[rose32542]

Hi everyone! I've really enjoyed reading your stories (though I've only read the last two pages!) It is truly amazing how we all come to adoption and find our little ones. I don't know that anyone is interested in my story, and you've probably read most of it in other threads, but condensed version-- after years of infertility, we had one miracle bio son. The pregnancy casued me to develop a heart condition, making any future pregnancy very dangerous. After two years of considering every form of adoption, and SEARCHING for our child, we have found our miracle TRIPLETS! They were completely spontaneous, birthparents did not want more children, and the birthmother is my sister. I never dreamed it would all happen so close to home; at one point we were seriously thinking it would be Kazakhstan.

Hubby, our three year old and I are CC, and the trio is AA/CC. I began the accelerated protocol less than two months before their birth, and have been able to breastfeed exclusively right from the start. They are four and a half months old now. The first two months were sheer h3ll, but I never regretted having them for a single moment. I adore all four of my boys!

Karen, I think I recognize you from asklenore. My name is Jamie there. Have you checked with the hospital's policy on adoptive breastfeeding? (I'm sorry I don't remember if you're going to be in the hospital or what age you'll get the baby). Before my guys were born, I called the hospital to ask their policy and was told there was no way I could nurse them until all the papers were signed or the babies were discharged from the hospital and came home with us. Even if my sister gave written consent and my doc wrote a letter verifying I have nothing that I can pass to the babies through breastmilk. Well, we knew that sis was not going to sign until she was sure the bf's rights were terminated a few weeks down the road, so I was very upset.

Everything turned out ok, though. Right after they were born the ped came into the nursury to examine them. He had no idea who I was; he may not have even seen me. He asked the nurse, "Are these babies going to be bottlefed?" I piped up (probably a bit too defensively), "I'm adopting them, and I'm nursing them!" He looked at me, said "ok," and that was it. Everyone in the hospital was hugely supportive, and I never needed to supplement at all. My boys are incredibly healthy for triplets. They came home after just two days, and had no time in the NICU!

We are so blessed to have all of our miracle boys. One thing I know for sure is that babies come into the world and into their families in the time and manner God intends. So often none of it makes sense, but it does work out, and it is so sweet when your babies are finally home!

Best to all of you!

[KarynB]

Hi Rose/Jamie - welcome! yup - I am over at ask Lenore, and your story of adoptive breastfeeding triplets has inspired me!!!!

I won't be at the hospital - we are adopting from South Africa, but most of the babies adopted have been under 6 months (the last one only 30 days old), so I'm really hoping that will be our case too. I am so looking forward to breastfeeding, I really hope it works out for us. In some ways, if it doesn't it will be just as hard as the infertility was. 4 boys! wow, i only have one and he runs me ragged - good for you!

Leslie - your baby is gorgeous! Congrats to you and your DH.

[Andrea Shea]

ooooooooooh, Madison is stunning. Congratulations!!

Natalie - you are so pretty and your husband isn't bad either!! I think your profile has everything in it that a birthmom would need to choose a good family. You have a happy marriage, your both attractive, a lovely home family and DOGS!! STAY AWAY FROM MY AGENCY!!! HA HA HA!!

Well, it has been quiet since our failed placement drama. No news. No suprise. I don't think my husband has heard anything...I don't know if he would tell me or not. He tries to keep me from things that he knows will hurt. Plus he knows I won't really kill him later if it works out and he knew about things all along.

I had a meeting today at work. They actually thanked me for doing such a good job (I have only been there for a few months) and said they were very impressed. 13 years in a previous career, not one experience like the one today. I am pretty proud of myself. toot toot goes my horn!!

Dove Season opens this weekend, will probably be hunting most of the time. Having dinner with my folks and sisters family tomorrow after work.......Yeah, my nephew will be there. He is a riot. He calls his you know what his "luke". He is 4, don't ask me how he came up with that but so be it. He was in the tub and my pregnant sister had to pee....so she ran into the bathroom to go. He looked at her, seemed deep in thought, and asked "does your luke come out of your butt?" My sister burst into laughter and he was angry because he was serious!!! She simply said "no" he said alright, and went back to playing in the tub. That is the kinda stuff I am lookin' forward to!!!!

