Wow, I've just started and there's already paperwork "inconveniences." Lovely. Better start my Excel sheet of costs....*Sigh
On a cheerier note..I got a voice mail from my 7 year old godson/cousin last Friday..
"Michelle, can you come to my special person lunch at school on Thursday. Please?"
Completely made my Friday =). Man, how could I resist; he's such a cutie!! I'm so glad that it falls on a day and I actually can. He goes to the same grade school as I did but we didn't have this fun little lunch. It really is a cute little idea. Along with having lunch with their "Special Person," an activity is planned. I don't know exactly what, but I'm looking forward to spending some extra time with my little buddy! =) Being the youngest of five children, the extra, undivided attention is nice for him. He used to be my little extra appendage too. I saw him A LOT while he was growing up and pretty much everyday in the summer. I took him to church with me almost every weekend (still try to when I don't have choir)..enough that one elderly gentleman said "Your baby is the most well behaved baby I've ever seen." Ha Ha! I was 17ish, giggled, thanked him, and said, "His parents will be glad to hear that." =) And the man turned red. =)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
More Updates and Retail Therapy!!
Wow, 2 posts in one day...a new record for me!!
I bought a nice journal about a year ago and said that I would start writing in that once I officially started my adoption process. I took it out the other night and made my first entry. =) I'm kind of a private person (the reason why I have no pictures on here) and find myself going into more detail about things there. Also, with me being so busy, I find it very hard to sit at the computer and blog. When I get home, I just want to spend time with my doggie. It's much more pleasant to snuggle up with her and write in the journal vs. having her lay by herself on the floor while I type away at the computer. I have that guilty mom syndrome already =).
I probably shouldn't be buying all the stuff that I do (and have bought), but one needs to do something while waiting for so long!!! Talk about RETAIL THERAPY!! I have talked about this adoption and my anxious feelings for so long, that I think my family is relieved that things are finally happening, lol, just to quit having to hear about it.=) My Grandma has said the whole time, "I don't get excited until things actually happen. It saves a lot of heartbreak if things don't work out." I wish I could take that stance!! My Grandma is such a strong women--she doesn't put up with any BS-- and is the most classy lady (and Mrs. Manners)I know!! I've always strived to be like her. The night I got back I visited her and she said "OOO, this means it's time to go shopping." =) The other day, I was talking about my purchases. Against my better judgement, I went and made a down payment on a new crib (no drop sided one's here--they were actually banned in my state recently) and bought a car seat and last week I bought an Ergo carrier. I feel great being able to finally buy the products I like instead of having to advise these new parents I work for on good products. Some take my advice and some don't--then finding out they should have, lol!! Frustrating!! My little guy has all his sippy cups--I bought some bottles/pacifiers to test out too--unfortunately I have no idea what he'll like. I also have towels, wash cloths, a variety of clothing sizes, some great Russian/adoption themed books and toys, etc.
Anyway, back to the point..my Grandma tells me "Stop buying stuff..you have to leave some things for me to buy." She's such a sweetheart!! I'm one of those independent people who won't ask for anything, but just knowing she wants to do this, from the bottom of my heart, it leaves me so grateful. She always has been like my second mom--the first person to hold me after I was born, and knowing that she's now getting excited and looking forward this journey, makes me sooo happy! I've always wanted my Grandma and Grandpa to get to meet my children and have them be as special to my children as they have been to me. Unfortunately, my Grandpa won't get to meet my little guy and that pretty much breaks my heart.=( I know he would just be so tickled to meet this little boy. He was seriously the world's greatest Grandpa (and dad to me) and would have loved to be a Great Grandpa.
I totally went off on a tangent with this post, lol! I think what I'm getting at is..everyone is now getting excited and I'm beginning to tell some of my extended family and more friends. I told my cousin the other day. She was an older first time mom and had premature twin girls...less than 2#'s at birth. I think I was about 14/15 and having lots of "kid" experience, went and stayed with her and her husband to help. I was the only one who could get the littler twin to eat (sometimes with out projectile vomiting) =) and it was a great experience!! They were on heart monitors and if they went off in the middle of the night, we'd both leap out of bed and each check on a baby. We'd both crack up about how quick we'd get in there and how disoriented we were!! I always thought a lot of her and since doing that, we have become a lot closer. I told her the other day and she seemed surprised. I asked her if she was shocked and she was like "No!" She wants to hear more about it and we are meeting next week to talk! =)
I'm soo happy that even more family supports me in this awesome decision! Many people are curious why I'm doing this now. I've said all along..anyone who really knows me, knows how I love kids and will understand. I'm glad that I'm finding this to be true!
