It is hard not having a date to say. I have a good 3 or 4 versions of the adoption news that I tell people. From those close to me who get the detailed nitty-gritty, down to the most generic statement. When people I don't that well ask when he'll be home "I just say late spring/early summer." It's too hard to see that blank stare when I say I don't know when he'll be home.

I don't know if it is better to give a date and then have it NOT happen OR just say I don't know hen , but you will surely know when it happens. My kids said they are wanting a shirt that says No we don't have any news. We will be sure to let you know when we do. They get frustrated that so many ask, but it does mean people care. They are just so frustrated themselves at times. I have learned to NOT ask, but wait for people I know adopting, to give me the news. If I am making contact with them in person, by phone or in cyberspace, it means I care and want to know, but do NOT want to add stress to their stress.

Well the celebrating side will surely be very easy...it's this waiting part tha drives you crazy!!
have a great day.

Thanks for stopping by to watch the video. of Elia's Journey Our Prayers. It was fun to make it. I made it New years Eve actually, which is the anniversary of My husband (Becky's dad death) back in 97. I don't go out New year's Eve to celebrate now without him, so decided to do something positive with what is a kinda tough day in my world.

So I spent hours that day getting that together for Elia and her parents. We as a family do understand how all of you delayed right now are feeling, as it is now April and we still don't have her home either. We are making progress though albeit slow as "cold molasses".

I think 2006 is celebration year for many of you, for others it may be 2007, but it is coming!!! And along the way there will be other things to celebrate, while we wait. And a big group of friends to come alongside and help to pass those days.

I don't think there's anything wrong with giving a date. Then, if you don't make it, just say "We were delayed". Its easier than going into a long explanation of the uncertainties involved in Russian adoption right now. I tell people dates too.

Jen---I told everyone Mia would be home definately at the latest December 2006. Now that is a pipedream and we will be lucky with April 2007. I am soo upset that people still ask and when I try to correct it they don't get it. They think or assume we did something wrong or we won't get a baby or we don't know what we are talking about.

I actually have started saying even later than what we actually expect. We say oh...could be up to 18 months. So, then if there are more delays we can stomach it. Russia is different than China, definately, seems more predictable at this time. I just can't deal with it anymore. With everything being soo unknown, I can't explain it anymore.

I am just tired of it and almost wish we hadn't told anyone anything about it until now.

Oh, and by the way, I love your fundraiser idea. I am still looking through everything!