[srusse24]

That glimmer of hope has now turned into a world of hope! Bdad signed the papers! I realize it's not over until the finalization or at least the TPR, but hey, we're making progress. The adoptive couple called to let me know yesterday, and bless their hearts, they were ecstatic. The only sad part of this case is that our baby girl is being moved to another foster home Sunday. This will be a foster home where the adoptive parents will stay while they are in town. We offered for them to stay with us while they were here, but he is highly allergic to dogs, and we have three. I just hate that she is being moved around like this. I am sure she has bonded with us (and vice versa), and she is being taken from our home. And now she will probably bond with the new foster parent, and then be taken from her home. DH and I were okay with her leaving our home to go with the adoptive parents, but I am quite sad about her going to another foster home. I really hope we can stay in contact with the adoptive parents because even though we were only a part of her life for a short time, she will always be in our hearts. Her and our little guy will be very close to the same age, so I will probably often wonder what she is doing at particular stages in her life.

Well, life goes on, and luckily this story has a happy ending!

God bless!

[SadieAnn]

Wonderful news!!!! Yea!!!!!

[srusse24]

I took our little angel to her new foster home yesterday, and I cried like a big baby. I wasn't upset because I wanted to adopt her (I am looking forward to adopting our son), it was just sad to hand her over to someone else when I have been caring for her every need for the last week. It is amazing how quickly one can fall in love! I hope to stay in contact with her adoptive family though, so we can get updates on how she is doing.

Well, this whole experience has just made me anxious to bring home our little guy. I do have a lot going on in July, so this will hopefully keep my mind occupied, so I don't go crazy waiting.

How is everyone's summer going? What kinds of activities are you doing with your child to keep him/her entertained? Do any of you belong to a swim club or take your child swimming? We are thinking of joining a club next summer, so I can take our little guy.

Have a great 4th of July weekend! Any big plans?

[Kymom2b]

srusse-I'm sorry I haven't been able to post lately and offer you a little support. It looks like you have been going thru a whirlwind of emotions with your foster placement. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to foster a child!!! No matter whether the child had been with you for an hour or a month, it's only normal that you would feel strongly for this child. Probably doesn't help either that you are anxiously awaiting the birth of a child that is promised to be yours!! How are your emotions holding up?


Dh and I actually passed thru Russellville this week. We had our first "getaway" since Loren was born and we went to Lake Cumberland. We had been longing for some alone time and decided since Loren was six months, it was time to go. We had the hardest time leaving her. I'm not going to say we didn't have a good time, but I'm 100% sure it would have been better if she had been with us. Going away without her was a good experience for me. Sometimes I get so upset because my house is never clean enough anymore or because I am always tired and covered in spit-up. Let me tell ya as I was laying in a strange, extremely quiet hotel room, I would have given anything to hear my daughter cooing, giggling or even crying . So I guess it's official girls, I am wrapped around my little sweeties finger.

As for 4th plans, we have none. It's so funny because we have ALWAYS had a huge bash and had like 40 people at the farm. Dh usually plans the fireworks show for months-seriously This year we are staying home and enjoying each other!

Lori-How are you? Any big exciting 4th plans?

[srusse24]

Liz- That is so sweet that you missed Loren so much! I can only imagine what it feels like leaving your little one for the first time!

Last week was certainly a rollarcoaster of emotions, but I am doing much better now. The experience made us long for our little boy to be home with us, but it also made us realize what types of things we should be doing during the wait that we won't be able to do when the baby comes. Not many couples get to experience that first-hand, so I am thankful for all that the time with the baby girl taught us.

Lori- Thanks again for all of your support during the whole ordeal! It was nice to get some encouraging words from an experienced mother!

I am taking pbm to the doc tomorrow. I am hoping he will schedule her c-section soon. I am dying to know when our little guy will be here. Does anyone have an idea of how far in advance they schedule c-sections? She is due in mid August.

[SadieAnn]

Srusse - Oh I'm sure this experience has you watering at the mouth all the more for your little one to arrive. I'm so excited for you. (You are right you've had a first had experience into what is ahead... so enjoy your time now as a couple only).

