It occurred to Brad and I that our lives are forever changed

Yep - we finally realized that this adoption IS going to happen - and even more so, that our lives are forever changed :)   Mostly we are certain will be a blessing -- other craziness, not so much.  We don't even have her home yet -- and we've had to "educate" a few folks on adoption. 

It occurred to us that we've also signed on for a lifetime of educating people -- some curious, some just plain ignorant!  Here are a few things I've been told recently..... as you can imagine, little Lion Momma has already arrived:

"I'm not sure if your extra leave time will be approved, since it has been denied for other cases"... me: "where these cases adopted children"... reply:  "no, biological, so that makes it even WORSE for your case"....me:"what"???  did I hear that RIGHT?  Seriously folks, wake up to the idea that bio kids are NO different than adopted kids.... laws apply to both (like family medical leave).... she IS our family, always and forever!!  I "learned" this one on the process for bonding....how it's different for well-cared-for bio kids compared to children in a more institutional setting...response was, "oh, oh, oh.... I'm sure you are right, you do have a point"....hmmmmmm

p.s. - extended leave time ended up working out and getting approved -- just needed to do some of that adoption education -- and work within the "system"

Showing her picture to someone...."Why are you doing this?  Why are you going to India to adopt???"  - this questioning seemed to have connections to skin color....from a person of color, believe it or not  ....not exactly sure....never the less, my Christian hat was on during this one and I was able to graciously explain the call to get our daughter. 

I'm certain that I will get better at answering the nosey questions -- or perhaps I will find a way to ignore them all together.  I will certainly need to find what works best for our little Miss.  Honestly, it saddens me though that at times people can be so uninformed!  I'm feeling a call.... albeit, not sure if it's from God - but honestly, don't we need a national educational campaign on adoption awareness in this country?  I can see a PSA (public service announcement) now - on TV - talking about adoption - the laws, the love, the gift.  For now, I'll graciously educate those that enter our world...invited or not.  Pray my Christian hat is always on yall... because I can be a momma lion at times for my kiddos. 

Funny thing is....when Brad and I talked about this .... he was right on board with seeing these situations the same way as I do.... I love that about him!  He LOVES this adoption as much as I do..... He LOVES Lauren as much as I do..... and He is EXCITED as much as I am to meet her, hold her, feed her, play with her.....bond with her.  I LOVE my husband for many things, but right now.... I love him for loving her! 

Yep - as he and I talked, we are forever changed.... and it is good!  We are blessed. 

Love bug's passport photo

Butterflies in the stomach ..... :)  Busy day today working on that to do list..... got a big surprise last night when we received a copy of Anjali's passport photo.  This little one is soooo cute :)  Can't wait.....

Prayin for a productive day, and for all the adoption news to keep comin'.

The To-Do List

Ok - so now that it's here --- what to do, what to do???

Checklist-

• Book airline tickets ...... done, check
• Pay all monthly bills in advance ...... done, check
• Pack Lauren's bags..... LOL.... done (a LONG time ago, check)
• Pack our bags........ not done
• Get outlet / electricity converter .......not done
• Call Lauren's doctor for advice on which "special" hair shampoo for little miss .......not done
• Ask about how soon to book doctor's appointment for when we get home......not done
• Pick up my new eyeglasses..... I want to SEE this girl loud and clear for the very first time....not done
• Fill out FMLA paperwork......not done
• Go through travel guide .... double, triple, quaduple check our travel paperwork..(done many times....let's do it one more time :)
• Pick up a couple of special gifts for two very special people in India :)..... not done...but know what to get
• Write letters to Joshua for him to open while we are gone....not done
• Wrap little gifts for him for while we are gone....done, check
• Go through travel meds ....start taking Malaria meds in advance.....not done
• Download calming music on iphone....not done
• Call phone carrier to ensure we can use phone in India -- and not rack up a bunch of charges...not done
• Call credit card company ensure can use card internationally without fees....not done
• Inform Joshua's teacher and school admin of our leave time and instruct to call my mom.... not done
• Load friends phone numbers into my mom's cell phone - so she can get help with rides to school....not done
• Tie up all lose ends at work....not done
• Go through packing list --- charge cameras and video camera.... etc. .....not done
• Get cash from the bank....not done
• Get dentist appointment for Brad and Renae....not done
• Load up on all of Joshua's snacks and lunches for school....not done
• Catch up all Joshua's school uniform laundry, PJ laundry, and dirty socks....not done
• Write out school schedule for Nana....not done
• Stock up on food in the fridge

