[Karenanne]

I will not be 30 until Dec 30 2007. I am having such a hard time dealing with the wait! I have already started shopping which is driving my husband nuts. I just feel like possibly having my daughter home by 2009 is sooo far away. What can I do to help sadness of not having my daughter home for such a long time?

[dannysgirl]

Hi Karenanne,

I'm so sorry to hear of your sadness about waiting to turn 30. I can't imagine how long the wait seems for you. Sorry I can't make the clock turn any faster but just wanted you to know that I'm sorry this is such a hard time for you. I know for me (I didn't have to wait to turn 30, I hit the big 4-0 last December) the wait for our baby has gone fast, even though it seems like an uphill climb.

Try to find 3 good things in each day and enjoy. Sorry I don't have anything more encouraging to say, but know that I feel for you.

(I'm Karen Ann by the way born on Dec 27!) :-))

[stayjay]

Hang in there Karenanne! Enjoy this time, it is probably the only time you will be wishing to be older! It will go by fast, there are tons of fiction and non-fiction books to read on Chinese history/culture etc. You can also research agency's, go to information meetings at different agency's, attend agency gatherings & picnics (I know our agency encourages future clients to attend these outings).

Join your local FCC chapter so you can hook up with other families who have adopted from China or are in the process of adopting from China.

Shop shop shop till you drop! (Okay maybe hold off on that for another year or so!)

Stay active with the boards, you will learn tons of info and will be such a pro that you will sail through your dossier prep! I think there was a thread a while back for other folks who were waiting on 30, maybe you could connect with some of them to help pass the time.

Good luck!

[kgembs]

You could do some volunteer/relief work. Some agencies have trips that go to China for this. Somehow it may help you being closer to your daughter. There are closer places like mexico or gautemale, everything from building homes to taking care of the children. So sorry it is such a long wait for you. Good Luck

[lovemybulldog]

I'm so sorry that you have to wait. I hope the time goes by very quickly. I have fought the urge to start shopping because I know circumstances can change and we could wind up accepting an older referral, find out a girl is meant for us instead of a boy, etc.

Try taking this time to learn Chinese, discover some Chinese/American authors, start an adoption diary to chronicle your feelings during this wait. A time might come that your daughter will benefit from seeing how much you loved her so long before meeting her...

I've found that exercise and gardening are good outlets when I find I'm thinking about it a lot. I also have my furry & feathered children and "36 year old 6 year old", so if you happen to have pets and a DH, give them lots of attention to them now, because your time for that will be less flexible later.

Finally, do all the things you will have to put aside for a while like vacations, sleeping in, pampering yourself, etc.

Good luck! Be sure to stay in touch and let us all know how your doing. I'm sure many other "waiters" will benefit from hearing about what you find works for you.

Here's to a speedy arrival of Dec. 2007!

[overflowing]

Hang in there honey!! Just think, this time next year you will be beginning the process to bring your princess home.

I was in your shoes 1 1/2 years ago. I just turned 30 on May 6. And here we are just a little over 4 months away until referral.

Use this time to educate yourself on the Chinese culture..maybe learn Manadarin But most importantly savor every moment with your precious son...they grow so fast!!! Do some extra special things with him and your hubby while you wait

blessings, stacy