I bought a nice journal about a year ago and said that I would start writing in that once I officially started my adoption process. I took it out the other night and made my first entry. =) I'm kind of a private person (the reason why I have no pictures on here) and find myself going into more detail about things there. Also, with me being so busy, I find it very hard to sit at the computer and blog. When I get home, I just want to spend time with my doggie. It's much more pleasant to snuggle up with her and write in the journal vs. having her lay by herself on the floor while I type away at the computer. I have that guilty mom syndrome already =).
I probably shouldn't be buying all the stuff that I do (and have bought), but one needs to do something while waiting for so long!!! Talk about RETAIL THERAPY!! I have talked about this adoption and my anxious feelings for so long, that I think my family is relieved that things are finally happening, lol, just to quit having to hear about it.=) My Grandma has said the whole time, "I don't get excited until things actually happen. It saves a lot of heartbreak if things don't work out." I wish I could take that stance!! My Grandma is such a strong women--she doesn't put up with any BS-- and is the most classy lady (and Mrs. Manners)I know!! I've always strived to be like her. The night I got back I visited her and she said "OOO, this means it's time to go shopping." =) The other day, I was talking about my purchases. Against my better judgement, I went and made a down payment on a new crib (no drop sided one's here--they were actually banned in my state recently) and bought a car seat and last week I bought an Ergo carrier. I feel great being able to finally buy the products I like instead of having to advise these new parents I work for on good products. Some take my advice and some don't--then finding out they should have, lol!! Frustrating!! My little guy has all his sippy cups--I bought some bottles/pacifiers to test out too--unfortunately I have no idea what he'll like. I also have towels, wash cloths, a variety of clothing sizes, some great Russian/adoption themed books and toys, etc.
Anyway, back to the point..my Grandma tells me "Stop buying stuff..you have to leave some things for me to buy." She's such a sweetheart!! I'm one of those independent people who won't ask for anything, but just knowing she wants to do this, from the bottom of my heart, it leaves me so grateful. She always has been like my second mom--the first person to hold me after I was born, and knowing that she's now getting excited and looking forward this journey, makes me sooo happy! I've always wanted my Grandma and Grandpa to get to meet my children and have them be as special to my children as they have been to me. Unfortunately, my Grandpa won't get to meet my little guy and that pretty much breaks my heart.=( I know he would just be so tickled to meet this little boy. He was seriously the world's greatest Grandpa (and dad to me) and would have loved to be a Great Grandpa.
I totally went off on a tangent with this post, lol! I think what I'm getting at is..everyone is now getting excited and I'm beginning to tell some of my extended family and more friends. I told my cousin the other day. She was an older first time mom and had premature twin girls...less than 2#'s at birth. I think I was about 14/15 and having lots of "kid" experience, went and stayed with her and her husband to help. I was the only one who could get the littler twin to eat (sometimes with out projectile vomiting) =) and it was a great experience!! They were on heart monitors and if they went off in the middle of the night, we'd both leap out of bed and each check on a baby. We'd both crack up about how quick we'd get in there and how disoriented we were!! I always thought a lot of her and since doing that, we have become a lot closer. I told her the other day and she seemed surprised. I asked her if she was shocked and she was like "No!" She wants to hear more about it and we are meeting next week to talk! =)
I'm soo happy that even more family supports me in this awesome decision! Many people are curious why I'm doing this now. I've said all along..anyone who really knows me, knows how I love kids and will understand. I'm glad that I'm finding this to be true!
UPDATES!!!
Sheesh..I've been so busy lately! With having that "pre approval," it has kicked things into high gear around here. It was needed and has basically let me know where I stand. I received the formal application and am filling that out and hope to have it in the mail on Monday!! Can't believe it's finally happening!!!
I just printed my homestudy packet on Thursday and have that filled out. I just need to write my autobiography..which I'm dreading...and keep putting off. I could be writing that right now instead of this post, ha!! I guess when someone has been in college as long as I have, it's understandable. I feel like it's another paper that needs to make "the grade," and it's really not that big of a deal--kind of. After waiting soooo long, I'm procrastinating now!! I have to admit this is a HUGE flaw of mine. One that I'd SERIOUSLY like to eliminate!! So far, I've found a lot of the questions on this stuff to be redundant. That's fine..I can handle that and all these nitty gritty details, but I HATE writing "papers!" Ugh!! I need to make that my #1 project at the moment. As soon as I send this packet back to my social worker and the first "official" fat check )=, it's time to schedule the first home visit!
The only problem is, I'm basically redoing my kitchen and bathroom within the next couple weeks. Some of the kitchen is the original stuff from when the house was built (ie: cupboards, green oven--you get the picture), still in ok shape but definitely could be spiffed up. My mom and I are going later today to check more things out. Anyone else have stuff being done while doing the homestudy? I feel like it would be better to have these improvements done BEFORE my little guy comes home instead of after. This way, there won't be all these "strangers" coming in and out while he's trying to adjust. Just my personal feelings on the matter!
