varnavi

Hi Lisa! This is Lisa, mommy of Andrew! We had the same problem, however my husband refused to take $$ from his parents when it was offered. I understand that and I respect it as well. To solve our delima we saved every penny, paid minimums on the credit cards, and stopped going out as much and when we did, we chose to go to places where it would run $20 for dinner as opposed to $40 and up. By the time we were in the position to take placement we were able to cover over 1/2 of the fees. What we did for the remainder was take out a home equity line of credit. The rates for other loans were 7 and up, but this was at 4% and the interest is tax deductible. The other thing to keep in mind is that when you do take placement and then file your taxes you will get 10K back from federal and some states give back as well, but I am not sure which and how much. I know ours (Alabama) does, but again no idea how much. A different route of financial assistance is your employer. There is a list of companies that donate significant funds towards adoption. Maybe yours or your husbands do this! Here is a site that contains a list of companies participating in adoption assistance in one form or another: http://www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org/employers.asp. Good luck with everything and have fun! It can and will be stressful, but the end result is incredible!! Lisa V

Laura, Hello! Welcome to the forum! The price does seem rediculous. We decided to take out a home equity line of credit. The rates are so low and the interest is tax deductable. We looked into other loans, but they were 7 and up which is just rediculous. Another way many people do it is to look to their family. Our families wanted to help out and even cover the entire cost. We had issues with taking money from our families when we were "dincs" for 10 years. We had money in savings for retirement, but did not want to touch that and we had just dropped tons of $$ for fertility so things were not so buffered. One other route is to see if your employer helps out. There is a web site of many companies that do and some even pay up to 10K! I wish I worked for them!!! I have not dealt with the tax deduction yet because we just got little Andrew in October, but I have friends that have and it is 10K. Some states also give deductions. Our state does, but I am not sure how much yet. I will see soon! Just keep all of your receipts is what I have read. The one thing that is for sure is that once you have your little one in your arms you just forget about the $$. It is so worth it. I love it, I love being a Mom, and I ssssoooo love little Andrew! Good luck ! Lisa V

A big congratulations to the newest member of the Croptoberfest Crew to become parents!!! Fast huh!!??!! Enjoy every moment and GET YOUR SLEEP when he sleeps!! Everyone else hang in there and enjoy your time without a little one. It is great to have them, but definitely different. I love it and so will you!!! I can't stand to even put him down. I don't want to miss a facial expression. Well, I need to get back to him. Coohs await! Lisa V

Hi all! Just wanted to check in while the little one was sleeping and we were awake! Andrew James came into our world on October 23rd (one day after his daddy's b-day) at 9: 02 AM wieghing 7lb 1oz and 20 inches long! We were at the hospital and were able to see him just moments after he was born! We were there for the weight, his first bath, and his first bottle! Saturday we got to bring him to our temporary home! Very scary, but very fun! Our birthmother is doing well. We are in contact with her every day! She has been incredibile! Our relationship has grown so much over the past several weeks and we look forward to the future with her. I don't think she will ever know how much she has done, but we will try for the rest of our lives to let her know. A big thanks to Abrazo and especially Pamela! Great job! I hope everyone is doing fine! S&L, now it is your turn! Enjoy every moment! It will all happen so fast. It may not seem that way now, but just wait! Well, I need to get back to being a mommy! Everyone have a great week! Lisa, Jim, and Andrew

Fellow Abrazado! Congratulations!!! A little baby girl!!! We are so excited for you! Enjoy every moment! Smiles, hugs, kisses, and a prayer for everyone including the birthmom and birthfather and their families. You have done something so completely incredible! Sorry we missed you this weekend as well fellow abrazado! Lisa

Christina, Robert, and little baby Samuel, Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!! We are so excited and happy for you!!! He sounds just perfect! What a beautiful name! Enjoy every moment of it! And sleep schmeep, you can always catch up on it. You have a BABY!!!!! Ok, two down and three to go (or did it just turn into 2?)! Fingers crossed for everyone! A big hug, kiss, and a prayer for the birthmom and birthfather. Keep us posted! Lisa

Yeah fellow Abrazado! Congratulations to you all! We will keep you in our prayers! Enjoy every moment! Smiles, Lisa