I didn't use a lawyer, though I did consult with one. It's actually a pretty long story, but it ended this way:
I went through Lutheran Social Services in Worcester. I went through profiles there and the one I liked best was a couple, Deborah and Joe, whose profile was supposed to have been placed with the Connecticut branch. They phoned them for a meeting (she cried upon getting the call!) and we met a week later. I knew upon meeting them that this was "right". We decided on names together; I chose Vega from my love of astronomy, and they chose Marie from the Virgin Mary. (Her brothers are John and Luke.) I don't know what their fee was for an adopting couple, but since I was employed full-time, I used my own health insurance as not to raise their expenses. I continued working and stayed with a friend when I was almost due. I worked until the day I gave birth, and even drove myself to the hospital from work! The hospital, UMass Memorial, was aware of the circumstances as I had a birth plan typed up and signed by my doctor and myself, so Debbie and Joe were called and they drove from Connecticut. They made it just in time for the birth of their daughter, Marie Vega. Debbie was the first person to hold her (as stated in my birth plan) but then handed her to me because she wanted
me to be the first to hold her. I had the option to leave the waternity ward, but stayed, though everyone thought it would be hard, and it was, but I loved being around Marie. They came to visit me a week after I was released from the hospital and I have about three rolls from that visit! They also visited me when she was six months old. Since then I have moved back to Georgia but I still get pictures, phone calls, and videos. She's so smart and they want her to play the violin ("like her birthmother" lol) or the piano. She goes to baby gymnastics and loves her baby brothers, John and Luke, who Debbie and Joe had naturally. (Common in adoptions) Still waiting to hear the status of the new arrival so I'll post that when I do, just to share. Debbie and Joe are also pro-life, by the way, and have taken Marie to high schools to talk about this whole experience. From what I hear, they've changed some peoples minds on abortions
After the adoption they helped me with one month's rent since I was out of work a couple weeks (had hamorraged giving birth and had to be readmitted for a blood transfusion), but that's it. I made no money and didn't want to. I knew in my heart this was going to be her family and still do. The only regret I have is not being in a more stable relationship to be able to care for her myself.
I was looking forward to more pictures! 
