Thanks for stopping by my brand new adoption blog! This is where I'll keep everyone updated on my journey, and today, where I'll answer some basic questions for you.
Why adoption? I've always wanted to be a mom, and obviously I'm still single. Instead of settling for the next guy who comes along, I'd rather start to build my family now and plan a big white wedding later. I know I can provide a loving, stable home to a child, and I know my family will more than compensate for my current lack of a husband. If I happen to meet Mr. Right while waiting to adopt, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Domestic or international? I'd like to adopt a domestic child (either gender, any race), since I won't likely have the time or money to travel internationally. Also, few countries allow single women to adopt healthy children.
What about foster adoption? I looked into foster care and foster adoption quite seriously, but realized I'm not equipped to handle the unpredictable schedules and sudden expenses that come with foster care. Foster care is really ideal for a two-parent household with one parent being the stay-at-home-style.
How will you afford it? I plan on using a variety of tools, including a few small fundraisers, hopefully a grant, tax breaks and adoption loans. I'm connected with some adoptive parents who I can ask for help navigating the loan/tax situation.
How long will it take? I hope to have my home study completed by the end of September. After that, I've heard that placement with single parents takes an average of 1 - 2 years, but of course, it could be less and it could be more.
Can I help? Absolutely! I have a coffee store setup at
www.justlovecoffee.com/rich where you can purchase certified fair trade coffee (they'll donate $5 per bag back to me). I'll also be asking family members and friends to circulate some baby bottles at work and school if you need to unload some spare change. (Sorta goofy, but many adoptive parents swear by the tactic.) And finally, I'll be having a large yard sale before the summer is over, so if you have some stuff to get rid of, I'll be happy to take it off your hands.
Rubber Duckies? For years I've had two rubber duckies in my bathroom: a mama and a baby. I remember the mama was a Christmas gift, but I don't know where the baby came from. Natalya loves playing with them. One day she asked, "Where's the daddy?" I said there wasn't one, and she was totally okay with that.
