Without the words to share what these hours feel like, I'm passing it over to the girls...
"Tomorrow there'll be so much to do
So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you.
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough,
Cause I'm never, never giving you up.
As you wander through this troubled world,
In search of all things beautiful,
You can close your eyes when you're miles away,
And hear my voice like a serenade."
Lullaby/Dixie Chicks
How many times I wondered what this night would be like... "tomorrow" is finally here.
Thanks everyone.
Much love.
Monday, February 11, 2008
DNA is at Lab Corp!
I don't have time to write a lot.... packing, packing, and more packing... but, I just got word that Luciana's DNA is at Lab Corp! This is great news and means that we are really moving forward now!
We are heading out for a family day. I may not have the chance to post before we head to the airport at 3 AM (whoa!), but I promise an update tomorrow night from sunny Guatemala! WOW WOW WOW! My head is spinning, my heart is racing... tomorrow is a new beginning.
Much love!
We are heading out for a family day. I may not have the chance to post before we head to the airport at 3 AM (whoa!), but I promise an update tomorrow night from sunny Guatemala! WOW WOW WOW! My head is spinning, my heart is racing... tomorrow is a new beginning.
Much love!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Calm
With still quite a bit to do before Tuesday, I am feeling a sense of calm this morning. Each night I have dreamt of Sam and Luciana together and I wake up feeling so happy. It doesn't take long after waking up to replace the image of my children together with mental lists of everything to do, everyone to see, and everything to pack and repack! But, before my brain gets in the way, I am calm because I know that everything is going to be okay. It is going to be amazing, and it is going to be right.
It is said time and time again of others in this process that this journey is impossible to describe, it is the truest up and down rollercoaster you can imagine, and it will take you to places and emotions you have never known. And, it is said time and time again that it is all worth it.
This morning I am looking at my list covered, luggage exploding house while Sam and Keith run around to get out the door and I am just so happy to know that we will be bringing Luciana here to our home where some other kind of craziness will be going on, and we will just be a family in the middle of it all!
I have not totally exhaled, but I am getting there. Breathing is easier and life is sweeter. We are so close.
Much love.
It is said time and time again of others in this process that this journey is impossible to describe, it is the truest up and down rollercoaster you can imagine, and it will take you to places and emotions you have never known. And, it is said time and time again that it is all worth it.
This morning I am looking at my list covered, luggage exploding house while Sam and Keith run around to get out the door and I am just so happy to know that we will be bringing Luciana here to our home where some other kind of craziness will be going on, and we will just be a family in the middle of it all!
I have not totally exhaled, but I am getting there. Breathing is easier and life is sweeter. We are so close.
Much love.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Moving Forward
We recieved word today that we have approval for 2nd DNA. I am hopeful that the test will be done this week. I am back to checking things off on the checklist!
And... a little surprise in my Inbox!
Look at that hair!! Those cheeks! Oh my, I can not wait to kiss that little bundle of cuteness!
This, my friends, may be the last of the green wall series! Yahoo!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Mother Of All Updates
(Full disclosure: This post if copied and pasted from an email I sent to my friends.. hee hee... just easier.)
Good morning,
I really wish I was sleeping in right now (5:45)but I just can not sleep.
I figured it was a good time to sit down and let you know the details... this is a group email simply b/c of the enormous amount of information... but, I want to talk to each of you SOON! :)
Our adoption process hit a snag. I can call it a "snag" now b/c I am finally breathing again. While the issues were being corrected, Keith and I decided that it was time for me to get down to Guatemala to be there with Luciana and to ride out the remainder of the process. I am taking Sam and we are OUTTA HERE!
I am flying out on the morning of Tuesday, February 12 with my Mom and Sam. This was the first time I have ever purchased a One Way ticket! We will arrive in Guatemala City in the afternoon. Soon after that, M (Luciana's foster mother) will meet us WITH LUCIANA at a hotel in Guatemala City with our attorney, A.
