Apparently Lauren's court case (where just the orphanage reps appear) is scheduled for April 15th. At that point a court date for us to appear will be scheduled. We've been told it could be very soon after that :) - for security reasons, we won't post the exact date....but it's coming up and we are very excited.
I pray little Miss has been carrying around our baby photo album and already is familiar with our faces. I pray her heart is calm and she's prepared for this transition in her life. I pray our first meeting is positive and she has great fun with what we have planned for her on that meeting. It's simple toddler toys, some gerber snacks, cheerios, and some silly play....of course with all of us on the floor, eye to eye.
I'm already dreading the 60 day wait between trips....and the thought of leaving her. So much so, that I casually mentioned to Brad, maybe I could stay behind and wait until paperwork is done and just bring her home...so we wouldn't have to wait the 60 days. .... not really, for those of you that don't know we all that well... I'd be a scaredy cat staying on by myself. I really rely on my Brad for his strength and adaptability when traveling internationally....so even he knew that I wasn't REALLY serious. But boy do I wish I could do it.
It's going to be a great summer! I can't wait to spend it at home with her and Joshua too.... although he's going to be scheduled for a few activities - you know kids at this age start that walking around saying, "I'm bored...what can I do....??" - he usually gets into building something with leggos or building a new train track layout... but it takes him a bit to get settled into something at home. So for him, a few days of summer camp and maybe a soccer camp would do him good. Little Miss and I have a summer full of play time, naps, walks to the park, stroller rides, cooking, baby massages, bonding time, play therapy, holding, cuddling, ...and maybe a few doctor appointments, etc... whatever she needs. Can't wait.... I'm ready for her now :)
This blog documents our adoption journey (our daughter is from India). Now that she's home with us and we are a complete family of four (we also have a son, Joshua) this blog serves to share a variety of topics, adoption related, parenting..... just everyday life. Check out our FAQ on adoption questions, along with any other questions commonly asked.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Pictures of what we've been up to....
Back from vacation - trying to catch up on adoption news.... sounds exciting on many fronts. Here are some pics and one matter of "housekeeping"... yep, I mentioned cutting off my hair... so upon request, here are pictures of before (when taking time to do my hair), before (how my hair was most often...tee hee.. you'll see)... and now, with it much shorter.
After drying and curling, spraying, etc.
But mostly it looked like this...pony tail, pony tail....UGH!
Now, it's blow and go.... sometimes a bit curling, but not much!!
Now on to Hilton Head pics.
We had a great time, only missed having daddy with us. He stayed home to work, but we are hoping he gets everything done quickly, so when it's time to go to India... we hop in the plane and Go! Nana went with us instead..and we had great fun. I'm sorry to say... I lost my small digital camera :( So sad, but in the big grand scheme of things... it's just stuff right.. and my memories have to be locked into my head. I did get a few pics on the iphone. I hadn't even started pictures on the digital yet for HH -- the pics I lost were likely from Kenya (which I think were already downloaded), maybe some silly Christmas pics, or Joshua pics... I really don't know..but it's ok.. all good. I'm not the best photographer -- need to take some tips from Mer, but here is what I have.
Joshua was in heaven with his friend Trey - who came down with his family too. Joshua and Trey are in the same class at school and they live just down the block from us... so they are BEST friends! Do to his privacy, I'm not posting most of the cute pictures of the boys together - because I haven't had a chance to ask his momma yet -- so here is a glimpse of the trip. Joshua loved every minute -- but if you ask him he'd say, "I saw two alligators basking in the sun, one in a pond, and Syracuse lost in the NCAA tournament"... yes, we did come inside from the sun to watch the CATS play Baylor... and now we are down to playing Indiana in the Final Four!! We LOVE our Kentucky Wildcats... and plan to go all the way!
our hotel backyard -- beautiful! And on the beach... take the winding path and step onto the sand....
Day #1 - waiting for Trey and his family to arrive - Joshua making him a sand castle for his birthday... we wrote "Happy Birthday" in the sand.
And now for the water.....
Day #2 - more playing in the sand ... no pics posted here - but have lots. And wave jumpin with my buddy -- can show behind the back scene here ... love behind the back shots.
Just relaxin' - this shot just Joshua -- have others with Trey too... they are so cute laying the hammock together -- some nice pics, others with silly faces... love these boys!
That's all for now.... just hanging around home now, waiting for that all important call with our court date! p.s. - also got little Miss' baptism dress in Hilton Head -- it's cream chiffon.... love it.. will post picture later. And of course she got a Salty Dog t-shirt, like the one mommy has at home in rasberry pink -- can't wait to use that for a matching therapy session! You know how it is in the world of adoption - we are always on the topic.... even on vacation!
