[Baby Step: Start-Up Advice for Newbies]

Just another note of reassurance ... I don't think tears would freak anyone out, be it birthparents or other adoptive parents, as much as being around someone who doesn't show any emotion over the whole adoption process.  It IS an emotional situation for everyone involved, and I personally think tears and hugs and smiles bring everyone closer together.  Keep us posted on your adoption journey!

[Age of adoptive parents]

We had the same concerns, particularly after several other domestic agencies (NOT Abrazo) wouldn't even look at us because of our age.  My husband is 49; I am 42.  We first started our adoption journey with Abrazo four years ago, so we still would have been considered "mature" by many birthparents.  However, we have not found it to be a hindrance for us -- in fact, our daughters' birthparents have told us that one of the things that attracted them to us was how long we have been married ... which ties directly into our age!  I think that as long as you are "young at heart" and active in your lifestyle, that is what really matters ... or so it seems to have been in our case.  I would encourage you NOT to let anyone (or any agency) psyche you out when it comes to age -- it really is a state of mind (and yes, physical stamina too!), but some agencies just don't get that yet!  Hopefully, some of the birthparents who post here also will respond to your inquiry so you can hear things from their perspective.  But, just to put in a plug in for our favorite agency ... I believe you will find Abrazo is VERY open to welcoming adoptive couples in their fabulous forties!  Keep us posted on your adoption adventures ...

[Baby Step: Start-Up Advice for Newbies]

Hopefully others will answer your questions as well, but I'll give you my take as an Abrazo adoptive mom.  Our orientation weekend started on Friday night with a "get-to-know-each-other" session -- it gives you a chance to meet the Abrazo staff in person as well as the other members (adoptive couples or singles) of your orientation group.  It's an informal  but emotional time as each of you share your experiences that led you to making the adoption decision.  Then, most of Saturday is spent with Abrazo staff educating you about the in's and out's of the adoption process -- what "openness" is all about, the legalities of adoption, how to write/prepare your birthparent letter/profile, etc.  All in all, the orientation weekend is a wonderful experience -- not something to dread.  You talk some, but really you listen more, and you have a great opportunity to ask all the questions you want -- plus, you get to develop some close relationships with other prospective adoptive parents who are feeling and going through some of the same emotions you are.  Abrazo does a good job preparing you for the adoptive process ... and each adoption is different, so it would be hard to say what to expect after orientation -- usually, birthparents select you from your birthparent profile, but sometimes the agency is placed in the position of having to match adoptive families and children who need a home.  And, depending on how prepared you are (i.e., with current homestudy, birthparent profile finished, etc.) and how "open" you are to adopting children based on age, sex, race, etc., you very well might find yourself being a new parent within 12 months of orientation!  If you really want the "scoop" from the horse's mouth, I encourage you to call the Abrazo staff and ask them any questions you might have as well -- they're really easy to talk with and would welcome hearing from you!  Wishing you the best ...

[Got any experience with this?]

We are friends with a couple who recently found out that her eggs are not viable.  They are weighing the pros and cons of using an egg donor ... but adoption is also an option for them (and we think they'd be GREAT Abrazo adoptive parents!).  Anybody out there have any experience with egg donation (prior to making the decision to adopt) that you'd be willing to share?  Any feedback -- good or bad -- would be welcome.