UGH - oh how I wish some of you blog girl-friends lived close to me -- only you would understand all this and raise your hand to help :) 

Nikki - what am I missing ??  LOL   - I got Anjali the current version of the gloworm today -- it's a seahorse and plays ocean music and soothing lullaby music - has various volumes... I'm thinking this might really help establish security and sleep -- prayin it so...hoping it helps in the grieving..... you guys, I can't WAIT to see this little girl smile.... I mean seriously, in every picture she's crying, frowning, or clearly afraid....... words cannot express how blessed I feel.... and yes, I know, she might not smile ...I mean really smile....for months -- I'm lowering mine own expectations.......BUT IF she smiles.... you better bet I will capture it -- and you all will be the FIRST to see it :)

Calling all prayer warriors -- and seeking any other advice on things I may need to bring that I've clearly forgot :)

p.s. -- have LOTS of food and snack for little Miss .... quite a bit of toys ....and a complete carryon - if case ALL our bags get lost :)

We have a travel date!!!

Hi all -
Life is surreal with us right now..... we finally after all these months, years....have a travel date to go pick up our little girl.  For security reasons I won't post when, you can private email me :)   - but let's just say it's very exciting times for our family.  We can't wait to meet our little Anjali! 

School is into it's first full week, Joshua had his first homework (which he loved doing in the car on the way home ... I'm sure that won't last :), and mom moved into her new little house that is about 3 minutes to our house.  We are so excited and happy for her.  This house is perfect for her and we are reminded once again that God's plans for us are always better than what we imagine for ourselves.  (She missed getting several contracts on houses because of timing, logistics, etc..... but her patience and God's plan won out -- and she got the best fit for her in the end)..... we are reminded that if we wait and delay gratification until the time comes, His plans are really great and often brings us so much joy.  His love for us is abundant! 

Still dealing with this allergy, cough, etc... but Joshua is totally healthy so I'm happy about that :)  My cough seems to linger on for a bit .... welcome to the Bluegrass State :)  -- hence the reason I'm up at 3:00 am writing this post. (Plus I knew to expect a little "confirmation" email from our rep Lisa .... which she faithfully sent!!)

Off to try to sleep on the couch for a bit (so I can sit up to avoid coughing.....) ....UGH!  But who is complaining..... we have a travel date!!! Thank you so much for all your prayers....keep em coming :) Especially for our little girl's sweet tender heart and her transition. 
Love (and good night) Renae.

No News is Good News...... ????

Really, whoever came up with the saying "no news is good news".  I bet it was back during the war.... if someone didn't come to your door then your loved one is probably ok.  We've used this saying for years, right?  I'm certain that whoever thought of this wonderful saying was not a PAP!

When I think of the days and nights wondering about our daughter with no news in sight .... I can't help but think of all the families in the adoption process right now....just waiting for news.....longing to move to just that next step.  My heart goes out to each of you!  Each story is a bit different....all bonded with one thing in mind to reach that child.  Each milestone is precious... and is celebrated! 

Then I think of the children......wow, doesn't that set you back on your heals??  For the kids, they likely don't get the news of each milestone.... their waiting must be excruciating.  I bet that wait changes some of them.... to the very core of who they are.  I can't really think about that -- and instead I choose to think that God sends them angels that comforts in ways we don't fully understand.  God does care and love his people, his beautiful creation.... he's faithful to us, he's faithful to these children for sure.  I pray these children hold on to the hope of a family - that they don't let that little glimmer of light burn out inside of them..... I pray they find faith.