After drying and curling, spraying, etc.
Now on to Hilton Head pics.
We had a great time, only missed having daddy with us. He stayed home to work, but we are hoping he gets everything done quickly, so when it's time to go to India... we hop in the plane and Go! Nana went with us instead..and we had great fun. I'm sorry to say... I lost my small digital camera :( So sad, but in the big grand scheme of things... it's just stuff right.. and my memories have to be locked into my head. I did get a few pics on the iphone. I hadn't even started pictures on the digital yet for HH -- the pics I lost were likely from Kenya (which I think were already downloaded), maybe some silly Christmas pics, or Joshua pics... I really don't know..but it's ok.. all good. I'm not the best photographer -- need to take some tips from Mer, but here is what I have.
Joshua was in heaven with his friend Trey - who came down with his family too. Joshua and Trey are in the same class at school and they live just down the block from us... so they are BEST friends! Do to his privacy, I'm not posting most of the cute pictures of the boys together - because I haven't had a chance to ask his momma yet -- so here is a glimpse of the trip. Joshua loved every minute -- but if you ask him he'd say, "I saw two alligators basking in the sun, one in a pond, and Syracuse lost in the NCAA tournament"... yes, we did come inside from the sun to watch the CATS play Baylor... and now we are down to playing Indiana in the Final Four!! We LOVE our Kentucky Wildcats... and plan to go all the way!
That's all for now.... just hanging around home now, waiting for that all important call with our court date! p.s. - also got little Miss' baptism dress in Hilton Head -- it's cream chiffon.... love it.. will post picture later. And of course she got a Salty Dog t-shirt, like the one mommy has at home in rasberry pink -- can't wait to use that for a matching therapy session! You know how it is in the world of adoption - we are always on the topic.... even on vacation!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock..... still waiting
No official news of court date... we're hoping to hear the date tomorrow. It's crazy, but I've actually started taking my cell phone with me to the bathroom! Honest. (That has always sort of bugged me when others do this... not to mention the germ-factor!) But, I don't want to miss that call. :)
Meanwhile, we're busy planning a little trip for spring break... Brad is staying home with work... which saddens me, but I totally understand and support him. I pray once Little Miss gets home, we can maybe have a late summer get away somewhere together...if she's up for traveling.
Of other important news today....Joshua actually held a girls hand today at school..... they did square dancing during PE :) He said it was the best part of his day, of course right after his momma picking him up early at dismissal time. He got matched with the absolute most shyest girl in the class ... and I told him, I LOVED that, because that tells me that #1) the fact that she did dance with him means he must be very kind to her and #2) his PE teacher (the one who did ALL the matching), must recognize a sweet quality in him to think he'd be a good match with the shy, quiet, Ella.
Other exciting events of today..... I went into the basement thinking for sure that I had a plastic tub of old clothes that were too small... and sure enough I did! So yes!!! I tried on a few pants and yahoooo! It was like shopping only better! (Because I didn't have to pay or go into one of those hot dressing rooms!) So now I have white crop pants for our trip, jeans, and another pair of crop pants.
Last hot topics of the day.... finally cut off my long hair... it's still shoulder length, but wow, feels great. Joshua got a fresh haircut too... and I also got a pedicure .... let's just say it's been a great day.... the ONLY thing that would make it better was if we knew that exact court date :) All in good time, little one.... we can't WAIT to meet you.
Meanwhile, we're busy planning a little trip for spring break... Brad is staying home with work... which saddens me, but I totally understand and support him. I pray once Little Miss gets home, we can maybe have a late summer get away somewhere together...if she's up for traveling.
Of other important news today....Joshua actually held a girls hand today at school..... they did square dancing during PE :) He said it was the best part of his day, of course right after his momma picking him up early at dismissal time. He got matched with the absolute most shyest girl in the class ... and I told him, I LOVED that, because that tells me that #1) the fact that she did dance with him means he must be very kind to her and #2) his PE teacher (the one who did ALL the matching), must recognize a sweet quality in him to think he'd be a good match with the shy, quiet, Ella.
Other exciting events of today..... I went into the basement thinking for sure that I had a plastic tub of old clothes that were too small... and sure enough I did! So yes!!! I tried on a few pants and yahoooo! It was like shopping only better! (Because I didn't have to pay or go into one of those hot dressing rooms!) So now I have white crop pants for our trip, jeans, and another pair of crop pants.
