AT BARGAIN BASEMENT PRICES!

1/9/2009 1:05:06 PM

I've got this mental picture of wolfchica05 reading People magazine and seeing an article about Angelina Jolie adopting kids and then saying "That sounds neat!"

1/9/2009 2:29:32 PM

funny, that's exactly what gave me the idea.

1/9/2009 5:49:41 PM

I didn't read the rest of the thread, but let me know if you find any useful information out. This is also something I have considered when I finish Optometry school in 2012 (I'm in Philly too ) I have heard about the "bonding" issue with adopting an older child, but I don't feel that should deter you. I am thinking an older child just because those seem to be the "unwanted" ones. I have the love and support to provide a child of any age and would like to see as many children in good homes as possible. I know some people may think you are single and young, but so what!? If you are able to provide for and love a child, then there is no reason you shouldn't scope out adoption. Don't let anyone judge you because you could just as easily get pregnant and have a family that way. Instead you are looking into having a non-traditional family that gives a child a loving home and a future they may never have had otherwise. There is certainly nothing wrong with that.

1/9/2009 6:08:44 PM

awesome!! thank you for the kind words.

where in Philly do you live? I live close to City Line (Bala Cynwyd), I go to Saint Joe's.

[Edited on January 9, 2009 at 6:22 PM. Reason : ...]

1/9/2009 6:21:40 PM

My husband and I are probably going to have to adopt any other children that we have. Our first child has had a slew of medical problems that doctors believe are genetic. (We actually go back to meet with a genetic counselor on Monday.)

There are special considerations when adopting: poor prenatal care, fetal alcohol syndrome, maternal drug use, malnutrition, untreated medical problems, abuse, neglect, educational problems, and unknown medical histories. Even if you adopt privately and follow the mother through her pregnancy, you will not get a perfect child and may have a child who faces lifelong challenges.

I think that it is important to be aware of the problems that could arise and be prepared for them. Some people are very naive and should know what could possibly be a harsh reality. Even if you adopt a child that does not come from a background of pre and post-natal neglect, you could adopt a child with hereditary medical problems. My aunt adopted a child who ended up being a severe diabetic and died young from complications. It was later that they found out that the child's mother was a diabetic who also died young.

Just go into it with your eyes open. Real life is not Different Strokes.

One of the first steps to any adoption is a home study.

1/9/2009 7:38:44 PM