Tuesday, January 15, 2008

How we realized we wanted to adopt...


Most of you know, we have one 4 year old daughter, Kiara. We had no problems conceiving her, it probably happened on the first try! So, when we finally decided to start trying to have our second child, we were shocked that we weren't being successful. I went to a doctor to get my hormones in check and learned the Creighton Method of tracking your cycle. I can't vouch for it working to get you pregnant, but if you want to use it to make sure you don't get pregnant, I know it works! Ryan also got checked out and we were both for the most part healthy. So, I guess what we were/are experiencing is secondary infertility. Knowing I didn't want to go through any extensive medical procedures to get pregnant, knowing how many children were already out there who needed a home, wanting to add a sibling to the family for Kiara sooner rather than later, not really enjoying being pregnant, and sick of going through the cycle every month of thinking you might be pregnant to only be disappointed we decided to start researching adoption. Or, rather, we decided I would research adoption and fill Ryan in!

At this point, we thought we would do a domestic adoption. But, after doing lots of research and talking with our SW, realized that we were more fit for international adoption. I didn't enjoy Kiara's newborn phase, so ideally we would get a baby that was at least 6 months old and this is nearly impossible for a domestic adoption. So, now the question was, which country should we adopt from?

After considering every country on the U.S. Department of State's website, http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_369.html, (Yes, there are probably at least 100 countries listed, I am definitely a Type A personality!) we finally narrowed down our search to Uzbekistan. And really, if it wasn't going to work with Uzbekistan, I wasn't sure what we were going to do. We picked Uzbek because it had one short trip to the country, it was suppose to be a relatively quick process, and we could get a child under 2. Also, it just felt like this is where God wanted us to go to find our next daughter. We also decided to ask for a girl 18 months or younger, hopefully not older than 2 by the time we brought her home. So, now the question was, which agency would we use?

Honestly, I can't remember how I even got interested in Uzbek, but I think I came across it when I was researching Kazakhstan adoptions. One website that was very useful in starting to research specific countries was: http://myadoptionlinks.com/. Also, joining different Yahoo groups for specific countries was the best information out there. My Uzbekistan Yahoo groups have proved to be the best source of support through this bumpy journey. Thanks ladies, you are the best!!! Somehow I came across the agency About A Child. I started to research it and couldn't find one person that could say a bad thing about the agency or its director. There were other agencies that I was researching that were getting mixed reviews. I felt that AAC was the most open and up front with me than any other agency. My gut feeling was to use AAC and I would be in good hands. Even though this process hasn't gone like it was suppose to, I still feel like I am in the best hands with AAC. I found out on March 19, 2007 that AAC would take us into their Uzbek program and I was elated. I felt like I had just found out that I was pregnant, and didn't have to gain all the weight!

So, that is how we decided on adoption and to adopt from the country of Uzbekistan. I will leave that with you today and tell you more about our journey later...

6 comments:

Ute said...

Nichole, you did what every good adoptive parent should do, you did your homework and research and decided for the agency that suited you best. This is half the adoption.

I know, this second part is not easier, probably harder, but give it some time. It seems , there is a bit movement in the country and I really believe, there was a reason behind your deciscion to go with Uzbekistan, because you felt with your heart, that there is your child.

Dani said...

SUte is right, you do your homework and research and decide what is best for your family, that's all one can do. Then, like others have said you hang on for dear life and let the process begin. It's quite a rollercoaster ride. I think you started your journey the same time we did. So you're in good company. And you have your ACC friends to support you when you need it :)

Jennifer said...

Your daughter is so cute, Nichole! I hope you get some good news really soon!

Nichole said...

Thanks guys! I love you all!

mel@livvyloowho said...

She is too adorable. Hopefully you get good news soon.

AhsMom said...

I know exactly what you mean about the researching. (and i will check out the link) I am busy researching right now. My husband and I are considering adopting and Uzbekistan is one of the countries we are thinking about. I have joined some yahoo groups and doing all the research I can. Part of my research is searching for blogs. I am glad I found yours!