[amyfk]

Hi,

sorry I didnt write yesterday, I was on the run all day long and same with today. I am now pooped and relaxing at home.
Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of our referral of our beloved dd Joanna Rada(given name Princess Rada Sokolova).
I remember the TTC and for me trying to find medications that work with my health condition which were amenable to pregnancy(which didnt work). I also remember all of the tons of paperwork, which I'm sure you can all associate with. Lastly was the referral process, which I am sure some of you remember, was the toughest part of the whole process for us.
Finally our fifth referral came on 7/11, and she was perfect! My husband and I were just too nervous about the other referrals to accept. We were so upset that we were about to bail out later that day with our agency and move on to do a Chinese adoption(Im glad I didnt do that now--or Id be backed up even more, but I didnt know it at the time). Lo and behold, our social worker gave us a surprise call, after we told her the criteria we were looking for, and the IA doctor said she looked like a definite goahead. Less than two weeks later we left JFK on Aeroflot to head to Moscow and then Tver.
Life has definitely changed for us, but for the better. I am tired and cranky at times, but Joanna Rada is a great kid. I am looking at returning to work part-time in the fall, but I really will miss being at home full-time(provided I get a job). I enjoy being with her and doing her activities with her.
Thanks for letting me share and best of luck to all in process, it certainly is the journey of a lifetime.
Amy K, NJ
PS I am sorry I cannot add a pic. I have a few photos of Joanna on my computer but the program says there are too many bytes for it to run, and I dont know how to cut down my photos.

[mommyto4]

Wow 2 years! ,time goes by quickly,congrats and best wishes. Hope to see pics soon

[ophelia72]

Congrats AMy. Thanks for sharing. We are going to have to look at that computer and save other things on a thumb drive so you can get pics of your baby on here. We just love to see!

[kretzklan]

Congrats on two years. I am dying to see pics after all this time. I will PM you with my email address and if you send them to me, I'll resize for you!

[lovestruck]

Hey Amy,

Wow, it's been two years already! I remember the heartbreak of the referrals and you thinking of making the change in countries. And look how it all turned out!

I owe you and e-mail BTW.

I would love to see a picture of Joanna after all this time. Hope you figure out how to compress the photo!!

[amyfk]

Thank you all very much for your kind words. We are delighted to have Joanna in our family(most days anyway... )
Thanks for the offer Kretz, I will get you the photo in a day or so. Please let me know how you are lovestruck. You were right, we were thinking of bailing and heading to China. With the slowdowns now in China we would have gone from the frying pan to the fire. Thank goodness all worked out.
Amy K, NJ

[Javalita]

Congratulations on your anniversary. Things always work out for a reason - so glad that you didn't bail out on the process.

[MamaChinch]

Congrats on such a special day! It's so nice to rememebr evey to get to to this point, the good,bad and ugly...makes you reallt appreciate all you have now!
Can't wait to meet Miss Joanna in Sept!

[Jessi_76]

Congratulations, Amy! What a special milestone!

[orenmommy]

How wonderful for you all, Amy ! Thanks for sharing your story and pics. Enjoy the rest of your summer with Joanna. Summers in N.J. are the best!

Toria

[amyfk]

Thank you all for your kind words. I have really enjoyed coming to this forum in the past few years. I feel like I know many of you personally. I look forward to meeting you too soon Cyndi.
I want to wish those in process(Ophelia, Jessi etc....) all the best.
Amy K, NJ

[GCS]

Congrats on your anniversary! I saw the pics and she is a cutie!