Then, we will be with Lucy FOREVER!!!! That is called "GOTCHA DAY" by a lot of families... isn't that great? Oh, every time I think of it my hands start shaking and my stomach feels full of butterflies. It is almost like I can't quire let myself believe that that is really going to happen. That there is an actual date on my calendar that says, "Luciana". I always wondered what day that would be, and I never pictured it like this. God seems to have better plans than I could have made for myself b/c I really can see the good that has come out of our latest setback! I would have never wished for it, but I also could not have ever imagined this adventure of becoming a family. Life is GOOD!
Anyway, we will stay in GC that night just b/c it is easier for everyone. We will go the next day to the town (not island) of Antigua. Click for a slideshow of the town. I booked my mom a hotel room b/c the apartment really is too small for all of us. I will likely stay with her for a few nights, but the apartment will remain available for me. Her hotel is also close to the center square which is the "place to be". It has a pool, so Sam is loving that! She has been great about me wanting to maintain the apartment as opposed to just staying in a hotel the whole time. (apartment is less $$, too) Our families' support has been unwavering. She is staying about 2 weeks and my Dad will join us for part of that. I am so thrilled and amazed that they will be a part of this!! I think they will feel better seeing that we are okay, too. I am sure there will be some sightseeing during that time. I am looking forward to that.
Keith will come whenever we finally hear about our final embassy appointment, That could be the end of Feb, beginning of March. I hold a little hope for sooner, but I know better than to wish for that. He will come before the appointment so that we can enjoy a little of Antigua together. We will be so ready to be together by then. That is the one thing I just can't think about. Give him a call from time to time if you think of it. :)
As for the apartment. It is a cute study apartment, no frills, furnished and perfect for our adventure. I am very lucky that Emily helped me locate it b/c they are hard to come by at short notice and this one is a great find! Thank you, Emily!!! I have already met my neighbor via email. She is a lovely mom from Dubai. She is not yet through PGN which is too bad. She has been there awhile and has been so helpful with information. My other neighbor will also a fostering/adopting mom (I think), and the other is my 80 year old landlord who speaks English, Spanish, and German... and makes cookies! I also have made 4 wonderful contacts who have been so generous with their time and information already. One of them almost cried on the phone telling me why she helps adopting families and how hard it is when we leave b/c they become friends. Another one says, "God Bless You" whenever we talk. The other is a church contact, and the other is my friend Tamar's mom's H.S. exchange family and she was just there telling them that I am coming! They said they can't wait to hear from us and want to show us around! Ha! This world isn't so big after all!! Let's not forget ALFREDO (our friend who gave us a tour on our visit trip... he's great) hee hee! SO, I tell you all this so that you will know I am already in good hands and feel totally safe.
Also, the apartment is in a gated street that is locked after dark. My soon-to-be-neighbor, D says that she has not felt worried about safety once. Actually, everyone says that. They also say to use common sense, etc. and no one goes out after dark. Why would they when they can cuddle up with their sweet babe!??!
So, I am ready. Of course, I am not "packed ready", just emotionally ready. I am so ready to hold my daughter and look into her eyes and tell her that we are family forever. I just keep seeing it over and over. I shake thinking of the first time Sam will see her. I know this trip will have some down sides, but I just can't believe that there is really a down side to finally being with my daughter! Daughter! I love her so much that it honestly hurts to be away from her any longer. I am feeling so amazingly grateful that I am being supported on this crazy adventure. I am also feeling grateful to be able to share it with Sam. He has been a Big Brother in heart for so long and I am full of joy for him! Although, I am not so sure how he is going to feel about this whole deal when I become his teacher for 4 weeks! ha! JK. I think we are going to be just fine. He is so on board for this! We got him a camera so that he can document "Bringing Lucy Home" for his friends and classmates.
I have so much to do it is a bit overwhelming. I don't even know where to begin... well, I do have my famous "list" from Steph, so that helps! I really don't have a lot of time, so I am going to try to be pretty focused on packing an planning. With that said, I really need to see my friends before I go. I have to. I can't leave my home for a month without connecting with friends! I have to thank you for supporting me, for riding out the melt downs, for jumping up and down with the good news, for caring so much about my family that you, too, have become a part of bringing Lucy home. I would love for people to come by anytime... even if I am packing and you just come hang out.... hee hee... a few of you have done that before!
