Amazing Surprise

A couple of days ago we received mail from our adoption agency. The first letter was just an additional bill to take care of. But the second letter was a great surprise. We received a letter from Lilli's birthmom. What an amazing present to make us. She also added some pictures from Lilli immediately after birth and an ultrasound picture. And the footprints that they took in the hospital. We were thrilled to receive this. The whole time we had been wondering how she was doing. How she liked the pictures we had sent her. How she liked the name that we had given our daughter. I secretly wondered whether she would hate that we changed the name that she had given her. But she wrote that she loves the name Lillian.

She also wrote a letter for Lillian for when she is older. This is truly what I had hoped for in a semi-open adoption. That Lillian would one day be able to understand how much love went into the decision from her birthmother. That Lilli will be able to understand what a difficult choice her birthmother made to give her the live she envisioned for her, but couldn't give to her by herself.

I can't wait to write her and thank her for these amazing gifts. We had just finished the three month letter and are just waiting for the pictures to send it to her. But I will answer her in the four month letter.

One more question to those of you who have adopted. Are you getting the birthmothers anything for Christmas? If yes, what are you getting for them? I would like to send her something, but am not sure what.

Our first three months with Lilli

Lillian Alexis Audry 07/24/08

Lilli is three months old today. I know I am repeating myself, but I can't believe how fast the time is passing. Yesterday one year ago we filled out the application for adoption and today I have a sleeping beautiful baby next to me. God truly works in miraculous ways. I feel so blessed and grateful.

We had a great night out yesterday. Hubby had asked some friends to babysit. We went to the Melting Pot I love that restaurant! Of course I told everyone that we had our anniversary. I thought they would at least get us a glass of champagne or something (in Europe that is very common). But they just said "Congratulations!" and that was that. I was a little disappointed I have to admit. We each ordered a bottle of Framboise which is a nice beer (my BIL and his wife had that at their wedding instead of champagne). One bottle (beer size) turned out to be $15, but we didn't know. I hate it when the drink menus don't have prizes...

We spend a great time out. It was nice to just talk about our wedding and remember that wonderful day together. I missed Lilli a lot and wanted to call our friends to see how she was doing. But dh wouldn't let me. He gave me another wonderful card. He is such a great writer. I will share with you what he wrote: The card read: To my best friend and true love Happy Anniversary. He wrote: You are the joy of my life. Lilli is an incredible addition to our family, but you will always be my #1! I love you so much and cannot believe that it has been 4 years already. It seems like yesterday that you were my beautiful bride and we were celebrating our wedding. With much love, dh.

I never imagined that

a. I could stay with someone in a relationship for that long (my longest relationship before I met my husband had been about 18 month)
b. I could still be in love with someone after such a long time
c. love could still grow after such a long time.

Now all my dreams have come true. I have a loving husband and a wonderful daughter. And I have survived infertility.

4 years of marriage

Four years ago on a beautiful October day I got married to my best friend. I couldn't imagine my life with someone else. He has a great sense of humor and is the most honest person I know. He loves me more than I could have ever dreamed of. He is my everything.

Last year on our anniversary we were celebrating by filling out our adoption application. We were wondering when we were finally going to be parents. This year our dream has become true. Happy Anniversary, Honey!

I received beautiful golden earrings from my husband this morning as an anniversary present. They are gorgeous!!!

Still hanging around...

Update on my Dad: he seems to be doing fine. I managed to talk to him on Sunday when he was back from the hospital for one day before they start the chemotherapy. My Mom and I have discussed a possible visit and she doesn't think it is a good idea. She wouldn't want Lilli in the hospital. She thinks we should wait until he is back home. I am doing this right now. Yesterday I picked up my new US passport. Very proud of it. At least I could fly now, if I needed to.

No news otherwise. We are still waiting for our visas and are hanging out here. Lilli and I have been sick during the weekend. I had a cold and Lilli has been spitting up a lot recently. She was completely out of sync on Friday night and Saturday, but seems to be doing much better in the last couple of days. It is such a joy hear her talk to herself in the morning. She just babbles away in her crib and it makes me smile. Lilli has accidentally rolled over twice yesterday when she was sitting with a pillow in her back on our bed. But I don't think she intended to do that. Because she still hates being on her tummy. I try to get her to stay on it, but after about 1-2 minutes she screams... Any tips from the experienced parents?

Infertility Insurance Coverage for Virginia Residents

Action Alert: Virginia
Infertility Insurance Coverage for Virginia Residents:
Take Action Now!
Senator Patsy Ticer (D-30) has introduced Virginia Senate Bill 631, important legislation that would require health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and corporations providing accident and sickness subscription contracts to provide coverage for the treatment of infertility.
On October 27, 2008, there will be a hearing on this bill before a Governor-appointed committee of legislators and citizen representatives. We need your voice! Please email the committee members and ask them to support SB 631. If you are a constituent of one of the committee members, it is especially important that you make sure that he or she knows.
To send an email letter to the Committee members, please click here.
If you can attend the hearing, even better! The Special Advisory Commission meeting will be held on:
Monday, October 27th at 1:00 pm
House Room D
General Assembly Building
Richmond, VA.
Thank you for supporting insurance coverage for infertility treatment!

Sincerely yours,
Barbara Collura
Executive Director, RESOLVE

A shock!

I just talked to my mom and found out that my dad's lung cancer has spread to his pelvis area. I am waiting for her conversation with the doctor tomorrow and will then decide whether I am flying with Lilli or whether we have more time. I always wanted hubby to be there when we fly there to introduce Lilli to her grandparents, but we might not have that time.

It's hubby's birthday today. Happy birthday, love of my life!!!

Blogoversary!!!

Today marks one year since I started documenting our struggles with infertility and our road to adopt. What can I say? We went through a lot in the past year. 1 IUI, my Dad's lung cancer, three birthmothers that either didn't pick us or picked us and then changed their mind. But after all those disappointments and bad news we feel so blessed to be Lilli's parents. She is the best thing that ever happened to us (apart from finding each other and getting married).

You guys have supported me on this long and difficult road with your advice. Thank you very much!!!! I need to pick your brain once again. My hubby has is birthday this week and I don't have a present for him yet. Any ideas? I asked him what he wanted and he has not been particularly helpful either. I also would like to bake him a cake, but that will be a whole other undertaking since all my cooking and baking tools are just traveling to Latin America.

I sometimes catch myself already checking out adoption sites again. We can't wait to adopt again... But I guess we will have to wait until this adoption is finalized. And then do another home study. I don't understand why you have to do a whole new home study and submit all the paperwork again? Why can't they just do a home study update and you submit the paperwork that has changed and do another interview?

Still no news on the visas, but we are staying hopeful. Our new apartment is a little smaller, but right next to a shopping mall...