Monday, November 27, 2006

Starfish family...you are the first to arrive

For winning this leg of the race, you win a no-expense paid, adorable little boy.

Seriously folks, this is like my own personal episode of the Amazing Race. My husband and I had to drive to the airport last night to buy our tickets in person before midnight or we would lose our seats. Thankfully we got them, and they only cost us $118 each for taxes because my husband had enough frequent flier miles to cover both round trip tickets! SWEEEEEET! Yesterday was like a treasure hunt - we split up and conquered our lists, buying last minute baby things, travel items and visa documentation. Today I had to run to the Colombian consulate and apply for our visas. They said I can pick them up tomorrow! What a relief. So we will be leaving Wednesday for sure. I can't even believe it. The den in my house looks like a bomb went off. There are bags and crap all over the place. I need to figure out how to get all of it (or decide if it is not going) into suitcases.

I spoke to the nurse taking care of my baby today, she said he is a "big boy", he eats well, and sleeps well, and is always smiling! Oh man I cannot WAIT to get there! You know, it's funny...prior to getting the call, I would sometimes think about whether we were doing the right thing. Maybe God was trying to tell us that we weren't meant to have children. Oh boy did all that change when I saw his picture. My heart truly skips a beat whenever I look at it. I don't know if it's all in my head, my selfishness of wanting this beautiful child so much or what, but I really do feel a connection to him already. My husband feels the same. It just feels right. And the process, although insanely crazy, really is going relatively smoothly. I am not really stressed out, just anxious about doing everything right and getting there in time. I even registered yesterday! Yikes, what a nightmare, I can't imagine doing that pregnant. We were in BRU for 3 freaking hours. By the end my cousins were dragging me around like a cranky toddler. My cousin K had the gun thingie, and thank goodness she took charge adding all the things I would need..sometimes despite my arguing ("shut up, you do too need a wipe warmer, I'm adding it"). Thank GOD for them, really. My favorite thing is the bedding (I ultimately decided against the babystyle stuff), so me! There is so much stuff to buy, and really, most of it is so big, bulky and ugly. I couldn't decide on a packnplay, or an exersaucer, and I still need to pick a monitor. Their help was invaluable to me, and I don't know what I would have done without them.

Speaking of, I would like to thank you all once again for all of your comments. Every one of them means so much to us. Your encouragement is uplifting. I have tried to write back to each of you, but I don't always have email addresses. And in my fried brain state, in some cases I am unable to connect your blog name with your comment name with your email address. So if you haven't heard from me, it's not on purpose. I thank each and every one of you for your good wishes and funny comments. It is so appreciated.

As I sit here, I am waiting for our IT department to swap out my laptop to one with wireless so I can drag you along with me to the end. Gah!

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart, I've been crossign fingers and sending up prayers since I first saw your blog. We'll keep praying for travel mercies and a gorgeous reunion (you've had him in your heart forever) with your little son.

ferenge mama said...

I love love love reading this! You have *definitely* won the prize, and I am so happy for you.

And I'm glad that any lingering doubts have been banished... kind of nice to hear that I'm not the only one who has those. :-)

Please keep posting - like so many others, I'm checking in frequently and so excited to follow your journey.

beagle said...

I'm just so excited for you! Have a safe trip and may it all go smoothly!

A Room to Grow said...

Wahoo! You are about to begin a great journey and I can't wait to see pics of the cutie you keep mentioning. When will you return?

Anonymous said...

You WILL need the baby monitor in Colombia.

Remember to take extra bottles and nipples.

Bring back LOTS and LOTS of coffee. Our supply is already dwindling and the American-bought stuff just isn't the same.

Visit Crepes Y Waffles often, daily if you can.

When Jorge Rico takes you out to a restaurant, order an extra dinner, because he gives the food to people who live on the street and they really need it.

Take more photos than you think you will ever need, because you will always wish you had taken more, especially take some of his itty-bitty toes on the first day.

Anonymous said...

Take it easy! Save some shopping for Colombia, they have lots of amazing things and clothes there!

And good good luck to the three of you!

Jenny said...

tickets and visas and registries OH MY!!!

It is about damn time that you are into the swing! You leave in freaking 2 days. HOLY SHIT.

It is crazy that we will both have our babe's at the same time. What a Christmas!

I hope you get lots and lots of stuff! And those visas will look soo pretty tomorrow.

Stephanie said...

Stephanie, I'm SO happy for you both! I've been following your 'saga' for awhile now and have to say that you have been incredibly gracious and patient throughout the entire (trying, no doubt) ordeal. And you've been handsomely rewarded! Have a wonderful trip, and all the best to you three as your family joins together for the first time!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a hectic few days. It sounds like you're really holding together well. I'm so thrilled for you and I'm happy you're going to be able to keep posting while you're in Columbia. (At least as much as your little guy will allow!)

