[Lisa6083]

Hi! I know that in 06 or 07
I will be moving to Alaska. Should I wait to start the process or go ahead and start now?
I was also wondering how financially set you have to be to adopt. I mean, I can certainly care for myself and would definitely be able to afford children, but is there a set amount of money you are supposed to have, savings, investments and the like or do most places not really have a preference?
Also, I am a 24 year old single woman who has had horrible luck in the dating world, and feel like I just can't wait forever to start a family. It has always been my dream to have a little baby to love and I would love to hear from any singles who have went through adoption.

Thanks in advance,
Lisa

[LisaCA]

hi Lisa,

I hope I can answer a few of your questions, though I'm not in the military (I do come from a military family though, navy and air force ).

You might want to wait a year or two til you're settled down. If you move in the middle of an adoption (out of state) then you'll probably have to have a few things redone (possibly homestudy, post placement visits, finalizing within the state issues). If you investigate the agencies in alaska, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when you move there.

One problem you may have is that you're only 24. Some agencies may prefer that you be a tad older before they'll work with you. The fact that you're single and 24 may be a bit of an issue for some agencies.

Savings: wow, not sure about this. we chose to have all the cash saved up before going forward. good thing too since I decided to be a sahm and so I'm quitting my job in may. Babies are expensive, and the agencies want to make sure you've factored in what they need, not just the initial purchases (about which you usually go crazy) but those daily expenses (diapers, formula etc). Dd turns out to be allergic to milk, so we buy the most expensive formula, nutramigen, which works out to be over 25 cents an ounce. babies can eat up to 40 or more oz a day, so you're spending anywhere from 5-8 dollars a day on food ( ).

amyway, those are just a few things to think about. Good luck!

Lisa

[rebjosh222]

Hi

As a single active duty AF I agree with Lisa on the changes are hard on the baby. But I also know whenGod tells you it's time -- well I was lstening. The adoption will be finalized in next Mar and leave next summer. Do you have an adoption situation in progress??? You can PM me or email me at akashelly222@yahoo.com Reading your email is like reading the story about myself minus the age I am 34. AND YES it is expensive! BUT I will be able to do the tax break and the military will reimburse up to $2000. I saved money, family helped out adnd only one loan (small) Where are you stationed? What race if it matters are you looking at? And save your leave because as of right now we only get what ever time your squadron gives you and any eave you have saved. As we speak they are trying to get it passed in Congress to give us time off the same as outside organiztions. Ex - my mom recieved a month off with both my rother's and then my adoption.. Good luck and pm or email me if you want.