[ddahl]

Wow! What a ride the adoption journey has been. I remember thinking during the arduous journey that I must be totally crazy to subject myself and the fabulous DH to this madness. Waiting for a referral for months. BCIS losing our paperwork for months, redoing endless documents and paying to have them re-APOSTILLED again and again to the tune of countless dollars and yet somehow we survived it all.
We were blessed on September 5, 2005 with being named the parents of Mason Andreyevich LaFlair. As many of you know, the 5th was labor day. It seems poingnant that our adoption was final on that day as we truely labored to bring this wonderful child into our lives. Now that Mason has been home for 5 months, we have had time to settle down and reflect on the process. There were many monents that were wonderful too. At least a million snuggly conversations with DH where we shared our hopes and dreams of becoming a family and so many nights where we made the most of our child free life and painted the town red. Yet there were just as many nights of nearly hopeless tears and railing at the heavens. Looking up at the moon and thinking it was just shining down on our beautiful boy not so many hours ago but so very far away.

For anyone waiting, in whatever stage of the game I just want to say hang tough. You can do it even when you think maybe you have had enough.

My attitude of gratitude is brought to you by the hundreds of forum friends and family that saw us through the process and for that I will be eternally grateful. While 5 months have passed, there are things that still make no sense, the waiting, the waiting, etc.... Though I will tell you this morning I went in to awaken our miracle child and he opened his eyes and said "Mommy". Now I am not sure when he changed from calling me MAMA to MOMMY but I honestly thought for the last 13 years that I may never hear those words directed at me. I can only say thank you and thank God I didn't quit before the miracle.

For those of you waiting remember when you start to lose hope.... you have not totally lost it. Stay strong. Stay vigillant. Keep your printers stocked with paper and ink for paperwork re-do's. Remember it is always darkest before the dawn but when that beautiful sun rises it will be the best day ever. We are praying for you all and we are praying for all of the children who are waiting for there forever families.
With love and prayers,
Mason's Mommy

[britfish]

not fair, I'm crying, and I am supposed to be working. That is beautiful, just beautiful.

[proudmommyof 2]

Amen!!


I truly think that my marriage is stronger because of the years of infertility, failed domestic adoption, and waiting and waiting for my angels. We have a bond that is so strong because of it.

My family is also stronger because of it. I never take my kids for granted, and never wish they would grow up faster.

I'm not sorry that we followed a difficult road to be parents-I think it made me a better mom and wife!!

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Vicki H]

Thank you for your wonderful post.


Vicki

[gafan]

Thanks for a great post. This definitely helps my own attitude this week.

[thmc1215]

What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing. I did the "moon thing" too, and last night our DD and DS both pointed up to the moon and just smiled. It warmed my heart. I echo the bonding with DH too. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but I believe we all come out stronger in the end.

Congrats on 5 months home!

[kretzklan]

Dixie- that was beautiful. It's such a great thing to hear the happy endings.

[skling69]

I just recently changed from Ma to Mommy, it's great isn't it.

[mikeintexas]

Wow Dixie, that is awesome. So awesome.

[fugie]

What a great post!! thanks. I am usually at work now but am home with my little one because he isn't feeling so well. But you know he is being very cuddly and wants mommy to hold him alot today and I am loving every minute of it. Thanks again for your post.

[maddensmom]

not fair, I'm crying

Amen!!

Need I say more...

[jroc]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I like the part of you and DH painting the town red! My DH and I have not let an opportunity pass to do anything in the past year. We each had close calls with our lives since being married. And it has only made our love for each other stronger.
God had led all of us to this point in our lives and we all will have the outcomes that were meant to be. To those who are having a hard time, keep your head up!

[Wendrew]

Dixie, That was beautiful. You really have a way with words. So many of your posts can make me laugh and cry at the same time, what a gift!

[lovestruck]

As I sit here crying they are tears of emotional joy. Thank you for that beautiful post!! And for me personally, your post, as well as others, sure can make a bleak day seem brighter. Thank you.

[amyfk]

HI,

I just want to say that everything was so beautifully said! Thanks for being an inspiration to us currrent waiters. You may have a future career as a writer as well as a mother. Enjoy your little one!

Amy K, NJ