Donna...

How old was I when I had my children? Well, my oldest is adopted (I was 21), then I had three subsequent children when I was 24,26, and 27. But I know about older parenting, too. My mom was almost 40 when I was born, and her sister was 44 when she gave birth to twins! How old is too old to start a family? Well, we are raising a grandchild - she just turned 14, my husband is 62, and I'm 57. Good grief...I've been raising kids for the last 35 years!

As for adoption vs biological, it's a non-issue. I knew on the way home from the agency that this was MY baby. My other kids used to say I loved Tommy best because he was adopted. Not true, but I did love him first.

You are right about it being hard work, but the payoff is priceless, IF you are longing to parent a child. Not everyone is born to be a mom - especially at 44 - and if you have doubts about jumping into this, I can certainly understand. On the other hand, if your arms are aching to hold that little baby, then I say don't let age deter you.

Now for the down side. Your life will never be the same. Next year's vacation will not be romantic (but Christmas will be magical). Your house will never be the same. Before he is potty trained, your carpet will be pretty much trashed, as will the interior of your car.

You will be spending your Social Security check on braces and senior prom, but so what? He will force you to keep in touch with a generation that you might otherwise never learn to appreciate.

But at the end of the day, the whole thing comes down to just one question...how badly do you want to be this child's mother? It the answer is more than anything, then go for it.

__________________
Carlene
Banded 11/29/04
-97 pounds