We've got 1/2 sibs out there. Looks like 8 that I know of. Most of them on the East Coast.
Whoa.
Last year I started to sign up for the Donor Sibling Registry--paid the $50 and everything, but then Chicken wasn't so keen on the idea so I didn't go through with it.
This year she's had some time to think about it and so last week I signed up for the free registry on CCB. And....then I got an email. Single mom with a 4 year old. Lives about an hour away.
I was stunned. I knew there was someone in NY and I had a feeling they could be in the area, but still...there's nothing like the knowing.
There's a couple in PA, RI, MA, Seattle and Portland. Some families with twins, some with singletons. Heavy on the boys.
We've started connecting on FB. I've seen the photos and heard about the similarities. It's crazy.
The mom who made initial contact has met all of the other families and kids.
Well....we have always wanted to visit Seattle and Portland....now we have a really good reason to make it happen!
I'm excited. I came from a very small family and don't have a close relationship with my siblings at all. The boys have us and they have each other, but they only have one close cousin through Chicken's family and none close by.
This past week we had the chance to watch "Donor Unknown" on PSB and I thought, "Yeah, I want to go forward with this. I want to see if we can find the other families. I want to give my kids the opportunity for a bigger family." If, when they are older and they choose something else, then that is up to them.
For those of you who saw this documentary--did you cringe when you found out how the 'star' donor #150 turned out 20 years later? Brilliant, but a crazy stoner?
Chicken and I just looked at each other and said, "Oh god I hope our donor turns out ok." We do have an open donor, so in just 16 short years our sons might also be taking a trip to California looking for some answers. And whatever they find, I hope we can all handle it with grace.
In the meantime...looks like we're going to do some more family-building after all.
How exciting!! I can't wait to hear more about this!
ReplyDeleteI know about the Donor Sibling Registry but was is CCR? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on connecting... I know it's hard to get used to the idea, but it is SO rewarding! We are in touch with, made contact with, and met many of our girls' half-siblings and our experience has been 99% positive! We have a couple of families here in NY too and we get together every few months.
ReplyDeletewow, exciting development! i'm very interested to read more as you journey down this new path! :)
ReplyDeleteI have always had mixed emotions about donor siblings and whether I would want my (hypothetical) children to connect with them, but this sounds so exciting! I'm intrigued to see how it will all play out. I also need to check out that documentary!
ReplyDeleteThis week we just started emailing with a family from DSR. I was nervous but it has been great so far. Wow. The world is a crazy small place.
ReplyDeleteBig step connecting, and so exciting.
ReplyDeleteFantastic that your blogging every day, I'm not there yet, but your guys are just a few months ahead of mine and I'm hoping that sleep will happen?
I'm so interested to hear how this all works out for you! I think its a great undertaking!
ReplyDeleteWe just watched the documentary as well and Meg said she would have a really hard time if L's donor turned out to be similar to Donor 150. For me, while genetics clearly play a role, I think the way in which we are raised has a much stronger influence (so my guess is that neither your boys our ours will turn out too terribly!).
From someone who has been down this road....I'm very excited for you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and keep us updated.
Wow! What an exciting path you are on - I am excited to hear how the journey goes for you. We have not looked into donor siblings as of yet, but it is something that comes up for me every now and then. Can't wait to see how it goes!
ReplyDeletei loved donor unknown! i had mixed feelings about the donor revelation -- i wrote about it here: http://bionicmamas.com/2011/09/27/blog-carnival-donor-sperm/
ReplyDeletemeeting donor sibs sounds very exciting. we aren't there yet.