There IS one big difference that I was never told about during the adoption process. After you give birth to a baby, it takes barely any time at all for them to recognize you as their mom. After a few days, they look at you and you can see total trust and love in their eyes, which is amazing. Our adopted daughter didn't spend 9 months in my womb, and it took longer for her to prefer me to other people. This wasn't a negative though, because when she DID finally look at me that way, and I knew she understood that I was her mom, I EARNED it. I can't think of a more humbling feeling than knowing that you have earned the trust and adoration of an innocent little human. I hope my experience will encourage anyone considering adoption. It is different, but no less beautiful. I wouldn't change a single thing about how our family became a family.
Bailey