Patti Blagojevich not happy about Rod's delayed appeal process: - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich is not happy about delays in the appeals process for her husband, convicted ex-governor Rod Blagojevich.

In an exclusive interview, she told FOX Chicago News that the situation is "incredibly frustrating."

"I mean, my girls miss their dad, he's missing their birthday, my daughter had her sixteenth birthday just the other day," Patti said.

Mrs. Blagojevich said it's been bugging her for months.

As FOX Chicago revealed Tuesday, even though Rod Blagojevich was convicted last summer and sentenced in December, the transcripts from his two trials have not yet been completed for the appellate court.

"There sure was a rush to get my husband in jail," Blagojevich wrote to friends on Facebook, "where he now sits waiting for the long overdue transcripts."

The former Illinois governor reported to prison in March. He's serving time at the Englewood federal corrections facility outside Denver.

"We've been waiting for the transcripts to start the appeal," Mrs. Blagojevich said. "You can't start the appeal until your appellate lawyer can review the transcripts."

Judge James Zagel's court reporter filed a request for an extension of time three weeks ago. The request informed the appeals court that she had been on a five and half month personal leave of absence, and returned to a mountain of work.

Defense attorney Lauren Kaeseberg told the court that she has made numerous requests for the transcripts over the last year, without success. She even produced emails to prove it.

"For five and half months we've been waiting for these transcripts to appear," Patti said. "Meanwhile, the trials have been over. the first trial's been over for two years, the second trial's been over a year."