Karin McDonald and her partner, Brendan Scott, were one of the few lucky couples who were able to adopt a child in the ACT last year.
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Only five Canberra couples received children in 2012-13, and just three of those were from overseas.
Overall, it was the ACT's lowest year for adoptions on record.
Ms McDonald waited 5½ years for her child, and she said although it was difficult, it was worth it.
''He's fantastic. He makes us laugh every day … He is a total character. He keeps us on our toes,'' she said, laughing.
Ms McDonald went to her first information session on adopting a child from the Philippines in 2007. After that, she was on the waiting list for more than five years.
Finally, in September 2012, the couple were told they had been allocated an 18-month-old boy. They brought him to Australia early in 2013.
Ms McDonald was a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, representing the electorate of Brindabella between 2001 and 2008. She retired at the 2008 election because she wanted to adopt a child.
''We both always wanted to have kids. From the first date we had discussions on raising kids. It was never a question in our minds that we wouldn't be parents,'' she said.
Long waits for international adoptions have become common in Australia, with some couples waiting more than six years.
In December 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that he would look into reforms to make international adoption quicker and more accessible.
But Ms McDonald said that while the process in Australia could be streamlined, most of the delays occurred at the other end.
''The biggest part of the wait for us was the allocation from an overseas country that Australia has no control over,'' she said.
''So there might be some things that reduce the wait - there are changes that need to be made - but there needs to be recognition that there is a certain amount that is out of the control of people here in Australia.''
As the adoption has not been finalised, Ms McDonald's son cannot be named or have his face shown.
Ms McDonald said although the adoption has been a significant life change, she is very happy to have her new son.
''Going from being a double-income, no-kids couple, where we could just step out the door and not have to worry about water bottles and nappies, sun hats, sunscreen and a change mat [has been challenging],'' she said.
''But I wouldn't trade it for the world.''
