The End

At the time I am writing this post, we'd been home for about 10 days or so.  Alexandra is blossoming, and is getting better and learning something new every single day.  There are challenges and frustrations to be sure -- some of it having to do with being a new mom, and having an 18 month old (with a definite stubborn streak) on my hands.

I have to admit that I've really enjoyed writing this blog.  It was neat to write down my experiences, and I got really drunk on the interest all of you have showed in my story. :)

The last 6 months have been filled with stress, excitement, frustration, anticipation, anxiety and joy.  I've lived through a truly unique set of experiences.  An international adoption is not for everyone (I am not sure it was for me) -- it's long, it's a process that you cannot control, it's expensive, exhausting, uncertain and beyond frustrating at times.  I am not entirely sure that if I had known exactly what it would entail that I would have embarked on this journey.  On the other hand, on top of the experience of becoming a mom, I also got to travel, meet some people on the other side of the world that I would never otherwise had met, and brought a little piece of Russia into my life forever.  And most importantly -- I've been touched and moved by the outpouring of support -- my close friends ...who have come to Russia with me, painted my nursery while I was overseas, came over after work to move furniture, and put up pictures until 2:00 a..m.,  delivered furniture to my house..... Previously casual acquaintances who volunteered to get documents for me, offered and given me toys, clothes....People who have shared their personal heartaches, joys and stories with me throughout this process.  And you, who have (faithfully) read my blog, shared my story and sent encouraging thoughts and messages along the way.  You are all part of our story.

The story of our new family is just beginning.... please stay part of it -- although at this point I will close this blog, I would love to hear from all who are interested in how we are coming along.