Anyway, I knew you'd want to know the details. I have 8 days... email me with questions, call, stop by... anything! Just please don't think that I am so overwhelmed that I don't want company or calls b/c I really, really do! I just might be a bit scattered! (nothing new?!)
The waiting is almost over. Soon I can return to something that resembles my former happy little life... plus one!
Thank you, thank you... I can never say it enough. We could not have done this w/o friends and family... we just couldn't have.
Much love,
Beth
WE ARE GOING TO GET LUCIANA! FOREVER! YAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Good morning,
I really wish I was sleeping in right now (5:45)but I just can not sleep.
I figured it was a good time to sit down and let you know the details... this is a group email simply b/c of the enormous amount of information... but, I want to talk to each of you SOON! :)
Our adoption process hit a snag. I can call it a "snag" now b/c I am finally breathing again. While the issues were being corrected, Keith and I decided that it was time for me to get down to Guatemala to be there with Luciana and to ride out the remainder of the process. I am taking Sam and we are OUTTA HERE!
I am flying out on the morning of Tuesday, February 12 with my Mom and Sam. This was the first time I have ever purchased a One Way ticket! We will arrive in Guatemala City in the afternoon. Soon after that, M (Luciana's foster mother) will meet us WITH LUCIANA at a hotel in Guatemala City with our attorney, A.
Then, we will be with Lucy FOREVER!!!! That is called "GOTCHA DAY" by a lot of families... isn't that great? Oh, every time I think of it my hands start shaking and my stomach feels full of butterflies. It is almost like I can't quire let myself believe that that is really going to happen. That there is an actual date on my calendar that says, "Luciana". I always wondered what day that would be, and I never pictured it like this. God seems to have better plans than I could have made for myself b/c I really can see the good that has come out of our latest setback! I would have never wished for it, but I also could not have ever imagined this adventure of becoming a family. Life is GOOD!
Anyway, we will stay in GC that night just b/c it is easier for everyone. We will go the next day to the town (not island) of Antigua. Click for a slideshow of the town. I booked my mom a hotel room b/c the apartment really is too small for all of us. I will likely stay with her for a few nights, but the apartment will remain available for me. Her hotel is also close to the center square which is the "place to be". It has a pool, so Sam is loving that! She has been great about me wanting to maintain the apartment as opposed to just staying in a hotel the whole time. (apartment is less $$, too) Our families' support has been unwavering. She is staying about 2 weeks and my Dad will join us for part of that. I am so thrilled and amazed that they will be a part of this!! I think they will feel better seeing that we are okay, too. I am sure there will be some sightseeing during that time. I am looking forward to that.
Keith will come whenever we finally hear about our final embassy appointment, That could be the end of Feb, beginning of March. I hold a little hope for sooner, but I know better than to wish for that. He will come before the appointment so that we can enjoy a little of Antigua together. We will be so ready to be together by then. That is the one thing I just can't think about. Give him a call from time to time if you think of it. :)
As for the apartment. It is a cute study apartment, no frills, furnished and perfect for our adventure. I am very lucky that Emily helped me locate it b/c they are hard to come by at short notice and this one is a great find! Thank you, Emily!!! I have already met my neighbor via email. She is a lovely mom from Dubai. She is not yet through PGN which is too bad. She has been there awhile and has been so helpful with information. My other neighbor will also a fostering/adopting mom (I think), and the other is my 80 year old landlord who speaks English, Spanish, and German... and makes cookies! I also have made 4 wonderful contacts who have been so generous with their time and information already. One of them almost cried on the phone telling me why she helps adopting families and how hard it is when we leave b/c they become friends. Another one says, "God Bless You" whenever we talk. The other is a church contact, and the other is my friend Tamar's mom's H.S. exchange family and she was just there telling them that I am coming! They said they can't wait to hear from us and want to show us around! Ha! This world isn't so big after all!! Let's not forget ALFREDO (our friend who gave us a tour on our visit trip... he's great) hee hee! SO, I tell you all this so that you will know I am already in good hands and feel totally safe.
