[slatulippe]

I really want another child, but my husband is not sure. We are both sure that if we decide to have a child that adoption is what we would like to do. However we currently have to children, the oldest is 7 and he is from a previous marriage of mine, but is all my husbands child in every way except biological. We also have a 3 year old from out marriage. This is where the difficulty comes in. I am bipolar and an addict with 2yrs clean. Many of the reasons we would like to adopt have to do with the stress of pregnancy for me without the medications I currently take. We are concerned about so many things. But becasue of all of the things we have been through in the past two years we have become a much stronger family unit. We are afraid of getting turned down. Also it seems so unreal for us that we could actually adopt a child. Could someone please help? I know that my husband would never say yes unless it is something he is truly committed to, but I feel like I'm going crazy just trying to make a decision.

[Donna Marr]

First step back take a deep breath and try to relax.
I'd say to follow your heart and we have fears and sometimes we have to just face them and they seem less of a obstacle,
I truly believe if it is ,meant to happen it will.
So if you feel like it is the right choice I would just start the paper work and let nature take its course
Hope that helps
We went through the county and pretty much yo aren't turned down unless there is a huge flaw

[Dianna]

Go to some introductory meetings at a few adoption agencies and ask your questions. They will let you know if they can work with you. If one says no, ask another. Your issues do not seem like something that can not be overcome. Good luck.

[DianeS]

The issues you mentioned are not going to be problems in some countries, but may be problems in others. As someone else said, go to some orientation meetings (they're free) and ask your questions. U.S.A. rules for approval, agency rules for them helping you, and the other country's rules for releasing an orphan to you - each can be different. Make sure you meet all three before paying any money.

I would expect that you could find somewhere. Possibly you'd have to wait until you'd been stable on bi-polar medication and clean from your addiction for a certain number of years. But even then, that's a delay not a full-stop and would allow you to do a good deal of research that would ensure you adopted a child who would be right for your family.

Good luck!

[slatulippe]

Thank you for your replys, we are looking and considering adoption from Russia, but are open to a few other contries. Most of my problems have been seriously dealt with, I would hope that it won't cause delays, but if our decision goes this way, a delay won't stop how I feel.