Several people have emailed me (adoptukraineblog@adoptionmail.com) and asked if I have heard any more rumors. Or when will the SDA accept dossiers? Or will the restrictions on Americans who are filing new dossiers (only allowed to adopt child 10 years or older) be removed?


My last post on this subject was May 22, 2006.


I have heard the SDA is moving forward at a good pace. The new employees need to finish their training. The SDA building's security needs to be updated. I don't know what this means. Do they need new locks? Are they working on creating a secure location for the files and dossiers?





Things continue to look hopeful... Hopefully that adoption will reopen by the end of June.


The Ukrainian government still hasn't released any information. We probably will know when the SDA opens.... when it opens.


So everyone (over 1,000 families) are waiting and hoping. I have a few thoughts on what you can do.

• Quit checking your email every 15 minutes. I know this is very hard to do. But honestly it really doesn't help your stress level. At least it didn't help me.


• Exercise



• If your stress is overwhelming you, talk to your doctor about Paxil. During my adoption in 2000, I was biting everyone's head off and struggled to sleep. Medication really can help if you are experiencing situational depression.



• Take an Internet holiday and spend time doing something you enjoy.



• Pack and then test your packing. Almost everyone over packs. Borrow someone's child, preferable a child who doesn't like you. Or if you borrow an older child ask them to play pretend with you. Ask them to run away from you and you chase them with luggage in tow. If you cannot borrow a child take a bag of flour, luggage and walk around the block. Climb stairs. Now repack.