Also, the apartment is in a gated street that is locked after dark. My soon-to-be-neighbor, D says that she has not felt worried about safety once. Actually, everyone says that. They also say to use common sense, etc. and no one goes out after dark. Why would they when they can cuddle up with their sweet babe!??!
So, I am ready. Of course, I am not "packed ready", just emotionally ready. I am so ready to hold my daughter and look into her eyes and tell her that we are family forever. I just keep seeing it over and over. I shake thinking of the first time Sam will see her. I know this trip will have some down sides, but I just can't believe that there is really a down side to finally being with my daughter! Daughter! I love her so much that it honestly hurts to be away from her any longer. I am feeling so amazingly grateful that I am being supported on this crazy adventure. I am also feeling grateful to be able to share it with Sam. He has been a Big Brother in heart for so long and I am full of joy for him! Although, I am not so sure how he is going to feel about this whole deal when I become his teacher for 4 weeks! ha! JK. I think we are going to be just fine. He is so on board for this! We got him a camera so that he can document "Bringing Lucy Home" for his friends and classmates.
I have so much to do it is a bit overwhelming. I don't even know where to begin... well, I do have my famous "list" from Steph, so that helps! I really don't have a lot of time, so I am going to try to be pretty focused on packing an planning. With that said, I really need to see my friends before I go. I have to. I can't leave my home for a month without connecting with friends! I have to thank you for supporting me, for riding out the melt downs, for jumping up and down with the good news, for caring so much about my family that you, too, have become a part of bringing Lucy home. I would love for people to come by anytime... even if I am packing and you just come hang out.... hee hee... a few of you have done that before!
Anyway, I knew you'd want to know the details. I have 8 days... email me with questions, call, stop by... anything! Just please don't think that I am so overwhelmed that I don't want company or calls b/c I really, really do! I just might be a bit scattered! (nothing new?!)
The waiting is almost over. Soon I can return to something that resembles my former happy little life... plus one!
Thank you, thank you... I can never say it enough. We could not have done this w/o friends and family... we just couldn't have.
Much love,
Beth
WE ARE GOING TO GET LUCIANA! FOREVER! YAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Birth Certificate... again
Hi everyone. I'm here. I've got a lot to catch you up on, so get comfy. It ends well, though we are not PINK yet. It all is working out though... okay, the story:
Last week we were expecting to here that Luciana's DNA sample had made it to Lab Corp, and then we would be hearing soon that we had an embassy appointment (PINK). I was in daily contact with Pat at Lab Corp, and we were both very concerned that the sample had not arrived.
By Friday, I was very concerned. (Read: total mess!) I left several messages and emails with our agency stating my concern. While preparing to head out to a H.S. basketball game where Sam's team would be performing the half time show, I noticed an email from our agency. It was not good news.
Apparently, there had been a miscommunication. Luciana had not been taken to have her 2nd DNA done. In fact, we did not even have DNA authorization or passport yet. I was beside myself. And, had to go to the basketball game... not good.
The following day Keith and I began to prepare for Sam and I to go to Guatemala to be with Luciana and had hopes that my presence would move things along. At least we would be there and know what was going on. That same day, we learned that we also did not have Birth Certificate. That was the hardest blow and I was devastated. I wanted to be angry, and was, but knew that it was a pointless emotion. It wasn't any one's fault. To be honest, I went the gamut of emotions, but I tried to keep my head and to look forward. I am not sure how well I did, but I have lived to tell about it. ;-)
Over the last couple of days, I have been gathering information and making contacts with some truly wonderful people to arrange for Sam and I to head down to Antigua. It is just time to be with Luciana.
We have taken several steps backward, but today we began to step forward again. We learned that we have Birth Certificate... really, we do. (Guatemala City for those who stalk timelines!)
Today, the tears were of joy. Again. Ha! It is so strange to celebrate something we have already celebrated! It's just all part of our story, right?
