another year older

Well, it's official. I'm 39. Where did the year go? It was exactly a year ago that I decided to pursue an adoption. I knew that if I didn't go forward, I would regret it the rest of my life. About a week later, I filled out the paperwork to get on the waiting list for a baby girl from China. The rest, as they say, is history.

still waiting...

Well, next week will be 3 months waiting for my referral. They told me it would likely be 6 months so I'm halfway there. I'm still really hopeful that I'll get my referral before Christmas. I've started thinking a lot about the in country process. What exactly do I have to do? When do I get to meet my little girl? What do I need to take with me? What am I going to eat while I'm there?

My agency just started a yahoo group for families adopting from Vietnam. I can't wait to hear from other families using my agency about the process. I'm sure they'll be a valuable source of information. I don't think any of them have travelled yet so they may not be able to answer all of my questions, but I think I'll ask. I'll also send an email to my agency contact, Gail. I hate to bother her but I'm sure she's used to it. What else can a girl do but think while she is waiting for the most important call of her life?

the scary thoughts that pop into my head

Today, driving home from the grocery store I started panicking about when my baby starts school. I was honestly stressing about who will pick her up in the middle of the day and where will she go. I've got daycare all set at my work until she is school age, but then what? When I got home I had to tell myself to get a grip. I haven't even received a referral yet. There is no baby yet and I'm worried about 5 years from now. I don't know what made me think of it but I stressed myself out good. Wait until I have real things to worry about. Oy!

blogs i love!

I have a new habit. Every night when I get home I turn on the computer and check my favorite blogs. Most are Vietnam adoption blogs...some are parenting blogs. Here are a few of my favorites!

The first blog I found was http://cobaltdragon.com/. This blog belongs to a single guy who just adopted the CUTEST little boy from Vietnam. I found his blog when he was preparing to go to Vietnam to pick up his son. He posted while in Vietnam which was so great. I learned a lot about the in country process from him. Now I love hearing about all the amazing things his son can do.

Another Vietnam adoption blog is http://lookingforlulu.blogspot.com/. This blog belongs to a couple in NC who are waiting to adopt a baby girl (Lulu). I started reading this blog when they were waiting for their referral. Everyday I would check to see if today was the day. In addition to blogging about adoption, the blogger is an amazing photographer. I love seeing the pics of her dogs, gifts for Lulu and other things. They recently received their referral and are now waiting for their travel date!

Another Vietnam adoption blog I love is http://rothvinson.blogspot.com/. I actually found this blog days before the couple traveled to Vietnam to pick up their beautiful little girl. They posted during their stay which was exciting and educational! They are now home and adjusting to life with their little one.

One other blog that I visit every day is http://www.goodyblog.com/. This is a parenting blog with great information and items. I've already found several must haves from this site and even ordered 2 shirts for my baby girl from http://sandboxthreads.com/. I ordered the Audrey Hepburn and Lloyd Dobler (from Say Anything). They have fun giveaways and links to many other interesting parenting sites. I LOVE this blog!!

Well, that's all for now. There are at least 5 other blogs I check daily. I'll blog about them another time.