It has been some time, I know, since my last blog. But you
knew it was going to be some time before the next one.
Here’s the latest in our journey.
We are in the 21st month in waiting. Last December, we met our third
“new” social worker. She has been working for the agency as a pregnancy
counselor for eight years. The last one accepted a higher position at another
agency. In our last meeting with the new social worker before Christmas, we
found that we are/were number 13th on the list. We are not sure where we stand
on that list now, but I can’t imagine too many changes. We were shown once
about a year ago. Last year, 18 children were placed. The normal annual
placement is around 25-30. Yes, last year was particularly low but she thinks
it is and is going to be the new norm not only in our agency but also in the
country. Abortion is becoming more and more popular and acceptable in mainstream
America, thereby decreasing the amount of expecting mothers. We were informed
that our wait is likely to reach the 24th month and beyond. So there
you have it. In the meantime, the Russell house has been more than ready. Sam
is well informed of every possibility. He has been patiently waiting, more than
his mummy and daddy I would say. Alan and I have informed our respective
employers. People are now asking us when could they and when should they throw
us a baby shower. We are restless. Or should I say, I am restless. This school
year (2014-2015) I have worked two jobs, one full-time appointment at U.C.I.
and a part-time adjunct appointment at a community college in Irive, Irvine
Valley College (IVC). Yes, I’ve overstretched myself a little bit, but all for
a good reason. So I thought. The idea was twofold. I work to take away my mind
off the waiting process. It’s how I deal with stress. The other is to work on
our savings so that I could stay home as long as I could without any pressure
to go back to work. The plan worked, but I did not anticipate going into the
New Year doing the same thing. We hoped that by this time, I would have been in
maternity leave.
In the meantime, we are still very
involved in community group and mission team in our church. Alan has been
installed as deacon and I am starting my new role as a midweek bible school
teacher (only this spring). My work load naturally decreases in the spring
allowing me more time. Sam really enjoys church. Every week, he asks what day it is and is it a church day. Church day for him are Sundays (Sunday school),
Wednesday nights (midweek bible school) and Fridays (our community group). He
loves his church friends (children in our community group). Before his
birthday, he shared, “Mommy I wish I could have my church friends, my school
friends, my neighbor friends, and my friends (the ones he grew up with – my
mommy group) together. On his birthday, he got his wish. He was a fabulous
host. One of his friends got upset because he wouldn’t play with her. When
brought to his attention, he said, “But mommy, I already played with her. I
wanted to play with my other friends, too.” What a very mature answer.
This summer, Sam and I have worked
out our schedules. He will go to summer camp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
(so as to allow us to go on long weekend getaways with Alan). He will go to
swim class M-Th. And we will both take art classes on Tuesday and Thursday. We
might squeeze in a soccer class there somewhere but it will all be about Sam.
At the end of August, Sam will start Kindergarten. I will teach one class with
IVC and I have reduced my time at UCI by 25%. Since UCI doesn’t start until the
end of September, I hope to help Sam adjust to his new big school by then. Who
knows when the baby will come, but if he/she comes this year, we will be very
happy indeed. Unfortunately, there is no plan to go back to Ireland this year,
but we are hoping that some of you might be able to come and visit and stay
with us.
Until next time.
