[skiboo]

I am feeling very reflective and sentimental tonight as it was precisely one month ago at shortly after 7:30 pm that we arrived at JFK and let our little son's feet touch the ground thus making him an American! It is hard to believe that he has been home one whole month today...

Also... (as if to confirm his status) today was the day that his Certificate of Citizenship arrived in the mail! I was shocked when I opened the mailbox this morning and found it precisely 30 days later -- as promised. The government delivered the document that gives evidence that our son is home forever right on time!

Our adoption journey was not as straight forward as it should have been and we hit a pretty huge and very unexpected bump in the road at the end of April. We went through 3 excruciating months of uncertainity, but through amazing dedication and hard work by all involved, everything was solved and our Alex had his Gotcha Day on July 14th in St. Petersburg. He was 9 months old at the time of adoption and he is beyond amazing... I stare at him in wonder each and every day and give thanks that he is here.

I want to thank everyone who reached out to me during our difficulties. I did not feel that I should post here during that time for a variety of complex reasons, but it was nice to know that others were thinking of us. I especially want to thank each and every one of the women who make up the amazing "NJ Gathering" group... we never would have survived those months without your support and help. I am getting all teary eyed and mushy, so I will close this post for now... it feels good to be back!

[ldr]

Thank you for sharing your special thoughts and feelings.

As I am a Grandma in waiting it is wonderful to see those who have completed this process and how it has changed their lives.

Thanks for sharing and Congrats on your special day. May your lifetime be filled with special days.
LISA

[grannymac]

I love happy endings! Thank you for sharing. Enjoy each and everyday with your little guy.

[Ktates]

I had wondered what happened to you. Glad to hear things finally worked out in the end, but sorry to hear it was so stressful to get there. We are adopting from St. Petersburg too so I would love to hear your story if you are up to sharing.

Congratulations!
Karen

[waitinginnj]

So glad that you are back on the boards, we miss you and your insights. Yippee to being home! I guess things are in the category of what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger! Welcome home Wonder Woman

[emjay]

And big Congrats on bringing home your little Alex! Sounds like the road was tough, but also how sweet and rewarding the homecoming was!! And the past month has to have been amazing.

Continue to enjoy your little guy, and we're happy to have you back!

- Maura

[dvona]

Welcome back to America and back to the forum! We have had you in our thoughts and prayers the whole time. What a wonderful thing to be able to join you in this time of celebration! I agree with Waiting, you are a wonder. Which only goes to prove what we can do for the love of a child, and those beautiful little smiles from Alex are life's sweetest rewards. I'm just so happy, happy, happy for you!!!



Donna

[skiboo]

Thank you everyone for welcoming me back so warmly... it means a lot to me!

For those who are still waiting I offer you my empathy... I know how hard it can be. But remember, though the wait may seem long and filled with bumps and detours, trust me when I say that the end of the journey is so wonderful that it is worth every minute of the wait and every minute of agony that you go through. I have not come down from Cloud 9 in over a month now... and I pray that each and every one of you will soon be on Cloud 9 with me!

[kfin66]

I am also so glad to see you back! I'm so glad I got to meet you, your husband and Alex and welcome you all home in person!

The journey makes you stronger!

You all are an awesome family.

[ahnasmom]

Great News....so glad I finally checked back in here!! I am so happy for you and your Alex!!! And you family!!! Congrats!

[aboyd]

Skiboo - good to see you back on the board. I wondered where you were, and had no idea you were having problems - just thought you were busy being a new mommy. So glad to hear that baby Alex is home, and that all is well. I am sure that your experience makes you appreciate your precious baby all the more. Good Luck - and please post a photo when you have a chance - seeing everyone's kiddos is so encouraging for those of us still waiting to bring our little ones home !
Andrea

[Military Momma]

I just PM'd you when I should have read the thread! I'm sooo glad to hear that Alex is where he should be....home! Congratulation and I know that they road was tough but in the end...Alex is where he was meant to be.

With love,
Lisa