So, we are moving in the right direction. I feel so much more encouraged. I know many of you have been wondering what was going on, but I just couldn't bring it here until I knew that I could end on a positive note.
Sam and I are still going to go early. Our agency feels like this is a positive choice, and we are really very excited to have this amazing opportunity. I can see so clearly how bonding with my 2 children in Lucy's birth country is all positive. Antigua is a very safe town, and there is a wonderful adoption community there. I have made several contacts already and feel so blessed that we have the support of our family and friends. Our church even has a contact in Guatemala and he has already emailed me to say that his family and the church members are available to help us! We are blessed.
So, now I am looking for a place for my little family! Family! And, I am comparing flights which I am not great at. I feel like I can start packing... and the next time I leave, I am not coming home without Luciana!
There have been some low points over the last couple of days, but we just keep saying that we are stirring up a big ol' pot of lemonade out of all those lemons!
This whirlwind has certainly been one of those "the good, the bad, and the ugly" experiences, but we are okay. Really, we are great. Luciana is coming home!
Thank you for coming here time and time again to lift our family up. Your shoulders have carried us a long way and we are grateful.
Much love.
Last week we were expecting to here that Luciana's DNA sample had made it to Lab Corp, and then we would be hearing soon that we had an embassy appointment (PINK). I was in daily contact with Pat at Lab Corp, and we were both very concerned that the sample had not arrived.
By Friday, I was very concerned. (Read: total mess!) I left several messages and emails with our agency stating my concern. While preparing to head out to a H.S. basketball game where Sam's team would be performing the half time show, I noticed an email from our agency. It was not good news.
Apparently, there had been a miscommunication. Luciana had not been taken to have her 2nd DNA done. In fact, we did not even have DNA authorization or passport yet. I was beside myself. And, had to go to the basketball game... not good.
The following day Keith and I began to prepare for Sam and I to go to Guatemala to be with Luciana and had hopes that my presence would move things along. At least we would be there and know what was going on. That same day, we learned that we also did not have Birth Certificate. That was the hardest blow and I was devastated. I wanted to be angry, and was, but knew that it was a pointless emotion. It wasn't any one's fault. To be honest, I went the gamut of emotions, but I tried to keep my head and to look forward. I am not sure how well I did, but I have lived to tell about it. ;-)
Over the last couple of days, I have been gathering information and making contacts with some truly wonderful people to arrange for Sam and I to head down to Antigua. It is just time to be with Luciana.
We have taken several steps backward, but today we began to step forward again. We learned that we have Birth Certificate... really, we do. (Guatemala City for those who stalk timelines!)
Today, the tears were of joy. Again. Ha! It is so strange to celebrate something we have already celebrated! It's just all part of our story, right?
So, we are moving in the right direction. I feel so much more encouraged. I know many of you have been wondering what was going on, but I just couldn't bring it here until I knew that I could end on a positive note.
Sam and I are still going to go early. Our agency feels like this is a positive choice, and we are really very excited to have this amazing opportunity. I can see so clearly how bonding with my 2 children in Lucy's birth country is all positive. Antigua is a very safe town, and there is a wonderful adoption community there. I have made several contacts already and feel so blessed that we have the support of our family and friends. Our church even has a contact in Guatemala and he has already emailed me to say that his family and the church members are available to help us! We are blessed.
So, now I am looking for a place for my little family! Family! And, I am comparing flights which I am not great at. I feel like I can start packing... and the next time I leave, I am not coming home without Luciana!
There have been some low points over the last couple of days, but we just keep saying that we are stirring up a big ol' pot of lemonade out of all those lemons!
This whirlwind has certainly been one of those "the good, the bad, and the ugly" experiences, but we are okay. Really, we are great. Luciana is coming home!
Thank you for coming here time and time again to lift our family up. Your shoulders have carried us a long way and we are grateful.
Much love.
Monday, January 21, 2008
What A Difference A Day Makes!
