Tuesday, December 7, 2010

WANTED: Little Brother

So… here it is.  I am FINALLY going public.  See, I have had this deep dark secret brewing since March of this year.  Yes, you read that correctly, I said March.  As in almost 9 months ago. 

If you think back in time earlier this year, to March, Tatiana and I were celebrating her 1 year home anniversary.  Things were seriously picking up again, movement wise in the region that Tatiana was adopted from (Vladivostok) and so I thought, great!  No time like the present to get this thing started.  Let’s do this! 

And then *IT* happened.  Torry.  Hansen.  Outrage.  Fear.  Hysterics.  Anger.  Everything.   Why did she have to be single?  Why did she have to adopt from Vladivostok, the same region I adopted from?  And best of all, why did she do what she did?  Alas, we’ll probably never know the answers to that question… but needless to say my “Road to Vladivostok Version 2.0” came to a screeching halt.  I think you can still see the skid marks. 

But as many of you know, the world of adoption is usually not finite.   So it was time for Plan B.   A second dossier was prepared (#2 this time around for those of you keeping count, #1 was on it’s way to Vlad when this all happened!) for another region.  Tick tock, tick tock… the summer was slow with little movement.  Thankfully, T and I were busy, busy with lots going on to keep my mind off what was going on or NOT going on for adoption.

Just when I had put the timeline out of my head in September, a new referral popped up in yet a DIFFERENT region.  Isn’t it always when you least expect it?  So, off I went, full speed ahead with yes, dossier #3.   I think I am almost expert at this now right?

I don’t want to be-labor the story here, but suffice it to say, that referral for a variety of reasons was not meant to be.  It still makes me sad to think about, because for two months I thought of this little face as my future son, a solid match for brother-land.  

The story doesn’t end on a sad note, however.  Chapter 4 – Plan D, perhaps, is in full swing, and today, I have officially accepted the referral of a sweet little face.   Again, just when I thought the door was slamming closed, a little window was opened – highlighting another path.  The ironic thing is, this happened the same week that my dear friend Kim, who I have known for (WOW!) 26 years, approached me to ask if she could use my “wait” experience (and the frustrations of that wait) from Tatiana’s adoption in her sermon this past Sunday at church.  Kim is becoming a minister and I was beyond honored to be a part of HER journey!  

I don’t know all the details yet – when I’ll be traveling etc., so bear with me during this exciting time.  It feels odd and yet a relief to FINALLY be sharing all this news.  There are so many reasons I haven’t posted publically about journey #2 yet – but mainly because the waiting can be so difficult that sometimes it’s easier to keep it to yourself than have to explain it to so many people.  I can’t keep it quiet anymore.  I just can’t!  I realized that partially when I read another friend’s blog, who is also going back to Russia for adoption #2 and I found it so cathartic to read her thoughts on the process.  Sometimes it MAY be easier to keep to yourself… but sometimes it’s easier to share the load! 

Keep us in your thoughts, please!

26 comments:

Kim Abraham - Mom to the Fabulous Five! said...

Wow! I'm so excited for you and really admire your perseverance! I'm sure that's also why you are such a great mommy! Oooo, I can't wait to meet little brother.

Glen Scotia said...

That is so exciting! I hope everything goes smoothly for you from here on out. Keep us updated!

Lindsay said...

That's wonderful. Congratulations. My second came home 3 months ago and it has been wonderful. Congratulations again and fingers crossed for a swift process for you.

Wendi and Terry said...

Amy, so thrilled for you!! Can't wait to hear all the details. Tatiana and your new little boy are so lucky to have such a great mommy!

Jeannie and Freddy said...

I know you have enjoyed T so much it has led to baby#2-Congrats! Blessings your way, more children in the house=more fun, and so great for T! God Speed! xox

Debbie said...

OMG! You are one brave woman. 1 I don't think I could bare that wait again. 2 Morgan is handful enough. Congrats to you and T. I can't wait to see photos of the little guy. I'm so excited for you. Good luck! You'll be in my prayers.

Gloria said...

YEAH!!!! So excited for you and Miss T. I bet she will make a great big sister! Congrats to you both! Can't wait to follow along on your next journey!

Tracey and Chuck said...

Wow...that is such exciting news...so glad that you shared!!! :) Can't wait to hear more! Congrats to you and T.

Todd and Jana said...

YEAH! Congrats to you and T.

Barb said...

What wonderful news! So happy for you, that despite all the setbacks and difficulties with Russian adoptions lately, that you have a referral AND, are sharing the news with us!

Jeanette said...

Wonderful news!!! Wish you all the best! T will love having a brother and you will love watching them play and grow together!

Troy and Rachel said...

Oh Amy - congratulations!! (I'm sorry I'm so late) Please keep us updated! All of us out here want to hear the ups and down, so we can cheer you through!!!! Can't wait to hear more!

Rich and Jolynn said...

So happy for you and T!! You bet we will be following along. Excited and Praying for a quick journey and then an even quicker home-coming.

amy said...

So happy to read about your good news ~ congrats! I've been wondering what was going on in regards to your second adventure in adoption. :)

michelle said...

Oh my goodness! What happy news! What a wonderful surprise! I got goosebumps reading this. So excited for your growing family! Blessings to you.

Shelly and Steve said...

Exciting Amy, Good Luck!!! I hope everything goes well. I'm sure you're up for the adventure. Tatiana will be such a good big sister. Can't wait to hear more.

Clarese said...

WOW!!!!!!! That is amazing news! I'm so happy for you and T.

Bill and Michelle Curran said...

OMG!!! Are you serious!!! WooHoo! I am begging Bill do go back and he doesn't feel he can handle it at this time. So which region? How old?? WooHoo!

Scott said...

wow, how exciting! Best of luck.

Katie and Pete said...

Have to come out of lurkdome to say Congrats! We're another Lighthouse family from years ago and have 2 from Russia and 1 from Uzbekistan. I'm excited to follow along.

Monica said...

So very exciting! Best wishes!!!

Laura said...

omg...Amy -- I am thrilled for you! I was just about to go to bed and thought I'd check a few blogs. I'm so glad I did! I look forward to following along with you. Since we can't go forward with another adoption (as much as my heart would love to), I will live vicariously through you and cheer you on every twist and turn along the way. YEAHHHHHHH!

Hugs,
Laura :)

Sarah said...

Congrats Amy! That is wonderful!

Kimberly said...

Oh my goodness, I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! Yippeeee! I can't wait to follow along!

Amy, Jeff, LM, SC, & Ashton said...

Hi, there!
I followed your journey to Tatiana and still check in from time to time -- Delighted to hear this fantastic news!! Can't wait to hear the details and watch you travel for your little boy! congratulations!

Heather said...

Amy,
I am soooo far behind on so many things right now. When we got T's Christmas card in the mail and say the letter that you were finally sharing your news, I was super excited. Ohhh how we know the journey can be difficult but we both know the end result is GREAT! Please keep us update on how things are going. We think about you often!