I'm Not Done

Last week, I started packing up Sara's 2T clothes for a friend who is adopting two little girls.   I even sold a couple of things that Sara doesn't need/use in an online yard sale.  Then, I panicked.  I found myself staring at a little girl over and over and realized I'm not done.

I want nothing  more than to pick her up and hold her forever.  

There are a lot of parallels between pregnancy/childbirth and adoption.  One of them is that, when it's all over, you think:  That wasn't so bad.  I could do that again.  That's where I was this week.  I was researching her country (a different one than Sara was in) and it's requirements.  I tried to research different agencies that work in her country.  (I could only find one.)  I tried to figure out how to time things so I could travel next summer since I don't have any sick time.  I watched her grant grow and tried to figure out how I could pay for another adoption.  I tried to figure out how much harder two would be than one.  I contacted another RR family who is adopting from her country.  

After all, who wouldn't want to wake up to that little face every day.

Then, reality hit.  While Sara is doing VERY well and has transitioned better than I ever thought possible, it would not be fair to her to start another adoption right now.  We've been home for less than 2 months.  She still needs to bond with her mom and learn what a family is.  She has come so far and has so far to go.  While I want to be Lene's mom, Sara has to be my top priority right now.  While I'm not ruling out another adoption in the future, I can't pursue Lene right now.  

I pray daily that she won't still be waiting for a family when the time is right for me to pursue another child.  She'll be 3 this summer.  Her country seems to have a rather long process but, if a family committed right now, they could probably have her home for her 4th birthday.  Help me make her 3rd birthday the last one she celebrates without a mom.  Consider adopting her; donate to her growing grant; post her picture and info on your facebook; write a blog post.  Help this little girl find her forever family!  Don't make her wait for me.  

My little family--for now. 

I'm In Love

Since starting this adoption process, I have fallen in love with the people at Reece's Rainbow: the amazing staff, the wonderfully supportive advocates, the other amazing adopting families but mostly, the kids. So many of these children have captured my heart.

I have three thoughts that run through my head when I look at the kids' pictures:

1. I can't wait until Sara's adoption is done so I can advocate for these kids and donate to all the amazing fundraisers going on to help bring them home.

2. If only I had a rich husband.... (or really, any husband...) I'd have a whole houseful of kids.

3. Next time..... (Then I realize I really must be crazy.)

There are a few children I just can't get off my mind. I'd love to share them with you. A couple of them have families. I'm so excited for them and I'm really enjoying walking through this process with their moms. The others are still waiting for their moms. I can't wait for the day they are "found." Every child deserves a forever family and a loving home.

Maybe one of them will grab your heart......

Lene was just posted this week. She's so young and I know she would benefit greatly from a family. She's in a different country from my little girl which is probably a good thing. I'd be VERY tempted to bring her home, too. Lene is one of those kids that makes me think: "next time....." I really, really, REALLY hope she doesn't wait that long.

James captured my heart right along with Sara. I believe that they live in the same place. I really hope to meet him when I go to get my little girl. He's one that makes me think: "If I only had a husband...." I'm just not sure I could handle an infant son on my own. Just imagine how much this little could would benefit from a family at this early stage in his life. I pray daily that he doesn't stay in the orphanage long.

And here's one that isn't in Latin America. Denver reminds me so much of my Martin in Mexico. His picture breaks my heart. I don't think I'm equipped to handle a child with autism on my own but I know he will fit into someone's family!

Marguerite (Claudia) was one of the first children I noticed on Reece's Rainbow. Her family is in the exact same stage of the process as I am. We hope to be in country together. I've love the emails that fly back and forth between Angie and I. We have the same doubts, the same concerns, the same excitement. Angie and her husband live less than an hour from my brother's house. I can't wait for Christmas break. I can already picture Sara and Claudia playing together at the Strong Museum of Play.

Rose just recently found her family--this week! I loved her as soon as she was posted and was so excited to see that she had a family coming to rescue her! I've gotten to know her mom a little this week. I love being able to answer some questions and let her know that she will survive the home study process!!








Are you in love yet?