Last hot topics of the day.... finally cut off my long hair... it's still shoulder length, but wow, feels great. Joshua got a fresh haircut too... and I also got a pedicure .... let's just say it's been a great day.... the ONLY thing that would make it better was if we knew that exact court date :) All in good time, little one.... we can't WAIT to meet you.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Whatcha been up to??? Oh, nothing......but GOING nuts over this schedule
Two things - I've given up for Lent (along with giving up McD's diet coke...since lent is often about fasting from a food) and also the use of the computer for fun while my family is home..... soooo, while Brad and Joshua play disc golf, I got just a second to update.
Two .... nope, no real news on adoption trip. The best I can understand, is that when you get the call asking, "when is good for you to go to India", you need to say one of two things - "next 2 weeks is fine"... or "really anytime"..... for us, we (Brad and I) fretted over what date works with our schedules (and this occurred over a period of ONE evening)... but it seems that by the time we got back with our agency... India government was closed in this region for a religious holiday. Also, keep in mind, when you are asked about something from your agency...be prepared for the answer, because by the time you get back to them....and they have the opportunity to communicate with India (keep in mind time difference, holidays, and weekends).... you just might miss a NARROW window of opportunity. (I may be exagerating a bit ...but it seems so). So for now, we placed our preferred travel week in the hands of our agency...we pray it doesn't offend the India culture / orphanage... and we wait to hear back....and we wait to hear back...and we wait to hear back....so I've come up with a few minor things for any new PAP's to keep in mind...(notice, I deal with stress with humor)...not everyone "gets" me.
1.) When travel to your court appt. is near, consider asking if you should get a VISA (ahead of time).... expediting a VISA is expensive ..and you just might not really need it when you think. They are good for 6 months... so if you are SURE you will have both trips in the next six month, consider asking if you can get that taken care of in advance, save the expediting fees for a family weekend vacation, for school tuition, a college fund.....yep it's just that expensive.
2.) Don't marry a husband that implements IT systems or is a PMP (techie project manager).... it's really hard to explain why right at "go-live implementation" is not the ideal time to leave the country... instead marry a fireman or policeman -- these guys are like brothers and there is always someone who will cover for you :)
3.) Consider taking out stock in FedEx or Brown .... at least you'll be paying yourself back :) Can't count the amount of shipments we've made to overnight stuff.
4.) Tis the season for children's consignment sales.... need I say more?? spend that expediting fee on this!! YES!
5.) Make sure those home studies are updated and don't expire. On a real down day.... read through them again...love our social worker, she interviews Joshua in the most amazing ways and she gets him to talk like crazy...they usually go upstairs to Lauren's room ... I find out about their conversation in the home study...this really did make me smile today when I read it, "He states that he is excited for his sister to come home soon so “I can play with her in her room and show her all the new toys we have for her.” Joshua also looks forward to “when my sister is old enough to read The Mouse and the Motorcycle with me, but we would have to go to the library first because that is who has the book.” I love this kid!
6.) Hold on to your faith! I think about Jesus, going from place to place.. living in the moment (well, I guess He did have a little foreknowledge of events to come)...but you get the point ... we can't control it folks, so at some point ...hold on for the ride and lean on Bride(groom). ok, maybe not so funny...had to make it rhyme.. you get the point. He is the way!
All for now... I think the boys are home:)
Two .... nope, no real news on adoption trip. The best I can understand, is that when you get the call asking, "when is good for you to go to India", you need to say one of two things - "next 2 weeks is fine"... or "really anytime"..... for us, we (Brad and I) fretted over what date works with our schedules (and this occurred over a period of ONE evening)... but it seems that by the time we got back with our agency... India government was closed in this region for a religious holiday. Also, keep in mind, when you are asked about something from your agency...be prepared for the answer, because by the time you get back to them....and they have the opportunity to communicate with India (keep in mind time difference, holidays, and weekends).... you just might miss a NARROW window of opportunity. (I may be exagerating a bit ...but it seems so). So for now, we placed our preferred travel week in the hands of our agency...we pray it doesn't offend the India culture / orphanage... and we wait to hear back....and we wait to hear back...and we wait to hear back....so I've come up with a few minor things for any new PAP's to keep in mind...(notice, I deal with stress with humor)...not everyone "gets" me.
1.) When travel to your court appt. is near, consider asking if you should get a VISA (ahead of time).... expediting a VISA is expensive ..and you just might not really need it when you think. They are good for 6 months... so if you are SURE you will have both trips in the next six month, consider asking if you can get that taken care of in advance, save the expediting fees for a family weekend vacation, for school tuition, a college fund.....yep it's just that expensive.
