AGAIN???

This is not a joke.  It's really happened again.  This adoption has been stopped.

Last Wednesday I was celebrating with everyone, talking about plane tickets and packing.  I reached out on social media to share in my joy and received a message from another adoptive mom.  She said she had pictures of my daughter she would share!  How exciting!  I thought she had visited the orphanage and caught McKenna in the background.  But, a 30-minute phone call later, and my world was destroyed.

The reason this woman had pictures...and videos...of my daughter, is because MY daughter had been HER daughter just a few months before!  This poor woman, her husband and their other adopted daughter had traveled to China to bring home their baby.  A cute 2 year-old with cleft lip and palate.  A healthy little girl who needed a family.  Sound familiar?

Well, after spending three days with this beautiful little girl, they knew something was wrong.  They Skyped with doctors at home, tried to get more information and came to the heart wrenching conclusion that the baby...her baby...my baby...was severely autistic.  She can't walk, talk or communicate.  She only cries like an infant, even though she is almost three.

I will forever be in debt to this woman and her family for finding the courage to reach out to me.  I'm sure it was like ripping the band-aid off by contacting me and reliving the whole thing over again.  She loved this little girl too - we only want what is best for - a family prepared to take on tough, all encompassing, special needs.

I'm not sure what to say or do.  My house is full of diapers, bottles, baby clothing and travel items.  Where do I put the highchair, playpen, diaper bag and all the things personalized with her name?  I lost it today just looking at her baby toothbrush and toothpaste.

The kids are sad and confused.  Everyone is wearing their heart on their sleeve right now.  Please give us time to process all of this.  I'm not completely sure what will come next.  We appreciate all the prayers and love, even if I can't get on the phone or verbalize it to you.

Marlo, John, Samantha, Codi, Carter and Madison