Nurses

Last night, on a great adoption family blog They Grow In Our Hearts, I read about some bad hospitals and their handling of adoptive families.  These hospitals, and nurses??!? especially, treated the adoptive families like dirt, delaying access to babies, giving them a lot attitude around feedings.

In two cases, all the adoption paperwork was perfect, all the caseworkers, lawyers and mothers agreed. Yet the hospitals put off discharging babies to adoptive parents for seven hours in one case, nine hours in another case. Some baloney about administration. In one case, the Board of the hospital had to be contacted before the adoptive parents were allowed to go home with their baby. I am sure emotions are running so high, so much waiting, hoping it all clicks into place. Heartbreaking.  To have your right to your child questioned right off the bat.  

Of course, these experiences are not representative! Tons of adoptive parents had warm, welcoming experiences at their hospitals.  Let's hope that all adoptive parents and birthparents have nurturing, respectful experiences at hospitals. Us too. 

Happy Valentines Day Little One

Last weekend, four year-old Nolan spent the night at our house so that his parents could go on a skiing trip. He is so SWEET about our baby. He often brings over a toy or book that he has out-grown and very gently and seriously says its "for the baby." He likes hanging out in the nursery, visiting with his old toys. This trip, he was asking a little more about when the baby would arrive.  It will be funny to see how he interacts with the real baby, rather than just his idea of a baby. 

Today the little one seems closer. Its a nice feeling, rare. Usually it feels to me like it will never happen, so abstract. Maybe it's the Valentine's day sweetness. I spent about an hour reading a bunch of the great books our family and friends have given us. All the great hardbacks, Caldecott winners, chunky and yummy board books. That Knuffle Bunny is really growing on me. Nolan really liked the Flower Man book. 

We are #5. 

Persistence

It's paying off, we are now #5 on the list- any day really at this point- crazy!  Just migrated the blog today so SV is able to post as well- look out.