Journal #200
One year ago this blog was born. I am not sure what I expected from blogging, International Adoption, or becoming parents but so far I feel lost in a fairytale.
Today, the selection of an agency, the paper chase, the waiting (referral), the waiting ( first trip-cancelled), and again the waiting (first trip) seem so long ago. I can't say the same about the PAINFUL waiting for our COURT DATE. Like yesterday I was feeling it would never happen. By far, we have agreed waiting for court was the worst part of the whole process. However, February 14th (court date) came and went.
Blogging led us to so many friends, resources for information, and support through the process.
International adoption gave us the best gift in the whole world, changed our lives completely, and reminded us that a loving family is priceless. The impact of a Baby home, or an Orphanage is a life changing experience. The faces of all the little angels will haunt you, the thoughts of your baby being left to grow up without "goodnight kisses" and "opportunities" is hard to comprehend, and differences between cultures/countries can leave you dumbfounded. Those who have traveled more extensively will be more prepared.
Becoming parents: For us, it was easy, natural, and comfortable. For us, it is strange to say our almost 2 yr old has been home for 3 months. After 3 months home the memories of Adoption have faded. We are simply a family. We do not worry about everything written in books, we do not worry if she cries there is bonding issues, we do not worry if she is too friendly it is a BAD sign of attachment. We do not do time-ins instead of time-outs (even though Cupcake has never had a time-out). We keep our eyes and ears open to be prepared to ask for assistance but for the most part we are confident we have wonderful resources within an arms reach if necessary in the future. Enjoying our lives together is our priority.
We wish all of you a speedy adoption if you are in the process. The best advice we can offer is reach out to other families for information and know you will learn patience in a different fashion!
Most of our friends who we met on the internet or bloggerland...WHO EVER WOULD HAVE THUNK?!?!? The journey was even more amazing having you right there...IN MOSCOW!!! I forgot how many babies and families I met in the 41 out of 100 days in Moscow but it was ALOT! Different agencies, different regions, and a lot of surprises along the way!
So what is my point- One year later of blogging, One terrific agency (Alliance for Children), One incredible family, (can't forget) ONE incredibly cooperative husband, 2 neglected dogs, and a great group of friends= A CUPCAKE!!!
One year ago this blog was born. I am not sure what I expected from blogging, International Adoption, or becoming parents but so far I feel lost in a fairytale.
Today, the selection of an agency, the paper chase, the waiting (referral), the waiting ( first trip-cancelled), and again the waiting (first trip) seem so long ago. I can't say the same about the PAINFUL waiting for our COURT DATE. Like yesterday I was feeling it would never happen. By far, we have agreed waiting for court was the worst part of the whole process. However, February 14th (court date) came and went.
Blogging led us to so many friends, resources for information, and support through the process.
International adoption gave us the best gift in the whole world, changed our lives completely, and reminded us that a loving family is priceless. The impact of a Baby home, or an Orphanage is a life changing experience. The faces of all the little angels will haunt you, the thoughts of your baby being left to grow up without "goodnight kisses" and "opportunities" is hard to comprehend, and differences between cultures/countries can leave you dumbfounded. Those who have traveled more extensively will be more prepared.
Becoming parents: For us, it was easy, natural, and comfortable. For us, it is strange to say our almost 2 yr old has been home for 3 months. After 3 months home the memories of Adoption have faded. We are simply a family. We do not worry about everything written in books, we do not worry if she cries there is bonding issues, we do not worry if she is too friendly it is a BAD sign of attachment. We do not do time-ins instead of time-outs (even though Cupcake has never had a time-out). We keep our eyes and ears open to be prepared to ask for assistance but for the most part we are confident we have wonderful resources within an arms reach if necessary in the future. Enjoying our lives together is our priority.
We wish all of you a speedy adoption if you are in the process. The best advice we can offer is reach out to other families for information and know you will learn patience in a different fashion!
Most of our friends who we met on the internet or bloggerland...WHO EVER WOULD HAVE THUNK?!?!? The journey was even more amazing having you right there...IN MOSCOW!!! I forgot how many babies and families I met in the 41 out of 100 days in Moscow but it was ALOT! Different agencies, different regions, and a lot of surprises along the way!
So what is my point- One year later of blogging, One terrific agency (Alliance for Children), One incredible family, (can't forget) ONE incredibly cooperative husband, 2 neglected dogs, and a great group of friends= A CUPCAKE!!!
