[NurseNikki]

I just found this local forum, way cool! Is anyone else out there waiting near me?

[mommy2aidan]

I'm here! My name is Wendy and we're adopting a little boy from Guatemala. I just found this today, hopefully more will, too! I hope you get another referral, I know how frustrating that is.

Take care!
Wendy

[NurseNikki]

Hi Wendy! Where are you located? We are west of Peoria, and I work in Peoria. How cool that there is someone else so close!

[mommy2aidan]

Hi Nikki! We live in Dunlap. Where west of Peoria? My parents are in Mapleton (didn't know if you meant Galesburg). It's great to make a connection w/someone close by! Have you had anymore luck w/matches? We went the international route since I have 4 bio children from a previous marriage (I'm a type I diabetic and was told no more pregnancies). We figured we wouldn't be at the top of the list for birthmothers!! I stay at home (mainly w/my dog, since everyone else is at school or work!).

Take care and look forward to hearing from you!
Wendy

[NurseNikki]

Wendy
We live in Farmington. We are doing domestic infant, because at least once, I want the baby experience. We didn't think international was something we could afford at this point. After four years of unexplained infertility, at least we know now that it WILL happen, we just don't know WHEN!

Do you work in Peoria? I work at Methodist. Nice to know there is someone close! I have found these boards to be extremely helpful, even meeting one of the mothers I met here!

[Zuke]

I just found this section...very cool!!!
I live in north Peoria, and we brought our first son home from Guatemala in November. Wendy, I bet we live pretty close together...how are things going with your process? I know how insanely frustrating it can be! We are now paperchasing for our second, probably from Colombia.
Nikki...any more news on another match? I hope it's soon!
Take care, and let's keep in touch.
Meridith

[NurseNikki]

Meridith! Thanks for joining us. It is great to have someone close to talk to.

No, we know no more about any possible matches. Our agency says our profile is being looked at often (weekly for past month was the last report I got), but obviously, no call yet. So, we wait.

Meridith, how old is your little one? How long did you have to be there? We shyed away from international because of the length of required visit - well, that and cost. I know we could have made the $$$ work if it wasn't for the lengthy visit, but neither one of us could be away from work that long right now.

I am just hoping 2007 will be our year!

[Zuke]

Hi Nikki!!
Good to hear from you! I hope 2007 is your year too!
We brought our son home just shy of 9 months old, and he will be one next week! Wow...time flies now!!
Our process to get him home was actually a kind of a long one...lots of people bring babies home much younger than that from Guatemala. He was referred to us at just 2 weeks old, and you can visit as much as you want to during their process, but you certainly don't have to.
I completely understand about the time and cost thing...none if this is easy, huh?? The nice thing about Guatemala is that the time required in-country is very short if you don't want to visit...you can get everything you need to done in just about 3 days at the end of the process. Some people use escorts too and don't go at all. It's hard to wade through all the pros and cons of each country, and I know that a lot of them have lengthy required stays.
I will keep my fingers crossed that you won't ever have to worry about it and that you are chosen again very soon. Take care, and good luck!!

[NurseNikki]

Ladies,

Ever consider using more than one agency? I am just getting really impatient, I know, but am wondering if there is another agency around us that doesn't charge a ton upfront? Our agency doesn't do anything out of state.

I was told a few weeks ago that our profile was being viewed often, but I am just getting antsy. Nothing has come through yet. It is going to be a long month until I can email and ask again. I hate sending our CW too many emails, afraid it will seem overbearing. AAAcccckkk! I have never been good at waiting!

[Zuke]

Hi Nikki!
I'm actually not sure about more than one agency...we were contracted only to use one with our first international adoption, and now we're with another for our second from Colombia. Probably if we could have gone with two at the start and brought home two at the same time, we would have!
I would think that your chances for a domestic placement would only get better with two, but I understand the $$$. I'm hoping someone else will join us that knows of a great second agency for you!
I am a HORRIBLE waiter, and I think our poor contact at the last agency would tell you that they were glad to get rid of me!!! Lots and lots of e-mails...you show great restraint only sending them once a month!
Hang in there, and have a great week!!

[Shagley]

Hi Everyone,

I am from Peoria also. I have just started the process to become a foster parent in hopes of finding "my child" to adopt. I know the foster care route will be difficult, but since I will be a single, working Mom, so I don't have the finances to do adoption any other way.

It is fun to see that there are others here from the Peoria area!

Shelley

[NurseNikki]

We are a small group, but mighty! We are still just in the waiting phase, which is by far the hardest. Good luck on the homestudy and prep!