Fourth Trimester

Adoption

"I am a single woman by choice and a single mom by choice. Although I have not given up on Mr. Right, I did give up waiting to become a mom, my life long dream. In December of 2006, I started the journey of adoption. Immersed in the world of home study, applications, choosing a country, I600A’s, and mounds of paperwork my life was soon was consumed with things beyond my control. As a single woman who likes to have control this proved to be a very frustrating thing. The nine month wait to pick up my daughter in Guatemala was the longest time ever. I was stressed over every step envious when someone else got through PGN. Rumors of Guatemala closing its doors while I was watching my baby grow up in pictures. Although these months faded fast as soon as she was brought into the hotel where my parents and I waited in the lobby. Sure there was an adjustment period, but she was in my arms and that was all that mattered. We have now been home for a little over four months and I am proud to say she is doing well.The biggest adjustments to becoming a single mom is not having as much time to myself and thinking about someone else before I think of myself. Things all mothers have to adjust too. The things I love the most are the mornings when she plays in her bed and softly calls momma, her smile when I pick her up from the babysitter, and the way her head fits perfectly in the crook of neck. I count on that mothering instinct everyday, it does kick in even when your child is adopted. I know I am a happier person today and it’s all because of the love of a little girl. Now instead of paperwork, my days are filled with hair bows, dolls, read books, and playing. Isn’t life great!"

—Jill Arnold, Jeffersonville, IN mother of one