[.:Shortcake:.]

So a friend of mine that I went to high school with calls me today. Her sister is pregnant and due on December 15th (The same day 2 years ago that my son became an angel). Her boyfriend doesn't have a job and she can't work because she is on bedrest. They have no money and are living in a efficiency apartment right now. They want to give their son up to a family for adoption but do not want to involve lawyers or anything like that. They will sign over legal guardianship and everything. They want an open adoption (letters & pictures and maybe once a year visits). Is this a sign? Same due date as my son became an angel. It's a boy. I'm overwhelmed!

[missy123]

Woah... Is this a real option for you? wow, you could be a mommy in a few weeks, how freakin cool is that? I would jump at the chance. wow!!!!

Oh and boys rock!

I am so excited for you, I hope this works out!!!

[Pitridge]

WOW!!! Are you considering it? How cool that you would be a mom in a couple of weeks. I definitely say it's some sort of sign.

Now, I care a lot about you and don't want to see you hurt, if you are thinking about make sure that everything is in order and the baby is yours. I just have heard one too many bad stories about the parents coming after x months to claim the baby.

[.:Shortcake:.]

Missy... I can't believe it but DH is on board with this!

Patty.. that is the only thing that I'm worried about. I don't want to lose this little one after I've had them for awhile.

[Pitridge]

I know you said that they don't want to get lawyers involved I would consult a lawyer to make sure that they can't come back in 10 months or years later to claim their baby.
I think this is awesome and having dh on board, it's even better, but be careful and do your homework before signing anything.
I'm in tears thinking that you might be a mom in a couple of weeks.

[.:Shortcake:.]

Thanks Patty! Me too! I've been bawling my eyes out all morning. This might be it. I might FINALLY be a mommy.

[asunflower]

That does sounds great . But I agree, make sure all is in order so that things don't go wrong and you lose this one too. Congrats!

[LindseyE117]

I know they might not want to get lawyers involved because they may not be able to afford it, but DO get lawyers involved. My aunt went through a legal adoption and through the courts, and the mom came back later wanting my cousin back after 9 months because she was on her feet and regreted her decision. My aunt won ONLY because it was not signing over custody, but a legal adoption through the courts. Consult a lawyer and do it right. It will hurt more if she changes her mind later and takes the baby away.

On the other side, if everything works out, you deserve it! My 11 month old neice is the only thing getting me through this rough time. Especially since everyone I know is coming up pregnant.

[msshamis23]

I agree. Definitely a sign Katie!!!

I don't have any advice on the legal side of it though--that kinda stuff always goes right over my head.

OMG you could be a mommy in a few weeks!!!!!! *jumps up and down*

[MeganMomof5]

oh wow Katie!!! I Think that's great, but I agree that you should get a lawyer, you don't want anything to happen to cause you to lose the baby!!! I hope it all works out for you, i'm so excited for you!!!

[mom2moose]

I agree with Pitridge. Wishing you the best!! Hope it all works out for you!!

[mlyster]

So excited for you Katie!! You deserve to be a mom!

I agree with the other ladies - make sure you consult a lawyer to do it the right way so you don't get burned in the end. Make sure you spell out all the details of the "openness" of the adoption. I have a friend who adopted a baby 13 years ago and about 2 years ago the birth mother demanded more contact. The issue resolved itself because they had it all detailed.

Keep us posted!!

[ohnicole]

How amazing, Katie!!! I am so hoping that this is your chance to become a Mommy I am so excited for you

What is their reason for not wanting to involve lawyers? If it is financial, maybe you guys could offer to pay for everything. I agree with the other ladies, you absolutely need to protect yourselves, and unfortunately, the only way to do that is with lawyers. My fingers are crossed that this all works out for you!!!

[luvmykids623]

I am so excited for you! I agree with the others. Please consult a lawyer so there's no way they can come and take your precious LO away down the road!

[ashj_1218]

Without the details, I thought it was a sign. You trying to concieve for so long, your friend randomly calling and asking about adoption is enough to convince me this might be your baby. The due date and gender just seal the deal.

I really, really hope this is your baby. And if it is, the others are right, you need a lawyer involved. You need things drawn up properly, just in case. You want to be able to enjoy your LO, not worry about a custody battle down the road or what might happen if they tried to take him back. Chances are that if you talk to the birth mom and she is really wanting to do this, the reasons for not having lawyers would be monetary. And that should be a pretty easy fix (well, I assume).

First order of business would be to talk to the birth mom and iron out some details and then call a lawyer. I so, so hope this is it for you. Those are all very good signs.

[missy123]

... just want you to know I am thinking of you

[BeccaM]

Oh Katie how wonderful!! You could be a Mommy so soon. I agree with the other ladies and talk to the birth mom and also consult a lawyer. Will be thinking of you. KUP!!

[.:Shortcake:.]

Ugh! I have no clue what we are going to do. She doesn't want lawyers involved at all. I talked to her on the phone for 2 hours today and I called an adoption agency... they way she wants to do it I will have legal guardianship but she could at any time take the baby... and there is no way that I could handle that. So unless she changes her mind it's probably not going to happen. DH and I have lost enough children and I couldn't do it again.

[ohnicole]

I'm sorry that she isn't willing to budge on that, Katie, but I think you are smart to protect yourself. Maybe it is a sign that you should adopt, though, even if you keep TTC? Hugs!

[missy123]

I am sorry, I was so hopeful for you Katie. My husband and I were talking about your situation and we both agree that we would not adopt in that situation. Can you imagine her coming back in a year and taking the baby away, Yuck!

We are going to start the adoption process when we move to GA next year. DH is thinking maybe a little brother and sister combo 3-4 years in age would be ideal.