Once you have started the adoption process you will probably be filled with different emotions: excitement, fears, and hopes for the future. You're not alone. The most important thing is to maintain a positive mental attitude.

There are some things you can do while you wait, such as:

• Select a name for the child using our baby name locator
• Plan where the baby room will be;
• Pay attention to yourself and your spouse;
• Keep a journal of your own feelings, and thoughts of your adoption journey;
• Read adoption and parenting books that can be found in our online shop;
• Meet and talk to other adoptive parents on the Adoption.com forums;
• Take an exercise class or take up a favorite hobby again;
• Read parenting books and magazines;
• Reduce stress levels!

If you're hoping to adopt domestically, you can take proactive steps to help reduce the waiting time, like:

• creating an online profile;
• looking through online photolistings;
• doing your own networking;

If you're adopting internationally,

• learn about your child's country
• explore the meanings of names
• check out your travel options

1. Getting Started with Adoption
2. How Many People Choose Adoption?
3. Is Adoption Right for You?
4. Adoption Self-Assessment Quiz
5. Which Children Are Available for Adoption?
6. Sibling Groups
7. Who Can Adopt?
8. Qualification Requirements for Adopting Parents
9. Your Adoption Options
10. Agency Adoption
11. Private (or Independent) Adoption
12. Options in Independent Adoption
13. Adoption Facilitators
14. International Adoption
15. Foster Adoption
16. Stepparent Adoption
17. Transracial Adoption
18. Special Needs Adoption
19. Military Adoption
20. Making an Adoption Plan
21. Selecting an Adoption Professional
22. Getting an Adoption Homestudy
23. Adoption Costs
24. Why Do Costs Seem So High?
25. Help Handling the Costs of Adoption
26. The Adoption Tax Credit
27. Adoption Subsidies
28. Employer Adoption Benefits
29. Networking & Networking Tools
30. Legal Issues in Adoption
31. Evaluating Adoption Risks
32. Open Adoption
33. Breastfeeding the Adopted Child
34. Coping With the Wait
35. Glossary of Terms
36. Recommended Reading
37. Conclusion