Monday :o(

too bad I couldn't just hide!

3 Long Years...

As of 9/5/09 we have been waiting for our child for 3 long years. It’s hard to believe, it was never even imagined that we would hit that mark. Needless to say it’s a long way from the estimated 12-16 month timeline we were given when we started the adoption process. (Just for the record we don’t blame our agency.)

Honestly, it’s hard to even work our heads around it. This has been the longest and hardest things we have had to deal with, EVER! This makes IVF look like a walk in the park. I guess the biggest issue with the whole thing is that there are no concrete answers. No answers about why the wait increased, how long it could really wind up being, or what the reasons for the increased timeline are. Sure, there is speculation, rumor, and vague statements about it but nothing that clearly says the wait was caused by A, B, and C.

What started out as an exciting and hopeful journey has turned into a really bad road trip. You know the one… the car breaks down, then you get lost, and the next thing you know you've lost your hotel reservation. Then it’s only about the last day of the trip that you begin to get over the bad beginning and have fun. Of course during all these mishaps you run the emotional gauntlet ranging from excitement to flat out depression at the thought that it could possibly get worse before it’s over.

For those of you who are lost in the quagmire of the wait and those of you have already endured it, I’m sure you can relate. It’s painful. It’s frustrating. It just plain old makes you angry. As the wait goes on and on your expenses go up and up adding yet another level of frustration to the whole thing. Not to mention there doesn't seem to be an end to it anytime in the near future.

Despite all that, we will continue to wait. What choice do we have? Our child is in China.

For those of you who have been along for the ride – thanks for your support, your shoulders, and your words of comfort. Without you enduring this would have been impossible.

Referrals are in...

Congratulations to all of the families who recived their referrals in this batch. I can only imagine the joy you each felt as you saw your little ones faces for the first time.

Wishing you all speedy travels and unforgettable "gotcha" days!

Update: The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 24, 2006.

A little late but...

My friends Drew and Nicole welcomed their son Mason William into their family on Thursday July 30th. We wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter in your lives. He is adorable and I can't wait to meet him in person.

Congratulations!!

Happy Birthday Joan...

today is my mother-in-law Joan's birthday.

Hope all your birthday wishes come true.

Happy Birthday!

35th Month LIDversary...

Next month is the real milestone as we will have finally hit the 3 year mark of this wait! Can I just say YUK, YUK, YUK!

ps. be prepared for a whiney post that day, lol!

Our 14th Anniversary...

Matt, I can't believe today is our 14th wedding anniversary! It's amazing how time flies, it doesn't seem like 14 years have passed. We've come a long way over the years and yet we have so many more things to do and places to see. I'm looking forward to doing all those things with you. Happy anniversary, I love you !

The Wait is Almost Over...

to all those who are finallly seeing their baby's face for the first time.

Wishing you all a safe journey as you travel to bring your little one home.

The CCAA has finished the review of adoption applications registered with our office before August 31, 2007.

The CCAA has finished the placement of childres for the families whose applications were registered with our office before March 22, 2006.

July 5th Was...

Feels like the "wait" is crawling along just as slow as the blimp!

I'm Already Out of Here...

At least in my mind...

We are heading to the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Saturday for a week of fun and sun. Both Matt and I are really in need of a little down time. The next few days going to be sooo long ;o)

Happy 4th of July...

As we head into another 4th of July weekend please remember all of our soldiers past, present and future who have fought or will fight for the freedoms we are about to celebrate. Thank you for your sacrifice and patritiotism, without you there would be no celebration.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday Tori...

Wow, it's hard to believe your 9 today! Your getting so big, it seems like just yesterday you were a precocious 2 year-old. Hope all your birthday wishes come true, happy birthday! We love you!

Happy Birthday Mom and Mimi...

Today two very important women in our lives are celebrating birthdays.

Hope you both have a great day and all your birthday wishes come true!

Happy birthday Mom! Happy birthday Mimi!

Happy Fathers Day...

Dad, there are not words enough to say how much I love you. Thank you for always being there to love, support, and guide me. Without you I wouldn't be who I am today. I love you!

Happy Father's Day, your the best!

Congratulations...

To all those families seeing the faces of their children for the first time.

It must be such a great feeling to almost be at the end of your journey.

Wishing you all safe travels and wonderful "gotcha" days!

Another LID Anniversary Passes...

Freedom Is Not Free...

Freedom is not free

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Service man saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen",
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

~LCDR Kelly Strong, USCG - Copyright 1981~

Happy Memorial Day...

"Greater love has no one than this,than to lay down his life for his friends." ~John 15:13~

Thank you to all of our soldiers, past and present,

who have given so much of themselves for our country.

Your dedication, selflessness, and patriotism are appreciated & not forgotten.

Without your sacrifice we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today.

God bless each and everyone of you and your families today and every day.

Congratulations...

To those families who have FINALLY received their referrals, your long wait is almost over. What a great way to start a holiday weekend!

Wishing you speedy travel arrangements and safe travels!

The CCAA has updated their website to say that they have finished the placement of children for families whose adoption application was logged-in before March 14, 2006.

2009 Kindergarten Class of Northside Christian...

These are a few pictures from Joshua's kindergarten graduation ceremony. Miss Kincaid and Mrs. Martel put together quite the show with the main theme being the "ABC's of Sailing Into First Grade." Each student had a speaking part where they talked about their assigned letter. Then they performed a few songs, the pledge of allegiance to the Flag, and the pledge to the Christian Flag. The program was ended with the song First Grade, First Grade (sung to the tune of New York, New York) it was so cute! Good job guys and congratulations!