[LisaU123]

Hi, My name is Lisa and I am new here. I ama sigle woman who has always known I was meant to be a mom. I myself am adopting so I decided to also adopt. I applied to an agency and started the homestudy paperwork. I was e-mailed information on a little girl in Russia. She is 3 years old and has special needs. She has cerebral palsy. I was told she is unable to use her legs but has full upper body strength. I fell in love instantly. I have looked at other pictures and such from the waiting list for this agency but with this little girl I felt something special, a conection right away. Does this sound funny?
Anyway I decided to act right away. They are anxious to get her into a home. I took her medical records to a pediatrician here. He thinks it would be a good fit. In her picture she looks alert, happy and bright.

[lovestruck]

No, feeling a conncection right away even through a picture sounds very normal!!

Best of luck and I hope the process goes very quickly for you!

[MichiAmy]

Doesn't sound funny to me. Everyone told me that I'd just "know" when I saw my child. Long story short, I traveled to meet a little boy and had to decline him. My agency had also been told of a little girl as a 2nd referral for me. While waiting to see if I could see her that day, I saw the cutest little girl outside with her caretaker. My heart broke as I thought "man, I wish I could have a little girl just like her..." and guess what... she was referral #2.

Sometimes you just KNOW. Go with your heart. You may feel different when you meet her or it may be that you and she are a perfect match! Good luck!!

[momraine]

I fell in love with ds though a picture. Now, honestly it was a much rougher journey with him than I had planned, and had I known the extent of his emotional issues, I probably would not have gone for it. That said, I am glad I did. He is so much a part of our family, I would do it again, even with all the hard stuff. I guess I was tougher than I thought.

[angelkisses0102]

Sounds normal to me as well. Although I did not connect with either of my kids through their pictures...I knew they were my kids and I would be capable of loving them. With DD it was truly love at first sight(first in person meeting)...with DS it took a very long time to truly fall in love with him (he had many unexpected issues.) Now...love them both to the ends of the earth.

Welcome and Good Luck!

[momm2be]

Both times I knew on first look. Its good to lead with your head, but still follow your heart. Glad you had her checked out by an MD.

[votemom]

welcome lisa.

my only advice to you as a single parent adopting a child with some extra needs is to be sure you are in a place where you have extra support around you for the long haul.

even if you end up adopting a child with no significant issues, this will be important.

i'm exciting about the thought that this little might be about to find her mama - that is just so fantastic!

keep us posted.

[amyfk]

They say you know. I didnt from the photo but after I went over there and met my child I knew.
Best wishes to you on the journey,
Amy K, NJ

[Jessi_76]

Welcome, Lisa, and CONGRATULATIONS!!! We knew they were our children, too. And, we believe with all of our hearts that they knew we were their parents. Your post gave me goosebumps. What a wonderful experience for you.

Best of luck, and check back often with updates!! Can't wait to follow along on your magical journey.