[earthmama17]

I've only had my little one home less than 2 months, but with all the talk of the U.S. possibly halting adoptions from Guatemala, I am SERIOUSLY considering adopting again soon.

My original plans were to adopt #1 from Guate and wait about 1 year and adopt another from Guate or possibly domestic.

One concern is financial. I started with Russia and lost a good bit when I switched countries. Also, I chose to visit twice plus PU trip. With all that combined, it was almost twice as much as I originally thought (adoption costs).

Also, I would love to give all my attention to Rayna right now. But I also feel an urge to let her have a brother or sister from her home country. Am I acting rationally or does this sound purely emotional? I cannot imagine the fact that I may not have an option to adopt from Guate if I wait much longer...ugh, I just don't know what to do

[deborahromero]

I think your thinking rationally!!

When we picked our daughter up in early November we found out ** was pregnant again and do any day! Were we interested in adopting a full sibling, a boy on top of it??? Of course, but so soon!!!!!!!!! Stunned and frightened, I came to the decision to move forward as this was the best gift I could ever give my little girl. Wanting to devote all my time to her but I knew in the end she would appreciate our decision to adopt her baby brother.

They are only 11 months apart and I am now looking forward to raising them together. I know some sacrifices will have to be made but them having each other is what really counts.

So go with your heart. Financially God some how worked this out for us and he will for you as well.

Good Luck

[earthmama17]

Thanks so much, Deborah for your insight. I don't know if Rayna has a bio sibling. I seriously doubt it since her birthmom was only 17 years old. I think a little brother would be so nice for her (or sis...don't think I will request gender this time around).

I feel like if there's a will, there's a way. Almost like I am having these feelings for a reason...thanks again

[Cory S.]

Your thinking is very rational. I would search your soul right now and then if you feel that Guatemala is where your next child is going to be born, then you need to get going. You will need to update your home study, which is nice that you don't have to do a new one, won't cost as much. You will need to update your I171-H and then your dossier papers. It is important to be ready for a referral later this summer. Some agencies say you just need to have your INS clearance, however no one knows if adoptions will be okay for those with INS clearace or if they (the US) will want the POA or even DNA to be done in order to go on. I would suggest DNA being done just to be safe.
Good luck. I know lots of people are really working on figuring this all out. The most frustrating part is no one knows what will happen.

[earthmama17]

If the I-171 expires soon, do I have to wait as long the second time around for it to be updated?

[GabeMom]

We were pondering the same thing and for right now we have come to the decision to wait and see. We are going to renew our I-171h and homestudy so if we choose we can get going on everything towards another adoption. Right now we feel that God is asking us to wait and give Gabe the time he needs. Hopefully you will be led down the right path and kind peace in whatever you choose.

[jenniferw223]

I have been thinking the same thing but we just do not have the $. To bad there is not a money tree in my backyard. I told my husband today about adoptions from Guat shutting down in 2007. I doubt he will say so lets adopt again now but you never know.

[Mariais5]

I'm in the same boat... Dh said to wait a year after we brought Bryce home to see how we feel... I agreed but am now so concerned with everything going on.... It seems like everyday another family is posting "Going for #2 or #3"... I would really like for Bryce to have a sister from Gautemala... we'll see...

Even if it is emotional thinking, in the end, you get another beautiful child!