I just printed my homestudy packet on Thursday and have that filled out. I just need to write my autobiography..which I'm dreading...and keep putting off. I could be writing that right now instead of this post, ha!! I guess when someone has been in college as long as I have, it's understandable. I feel like it's another paper that needs to make "the grade," and it's really not that big of a deal--kind of. After waiting soooo long, I'm procrastinating now!! I have to admit this is a HUGE flaw of mine. One that I'd SERIOUSLY like to eliminate!! So far, I've found a lot of the questions on this stuff to be redundant. That's fine..I can handle that and all these nitty gritty details, but I HATE writing "papers!" Ugh!! I need to make that my #1 project at the moment. As soon as I send this packet back to my social worker and the first "official" fat check )=, it's time to schedule the first home visit!
The only problem is, I'm basically redoing my kitchen and bathroom within the next couple weeks. Some of the kitchen is the original stuff from when the house was built (ie: cupboards, green oven--you get the picture), still in ok shape but definitely could be spiffed up. My mom and I are going later today to check more things out. Anyone else have stuff being done while doing the homestudy? I feel like it would be better to have these improvements done BEFORE my little guy comes home instead of after. This way, there won't be all these "strangers" coming in and out while he's trying to adjust. Just my personal feelings on the matter!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
IT'S HAPPENING!!!
I can finally say it, after over 2 years of waiting and endless prayers, I am starting my adoption!!! I just can't believe it!!!
I made a trip to the agency this weekend and finally turned in the paperwork. Before I left, I chatted with an agency person. She said EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD!!!! I am over the moon and so very excited!!! I don't think I've ever been soooo excited to do tons of paperwork and spend money =). I bet it'll get old quick, but I know and keep hoping that at the end of all this, I'll have my little boy home, sooner rather than later!!
I know of many people and friends that have said prayers...it means a lot and I appreciate it! I ask everyone to please keep praying and don't stop!! =) I feel so blessed that so many friends and family members are supportive. I told my Grandma late last night and she said, "This means I'm going shopping." Too funny!!
The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!!
I made a trip to the agency this weekend and finally turned in the paperwork. Before I left, I chatted with an agency person. She said EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD!!!! I am over the moon and so very excited!!! I don't think I've ever been soooo excited to do tons of paperwork and spend money =). I bet it'll get old quick, but I know and keep hoping that at the end of all this, I'll have my little boy home, sooner rather than later!!
I know of many people and friends that have said prayers...it means a lot and I appreciate it! I ask everyone to please keep praying and don't stop!! =) I feel so blessed that so many friends and family members are supportive. I told my Grandma late last night and she said, "This means I'm going shopping." Too funny!!
The Lord sure works in mysterious ways!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Patience, What's That?
Ok.. I'm known to be a very calm and mellow person and most of the time, pretty patient. Notice I said "most" of the time. Now is not one of those times. I think my patience just took a huge jump out the window!!! In my previous post I talked about needing to find out some info about "things" so I can send all my info to my selected agency. I'm still waiting. I know, I know, welcome to International Adoption!! Big *sigh here!!! I can't proceed without this info because it all pertains to "where I stand." Ugh!!! My mom suggested saying some prayers and that "God hears a strange voice.' I told her that my voice should be very familiar by now!!!! =>
By living vicariously through all the other peoples blogs that I follow, I know I'm not the only one who has the feelings of being anxious and almost feeling like the deck is stacked against me. Well, I had a nice little chuckle driving into work not so "bright" and early (actually it was still pitch black(=, ha! ). I was listening to radio and the DJ started talking about "Not Giving Up Five Minutes Before the Miracle." Throughout this whole time that I've been waiting, I have seen a trend. I feel like I'm really close and then the tables turn to make me feel like I couldn't be further away. When things take a nose dive, I feel like I get a nudge and then a message to not give up and just hang on. I find it quite amusing!! Kind of..=)
Several blogs that I follow have families waiting for a court date or to pick up their child. It puts where I am at totally in perspective. I can almost feel the pain that they are going through. Nothing can compare to the pain of already holding "your" child and then having to be separated from them, oceans apart. Ugh! I hope these families are with their children again, very soon!!! The quote below was put up by one of those waiting families...
"...these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day."
a Living Bible translation of Habakkuk 2:3
By living vicariously through all the other peoples blogs that I follow, I know I'm not the only one who has the feelings of being anxious and almost feeling like the deck is stacked against me. Well, I had a nice little chuckle driving into work not so "bright" and early (actually it was still pitch black(=, ha! ). I was listening to radio and the DJ started talking about "Not Giving Up Five Minutes Before the Miracle." Throughout this whole time that I've been waiting, I have seen a trend. I feel like I'm really close and then the tables turn to make me feel like I couldn't be further away. When things take a nose dive, I feel like I get a nudge and then a message to not give up and just hang on. I find it quite amusing!! Kind of..=)
Several blogs that I follow have families waiting for a court date or to pick up their child. It puts where I am at totally in perspective. I can almost feel the pain that they are going through. Nothing can compare to the pain of already holding "your" child and then having to be separated from them, oceans apart. Ugh! I hope these families are with their children again, very soon!!! The quote below was put up by one of those waiting families...
