The match meeting was held on Friday afternoon and, as we feared, the baby we had hoped to adopt was referred to another family. Although we were the first family to ask for the match, they were also interested in adopting her, and since they had been on the referral list longer than we, they got the referral. This has been terribly disappointing, but not terribly surprising. I’ve decided not to let it be a huge emotional setback. It’s not quite a loss, although it does bring back other losses.

I am, however, convinced that this ladybug omen stuff is just bullsh*t. Look at the enormous ladybug I spotted just outside our hotel room.

Thank you for the good wishes!