Well, yesterday after some deliberation, I decided to call the adoption agency. They had pretty much told me that it was a big solid “No!” for adopting from Russia for a couple of different reasons. Mainly because we couldn’t get a home study done here in Germany (it’s always better to error on the side of caution. And then…there’s my *ahem* colorful past. It seems to catch up on me at the worst possible times, too!
Well, some of it was my fault and I’ll take credit for my mistakes, but some of it wasn’t and it’s being held AGAINST me…like stuff that happened when I was a child…stuff that I really had no control over…and genetics…blah (stupid genes–always getting in my way!) LMAO 😉 Actually, it’s honestly and truly my mother’s fault, but I can’t blame her–not really–it’s in her genes! Something that Rob reminded me was that I can’t blame my parents for everything. I don’t live with them anymore and they don’t control my life anymore, so any problems that I have really are my own…and that’s true, for the most part.
Well, if you must know, my mother has schizophrenia and a touch of depression. As part of her court order, she had to go to counseling and since I was a part of the family I had to go, too. And I probably inherited stupid ole depression, though it really doesn’t affect me that much–well it hasn’t in a long time anyway. And with that said, Russia generally won’t adopt to people who have had depression or any mental health issues! Blah!
So, I called yesterday about possibly Ethiopia as an alternative. Well, see there’s other stuff in my long-line of colorful stories and it could MOST LIKELY cause us problems (stuff I’d really rather not get into, but no, it’s not THAT bad!) Blah! It probably will affect us–not being able to get an adopted kid…most likely an international adoption, anyway. Not entirely sure how it would affect adopting domestically or not, but, I’ve no doubt in my mind that it WOULD affect it!
So, needless to say, I’m feeling quite dejected at the moment. I called Rob all teary and upset and he said, “Well, we’re just going to have to explore the IVF route, then. I’ll endure your mood swings.” The funny thing is, he’s not lying. I took one cycle of clomid and I was NUTS! I cried during movie scenes that were supposed to be funny. I would start shouting at stuff that really was not big deal and just losing it in general! Okay, I’m already a bit moody, I’m a Cancer, I’m ALLOWED to be a little moody! 😉
So, I don’t know if we should wait until we get back to the states or if I should get things started here…I guess I’ll have to talk to Rob because some of these appointments require him. They won’t even look at me now until Rob’s got a valid sperm test done (which they did in Feb 2005 and he came back perfectly normal) but they said it has to be less than 1 year old. Blah! It’s not supposed to be this hard to have a baby! Grrr!
Rational Irrationalities 
I think IVF and Ethiopian adoption are both wonderful options. If you’re looking into Ethiopian adoption, I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about the Gladney adoption agency.
I can totally relate about the hormones making you crazy. I was out of my mind during previous IVF cycles: crying constantly and being really quite mean to my poor husband, not to mention the hot flashes, nausea, dizziness, etc. But I keep at it because I believe it will all be worth it in the end.
I know you will be a mother, one way or another. Good luck! 🙂
Keep your head up! If there’s a baby boy or girl out there who’s meant to have you as a mommy fate will find it’s way. =)
Genes. Ugh. Don’t get me started on ’em. Good luck to you!
*hugs* That’s rough… Still praying.
Visiting from NCLM.
I’m sorry that sounds so frustrating.
Hola from NCLM….thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I know this is so frustrating…but I agree that there is a baby out there that is meant for you!
Hope things get worked out & you get a plan 🙂
I feel your pain, that a baby isn’t supposed to be this hard! I know I just wrote at SpouseBUZZ that we’re pregnant, but it took us a long time to get here. We even have frozen sperm! I often wonder why it’s so easy for some people to conceive and so hard for others.
I feel for you! Hang in there!
Not knowing much about your situation, have you considered Surrogacy? Just a thought….Big HUGS to YOU!!
Sharon
Sorry the adoption journey isn’t going quite as smoothly as you’d like. It is so frustrating that EVERYTHING having to do with infertility is just one big pain in the butt!
You’re right, why can’t it just be easy! Just know you’re not alone! Thinking of you!
It ISN’T supposed to be this hard to have a baby, damn it.
I’m going to make my husband read this entry of yours b/c I am also a Cancer and I have mood swings like you just wouldn’t believe. He thinks it’s because I just want to be a bitch (well, sometimes I do..), but I’ll show him that it’s normal!!
🙂
It really sucks that it is so hard for some of us! I will never understand why it is this way.
I have a son that we adopted from Russia and a son from IVF (donor embryo actually). Both were amazing experiences.
I also have dealt with depression for years. It was never included in any of our adoption paper work. Does that really have to come out in your home study? We didn’t really lie, we just never brought it up and our doctor didn’t say anything either.
As for Clomid, I was a crazy bitch on it too. The injectable meds didn’t hit me quite as hard. I wasn’t exactly all sweetness on it, but I wasn’t a stark raving lunatic either.
Best of luck to you!
It shouldn’t have to be this difficult and I really feel for you, Amber. I just know that there’s a little one out there meant just for you!