I have time, today, to answer all those basic questions you may be wondering. So here's the nitty-gritty wrapup:

TIMING
Doug and I are adopting from Russia. We are taking our time with the paperwork because we do not want to travel until after February 12, 2004. Why so specific, you may ask? I am anal-retentive, but that is also the date of my 3-year anniversary in the school district where I work. After 3 years, I have access to all "special" leaves granted, outside of regular 6-week maternity. This includes semester-by-semester leaves, and better access to part-time work if available. I also can apply for my professional teaching certificate, which I must have by 2006. Besides, then it's just like a pregnancy. We have to wait 9 months from "inception", just like everyone else! :) Except I can still drink alcohol....

HOW OLD? WHAT GENDER?
We have requested an infant "under one year", no preference on gender. Children in Russia must stay on the national registry for adoption for 4 months to make sure there is no living relative who wants to care for it - or it's not a product of a kidnapping or baby-selling. Then they go "international." By the time a referral is received and 2 trips are made, the baby will be about 5-6 months old. It will most likely be a boy - the agency we're using has a high volume of requests for girls. The waiting list is 4-6 months for a girl, 1-2 months for a boy. If you log in "no preference", you're generally likely to receive a boy.

WHY TWO TRIPS TO RUSSIA?
We receive a referral, which is medical information, whatever history is known, and a photograph. We travel the first time to meet the child and confirm that we will accept the child. Then we petition Moscow for a court date. We return 4-8 weeks later for that court date and the official adoption. Typically court dates are scheduled with short lead-in time so we will have to travel quickly, both times. I plan on starting my maternity leave at the time of our second travel date. The first trip is brief, 2-5 days depending on where the orphanage is. The second trip is longer due to all the paperwork between Moscow and the US Embassy, approx. 7-10 days.

WHAT ABOUT DANGERS & HEALTH RISKS TO THE CHILD?
We have discussed with pertinent people the health risks to children born in Russia, and notified the agency what we are willing and not willing to accept.

Common problems are specifically alcohol-related developmental problems, but depending on the location, there can be some radiation/nuclear/biological weaponry types of side effects. The Soviet government wasn't exactly SAFE regarding their tests and factories. Once we receive a referral and photograph, we are allowed to take the medical information and photo to a physician (there's one in Ann Arbor who specializes in adoption cases) and have them look over the case and give their opinion. Also, we don't have to confirm our acceptance of a child until we meet it.

What if there's a twin? Or another sibling?
We have said we would consider taking more than one child if related, depending on age.

What about the culture? Language problems?
We have thought seriously about taking some Russian language classes or getting some "how to speak Russian in 10 minutes" type of programs. I already know how to say "juice" in Russian (from an introductory website). I'm halfway there! :)
I am already interested in the culture and background of Russia, and have done some research regarding customs and traditions. We plan on making sure our child knows his heritage. Doug is 100% Dutch... I'm German, Irish, and Native American... we'll have a Russian child.... and by the way, we're considering joining a Scottish clan that my grandfather descends from. :)

WHAT ABOUT A NAME?
We will wait until we receive a referral. Children are already given a name when placed in an orphanage. Our nephew, for example, had the Kazakh name of "Alibek." Jeff and Kathy decided to keep it, and call him "Alek" for short. Depending on the name and if it can be adapted, we will keep it or place it as a middle name. Alek had apparently a rather long, unpronouncable in English middle name. So J&K changed it.

HOW CAN YOU HAVE SHOWERS, OR DECORATE?
Are you kidding? We've been talking about how to decorate the nursery since we decided to adopt! We know the child will be about 6 months old, give or take a month. Besides, there's much more that we need than baby clothes. We have, to date, stacking cups and a push-popper for when my nephew visits... and a fixed rocking chair. And a couple of Dr. Seuss books that are actually mine. That's it!