A sign or wishful thinking???

This afternoon when I went to get Matteo at preschool, he greeted me with this lovely drawing. When I took a closer look, I saw all the little dragonflies. My heart skipped a beat. He didn't actually do the drawing of the little girl but parts of it, but he definitely chose which stamp to use. There were many others to choose from but he chose the dragonfly which has been a symbol for adoption, and for Matteo's adoption.

While I waited through the adoption process and then waited to travel, I decorated his room with dragonflies and collected them.  For his baptism I used some dragonflies (that my agency sells for fundraising) attached to some candles as a bomboniere for our family and friends.

The dragonfly is a symbol on many levels.  You can see photos here.

So seeing the little dragonflies on the picture of the little girl I wondered, is this a sign? or just wishful thinking?

What do you think?

....more nibbles today....

....all day I kept getting the feeling like I should be getting something from my agency.  I kept checking email when I could but there was nothing. Before leaving I decided to check my other work email and sure enough there was a message. Nothing major to report; however, I was asked to itemize the special needs I was able to handle and/or request.  I have been approved for only a few minor special needs so was able to only check off a few.  I quickly did this and sent it back.

.....I'm trying to stay calm.

My only other experience with this process was with Matteo and when I was near a referral, I was asked to update certain items too in the few days preceding the special phone call.  

Again nothing official and on my part it can be wishful thinking but as everyone knows, even a little nibble can keep you going for days and weeks...

...So for now am trying to stay calm...did I say that already?

A nibble of news on adoption #2....

...today after enquiring with my agency if I could get an update on our status and our list placement, I did get a message letting me know that we have climbed up on the list.  No details were given as to new timelines; however, of course, it is all wishful thinking but at the same time, makes me feel like the dream is within reach.

   I am meeting on Saturday with my social worker to update the medical etc. and hopefully  that will be done in the next few weeks so that our file is ready should a referral come in at some point.  Of course I'm trying to balance my excitement with the reality that it is all still at times a throw of the dice.

   The whole adoption process is an act of faith...it is important to believe that all is possible, while trying to remain realistic.  I remember  a post I wrote just a few weeks before receiving Matteo's referral it was titled "When nothing is sure, everything is possible."....You can read it here.  I am feeling much the same these days as that post suggested.

   Tonight I'm hoping it is a good sign that just around the corner life longing for itself will change the direction of our lives once again and bring us to a place we could never even have imagined......

Matteo and mommy, first full day together.
Celebrating our family with the beauty of the South China sea.

Third anniversary or should I say third referralversary (is that a word?)

......remember it like it was yesterday!! such a wonderful memory!!  For referral photos see this page, and today...

Gratitude...

Feeling very grateful tonight!  Had some follow up tests at the end of June and met with the specialist on Thursday.  All is well and back to normal and as of Thursday I am now off all prescription medication.  My doctor also wrote me a letter for my adoption file and it has been sent off.  Hoping that this will put the adoption back on track, though I think it was never really off the track.

However so much to be thankful for. Tuesday will be the third year anniversary of Matteo's referral...such a whirlwind of emotions then (post from 2010 here) and now...timing in life is always magical.

For now just saying many prayers of gratitude and faith in God who carried us through some darkness but never without light as well!  So grateful for my family and friends who supported us.  It really does take a village to raise a child...praying my village will be blessed with raising two.

Leaving you with a referral photo of my first blessing!

Happy Canada day!

Memory photo of the first day of preschool....

....mommy is very proud, but the little one not so happy....