I have a really hard time judging people who adopt two children close together, because we started Belane's adoption just three months after our son Benjamin came home from Ethiopia.

Belane came home six months later, so we added two kids in nine months. I would not change a thing.

Both kids are happy and doing wonderful with bonding and attachment, and for us, it was the right thing for Ben, Belane and our family.

When we got the call from a social worker about our two older daughters, we had adopted Marcus as a newborn only four months earlier. But we knew the girls were ours, so we brought them home. I would not change a thing. All three kids have done wonderfully, and I have no doubts that all three belong here.

There are plenty of people who tremble at the speed at which my family has grown, and yet Josh and I have done what we have known to be right for our family. It is difficult to have your intentions/abilities/mental health :) questioned when you are doing what you know in your heart to be right.

I know many other families (especially Ethiopia adoptive families) who have successfully adopted two (or more) unrelated kids in a short amount of time, whose families are thriving.

I agree that I hope ALL adoptive parents are putting the time and energy into bonding and attachment and that each and every child that is adopted has dedicated and loving parents.

I have no clue what type of mom Angelina is... she could be a better mom than you and I, or she could be a horrible mom. Since I don't know her, I offer her the same respect I do any other adoptive parent that I don't really know, and assume that her intentions and abilities are good.

I completely agree that deciding to do adoptions close together is not a decision to be made lightly and certainly won't be right for every (many) adoptive families, but I also know from personal experience, that sometimes it is the right thing.

This is in no way a defense of Angelina, because again, I don't know her in anyway, but it is a defense of adoptive parents who choose to adopt children close together. Sometimes it is just meant to be that way.

This story comes from one source, the British tabloid, The Sun. The Sun is best known for their "page three girls" ... basically boobs on parade with a different girl flashing her jugs every day.

Of course, that rag loves it when whatever they spew is picked up and widely discussed, but this doesn't mean anything they print is right, true or fair. They make things up to sell papers, and plopping a celeb name gets them action.

On the bigger issue, however, AJ is at the age where building family often happens however the kids come. I have no problem with her adopting as many kids as feels right for her family. If I was 32 and rich, I'd have plenty more!

Just a couple of facts about Czech Republic adoption.

Until we implemented the Hague it is a mote point. Czech won't approve any adoption to any country that isn't using the Hague Treat on International Adoption.

While this will happen soon for Americans. It won't be next week.

It can (mostly does) take 2 or 3 years to complete an adoption from start to finish.

So if Angelina is starting an adopting via this country... It is going to be a while before it is completed.

I actually read the story here: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/Brad_and_Angelina_to_adopt_a_fourth_child_article_122734.html
I have no idea if that source is more reputable than the Sun, but I didn't see any flashing you-know-whats, anyway! :)

Thanks everyone for your comments! You each added something good and thought-provoking, and I appreciate it. And Erin, your family is an awesome example of close adoptions working out well. I hope it works as well for Angelina!

Mary

Awhile back there was a rumor that she was going to adopt from Chad. That one actually made more sense than the Czech Republic because she has said that she wants her kids to have others in the family that share a physical resemblance. Personally, I am not going to buy into any of the Angelina adoption rumors until they actually bring one home. I do agree with and understand the difficulties in adopting children so close together, but I also admire Angelina and what she is doing in the world. Unfortunately, I think there will continue to be these rumors and the country will always change.
christi

Marie-Claire just neglected attribution. It's the same story, almost verbatim.

I feel vaguely covetous of her for various reason, one in which I cannot post here.
Hopefully she has done her homework and will concentrate on strengthening the bonds with the children she has now before adopting another, but it could take some time.
Maybe her agencies gave her a list of useful books like The Toddler's Craft which I need to check out of the library again.

it's pretty funny, but here's what I heard...

AJ said her and Brad are having to work out "mommy-daddy time" along with being parents so, I think adopting another child really isn't in their immediate family plan.

but that's just what I heard. :)

How, exactly, is this woman's adoption plans any of your business?
That's between her and her family.

I also winced a bit at the speed with which AJ's family is growing (if this latest rumor proves to be true). Having adopted 2 preschoolers at the same time, I know from personal experience how long it can take for things in the family to settle down. And we didn't even have any major attachment problems. It just seems that rushing into another adoption could create feelings of instability within a recently adopted child.

But, since the US has not yet ratified the Hague, US citizens who reside in the US are not encouraged to pursue a Czech adoption. That makes me think that if, indeed, AJ is considering an adoption from the Czech Republic, it will be a long time coming, and hopefully, there will be strong bonds between Pax and his new family by the time it is complete.

Yes, Jenni, that's where I'm coming from too. I know how hard it can be. I DID have a child with some attachment issues for awhile, and it takes major work to resolve. I do think some people underestimate the challenge that attachment can be.

I guess that was more the point of my post than anything....not just for AJ, but for any adoptive parent considering expanding their family. (Must be the big sister in me coming out! But I guess if you don't want my advice, you don't have to read my blog! smile)

Thanks for commenting, everyone!

Mary