Adoption Questions: Part 2

Why Russia?
It is on our hearts. It simply feels right. Honestly, we hadn't really given it too much consideration at first. We originally thought about places like Ethiopia and Taiwan, but when we started to entertain the idea of Russia it seemed like an "aha" moment for both of us. We're excited to learn more about Russian culture, history, geography, and language in these upcoming months. And, we're really excited to visit the country (both in the next year AND when our kid is older).

Why a boy?
We're flexible on the gender of this baby. We'd be thrilled either way. From what I understand, however, being flexible on this point basically means we're signing up for a boy. Girls are in higher demand, and boys are more readily available. So bring on the "frogs and snails and puppy dog tails." If, however, the Lord found it right to match us with a girl somewhere in this process, we'd be on board. I'm sure it would be only one of several curve balls we have headed our way.

How old will he be?
By the time we bring him home, he'll most likely be in the 12-15 month range. Russia prefers that Russian babies be adopted within the country, and so they're not even available to be adopted internationally until they're about 9 months. And by the time the paperwork, etc. is completed, you're looking at a baby that is at least 12 months old.

Will he be healthy?
"Healthy" is a bit of a relative term when you're talking international adoptions. We're not planning on adopting a "special needs" baby, but based on the fact that he'll have spent a year in an orphanage he'll most likely have some developmental delays. He'll also need to learn for the first time what having parents actually means, since that experience will be completely new to him. We're starting to read up on how we can help him form healthy attachments with us.

What will you name him?
No clue! Any ideas?