Here's to another year!

I recently had an anniversary. On October 1st of last year I started this blog. It is interesting how this thing has evolved. It began so simply but became something much more.

It started as a way for family and friends to keep up with Sophie and follow our adoption of Sam. At the start of this we were anticipating a court date for Sam's adoption (we had been waiting since mid June). Little did I know that just days later we would learn of the database issue. So I then had to come to terms with the fact that it would be spring before we returned to get my baby.

So this blog became something different. It still kept family and friends aware of what was going on in our world but it also because a refuge for me. I found support and prayers. I found people who made me laugh when I really needed a good laugh. I found people who turn the ordinary into something so completely intertaining. I have reconnected with a cousin and sorority sisters. I found other families adopting from Russia. I found families adopting from the Kemerovo region of Russia. And I found others who were stuck just like us. Stuck waiting for their babies to get to come home.

I have been able to share these journeys with so many others. Some were aware I was out here while others were not. I have rejoiced when you received good news and felt sadness and anger when the news was not so good. I have emailed and talked with some of you on the phone. I feel close to people I will never meet but because of this common adoption thread I call you friend.

I have loved sharing our journey and sharing others journeys. I continue to follow waiting and traveling families. In a way I feel like I am adopting with them. I feel excitement and joy and anxiety while they are away or while they are anticipating that referral or court date phone call. And after everyone is home it is amazing to watch these sweet babies grow and bloom.

Thank you for sharing your lives with me. Thank you for sharing mine.