Deep Breaths

The news is not good. Vietnam is ending adoptions with the U.S. starting Sept. 1.

For now, I've dodged a bullet, since I've already accepted Loc's referral. According to what's been laid down, my case can proceed. But I can expect that my paperwork will get the fine-tooth-comb treatment before it's approved, and that could mean delays. Or worse, like a NOID.

My heart aches for all the wonderful people I've met through my agency who won't have referrals in time.

And I'm scared that further restrictions will be imposed. The situation, it seems, is volatile.

WTF. I've come too far on this journey now to lose heart, but it's a scary, scary time.

This won't be on Loc's bookshelf

Oy vey.

Look, I'm not opposed to plastic surgery, but this children's book is ridiculous. [WaPo] Click on the slideshow to see the mommy's new nose and unrealistic body proportions. That's quite the talented surgeon.

The article is hilarious, but once again, the MSM fumbles. The Post's Health section teases the article thusly: "There's a new entry in the expanding library of books for young children designed to explain life's difficult topics: divorce, adoption, hospitalization, cancer, death."

Adoption...on par with divorce, cancer, and death? Wow.

Baby shower!

A friend of mine threw me a baby shower on Sunday, in the torrential rain. It was great to see so many of my friends brave the nasty weather and come bearing such great goodies.

Loc is really getting set. He got a ton of wonderful stuff, including a little wagon he can pull around, some incredible bath toys, a bathing suit, a bag full of essentials recommended by a fellow 19-month-old, Legos, some colorful t-shirts, and a zebra drum from Kenya courtesy of Aunt Melon. And lots more, too much to mention.

This kid isn't going to know what to look at first when he sees all the treasures that are just for him.

What wonderful, generous friends I have. Just the best.

I knew "late May" was but a dream

Sigh.

Got an email from my agency this week. My I-600 will be filed the second week of May. Let's do the math: It's taking 45 days on average for I-600 approval. Then 10 to 14 days to schedule the Giving & Receiving ceremony. That's about 60 days, give or take, from the second week in May until I get Loc.

60 days. From the second week in May.

And that's if the I-600 takes 45 days. We all know the rumors (threats) of 60 working days.

I thought waiting for the referral was tough, and there were some dark days back there in the winter. But know that I've seen him, this is way harder. He's on my mind constantly. How is he spending his day? Is he happy? Is he being hugged enough? Does he have enough toys to play with?

July cannot get here fast enough.

New photo!

This was taken at the end of March.

He's still wearing his little bracelet, and I'm glad to see he has a Lego to play with.

Yes, the metal slats in the crib don't look comfortable. But I'm going to believe, because it makes me feel better, that they put him in an empty crib to take the photo, since last month he refused to stand still and pose.

(This will be a skill we will have to work on immediately, or teach Grandma about the "action" setting on her camera!)

Everyone is so great

Over the past two days, a bunch of people (most of whom only know me professionally) have found out that I'm adopting and have seen Loc's photo. I continue to be bowled over by the good wishes and congratulations I've received. Silly me, when I started the adoption process, I worried a lot that people (i.e., the whole world) would think I was absolutely nuts or would tsk-tsk my decision. Let's face it, when international adoption comes up in the news, or the topic of starting a family in one's 40s, it tends to bring out the trolls. A lot of people have pretty specific ideas about who "should" have children, or why international adoption is "wrong."

Maybe I'm just lucky that the trolls are keeping it to themselves. Instead, I've been swept up in a sea of genuine kindness. I not ashamed to admit, I love the attention. It's affirming that this "crazy idea" was the right thing to do.

Most interesting reaction today -- from a boomer colleague: "Vietnam. It would be hard for me to wrap my head around going there, since I spent so much time back in the day trying NOT to go there."