[Cyndie216]

Hi, my name is Cyndie. My husband and I are the proud adoptive parents of Riley who was born August 2002.
Are there any others in my area of Texas who have adopted? I would really enjoy getting together online or in real life with other adoptive parents.

[Dot]

Hi Cyndie,

I live in Mesquite and just adopted my beautiful 16 month old daughter. She was placed with us when she was 13 months old. She is the joy of our lives!

[andrews777]

We live in Garland, though we adopted our 4 children from the foster care system 9 years ago, so we are dealing with many different issues.

I am looking at starting a support group soon at our church in east Dallas.

Brad

[tbright]

Hi all:

Not to change the subject, but since you all are successful adoptive parents, do you mind sharing which agency that you utilized. My husband and I are in the beginning stages of trying to locate and select an adoption agency.

I am hoping to use an agency located in Texas, so we can possible avoid the interstate laws and possible waiting period.

Thanks for the info in advance...

[Sylvester]

Hi everyone, we no longer live in TX, but our second daughter was adopted through Buckner Adoption and Maternity Services in Dallas. We had a wonderful experience with them!!! There fee's are on a sliding scale, 25% of your income no less than $12000 and no more than $22000. We are planning on going back to TX in two-three years and plan on adopting thru them again. Good luck!

[andrews777]

We adopted through Lutheran Social Services and the Childrens Services agency of another county in the state we were in at the time. Virtually no cost (all was reembursed by the state), plus we got a monthly subsidy for the children, though it was income based.

Of course this was not for an infant, but rather a sibling group of 4.

Brad

[Cyndie216]

We used an attorney in Plano from Warmbrodt, Rachel and Associtates and her name is Megan Rachel. To be honest I would not recommed her to anyone. Besides having the personality of a sock, the firm lacks communication skills. We have to call them all the time to find out the status of our case. Plus, if we owed them ANY amount of money they would stop working on our case until they had it. One time I thought we had paid the $80 balance to date but finally called them to find out that it hadn't been paid and found out that was why there had been no activity. We are only waiting on a court date, which has so far taken a week and a half to get (don't they just call the court and set it up??) I have a call into them now....
I would love to adopt again in a while, as Riley will be just one next month, and will look into suggested agencies.

Also, I would be SUPER interested in attending a support group!

[casandria]

I surprised to hear how unhappy you are with Meagan. We used her 4 years ago when my husband adopted my two oldest boys (then 2 and 4 mos). We used to go to the same church and while I'll admit she is a bit dry, she is a good attorney and Christian. As for the lack of communication, that may an office staff issue more than anything. Also, regarding the court date, they put in a request, but the court can take a while to give them a date.

I'm planning on using her again when we find a baby, maybe even in a couple of weeks! Anyway, I'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience, but I just wanted to note my experience.

[Cyndie216]

Just got word today that final adoption date is Wednesday, July 16! Next week!! I am so excited and happy.
I admit I may have been a bit hard on Meagan, but it has been a very trying situation for us all. I should really give her a break as she is doing her best I know.
We are lucky that my husband's oldest daughter, age 15, will be here to share in this special day with us. She's been living with us for the past six months and is returning to her mother this month. She will be there to take pictures.
Will we get a birth certificate now?

To casandria....I sure hope you find a baby in a few weeks, how awesome that would be!!

Thanks for all those who have replied to this thread!

[andrews777]

If you can (I am not sure how things work in Texas), order a copy of the current birth certificate now, before finalization, so you have it when your child is older.

It may not be that important to you, but it is likely important to be very important to them down the line.

We did that for all of our children and I only wish I had gotten more copies.

Brad

[Cyndie216]

Brad,
Having a copy of Riley's original birth certificate is such a good idea, I am glad I asked about it.
I have another question...can I request a copy prior to becoming his "official" adoptive mommy? Will the state let me get a copy of of it? What information will I need to provide to the state for get a copy?Please share your experience.
As soon as I finish posting this I'm going to look online for information as to who to contact and all that.
How are you coming along with the support group? Please keep me updated as I am very interested.
Thanks!

[Pblair]

Cyndie I am not sure about Texas but here in Ky I ordered my birth certificate online. All I needed was my name and mom and dad's name. Also ordered my husbands online from Ohio, same thing.
http://www.vitalchek.com/
Here is the address of the website I used.
Pat

[Cyndie216]

Pat, I went to the suggested website and want to thank you. I think I will call tomorrow to find out exactly what I need to do because it says I need to fax a copy of an ID for the person I am requesting the certificate for. Well, Riley has no ID so it seems I cannot do anything online until I know more. Thanks once again!
Cyndie

[Mitzi]

Birthmom here in the Garland area...Do you have any contact with your son's birthmother? I placed my daughter through Adoption Advisory..and the social worker that helped me, just started her own agency..Lifetree Adoption in Dallas. She is super!...you might want to check with her as fas as support groups, I know she has asked me to join the support group that they have for bmoms. Just a thought for you.

[Cyndie216]

I want to thank you for your response and lead on a support group.
I was with birthmom throughout last few months of pregnancy and there for Riley's birth. She has ben in Gatesville Correctional Facility since last August. I send her pictures and letters each month, which is what we agreed upon. She should be getting out this fall. Riley has had two visits with his birthdad and we also keep in touch with bio paternal gramma and aunt.
I really would like to adopt again and will look into Lifetree Adoption for that as well as for a support group!
Also want to tell you that the gratitude I feel for our birthmom is beyond words! She made my dreams come true!
Cyndie