[Lula]

I am over 50 as is my husband. We are trying to adopt, through domestic open adoption. I would like to hear any success stories out there from over 50 first time moms. Thanks

[Linny]

Well.....maybe not 'over 50' or 'first time mom'.....but how about 'now 50'....and 'not the first time for being mom'?

Dh and I brought home our youngest baby almost one year ago. He was our fifth infant; and our third infant in the last six years. This forum is FULL of folks who may not be 'first timers'...who may not be 'over fifty'....but we're pretty close!

You'll do fine, believe me! One of our adoption attorneys has told us, "I've never had a birthmother who ever asked how old a couple was before she chose them!"
That, to me, says a lot!
Good luck and I hope your wait is short!

Sincerely,

Linny

[hoppiebarker]

Hi,
I to am not a first time mom but I am 56 so thought I more than qualified in the age catagory.
In April we were chosen to adopt a medically fragile 3yr.old. I was definetly not looking that young, but this particular child needed the support of two parents supporting each other, along with experience not just medically but within the system to advocate for him now and in the future. My DH and I were very apprehensive at first but finally figured it was meant to be. We have two other children at home, one 10 yrs. med fragile and MR the other minor disabilities the major one is he just turned 14Yicks!
I do not bounce back as quickly as I used to, it has definetly been the true test of dimensia as I've gone thru 15 pads of posties and some days I just put it in automatic and go!
IMHO, I think it would be wonderful for any child to be raised with all the attention and wisdom that you could offer. Go for it and enjoy....
God Speed

[cabbagepatchkid]

I am almost 54 yrs old. I have 4 bio children ranging in age from 35-27 yrs, 4 grandchildren--10, 8, 7, and 6. At age 49 I started fostering children and adopted my first 2 placements at age 51 yrs. They were 2-1/2 yrs and 12 mo when they first came and now they are aged 7 and 5 yrs. The youngest just started kindergarten so I thought to myself, "Wooo-Hoooo, I'll have a few hours to myself during the day " It wasn't meant to be, now I have 2 foster children ages 6 and 4 yrs. I had always wanted to adopt from Haiti and I'm beginning to find out more about how to do that.

Whenever I start to think that my age is a reason to stop I remember Abraham and Sarah in the Bible and how old they were when they had their first child. I truly believe that if God has called you to adopt--then He is able to keep you young while you finish what He has called you to do.

[hoppiebarker]

Hi Cabbagepatch,
When I read your post thought it was mine! I am 54, DH will be 56 this month.
I have 4 bio children ages 37-27. Adopted 4, ages 24, 14, 10 and recently 4 with high medical needs. I was actively looking to adopt again, but not a 4 year old,especially with major medical issues which I have no experience with the exception of bandaids and slivers. We were contacted about this little boy who had been in a medically staffed home since he was 4 months old. I struggled and told myself over and over your to old why would they want to place him here etc. etc. I finally realized it was my calling. We flew out to meet him last April and after 5 months of working through the system ,setting up specialists, getting our home prepared and all the training we finally brought him home in September. I do not have much of my "time" or "we" time and by the end of the day, yup I'm tired but I wouldn't change it for anything.
Go with your gutt and don't be afraid to listen to your heart.
Good Luck and keep us posted
God Speed