How fantastic that you are included in pbm's doc appts!



Liz - Dropping off baby is so hard. It was hard before Patrick passed on but now it's almost impossible for me. Oh, I'm fairly accustomed to daycare now but I'm not prepared for new caregivers. On the 15th my MIL is having a surprise b-day party for one of my SIL's. It's adults only.

As it includes all my in-laws and it's a weekend I'm in a bind for someone to watch John. My in-laws are usually my weekend back-up. Everyone keeps telling me to just "call a sitter". Actually from my in-laws even I'm getting, "you'll have to cut the umbilical cord sometime" (insert some pressure and sarcasm here ).

Finally I had to get firm in return and stated, "if I can't make it... I can't make it! John is my LIFE now and my paranoia level is on HIGH ALERT. Unless I can find a friend I know to watch him I won't be joining you. I am not prepared for teenager or a sitter I don't know to watch the only immediate family I have left!!!"

Ok, thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Lori

[mroot]

Lori - Hey sweetie!! Long time no hear! You know you can ALWAYS call me to sit! Stephen would love it!

SRusse - Isn't it AWESOME to go to bmom's appts!! We were able to do that with Stephen's adoption!

Sorry I have been gone so long, guys, but I am really busy with a 4 year old! We have put our profile on hold for a year as we are trying to sell our house. We may go back to the same agency or try a different route - we aren't sure just yet. For now, we are SO enjoying Stephen!!!

[srusse24]

Lori- I can completely envision this same conversation happening with my in-law in the future. I'm like you, I cannot imagine leaving my precious babe with a teenager. I have already said that if there is no family to watch him, I won't leave him. Would it be a huge deal if you did bring him (especially is you only stayed for a bit)?

mroot- It is good to see you back! And I am glad you are enjoying Stephen!

I went to the doc with pbm yesterday and we set a date for the c-section. It is only about 5 weeks away! We had a nice time though and had great conversation. I got to meet her daughter also (which is by the same father as our little bean), and she is just adorable.

[SadieAnn]

Srusse - Yea!!!!!! How wonderful! Are you going to be allowed in the C-section?

John's bmom said both Patrick and I could be in there but the hospital limited to one, so I was in there with her.

Countdown is on....

Lori

[Kymom2b]

Look at all this activity around here!!

srusse-I can't tell you how much your post excited me....Your little bean (that's so cute!!) is on his way! I am so happy for you. It's really neat that you got to see pbm's daughter, I bet she was a cutie. Being able to see Loren's brother and half-sister was very emotional for me-I really hope for Loren's sake that we will be able to establish contact with them.

Lori-Vent away girl! Not to bash your in-laws, but I think they are being a bit insensitive. You are VERY much entitiled to your feelings and I think they are perfectly normal. Heck, Loren is 6 mo. old and the only people that have ever kept her are my parents. I know Dh and I are strangers, but we are free on the 15!?!? I bet Loren and John would have a keen time!!! Seriously, you do what's best for your little family and don't worry about anything else.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

[SadieAnn]

Mitzi & Liz, I just may take you up on your offers. If not on "this" ocassion, on another! How sweet of you. Thank you.

I haven't posted pictures FOREVER (I hope I remember how). Here goes.

Lori

[srusse24]

Oh my gosh, he is a doll! What a handsome fellow!

[lmvsmom]

Lori,

It was very nice to meet you today at the informational seminar. I forgot to say during my "speech" that the hosting facility also did our homestudy and I can recommend them to anyone needing a homestudy. I guess I am not allowed to say the name here.

I saw the pictures you posted of John and I must say he is a handsome little fellow. Christopher is just a couple of months older than John.

If you have any questions about Guat. that I can answer for you, feel free to ask. The Guatemala forum is also very active and informative. Best wishes!

[SadieAnn]

Tina,

It was nice to meet you as well. Your son is too adorable!!! His "on the go" toddler self reminded me completely of John.

I will check out the Guatemala site.

Congratulations again!

Lori

[Kymom2b]

Lori-John is so adorable and he looks very happy. Would you mind sending me a pm and tell me where he got his hair cut? It looks like a really cool place-we don't have anything down here that caters to children .