Good night all,
Andrea

[Tunay4754]

Heather- have you thought about putting your profile on the large website that has potential adoptive parent profiles on it (don't know if we can say the name...if you need it PM me)? It's like 99 a month...my girlfriend did that because she had a small agency, got matched a month after they were on it, and now have a baby boy! Also...I don't know if I would call about every time you get shown ya know? I mean, it's completely up to you, but to me it would be MORE nerve-wracking thinking "what if" every day....Just food for thought...

Runyan,

Yes, we do have a listing at that profile web site. Its been up since like the 14th of August and no contacts yet. We have been added as favorites to two peoples accounts but no contacts...

We want to know about this showing from our agency because we are considering switching to an international adoption from Guatemala and if this expectant mom is not interested in us and they have no one else on the horizon to show us to, we will probably switch to Guatemalan.

Heather

[NurseNikki]

Hi Everyone! I have had problems getting to these forums the last couple days, so haven't been able to post. Madison is adorable! And Natalie, your profile looks great!

No news here. Still just waiting. I was reading on another thread here though, that one family hadn't heard from the emom in over a month, they were preparing themselves for the failed match, and two days later got the call to come pick up the baby! So, though it's hard not knowing, we are chalking it up to the rollercoaster of adoption! This weekend will be very busy, with a hometown festival, then next week being a short work-week and my b-day, it will go fast. It would be a great birthday present to hear from our pbmom, but I am not counting on it.

I love the fall season. I know it is early, but with the dry summer we had, leaves are starting to wither early. With this long weekend, I am looking forward to cleaning up the yard, putting out a few fall decorations, and being outside. September is always busy for us. Between birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, stroke camp for me(as camp nurse), and preparing for our county-wide fall festival in October, the month always goes fast.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[missw005]

Leslie,
Madison is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!! Am very, very, happy for you, dh and the boys. What a CUTIE!!!

Rose,
Wow, triplets???????? I am soooooo jealous. I've always wanted multiples. You must be one busy mama!!!

Heather,
I just read an article somewhere how so many families are going to Guatemala before the rules/laws change next spring or summer (can't remember which), which will make it much more difficult for folks to adopt from Guatemala. I know I've looked on those websites and thought, wow, if only I had a bit more (who am I kidding?), a TON more money, then there I'd be!!!
I can relate to the worker issue as well. The branch office of my adoption agency has 1 worker - and everyone uses her; international, domestic infant AND special needs/foster child - it's insane.

Nikki,
I love fall, too. It's my favorite season. I'm hoping summer hangs on - or at least the warm weather - for a little bit longer, however. Though I love the chilly nights - perfect for sleeping!!!
Oh! And Happy Birthday!!!

Andrea,
I work in a job that has little praise or encouragement, and I know how it feels when it finally happens! It's great, isn't it? Of course, makes you wonder why previous jobs haven't had that before...........hmmmmmmmm................
Glad to know you're doing better.

