Adopting a child

[Jwall]

I know this is extremely odd to post on a hunting forum but I was wondering if any of you have adopted a child and how that experience was for you? My wife and I are going through the beginning stages of it and just finished a home study. So far it has been pretty stressful. Not trying to bring uncomfortable topics to the table but just trying to find other men's perspectives as I work through it myself.

[Bowguy]

Hey brother I've never done it but as a dad children are the best part of our life. I commend you for what you're doing. I hope others offer help n some answers.
Ask God for help too

[Jwall]

Hey brother I've never done it but as a dad children are the best part of our life. I commend you for what you're doing. I hope others offer help n some answers.
Ask God for help too

I appreciate it. God and I have been talking about it for about 2 years now and he gave me his answer so I am trying to follow up on my part.

[Greg Massey]

Hey brother I've never done it but as a dad children are the best part of our life. I commend you for what you're doing. I hope others offer help n some answers.
Ask God for help too

x2, great what you are doing...

[dejake]

You are a blessed man.  I have a friend that's going through the process.  My advice is to set no expectations, and have patience.  Everything in His time, not yours.

[Tail Feathers]

My youngest is adopted.  She's in college now.
We took a big leap of faith and it's been a true blessing.
The process wasn't easy, but I guess childbirth the old fashioned way isn't a cakewalk either.
She is my child by God's will, regardless of DNA she carries.

[Happy]

Didn't adopt in the strictest sense however my wife had two children from a previous marriage. They were very young when we started dating. I love those kids like my own. I refer to them as my kids and they call me dad. I didn't have children before I met them and they have changed my life for the better. I never had a father and I have always wanted a chance to make life better for my children. The biggest thing I have learned about raising children is giving them a stable environment. Children feed of off what is going on around them. They need to see you and your wife having a strong and loving relationship as well as feel loved and appreciated themselves. Not everything will always be perfect and mistakes will be made on all sides. But if they know that they have a stable base so to speak  then you have given them the best start they could have. It can seem a little overwhelming at first but you will be fine. The fact that you have worried about it shows that you want to do it right. Love them, teach them right from wrong and keep the communication doors open. Pray for guidance and the ability to understand. I think a certain kid is going to be very lucky.

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[Jwall]

Gentleman, I sure do appreciate the kind words of advice. Like Happy, I didn't have a father growing up so I guess that's what worries me the most. Not knowing really what to do or how to be. My rule of thumb has always been be the man I wanted in my life and my mom to have. So far it has served me decently. I really appreciate your encouragement.

[Muzzy61]

I commend you for your decision.
I too didn't have a father growing up. When I got married my wife came with a beautiful little girl.
I had no idea what I was doing as father, and I'm sure I made plenty of mistakes. I just loved her unconditionally and put her and my wife first as I would if she was my flesh and blood.
Today, twenty years later I'm proud to say I have a beautiful, strong, loving young women that calls me daddy, and as an extra bonus gave us our first grand baby a couple of years ago.
Have patience and ask God for his help and you will be fine.
Good luck and God Bless.

[KentuckyHeadhunter]

The most stressful part is for the adopted child.  Once he or she finds out that you are one of those insane turkey hunters......

[Jwall]

The most stressful part is for the adopted child.  Once he or she finds out that you are one of those insane turkey hunters......

True that. I have read in Tom Kelly and Kenny Morgan's books where they got to take their kids out hunting and teaching them that kind of stuff and man do I look forward to that. In the adoption book we present to birth parents I insisted that pictures of me and my cousin with our tukeys are present. Just so the birth mom knows what the child is about to be getting into 

[Gamblinman]

Yes..my departed wife and I attempted to adopt her worthless sister's child. We finally said to hell with it after being put through a meat grinder of custody hearings, psychological testing, income verification, etc., etc., yet they allowed the child to once again return to the mother after her release from jail or prison. Three time loser. The child is God knows where now.

Good luck.

[GlockGirl]

I have never adopted a child but I have friends who have and I am friends with a couple who is also in the process. I know it is a roller coaster emotional ride. My daughter is the the most important thing in my life. I am sure your child to be will be too. God Bless your journey as you go through the process

[Tail Feathers]

Glockgirl is right, it can be a real emotional roller coaster.  Sometimes it happens real fast, usually not.  We were in the book for almost two years and met two birth mothers, neither panned out.  That is hard.  Then we got the call and it happened in a few days.  That is elation.   That was almost 19 years ago and I remember it vividly.
Are you going through an adoption agency?  We used one supported by the Catholic church (not Catholics ourselves, but we liked the worker and their philosophy).  I have one the old fashioned way, a niece we took in when she was 8 and adopted one.  It doesn't change how you love them or matter much HOW they come into you life, it matters that they do.
Good luck on your journey to fatherhood. 

[Jwall]

Glockgirl is right, it can be a real emotional roller coaster.  Sometimes it happens real fast, usually not.  We were in the book for almost two years and met two birth mothers, neither panned out.  That is hard.  Then we got the call and it happened in a few days.  That is elation.   That was almost 19 years ago and I remember it vividly.
Are you going through an adoption agency?  We used one supported by the Catholic church (not Catholics ourselves, but we liked the worker and their philosophy).  I have one the old fashioned way, a niece we took in when she was 8 and adopted one.  It doesn't change how you love them or matter much HOW they come into you life, it matters that they do.
Good luck on your journey to fatherhood.

Tail Feathers we are going through adoption assistance based out of Kentucky but we are in TN. They will link us up with different agencies though if we see a situation we are interested in even though that sounds bad. Did you all do any fundraising or anything like that? We have been talking about selling t-shirts to help with the cost. Whats your thoughts?