Sunday, December 16, 2007

22nd LIDversary...

Tomorrow is our 22nd LIDversary. I can't believe it's actually been this long.

Just like the numbers in the graphic here, we have weathered quite a long wait with more to come. I so hope it's not much longer though, because we are getting pretty worn out. I know my waiting friends understand what I mean when I say worn out.

I'm tired of answering the dreaded question..."so, how's the adoption coming?" and responding to "it can't be much longer now" and "how come it's taking so long?". I just can't answer these anymore. I wish I could carry around a little tape recorder and play them my standard answer every time someone asks me about the adoption.

On another note...I'm almost ready for Christmas. I just need to wrap the gifts and do some menu planning and grocery shopping for Christmas dinner. I love this time of year and I'm excited about the holiday as usual, but it seems the waiting is worse around the holidays. The first two Christmases spent waiting were hard, but this third one is a killer. I keep thinking this will be the last...but I also remember saying the same thing the last two times.

It's tough walking through the mall and seeing all the families waiting in line to see Santa and wishing Joe and I were there in line with Lauren. Also, watching all the parents with carts stacked up with toys for their little ones and wishing ours had toys for Lauren. I've been throwing quite a few pity parties for myself this month. I know that I'm not alone and that many of you have had a party or two of your own.

Doggie update...our greyhound, Addy, has been having some trouble. She is retaining fluid in her back legs and they are all swollen. She's been having trouble with her legs for years now, but it's SO sad to see her trying to walk around with the swelling on top her usual pain. Our vet wants to run some blood work to see if she is having organ failure of some kind. She already has high blood pressure and a bad heart murmur and she's on several different medications. Please keep her in your prayers.

16 comments:

Kim said...

Happy 22 Months....
I know about the questions... We are only at 7 months going on 8 and we are getting them all the time...
You will not have to go another Christmas without Lauren... she will be in your arms soon..
Hugs to you..

Brandi said...

Happy 22 months!

I know exactly what you mean about being worn out. We're at 13 months and we've had all the questions hundreds of times. Can't blame them, I guess, but sometimes I wish they'd just leave it alone!

I wish I could tell you, positively without a doubt, that this will definitely be your last Christmas without Lauren. Unfortunately I don't have a crystal ball, and the way things are going, who knows! But, I will continue to pray that Lauren will be home with you soon.

Hugs!

Michelle said...

I'm sorry you are worn out. It can't be much longer. Seriously. I'm so sorry to hear about Addy. I hope she gets to feeling better soon. It's hard enough to be without our children this time of year, let alone having our furbabies sick. Sending healing thoughts her way. I'm ready for another bloggy bash. Perhaps something up your way?

Anonymous said...

Here's hoping that Addy pulls through this - I know you've all been through a lot together. I'm right there with you with these feelings around Christmas. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Joe with Lauren this time next year. Keep on keepin' on....

Carol said...

22 months! Wow! I'm sure you will be holding your baby next year. Hang in there!

Prayers for Addy.......

Lili said...

The questions are killing me too!!! I am starting to comfort people who are so sad to hear about the wait...Talk about Co-dependent. This whole Christmas w/o kids is so yuk.

Kayce said...

Happy 22!

I'm hating the questions too!!!

Stephe said...

Standing there right beside you on the 22 months. Even I've become frustrated. grrr.

Pirate and I are sending lots of hugs and prayers to Addy!

Somewhere In The Sun said...

Donna, I can almost feel your sadness. I watched the AHH preparing to travel CD tonight (you will get it when you get your referral). One of the fathers gives a closing statement about how perfect God's timing is and how their paperwork had to be held so long so that it would go to the matching room at the same time as their daughter's. It was really beautiful and I thought of all of you NSN families who are waiting so long. Once you have your little one you will KNOW exactly why you had to wait.

I know that doesn't help the sadness...but I'm praying that God will give you peace during this difficult holiday season.

~Lynn

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna,
I just received your Christmas card today, very pretty. Ours are going out sometime this week...I hope! I was just talking with Colin today about Addy, he was asking about greyhounds and I said that you had one. I promised to show him her picture on your blog. We will include her in our prayers. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Love,
Karlene and family

Catherine said...

(((hugs))) sweet friend. This wait sure is tough but we must be getting closer, aren't we?

Standing right beside you and supporting you all the way!!

Don and Be said...

Blessings 2 U

Merry Christmas,
Don & Be

Kim said...

My prayers are with Addy...please keep us posted.

As for the pity parties; you're entitled, my friend.

Hugs,
Kim

Melissa said...

Merry Chritmas Donna! Yes, I am also worn out. Those words say it perfectly. Your doggies is in my thoughts and prayers. Try to have a good Holiday and this is our last Christmas w/out our girls!!

Lisa and Tate said...

Happy 22!? I'm been joining you for a having a few days of the party this month. Seeing snuggling with Tess and Eliza really does help.... for a few days.

I can only imagine the festivities at your house this time of year! Knowing how clever and artistic you are, the house must be all a glow!

Prayers and hugs for your snuggle pup Addy. Give snuggles from me and licks from Mesa to her.

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Oh, your poor puppy. I pray that she will get better, Donna!

And I SO know what you mean about people asking about how much longer it will be. It gets....rather tedious.

Happy 22cnd!