"...these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day."
a Living Bible translation of Habakkuk 2:3
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Almost a new Year!!!
I can't believe that it is December 26th! Holy Wow!!! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! It was wonderful in my neck of the woods!! My family kept our traditions of going to mass Christmas Eve, my mom making dinner and then some gift giving. It was pretty low key and just relaxing! I came home and tried to watch "A Christmas Carol" but ended up falling asleep=)....*sigh...old age is creeping in=) Christmas day I sort of broke tradition. My church's choir sang at the Christmas Day mass and so I went there before going to my mom's and having her delicious Apple Puff Pancake. Mmmm!! OH-chin F-KOOSS-na (Delicious--testing out my newly acquired Russian(= ) Later on, my Mom, Grandma, my Sister and her Fiancee and I all gathered at my Aunt and Uncle's and FIVE(!) cousins for the afternoon and evening. It was great to get together with my family!
It's been a little over 2 years since losing my Grandpa and Christmas just doesn't feel right without him...something was definitely missing=( Everyone was thinking of him especially when we all had gathered to sing Christmas songs and started "Silent Night," his favorite. I couldn't help think as I was sitting there singing what my Grandpa would think of plans to adopt. He was always my "go to" for advice, ideas, etc. I think his destiny was to be a Grandpa. He would just beam with joy whenever he was with any one of his seven grandchildren. He was a calm and gentle man full of integrity. I have to admit...one of the most selfless, honest, and honorable people I've ever met. If I shared my thoughts with him, I feel like he'd say, "You have to follow your heart and as long as what you are doing is honest and moral, go for it." So, that is exactly what I'm going to do!!! I just wish he could be here to see his Great-Grandchildren.
As the year draws close to an end, I'm getting VERY anxious to jump full into this adoption. I spoke in depth to someone at the agency I would like to sign with and I have to send over some detailed info. Then, we'll go from there. Second test of patience..sending it over during the Holidays..more waiting(that's getting all to familiar & I know it'll only get worse, ha!!). I'm hoping and praying everything "looks" good and then I can sign and get started. I'm asking everyone to PLEASE keep this situation in their prayers!!
I would love to find out more about Russian traditions and culture. I'm going to be spending some of my waiting searching for books about it...if anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear about your finds!!
It's been a little over 2 years since losing my Grandpa and Christmas just doesn't feel right without him...something was definitely missing=( Everyone was thinking of him especially when we all had gathered to sing Christmas songs and started "Silent Night," his favorite. I couldn't help think as I was sitting there singing what my Grandpa would think of plans to adopt. He was always my "go to" for advice, ideas, etc. I think his destiny was to be a Grandpa. He would just beam with joy whenever he was with any one of his seven grandchildren. He was a calm and gentle man full of integrity. I have to admit...one of the most selfless, honest, and honorable people I've ever met. If I shared my thoughts with him, I feel like he'd say, "You have to follow your heart and as long as what you are doing is honest and moral, go for it." So, that is exactly what I'm going to do!!! I just wish he could be here to see his Great-Grandchildren.
As the year draws close to an end, I'm getting VERY anxious to jump full into this adoption. I spoke in depth to someone at the agency I would like to sign with and I have to send over some detailed info. Then, we'll go from there. Second test of patience..sending it over during the Holidays..more waiting(that's getting all to familiar & I know it'll only get worse, ha!!). I'm hoping and praying everything "looks" good and then I can sign and get started. I'm asking everyone to PLEASE keep this situation in their prayers!!
I would love to find out more about Russian traditions and culture. I'm going to be spending some of my waiting searching for books about it...if anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear about your finds!!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Happy St. Nicholas Day!!
I'm a little late in posting but Happy St. Nicholas Day to everyone!!
I can't believe that it is already the 6th of December! I'm staying quite busy and counting down the days till I can start this crazy process. I've spent so long hoping, praying, and anxiously awaiting for the new year. Now it is so so close! I'm very excited but at the same time, a tad nervous about what lies down the road ahead!!! I'm sooo close to taking the next big step and as always,ready to run...not walk! =)
I can't believe that it is already the 6th of December! I'm staying quite busy and counting down the days till I can start this crazy process. I've spent so long hoping, praying, and anxiously awaiting for the new year. Now it is so so close! I'm very excited but at the same time, a tad nervous about what lies down the road ahead!!! I'm sooo close to taking the next big step and as always,ready to run...not walk! =)
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