Adoption By a Boyfriend Without Marrying

[Dogmatique]

Every time my husband sees a baby or toddler, he comments, "They're cute at that age. But then they become teenagers and your life becomes a living hell."

To which I respond, "Yes, and by then the warranty has run out."

And I doubt any of us kept the receipts anyway

[jurasi]

Warranty?!?! Nobody told me about a warranty! How much? and where can I buy it?!?! lol

Are you trying to put me through a mid-life crisis at the age of 24 LawResearcherMissy?! lol. I hear ya though, that's why me and mom take plenty of pictures now, so when she comes walking through the door at 13 yrs. old, blaring the ipod, and ignoring me while she texts on the phone and tracks mud through the living room and up the stairs into her room, as she slams the door shut because she's angry that we grounded her for skipping class.....we'll have them too look at and remember how small and adorable she was, in a time where her biggest disappointment was her pacifier falling and the only talk-back was cooing. lol I'm sure it will be a learning experience.

[aardvarc]

And in the really big picture Justin, honestly, children "get it" about who loves and cares for them. Legal status is only important to adults. If her father loves her...great, then she'll have TWO men to give her love, support, advice, and guidance in life - something way too many kids don't have from even ONE father figure. If dad is a total loser and is pursuing visitation just to annoy the crap out of mom, kids pick up on that dynamic too, and their emotional bonds follow accordingly.