[jamie3]

I have tried 3 times to post this, but I'll try again.

We finalize on Wednesday after many setbacks and one court postponment from last week due to snow.

I feel every single emotion I can feel about things. I can't wait though! We've had the boys for 11 months now and I'm ready for this final step!

[spitzlvr]

Jamie, that is wonderful! I have followed your story (mainly as a lurker), and am so happy that this is the result.

Keep us posted!

[mckenna]

take lots of pictures and video if you can. when my son was adopted, one of my friends took a picture of my sisters and other friend all with a camera or video camera in thier hand. it is one of my favorite picutures. it just shows the excitement everyone else had that day as well. what a perfect ending to this year!

[jamie3]

The judge is allowing us to video and take pictures! I can't wait to be able to see it all after the fact. I know the hearing will be a blur. CASA is throwing a party, too, afterwards.

[reeseshaven]

Jamie,
Congrats...........I to have followed your story and am very happy for you and your family! Good luck and let us know how it goes. I fianlize next week!!!!!

[tlc4kidz]

Congrats!!!!! I now can tell you there is no feeling better . I kept having to remind myself that it was real, and when the insurance cards came in the mail with their new names I sat in my car and cried! Do be prepared for all the emotions that go with it over the next week or so. For me it was much like the ups and downs I felt after giving birth. No one could really prepare me for that part.....and my sweet dh thought he was getting out of the postpartum stuff

Can't wait to hear how things go for both you and reeseshaven!!!

[HappyMomAnna]

Jamie!!!!!!! I have been missing YOU! and I am sooooo glad to hear this news! WOW! Happy happy Joy Joy is really all I can say I am so glad things are working out and so happy about htis news....I was just thinking about you the other night and wondering becasue I haven't run into you here is so long....You just made my DAY!

[jamie3]

After school started, my oldest 3 have kept me soooo busy with all of their activities. Between cheerleading, football, fall play and more, I have been so exhausted every night. It's not the younger 2 wearing me out at all! I can't tell you how much they have changed in the past year. Things are very calm and they are so much a part of our family now that we have no other thoughts about them. Christmas was wonderful with the boys as it was their first big Christmas in a real family. My parents and inlaws lavished on the gifts! They couldn't believe all the new toys they got! We had to work on showing their appreciation but I think that is normal for 3 & 4's.

R. is thriving in headstart. I think the biggest thing is that he is his own person and doesn't have to take care of his little brother all day long. He goes to my classroom in the morning and the high school kids play with him until it's time to go. He walks with Cole to the cafeteria and at the end of the day he comes back to my room. He gets all of the attention while we are at my school and little brother isn't around.

He and Cole are getting along very well and most days are very good.

Sarah wrote a beautiful essay about getting new brothers. I will have to find it and post it with her permisssion.

Times are good.

[Jensboys]

I am so incredibly happy for you and have often wondered who those boys are doing. Cant wait to know what their names are Congrats!

Jen

[susanlowman]

Congratulations!! It sounds like things are going wonderful.

[yanknrebel]

Congratulations to you!!!! We finalized our ADOPTION this morning!!! After almost 3 years of her being our foster daughter, now she is OUR DAUGHTER!!!! We are just thrilled!!! We had a court room full of family and friends. The judge came in as a special faovr. Courts were closed this week, but everyone wanted in done before the end of the year.

Congratulations to you and your family!!

[jamie3]

That is so wonderful! I love the fact that we are on school vacation. I am a teacher and my sister is a school counselor so she and all of our kids will all get to be there. My mom is driving up and my inlaws are all taking off work. Sadly, my dad left on Sunday for a long planned ski trip with his wife's family. However, he has been gone on a trip for the birth of at least one of my other kids, so it's not unusual. I told the boys that tomorrow is adoption day, but I got more of a reaction last week when I told them that Santa was coming.

Last week when the hearing was cancelled, they didn't care either because it snowed! I'm glad I get to video tape this because they probably won't remember it.

[lambeausam]

Congratulations to all of you! I remember your earlier struggles and am glad to see the end rewards.

Sam

[jamie3]

You know we are at 15 hours until adoption and my mom still hasn't really accepted it. She bought the boys Christmas presents, but it is all very fake. She just called and said that she is concerned about Cole and the boys and told me something my sister saw at Christmas. She would have never been "concerned" to see my bio children fighting enough to call me to discuss it. These boys are siblings and, yet, to my extended family, I don't think they will ever be seen as relatives. We are here 24 hours a day and we are not concerned about their relationship. Of course we see all the fun times they all have together as well as the occasional spat. I always fought with my brother, but I doubt they raised an eyebrow in concern about that.

[HappyMomAnna]

Jamie---I guess with some families (mine included) this is just a part of the deal.... I get so sick and tired of my mother saying things reguarding our daughters behaviors---such as--"well at least you don't have to balme yourself for bad genes." Or the attitude that I don't need to worry about their future because they should be happy they have a chance with us.......

I don't have any advice other then to say blow it off... Occasionally I have reacted very strongly but left with MY feelings and said--I love these children as much as a mother can love a child if you don't understand that I am sorry for you....