[Mom2Guat_twins]

Okay, well I’m crampy and it’s cold and rainy here. So, that may be a part of my problem, but my boys turn 1 in two weeks and that thought is just breaking my heart.

When I look back at all of the hold-ups that could have been avoided – the LONG wait for our stupid I171form, the FOREVER wait for DNA to be authorized and the WAIT again for DNA to ACTUALLY be taken and THEN another 3 MONTHS waiting for stupid pre-approval, my heart just crumbles at the unnecessity of all of it. ;-(

And I know this sounds pathetic, but if my hold up had been in PGN, at least I could be a part of some really cool club where others in the same boat welcomed me in and we commiserated together. But as it stands, I just feel like some kid on the playground or in the classroom who continually struggles just to catch up with everybody else.

So, here I am, a newbie in PGN, with really no right to complain – but truly mourning the loss of my babies’ whole first year. I know it won’t matter once they’re home, but right now, it sucks!

I am also hoping to foster in May, and even though that doesn't put me there on their birthday, I suppose we'll just have a grand ol' party anyway!

[Larue]

Donna - I'm so sorry you're feeling down. I missed Sabrina's first birthday too. So I can relate. Best wishes for a super short stay in PGN. And if decide to foster in May, look me up.

[cyntil8ing]

Oh Donna, I'm sorry. I'm right there with you, down to the miserable weather. My son will be turning one in less than three weeks. I thought we'd be much closer to having him home than we are.

We didn't get his referral until he was 5.5 months old, so you've been waiting a lot longer than we have. I hope the rest of the process is speedy for you.

[b_fettes]

I really feel for you. I think milestones like birthdays make things very difficult. We got married in 1993, and I used to say, we will have a child by our second anniversay, our third... the millenium etc. Each milestone was so hard. However since our son came home in 2004, our lives are brilliant and the love we feel actually makes our hearts sore. I want you to get a lucky break now so that the joy will soon overtake you and the loss of the fist year is less significant as you certainly will have your hands full with twice the blessings. The best of luck for a fast process now.
Mary

Hoping that my little girl is soon in my arms forever.

[jemmawag]

I am feeling your pain, we have had one delay after another for the past year and have only been in PGN one month. DS turns 2 on the 27th, he still needs surgery. The wait just doesn't seem to get any easier. I too am planning to foster, I am trying to hold out until the end of the school year. Praying we all get some positive news soon.

[dac_cincy]

I missed Aidan's first birth too. At times it feels like I will miss his second birthday too tahnks to delays along the way. I encourage you to take time and celebrate their birthdays. I held a "celebration of life" party for Aidan on his first birthday when cake and ice cream- just to mark the day. it helped me feel better knowing that I was acknowleding this milestone in his life.

It does not make the time any less or hurt or less, but it helped that I was ignoring the daya nd pretending that there was nothing special.

Love to you,

Deb

[myguatbabes]

I am sorry for your pain. Our first IA was like that and we barely got our dd home before her first birthday. I know it does suck and there is nothing I can say, but I do agree that STUPID delays make you crazy. (i.e. our PA laid at the embassy for 10 weeks with dd#1 and nobody bothered to pick it up!!) Hopefully now all that is behind you and you will speed through PGN in record time!!

Prayers and (((hugs)))

[Jonni]

I understand.

My daughter turns one on Saturday. And she could have been home, but for an awful lot of stupidity every step of the way....days, weeks, and months lost to varying people who get paid to do their jobs and get her home but who could mostly care less.

I'm sorry you're missing their birthdays. I hope you get to foster in May and do have that big ol' party!

[journeyofadoption]

I so hear you! We also have had many delays first with our I-171-H taking over 3 months then with the crazy DNA authorization being another 3 months, I thought we would never get to PGN. Now that we are here I don't know if I can handle the possibility of months of more waiting. I keep praying that God will give me strength and grace when I feel like it will never happen. Hang in there, the end has to come at some point.
Laura

[robinsnest005]

(((((((((HUGS)))))))))))
Hang in there girl!!! I am praying for you and am here if you need to talk (or need another play date!)
Robin

[OpenThemAll]

I'm right there with you. Our son will be one two weeks from today. I am really dreading that day. We got kicked out of PGN last week so I'm feeling low about that too. Hang in there.

[dovelu]

I am so very sorry that you are having a bad day. This is a very hard process.

Peace,

Amy

[dac_cincy]

Originally Posted by dac_cincy

I missed Aidan's first birth too. At times it feels like I will miss his second birthday too thanks to delays along the way. I encourage you to take time and celebrate their birthdays. I held a "celebration of life" party for Aidan on his first birthday when cake and ice cream- just to mark the day. it helped me feel better knowing that I was acknowleding this milestone in his life.

It does not make the time any less or hurt or less, but it helped that I was not ignoring the day and pretending that there was nothing special.

Love to you,

Deb

Corrected my spelling mistakes to clarify my meaning.