Karyn,
Feel free to bring me a baby or two from SA!!! You can just bring a couple extras, can't you???

~~~~~~~~~

Finally got a little bit of news about the girls.
Girl #1, 17 mo. old, is NOT TPR'd, something I wasn't aware of. TPR is around Thanksgiving, but staffing (to choose a family) is in September. There's only 8 families (including mine) being considered, which is great, but I just can't stand any more waiting!!!!!!
Girl sibs are partially TPR'd, other half of TPR is in the next 2 weeks sometime. The committee that's narrowing down the homestudies (around 30, including us) is supposed to announce the 2 families being considered today. Of course, then the worker is going on vacation.........ugh. I've got my fingers crossed, but hopes aren't very high as I don't think I have much of a chance.

Otherwise I don't have any other kids I've applied for. Nothing on the photolistings this week, either. Am trying not to get depressed about it, but it's really hard. Also I get into that self-debate mode, trying to figure out why our family isn't being chosen.......
...oldest son J's special needs are quite moderate, is that it?
....I already have 2 special needs kids, is that it?
...I'm a single mom, is that it?
...I don't make a lot of money, is that it?
...we live in a rural area, is that it?
...chocolate is my friend, and it's obvious, is that it?
...my thighs are NOT my friends, is that it?
...household clutter is my friend, is that it?
...I bought baby clothes at garage sales, did I jinx myself, is that it?
...AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

So, just trying not to fall into hole of Personal Pity Party here. I'm just not having a patient waiting day/week/month here. I know you can all relate.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Sandy

[Vogi2002]

Heather - Ahhhh I see now. We were actually going to go with Guatemala before we chose the domestic agency. There is a girl on the boards over there that has a list of agencies listed "good, bad, okay" based on the tons of people's experience on the boards. You might PM her if you need help choosing one! I know what you mean about financial though...whew, it would cost us an extra 10,000....

Nikki- Whew girl you really sound "together"...I think I might be going crazy if I were you right now...good thing you have a busy month though...we are so dead this month, I'm making plans though so hopefully it will go by super fast!!

Andrea - you are so sweet, thank you so much for the kind comments, It's funny because my dh has his one right eyebrow that has a flash of gray in it, don't know how it happened, but it just appeared (he's friggin only 23!! and no other gray's to be found!) and he is so self-conscious about it (you can see it on the front picture a little), he dyes it normally but he saw that and he is so worried we won't get chosen...LOL, like that one teeny weeny thing will change it!! LMAO, I told him that if a bmom doesn't choose us because of that, well, we don't want her either!! LOL

Rose - of course we care about your story!! WOW triplets!! How amazing!! Are things good with your sister still? When people tell me of relative adoptions I know 75% work great, but then others not so much...you HAVE to post pictures if you can!! I had to laugh at your breastfeeding story at the hospital, I could just HEAR it!

Karyn- Okay girlie, you have to update me again where you are at with your adoption....are you waiting for a referral? I can't believe how young those sweet babies are in South Africa for adoption, but that will work good if you will be breastfeeding!!

Leigh- you here? Are you already going crazy with the wait?

Well ladies, Friday is here, YEAH but it stinks because tonight I have to clean clean clean. Because of the big shindig at my house on Sunday, and we will be gone Saturday, now I have to clean tonight. YUCk, okay but how much do you want to bet that dh will have to ALL OF A SUDDEN have to work late tonight? I really shouldn't tell him we'll be cleaning until he's at home....

Not much else new (from the what...6hours ago that I last posted?? LOL, okay i'm OBSESSED I admit!!)...here's to a FAST weekend and a MATCH to happen soon to one of us!! *by us we are all thinking ME* (just joking, really I haven't waited nearly what some of you have..)

Natalie

[Vogi2002]

Sandy!!! When did you sneak your post in? Great minds must think alike....your "is that it" pity post is SOOO funny! I was rolling because that is what I do too, I think everyone has that, nobody is perfect, which makes us beautifully unique right? My mom told me that a birthmom might "like that you are middle income" I was like...yeah...but I still wouldn't mind winning the lottery...or two (I know I'm so greedy!) So, I wish I had some advice but it's just to TRY to keep your mind off (HAHAHAHA) of the waiting, maybe it will go faster. Other than that, put your seatbelt on, hands up, bar down, and enjoy that roller coaster of a ride!!

[missw005]

Natalie,
If I win the big lottery, I will charter a plane to Guatemala and pay everyone's fees so we can go down there, fill up the plane with babies and get on with our new lives as being Mommies!!!!!!!!!!
Ok?