Anonymous said...

Oh, Stephanie, how happy for you and your husband! I'm so glad everything you need is falling into place. I remember well buying two roundtrip tickets and one one-way...and running to the airport to get them. May you have safe travels. Enjoy every minute. Keep us posted, if and when you can. Enjoy.

Denise :o) said...

Can't wait to hear more while you are in Colombia!! :o)))))) I know exactly what you mean about feeling "connected" to the picture of your baby boy. That's exactly how I felt about Evan.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, a million times congratulations. I lurk but never comment. We went to Korea twice to adopt and there isn't anything like it in the world. I was on cloud 9 the whole time. Yes, even when our first cried the whole way home. It is so awesome to finally be a parent after so many years of trying. I cannot wait to watch your journey. - Judi

Miss Scarlett said...

Oh I am so excited for you - everytime I read your posts I tear up.

What is this BRU you registered at = and can you buy online?

I am so glad you are taking your laptop with you - 2 more sleeps and you are on your way!!

Jenny and Matt said...

I cannot believe you are meeting your son in days, mere days!! Have a wonderful trip. We can't wait to hear all about it and see some pictures of your little man

Bezzie said...

Eeeee!!! Wednesday! That's like in two days!!! Oh man, not like I need to say it but take tons of pictures and photo document your trip.
Can't wait to see a picture of your bundle of sweetness! Have a safe and smooth trip both there and back!
Welcome to parenthood chica! Life will never be the same! :-)

Anonymous said...

wow after all this waiting everything is finally coming together so fast! You feel connected 'cause he's YOUR SON. : )

BTW, LOVE the bedding! It's the one I have, my fellow beach lover.

bethee said...

WOO HOO!

Baby Monitor? HIGHLY suggest the night vision one. OMG has it SAVED us on quite a few occasions from just bargeing into his room to see if he's ok.

Have a wonderful and amazing trip. Just don't forget your camera! :)

Andrea said...

YEAAAAAA- I am so excited for you! I can just feel the love coming through the screen. You are going to have an amazing time. Pictures, we want PICTURES! Congrats!!

Anonymous said...

Hey there. Erin said to come over and say 'hi' so 'hi' and a big congratulations to you all. Our two children (9 and 6) were adopted through FANA at ages 8 and 11 weeks. They, of course, are the joys of our lives. We feel very fortunate to be able to raise them. We're going back to Colombia next year to have a good long stay and meet up with their Colombian families. Our children share a rich heritage. All the best.
Cathy from Sydney, Australia,

Sig said...

How long do you stay? Will you be able to post his picture? Wow, you leave TOMORROW!! This is so exciting!!

Ani said...

you leave tomorrow!!!! how exciting! can't wait to see pics of the little angel.
that connection you describe? its real, its true and he's your son - get ready to fall in love all over again when you hold him in your arms for the first time, and every time afterwards. it just gets better and better.
have a safe flight. hope tomorrow gets here for you FAST. All the best.

roxie said...

May you drive safe and slow in the snow. May your flights go and come without hitches. May the angels carry you in their hands and shelter you under their wide warm wings, Blessings and joy!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your referral (I'm a little behind)! I'm so excited for you. Hey, at least all that running around will keep you busy enough to make the time fly quickly (it worked for us at least). I can't wait to read about you meeting him.

Enjoy and have a wonderful trip!

Kim (Boy Makes Three)

Spinsanity said...

OMG!! I haven't been here for a bit and literally jumped out of my chair when I read the news. YOU HAVE A SON!!

I am so, so happy for you and can't wait to see homecoming pics!

Can I knit something?

OMG, you have a son!! And I have tears in my eyes for you all. :-D

Irshlas said...

Once again I just have to say congratulations on your new son!!Blessings be!

We just returned from our visit trip to Guatemala to meet our son for the first time. I will never forget the first moment I held him. It is indescribable. Even through the long, sleepless nights, I wouldn't have traded it for the world. Have a safe trip, Mommy - you're on your way!!

Barely Sane said...

Hey.... dont forget to breathe!!!!

Do what you must, leave what you can for others. It'll help save your sanity in the long run.

I can hardly wait to see pics!!! Good luck & have a safe flight.

Laura said...

Have a safe trip! You must be so excited to meet you son.
Laura

kirsten said...

i can't wait for you to see him in person!!!! i just can't wait! this is the best thing ever. all of the years of pain, waiting, wondering, all wrapped up in this little life, your son. i wish i could be there to see it unfold. i can't wait to read about it! love and prayers coming your way, and to columbia.

Anonymous said...

wishing you a safe wonderful trip - this is so very exciting... lots of love!