Ukraine Petition Age Range

Louie · 04-15-2004, 03:12 PM

Sorry I haven't been around much these days. I've been totally emersed with adoption stuff and haven't had much time to check in. Glad to see all the good news out there!

McKen and DNA, and others adopting from Ukraine. I have a question for you. I am in process of doing the Ukraine adoption independently (as you may remember) and doing the "petition to adopt" letter in which we have to state what age range we are seeking. We are really hoping to adopt a child of 14 months to 2 years old. But most people seem to be saying you should broaden the request to 1-4 or something like that. But I am afraid that if I tell them we are open to a 3 or 4 year old then we will not be shown any 1-2 year olds. Do you know what range was specified in your petition? Thanks so much! (And congratulations dna on your home study!)

Sari · 04-15-2004, 03:17 PM

Is it possible to say, "prefer age 14 months - 2 years, but will consider ages 1-4" (or whatever age range)?

lots_of_dots · 04-15-2004, 03:17 PM

((((big hugs Louie))))

I've missed you!! I can't answer your question but I wanted to say hello. I've been wondering what you've been up to. I'm happy to hear about the adoption. I hope everything goes smoothly for you!!

Love and hugs,

Louie · 04-15-2004, 03:32 PM

Hi Stephanie! THanks for the big hello. I've missed all of you too! I used to live on this site, but I think the pain of my 3 m/c's combined with the overwhelming work of independent adoption kept me away. I still find it very hard to visit the other boards (besides the adoption board) because I can't even think about pr or m/c without having a lot of sadness these days. But adopting is another story. I am SO happy and excited that we are doing this! How are you doing these days? Hope all is going well.

dna · 04-15-2004, 03:41 PM

Louie !! {{ hugs }} its a rotten time of year for me as well ..

We are here for you though you know this !

We said on ours "14-18 months" at time of referral becuz we have to be very specific with our government and Aerik was just 15 months when we were given his referral (hot off the registry)...
There are alot of younger kids being adopted out of Ukraine despite what people are saying, longer wait times of course for girls becuz they are most sought after...that I think is true...

Aaahhh Ukraine

yesterday I was in Old Navy and a lady in there smelt like Ukraine .. I followed her all around the store .. I think she thought I was NUTS ! LOL

I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear updates on how things are going ! Check back in soon okay ?

{{ hugs }}
Amy

Thanks ! We are not getting our hopes up for CAS but this time next year we will be updating our international homestudy in preperation for China

yay !

lots_of_dots · 04-15-2004, 04:00 PM

Louie ~ Things are okay on my end. My dh and I were looking into adoption when I started going to my new dr. We've kind of put the adoption on the back burner since we are starting to let our guards down and trust this dr. I've rec'd some pretty terrible medical care up until now but this dr really seems to know his stuff and to care (which I feel is very important).

I hope your adoption road is a short one without many bumps. I can't wait to hear about your child!!

Louie · 04-15-2004, 05:14 PM

good news Stephanie, the doc can make such a difference! Hang in there, hopefully good things are in store.

Dna, wow, so you really said 14-18 months on your petition? That's good to know. I guess I should pretty much say what I really want, then. It worked for you!!

I think I will say 14-20 months and hope to get a baby right off the registry like you. Thanks for your help and I am keeping fingers crossed that China goes well. How exciting!

Lisa67 · 04-15-2004, 05:47 PM

Yay Louie! Good to see you online! I hope all goes well with your homestudy. Good luck in all of it--keep us posted, please, on your progress.

Lisa

MicKen · 04-16-2004, 12:45 AM

Louie,

We also wanted a younger child (under age 5). Our homestudy said we were approved for a child between one and 5 years old.

I would rather be on the safe side and be approved for older children as well. I don't know about you, but I wanted a child SO badly. I would have taken an 8 year old if they had no children under 5.

As it was, we were blessed with a gorgeous 15 month old son. But, keep in mind, it all depends on who is able to be adopted at the time you arrive.

Keep us up to date!!! :-)

Louie · 04-16-2004, 06:10 PM

Hi Lisa!

Hope all is well.

MicKen, so if I say "between 1-2 years old" on the petition, does that mean we would not be approved for a child any older than that? Hmmm if that is the case, I would definitely put down 1-3 at least to be sure. Maybe I should do that to be safe and then ask in person for 1-2 when I get to the NAC. Thanks a bunch and hope your little one is doing great!

DanaJ · 04-18-2004, 09:28 PM

I have never heard of adopting independtly internationally. I would love to get more information about the process. Is there any place that you would suggest on where to go?

MicKen · 04-18-2004, 10:20 PM

Louie, I would definitely put an older age. If 3 is as high as you would go, put that down.

You may meet and fall in love with a child not as young as you had in mind.

While in Ukraine, we met a woman who was adopting a 7 year old GORGEOUS boy. SO sweet. I would have taken him home in a heartbeat if that had been the child referred to us.

Best of wishes to you, keep me updated!

Louie · 04-20-2004, 03:45 AM

Dana, For info on independent ukrainian adoption try starting with www.ukrainianangels.org and www.adoptukraine.com and the yahoo adoption forums. It's a ton of work but somewhat enjoyable and saves a lot of money as well as helps you to feel more in control. I have to say, if I had money to spare, I'd have used an agency rather than deal with the stress of doing it myself. But since we don't, this is a very good way of making it possible and comfortable for us.

Michelle, I can totally imagine that - seeing an older child and wanting to adopt him/her! I am going to have to have willpower not to want to adopt them all. he he.