My 24 hour whirlwind girl's overnight was so good for the soul! Tamar and I had a great time shopping (mostly looking), catching up, and reminiscing! We had dinner at one of our favorite spots in college... the original Pat's Pizza! It has not changed one bit and was every bit as delicious as I remembered! After dinner, we took a drive around our old campus and had a blast thinking of all the memories.
On my drive home today I felt lighter and full of hope. Also, I knew that my attorney would be back from being out of the country and, at the very least, I would be able to learn if we had made any further progress toward bringing Luciana home... well, WE HAVE!
No sooner did I unpack my overnight bag than I was shooting off an email to my attorney. She was great and got right back to me. So, here is the latest update:
At some point over last week, we had passport, were submitted to the US Embassy, and had DNA authorization (ORANGE!). I know a lot of that is confusing to some out there, for those with our checklist...get checking! Here is what is most important... Luciana had her 2nd DNA test today!!! That sound you are hearing? It is me breathing again!
So, to try to cast some clarification, Luciana's DNA was taken in order to assure that she is the same sweet girl we were first fell in love with 7 months ago. (We have no doubt that she is.) The test will be sent to Lab Corp here in the states. After a test is done to confirm the match, the results are sent back to Guatemala. That can take between 7-10 days. Soon after that, the embassy will email us to give us a date to go get our girl!! I know you want to know when, but the best I can guess is mid-February.
We are over the moon today! It was so hard to know that we were probably moving forward last week and not hearing anything. Not knowing allowed for some scary thoughts. I want to thank everyone who offered comfort, it truly meant so much.
We are so close! This is really happening!
I don't know what to do with myself!!!!!!!
AND, believe it or not, we have more BIG news! Sam had his first day of skiing! Thumbs up!
On my drive home today I felt lighter and full of hope. Also, I knew that my attorney would be back from being out of the country and, at the very least, I would be able to learn if we had made any further progress toward bringing Luciana home... well, WE HAVE!
No sooner did I unpack my overnight bag than I was shooting off an email to my attorney. She was great and got right back to me. So, here is the latest update:
At some point over last week, we had passport, were submitted to the US Embassy, and had DNA authorization (ORANGE!). I know a lot of that is confusing to some out there, for those with our checklist...get checking! Here is what is most important... Luciana had her 2nd DNA test today!!! That sound you are hearing? It is me breathing again!
So, to try to cast some clarification, Luciana's DNA was taken in order to assure that she is the same sweet girl we were first fell in love with 7 months ago. (We have no doubt that she is.) The test will be sent to Lab Corp here in the states. After a test is done to confirm the match, the results are sent back to Guatemala. That can take between 7-10 days. Soon after that, the embassy will email us to give us a date to go get our girl!! I know you want to know when, but the best I can guess is mid-February.
We are over the moon today! It was so hard to know that we were probably moving forward last week and not hearing anything. Not knowing allowed for some scary thoughts. I want to thank everyone who offered comfort, it truly meant so much.
We are so close! This is really happening!
I don't know what to do with myself!!!!!!!
AND, believe it or not, we have more BIG news! Sam had his first day of skiing! Thumbs up!
Love, love, love!
PS- Happy Birthday, Tamar!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Quiet Blog
I know my posts have been a bit weak lately. I know you come here looking for updates to celebrate with us. I wish I had something to tell you.
I haven't sat down to write about "where we are" in the process lately because I am afraid the whole thing will come out as some huge complaining vent... I just don't want to do that. (I save it for my close friends and family... wink, wink!) In short, we simply have not heard anything since we received our Birth Certificate. Our attorney is out of the country, and we do not have another person to have contact with. It is not an ideal set up, and it is incredibly frustrating, but it is what it is. I am not blaming anyone, I am just bummed. My HOPE is that while she has been away, the people behind the scenes have been moving forward with our final steps to bring Luciana home. Either way, it is clear that my fantasy timeline of having Luciana home by the last week in January will not become reality.
So, I am hoping to be able to give a great big, fat update here by the middle of this week. We should have passport (!!!!!) and we should be moving forward with DNA. If these things have not been done, my next post may be from Guatemala because I won't be able to sit still in Maine a minute longer! ;-)
This stage has proven to much more challenging for me than I anticipated. I imagined it full of many little celebrations and a whole lot of expectations about getting READY! The "not knowing" seems very unfair and it hurts tremendously, but I know it will be over very soon.