2.) Don't marry a husband that implements IT systems or is a PMP (techie project manager).... it's really hard to explain why right at "go-live implementation" is not the ideal time to leave the country... instead marry a fireman or policeman -- these guys are like brothers and there is always someone who will cover for you :)
3.) Consider taking out stock in FedEx or Brown .... at least you'll be paying yourself back :) Can't count the amount of shipments we've made to overnight stuff.
4.) Tis the season for children's consignment sales.... need I say more?? spend that expediting fee on this!! YES!
5.) Make sure those home studies are updated and don't expire. On a real down day.... read through them again...love our social worker, she interviews Joshua in the most amazing ways and she gets him to talk like crazy...they usually go upstairs to Lauren's room ... I find out about their conversation in the home study...this really did make me smile today when I read it, "He states that he is excited for his sister to come home soon so “I can play with her in her room and show her all the new toys we have for her.” Joshua also looks forward to “when my sister is old enough to read The Mouse and the Motorcycle with me, but we would have to go to the library first because that is who has the book.” I love this kid!
6.) Hold on to your faith! I think about Jesus, going from place to place.. living in the moment (well, I guess He did have a little foreknowledge of events to come)...but you get the point ... we can't control it folks, so at some point ...hold on for the ride and lean on Bride(groom). ok, maybe not so funny...had to make it rhyme.. you get the point. He is the way!
All for now... I think the boys are home:)
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Different Kind of Storm - adoption news :)
Well, 6 states in the region were hit with terrible weather and a fear of tornados. Apparently 50 tornados were sighted, so we are blessed to have the minimal damage in the region. And all I could think about is..... we're leaving for India for a court appearance (yes, that's what I said :).... been too crazy to blog about it)... please Lord don't interupt this process.... with a storm, tornado...etc. As I watched the weather doppler - which of course, I'm not all that familiar with.... I noticed what continued to be a storm heading our way ...and it was almost as if it moved north of our city...or south of our city...but the worst part of it never really hit right over us and it seemed to fade in intensity. The clouds were dark and heavy and powerful....and you could almost feel like you could see God pushing them right along... Now, I'm not saying there hasn't been damage -- and I know several towns in Indiana, etc. have been hit really hard. The news and weather men - warned of this storm all day. Joshua's school let out at 1:00 today (along with many other school closings and business closings).... this city took the news and predictions very seriously....and I prayed, Lord protect our city... we have a little girl we can't wait to see and meet for the first time.
When storms comes like this (which thankfully it isn't often).... I can't help but think our God is making His name known to man... He is exerting his power ...I don't think the enemy has power over the weather...just my thought... so it leaves me to think, Lord... save your people...and people... wake up to the Lord!
Now another kind of "storm" in our life....is, yep ... getting ready for an unplanned trip to India to appear in court. That's how adoption goes....and we're totally ok with it. Yes, we're excited, but wow, Brad's work, my work, Joshua logistics, and a planned family mini-vacation all is hanging in the balance! We've got to figure all this out and really quick ...logistics, VISAs, flights...and the money aspect of an extra trip. For safety reasons, I'm not going to say when we're leaving...but it's soon enough to make me a little crazy...but also we know it's possible to get all the logistics lined up. We can't wait to meet Lauren... we get to meet her on day 1, court on day 2, and fly home on day 3.... quick trip, right? You know... I'd fly around the world just to see her for two days....wait a minute, we are :) Please pray for us.
When storms comes like this (which thankfully it isn't often).... I can't help but think our God is making His name known to man... He is exerting his power ...I don't think the enemy has power over the weather...just my thought... so it leaves me to think, Lord... save your people...and people... wake up to the Lord!
Now another kind of "storm" in our life....is, yep ... getting ready for an unplanned trip to India to appear in court. That's how adoption goes....and we're totally ok with it. Yes, we're excited, but wow, Brad's work, my work, Joshua logistics, and a planned family mini-vacation all is hanging in the balance! We've got to figure all this out and really quick ...logistics, VISAs, flights...and the money aspect of an extra trip. For safety reasons, I'm not going to say when we're leaving...but it's soon enough to make me a little crazy...but also we know it's possible to get all the logistics lined up. We can't wait to meet Lauren... we get to meet her on day 1, court on day 2, and fly home on day 3.... quick trip, right? You know... I'd fly around the world just to see her for two days....wait a minute, we are :) Please pray for us.
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