For H. S.: Successful Domestic Infant Adoption

I've been meaning to write this post for days. The impetus was a Facebook message from a blog reader back in late September, right after Evie was born. This reader, H. S., asked for some advice about adopting because she might want to to replicate our experience with domestic infant adoption. At the time I was overwhelmed at the idea of replying back because there is so much to say on the topic. I didn't start blogging until we were matched with Lucy, so I haven't yet documented much if anything about our process before that point. H.S. and I tried to connect over the phone but are both so busy that it hasn't happened. So, I decided that if I'm going to type up all of my thoughts, I might as well put it out there for everyone! I'm going to put up a series of posts over the next several days, covering many aspects of adoption. If you aren't in the process of adopting or considering adoption, this might not be interesting, so just skip it! :)

Before I get started on this series, a disclaimer: each adoption is unique, of course, and my comments and advice here are purely based on my experiences, my reading, talking to other adoptive couples, talking to our social worker and lawyer and other conversations with friends. I am by no means an expert on this subject, except for the fact that J and I did manage to successfully adopt a healthy domestic newborn and I have a "know-it-all" personality. :)


Here's what I plan to cover:

• Deciding to adopt: suggested reading
• Choosing international vs. domestic adoption
• Choosing an agency
• Writing the "Dear Special People" letter
• Creating a profile
• Talking to friends and family about adoption

To H.S. and others: any other topics you'd like me to cover? Leave a comment and I'll try to address it. I was going to start out tonight with the first topic and write about good books about adoption, but here it is 11:42 PM and I need to post this to make my nablopomo deadline! So, until tomorrow.