I know things are different now, and I haven't adopted personally, so I can't advise you on the nuts and bolts of it these days, but as an adopted a child myself (40 yrs ago) I can tell you that my adoptive parents were the only people I ever considered my parents, and have loved them both my entire life with all my heart. I never had any "issue" with being adopted-it was a technicality that had no real significance. I think it would be an amazing experience, and a tremendous blessing in the lives of all involved.

I have not personally adopted either. However, my sister and her husband just recently adopted a gorgeous little boy. They adopted him right at birth. They named him Christopher. We consider him part of our family 100% without question.
I know from my sister that the adoption process is very taxing on your emotions, but if you can stay strong and have great support it is all worth it in the end. I guess you could say that you kind of forget all the emotions you went through once you lay eyes on your new child.
The thing that was most ironic, was the day the adoption became final was the same day that our brother was killed in Iraq 4 yrs ago. So, you could say that it was a message sent from him telling us that it was time for us to start celebrating this day. He would so do something like this. I believe that a part of our brother lives on in Christopher. My sister and her husband are considering adopting again. Good luck with your decision. Your heart will guide the way.

I have two wonderful adopted children - Meghan age 7 and Jack age 4. Both were adopted domestically as infants - one via a private agency and one via a county department of social services, both here in NC. I'm also an adoption social worker and have practiced for over 25 years. There are many factors to consider when adoption. I'd be happy to help you think about those if you want. As a starting place, I'd recommend that you go and get a good book on adoption. This website has a number of "Intro" to adoption books: http://www.tapestrybooks.com/. Being a parent to these children has been the most rewarding experience of my life. My husband and I are lucky, lucky parents. You can email me if you want more info: brigham@email.unc.edu. Best wishes to you!

thank you all for shareing! I took you advice and have done a bit of reading up on the subject latley and I think I'm leaning more towards foster parenting now! I see that it's a bit different from private adoption via an agency, but was wondering if any of you had any experience with the system? I simply don't think I can afford private adoption..and don't feel that should stop me from careing for a child. Their are plenty of children in the system who are desperatly in need for a family and although I know their could be a lot of psychological issues from abuse etc ...I think I'm strong enough to handle it.

This is a very touchy subject for most people. It is always a good option to adopt. But I’ve heard some terrible stories about kids in foster homes and it just brings me to tears. There’s actually a movie I’ve seen commercials for recently about the American foster care system with Rosie O’Donnell..this is the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGy34G0bQjw

I plan to some day adopt and foster. The ripple affect of the foster care/ adoption system , good or bad, is undeniable. I have heard about this movie. I think it's going to be a good movie. The unknown in the lead role is a good actor. It’s on tomorrow night at 9 I believe. Though I have never been fostered or fostered anyone yet I have been affected personally by the foster care system in America and; its always good to see some one addressing such an important subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPt1ZMr_308

Nice Clip Bam Bam.. What did you think of the movie?? I thouhgt the storyline was great. I wasnt expecting it to be so good.