Seriously, though, at least I do have my overactive boys to keep me busy. We're actually off to Story Hour at the Library in an hour, so I suppose I'd better get off the Net and get the boys dressed and moving. Uh-huh. They're still working on their 2nd bowl of cereal and are acting crazy as usual. Ugh, I can't imagine getting them dressed, eat breakfast, and going out the door on time for school next week! At least Q will be home with me for a few more weeks until his preschool starts.

Have fun at your shindig this weekend!!!!!!!!!! Eat some MAJOR ice cream for me!!!!!!!!!!

Sandy

[FaithfullyWaiting]

Hi Ladies,
DH and I went to a "while you're waiting" event last night with our agency. There was a panel of couples who had adopted answering questions - it was very informative. The only thing is, after hearing from them (and other couples who were waiting), both DH and I felt kind of down. Many of those couples had waited (or have been waiting) for a long time. When we completed our home study, we were told that there were only three other couples on the waiting list open to any race of child (along with us) - so we began our wait with lots of hope for a short wait. Now we feel kind of hopeless - like we are going to be going year after year without being parents (as if we didn't already have that feeling with infertility). I really don't like the feeling of hopelessness.

~Erin

[Lovebug]

Hey Gals,

I've been reading along, but don't have much to report. The waiting has been getting to me, even though it hasn't been a long time. We all get into our funks, I guess.

--Renee

[missw005]

Oh.
My.
God.

The worker for the sibling girls called tonight. I am one of the two families they're considering.

HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am totally shocked. Not to say I didn't hope and dream of it, but with so many families being considered, I didn't think I had a chance.

The girls are 2 and 2 mos.

Their worker is going on vacation next week - but I am so thrilled that she called me tonight before she left that I really don't care too much about that.
Unfortunately they won't have a staffing/adoption committee meeting until October - OCTOBER!!!! - but that also means that IF I am chosen, we won't likely be traveling out there until November as the ICPC paperwork (between states) takes awhile. Which is too bad as I hoped that we'd be able to spend a bit of time on the beach, but highly unlikely that late in the fall.

Did I mention that when she called, I was folding and putting away all the baby clothes I'd bought, thinking I was getting that baby boy? I finally bought some plastic bins to put them in - and store them away in the garage - as looking at them was too hard. Took me awhile to get there, though.
Wow.
Of course, I had bought a few baby/toddler girl clothes, "just in case," - but barely enough to fill a paper grocery bag.
Hmm..............
Guess I'll be returning all the baby boy clothes I bought earlier this summer. Hopefully Old Navy will take them back - I do have a receipt, but am unaware what their return policy is on off-season clothes.

But NO, I'm not buying anything else - well at least not NEW - well, unless it's on clearance - will just stick to garage sales. Though in our area that's about older as it's getting colder day by day up here.


This is crazy, right? I could have two little girls within the next couple months! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Ok, ok, must not obsess or drive myself and friends (that includes y'all) crazy over the next month. HA! Good luck with that.

This is crazy, right????????????

Sandy

PS - Not to be totally insane, but what if I'm chosen for BOTH? Sibs and 18 mo. old ???

NO. Can't go there right now.

(Yah, right.......................... )

[Lovebug]

OMG Sandy!!!!! What exciting awesome news!!!!!! I will be praying for you!

--Renee

[NurseNikki]

Oh Sandy, how exciting! Fingers, toes, and everything else is crossed for you!

I heard from our SWsub today - nothing to report. She was just calling to check in with us. How sweet! I have to say, I like working with her. She said even if they heard something over the weekend, she would call me. She also said, though, that she and the other SW wouldn't be surprised if we didn't hear anything else until she is in labor. So, it will be a long 7 weeks, but we will be staying busy.

Leigh, are you still out there?
Natalie, you crack me up!! Are you cleaning like crazy now? Have a great party!

Erin, feel free to vent here about those feelings of hopelessness. We all have, and the rest of us will help keep you in focus. I was in that funk a few weeks ago, and everyone here helped straighten me out! Hang in there, hon!

Happy Holiday weekend to all!

[Vogi2002]

YEAH MISS!!!! Okay deep breaths....you sound shockingly calm right now!! Did you celebrate with a drink? LOL totally kidding of course!!

How exciting!!

Okay so I came to "sneak" on the boards during cleaning (dh is vacumning so I can get away with it, he won't notice!!) LOL, I'm glad to!! Great news!!

Nikki- OMG LONG 7 weeks is not saying enough!! They are going to be ddddrrrraaaaaaaggggggggggggggging!! Oh wait, no you already said they would fly because you were busy! Well good timing then!!

Oh shoot...dh just walked in and said "Oh my god" and walked back out. You better believe I was like "What? I was doing bills" (my excuse every time)....I think he knows better though...he's like "Tell them I said HI" LOL

Better get back...