In the meantime, I have recognized that I need to be busy and to be with people. I was incredibly humbled to have 6 amazing, kind, fun and creative woman come spend their Friday night with me to make a scrapbook for Magda. More on that later! Yesterday we were so happy to spend time with Keith's family, and Sam was thrilled to see his cousins. We did sushi with wonderful neighbors and friends last night, and today I am getting in my car to meet my college roommate and dear friend for girl's night... hotel, dinner, and a movie without animation! Ha! Pinch me! Keith and Sam are headed for Sam's first ski lesson and a day of Daddy-Son bonding, and tomorrow we will all be back together to share our 36 hour adventures.
All of this is my best attempt to ward off the adoption blues and make this time about the people who bless our lives everyday. Luciana is in my thoughts and heart with every breath I take. I ache for her daily, and I can not tell you what an update will do for our spirits. It is time. So, for now, I am off to open road... can we call I95 the open road? Sure. The open road, coffee and car tunes, greeted by a big hug and an amazing friend... perfect remedy for the blues, don't you think?
Thanks for checking in and sending your words of encouragement. I hope, hope, hope this next week will bring big smiles to ALL OF US!!!
Much love.
I haven't sat down to write about "where we are" in the process lately because I am afraid the whole thing will come out as some huge complaining vent... I just don't want to do that. (I save it for my close friends and family... wink, wink!) In short, we simply have not heard anything since we received our Birth Certificate. Our attorney is out of the country, and we do not have another person to have contact with. It is not an ideal set up, and it is incredibly frustrating, but it is what it is. I am not blaming anyone, I am just bummed. My HOPE is that while she has been away, the people behind the scenes have been moving forward with our final steps to bring Luciana home. Either way, it is clear that my fantasy timeline of having Luciana home by the last week in January will not become reality.
So, I am hoping to be able to give a great big, fat update here by the middle of this week. We should have passport (!!!!!) and we should be moving forward with DNA. If these things have not been done, my next post may be from Guatemala because I won't be able to sit still in Maine a minute longer! ;-)
This stage has proven to much more challenging for me than I anticipated. I imagined it full of many little celebrations and a whole lot of expectations about getting READY! The "not knowing" seems very unfair and it hurts tremendously, but I know it will be over very soon.
In the meantime, I have recognized that I need to be busy and to be with people. I was incredibly humbled to have 6 amazing, kind, fun and creative woman come spend their Friday night with me to make a scrapbook for Magda. More on that later! Yesterday we were so happy to spend time with Keith's family, and Sam was thrilled to see his cousins. We did sushi with wonderful neighbors and friends last night, and today I am getting in my car to meet my college roommate and dear friend for girl's night... hotel, dinner, and a movie without animation! Ha! Pinch me! Keith and Sam are headed for Sam's first ski lesson and a day of Daddy-Son bonding, and tomorrow we will all be back together to share our 36 hour adventures.
All of this is my best attempt to ward off the adoption blues and make this time about the people who bless our lives everyday. Luciana is in my thoughts and heart with every breath I take. I ache for her daily, and I can not tell you what an update will do for our spirits. It is time. So, for now, I am off to open road... can we call I95 the open road? Sure. The open road, coffee and car tunes, greeted by a big hug and an amazing friend... perfect remedy for the blues, don't you think?
Thanks for checking in and sending your words of encouragement. I hope, hope, hope this next week will bring big smiles to ALL OF US!!!
Much love.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Nursery Pics
Luciana's nursery is (almost) done! It looks nothing like my original brainstorms many months ago, and I couldn't love it more! The border was designed and hand painted by my friend, Kim! The framed artwork are pictures I cut out of one of Sam's 8 copies of Guess How Much I Love You. I am still looking for a quilt for the crib that will compliment the room, and we need a small lamp. Other than that... DONE! She can come home anytime now... even without the lamp!
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