Don't worry, you're not the only breeder-in-training here. We were actually just talking about it the other night and set a target date of firstborn by 2010 (because I really think I should have my first by the time I'm 33 - getting old and all that). But first, I need some hardware on the hand, you know?

To those who want kids but haven't, for whatever reason, been able to come by them in the traditional manner, there is always adoption. Not just the tedious, expensive, American kind, but international adoption too.

(slightly off-topic alert)

I've been following the blog of a lady in the valley who adopted two boys from Russia just over a year ago, and it's been really eye-opening. Of course adopting from America is great too, but something about taking kids out of desperately awful conditions in other countries and giving them a shot at being in the lucky 3% of the world population fortunate enough to live in this country... it just makes adopting a kid that much more appealing. Given my choice, I'd like to have two and adopt one, probably from abroad. Unfortunately my mate of choice isn't so hip on the whole adoption thing, so I probably won't get to, but I think it's really great.

Anyway, that blog is: http://kaufmanfamily2.spaces.live.com/
If you go back to the first posts, they go through the whole adoption process, trip to Russia, etc.

If you want to get PG, the hardware should be somewhere else besides your hand.

Also, you can avoid the expensive portion of adopting an American kid by working with Social Services. If you live in Orange County (CA), you are fortunate enough to be in the area of one of the best Social Services agencies in the country. This is where we know that we will go once we get things in gear. Yes, we know that we are probably getting into a special needs situation, but this is okay with us.

Just gotta say - a lot of people keep saying "you'll be a great parent" both here and in mojos, as if Alex and NM are somehow saying the opposite and I need to be reminded of it. Huh? I know that those that say that they don't want to be parents are not dissing me. They just don't want to be parents. I'm totally cool with that.

I also know perfectly well that I'm going to be an amazing parent. :)

I'm going to be totally creeped out the first time I participate in a diaper rash discussion on this board... haha.

Heheh... we're getting old...

Hmmmmmm, that may be time for another board split. ;)

I don't think anyone on this board is old enough to be wearing a diaper.

Kevy, I did my business at the doctor's office to prove my vasectomy had taken. No sweat. (But, for one of the finest institutions in the country, UCSF sure has crappy porn.)

If you're looking at an older child from a foreign country, you're at risk for a child with attachment problems due to the whole orphanage thing. On the other hand, I recently heard about a woman with two older kids who adopted a one-year-old girl from China. The adoption is not yet final, and she wants to return her. Doesn't like her. Says she has conniving eyes.

I didn't think either Alex or NM were saying that, and my comment was purely spontaneous. If it makes you feel better, I'll take it back.

(I still think you'll be great parents, though).

Are you sure you are aware of everyone's proclivities? :evil: