snewsie

[twyla]

Hi, Snewsie!

My husband and I are waiting domestically for a mother to choose us to raise her baby, so this technically doesn't apply to us. But, I have seen somewhere else on another forum where someone suggested that you use the child's name plus the name you want to eventually use, calling them by both for awhile, then gradually drop the original name or use it on the birth certificate as the first or middle name, just calling the child by the name you have picked out.

My own observation.... Retaining the original name on the birth certificate might have two distinct advantages for the child:
#1. Maintaining some sense of heritage for him or her.
#2. Much later in life, when telemarketers or strangers call, they can be identified immediately because they will in all probability use the "name of record", not the name used by the person. LOL! For example, my husband's (not adopted), birth certificate name is "Randolph", but he goes by "Randy". So when people call asking for Randolph I can simply tell them we don't take this type of call at this number and not waste my time any further listening to a bunch of sells spiels.

I wish you much success with your adoption journey and hope the transition is a smooth one for your new family member.