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first of all congratulationsNot sure that anyone is ever ready. But given that its August tomorrow isnt it a bit optimistic that they are taking about September for intros, That would mean panel earlyish September so paperwork must be done in the next week or so. Surely there are other meetings to have - for you Medical stuff, FC,nursery maybe, have you had all the reports, had all your questions answered?They need to have a formal linking meeting.Have you got the only SWs not on leave in August From formal linking meeting in early January, I was at panel in March, but they did pull out all the stops and it was difficult to get all the meetings in.Anyway - you never know- good luck and get shopping

We went to panel in April-linked 10 days later and matching panel in May. Our little boy came home in June. So definitely do-able. I agree with Serrakunda. You'll never feel ready and I think in some ways 'rushing' (as long asd you are sure the match is right-and it IS very difficult to feel very much from poorly taken photos and little bits of footage) is probably easier than waiting ages for a match.Good luck!

I feel a bit suspicious about people who 'fall in love' with a child based on a profile. Someone asked me today if I loved DS straight away and the truth is that I felt very positive about him, liked him and felt protective of him, but love didn't hit me for about 7 months - but then it hit me like a sledgehammer! panic is normal - if you weren't panicking I'd be a bit worried.

I didn't have video but I felt numb and afraid Of the awesome responsibilty You are in a better state in a way, people who fall in love immediately are often really unable to cope with things related to the trauma of their children whereas you are able to pragmatically approach things.For me, I felt numb for ages.There are lots of reasons why you can feel like this, holly van gulden may argue you are going through many of the processes families do when expecting a child.It might be worth reading her book 'real parents real children.' Certainly the first few chapters are relevant to many prospective adopters and it shows a way of looking at matching in a pragmatic way without ignoring your emotional processes.

Still doesn't feel real but I'm throwing myself into getting those bit and pieces done around the house, log splitting tonight I think. Things have slowed down a little, as SW holidays have made it hard to get a planning meeting in till 5th sept. so panel now two days after holiday rather than before and intros planned for two weeks after panel, so only one week later than before.Going to look at draw and cupboard catches this weekend and use up my nectar point buying toys in Argos. Slowing making other changes as per house inspection.Willow69 linked to 2yr old T.

Yep, panic is normal . Panic stage 2 isn't so bad, house things can come afterwards can't they? (or so I told myself as big moving day approaching fast and I still got sooo much to do in his room... that I decided to not panic at all in the end).Panic stage 1... not melting instantly over a child's pic or video... You need to find more info about that child, as you can't meet her yet all you can do is talk to the professionals who have (foster parents, nurses, doctors, social workers etc are all people you will see before meeting her, sometimes during a life appreciation day). Can't your social worker arrange for more photos, a better video, or talk to you more about her reasons why she thinks you're a good match? Just be honest with her in saying you don't think that you have enough information to feel an emotional connection with that child yet.While it is true that falling in love over a video or photos can be not representative of what the child is really like (as it's easy to manipulate the media), still personally I find it better than nothing. But there are no rules... I fell in love with my LO's video and photos and, yes, the reality is different so I've come down from the initial excitement and hope for a 'perfect' child. However, when I've had my subsequent doubts and (BIG!) panic at start of intros, knowing that he was 'my' choice helped me through. I still see the bits I fell in love with and am hoping to be able to nurture them, while truly I know it will take a bit more time to fall in love with the 'whole of him'. Though I suspect this might already be happening (now that big panic is over)...Also I suppose there's got to be a leap of faith at some point. And the answer doesn't always lie right there after you've made that jump.Hope it goes well for you – either way.