lessons i have learned in this adoption

Thinking about the past 14+ months of our journey, I have learned a few lessons I will remember should we ever actually complete this adoption and adopt a second. First, I will not inform the masses before my first homestudy meeting. This will be our second Christmas without even a picture of our daughter, and the constant stream of question as to where she is, is she born, what is taking so long? , are you still adopting, etc. Etc. May indeed be my end. I know, people wonder. But at this point, I am in pain. I am weary and having every person I know or barely know asking me, when I may just be trying to cope and go about my daily life, hurts. So lesson learned. If we do this again, I will tell at referral. Lesson two, expect it will take months longer than you are informed. Do not get your hopes up that you will be this amazing fast adoption story. Three, do not stalk other adoption timeliness. Generally, this has only upset me. Four, do not buy a closet of clothing before you see the baby. It is just sad. And five, do make adoption friends again, because that is the one thing I have done right, and it really keeps me going, uplifted me, and gives hope and understanding. Thank you buddies, we will survive this wait!

How adoption has made me a loon.........

I am refusing to send out my Christmas cards until I get my referral because I am determined that this year I will have my daughter's picture to put in there. So, if you receive a Christmas card from me, it will be because my husband has taken it upon himself to send them. And we all know that would never happen in a MILLION years. :)
Just another way adoption has turned me into a loon.

Merry Christmas!

We wish all our friends a Merry Christmas and a bright New Year!

SEVEN

Our dossier went to Korea 7 months ago today. I know, my blog is all about numbers lately. But it is all that is on my mind. I never thought I would be waiting this long. :(
Seven is God's perfect number. I hope the number has special meaning for us this Christmas season. We love you, little Leah. And I hope you are out there, being loved and cared for until we can get you. They say time just melts away when you get that phone call. I pray it does, because this is really hard.

14 months waiting

Today marks 14 months praying, waiting, and hoping for my daughter. Time seems very important in adoption. It is a kind of marker, when you have nothing to go on. I have been throwing myself into Christmas. The house is decorated, Christmas cards are made. This is super fast for me. This season I will be staying busy! One fine day, my phone will ring. And my little girl will be waiting for us.

This year we give thanks for.........

Unknown BLESSINGS already on their way. - Author unknown

We love you, baby girl, and know you are on your way to us. We will miss you tomorrow, but hope with all our hearts next Thanksgiving we will get to hold you high when our turn comes around to share what we are thankful for.

A new day

Yesterday's post was seriously depressing, so I thought I had better cheer it up. Today is my birthday, and while SWS did not get my memo that is would be a fabulous day for my referral, it was still a good day! I had sweet friends, yummy cake and a loving family wishing me happy birthday all day. What more could a girl want?

So while my birthday wish did not come true from last year, I have a good feeling this year's wish will come true.