[KarynB]

Congrats on almost bringing your daughter home after such a long process. How exciting!

Ok, here it goes.

What I did right - almost nothing. Ok, yes, I loved him dearly but man was I in denial!!!!

What I did wrong - oh so many things.

Assumed he would have no attachment issues because he knew us from visits, etc. Attachment has little to do with that, and in fact us getting close to him and then leaving may have made his trust issues with us even worse. I wish I had of parented him assuming he had issues, and then went from there.

Parented him the "same" as bio DD - as in I valued independence, think he will be at the same level developmentally at the same age, gave time outs for "tanturms" which I now know were him grieving, etc. Um, yeah. Not a great idea.

Thought because we lived in Canada there would be no race issues. Ok, stop laughing at me. Next.

Let him meet all of our family at the same time. I said, STOP laughing. Next.

Moved across the country 4 days after we brought him home. Ok, so all of you are now thinking "How dumb was this chick?". Very dumb. Let's just say it's been a steep learning curve.

Buy books, get therapists, doctors etc set up BEFORE you come home - you may not be thinking straight once you do.

By yourself a ten time pass to a yoga studio or whatever else floats your boat - you will need some time for you. Like, REALLY need some time for you. Be honest with your feelings and find a friend who will listen and NOT judge - you may need that at some point. Read "Post-adoption Blues" just in case.

Good luck!!!!!!