Tuesday, January 11, 2011

my imaginary friend

That's what Cora feels like, lately - my imaginary friend. Of course we talk about her, dream about her, plan for her, and SHOP for her, but sometimes it feels like we're just "making her up." Our attempt to get an update for her was unsuccessful (so no new pictures), and my hopes of bringing her home before Olivia's birthday seem foolish, now. We will probably travel later than that. (Why is it that I always hope for the best, but then also expect the best?) She seems so far away.

The great news is that TODAY, we received I-800 approval! (I LOVE getting mail from the Department of Homeland Security!) It's those documents that come and make the dream of bringing Cora home seem a little more like reality.

So now we wait for the NVC's "blessing," then it's back to China to wait for travel approval.

Another step closer!

Now onto talking about Olivia... Just shy of two years old, she finally realized how to climb out of her crib. (Last night was the first time we lowered the mattress. Hard to believe, huh?) We heard the thud and ran to the door. Sure enough, my child was NOT in her crib. As we fixed the bed, she played peek-a-boo. Showing off, because she was pretty proud of herself.





She's awesome.

Monday, January 10, 2011

my canadian "bestie"

In this day and age of the world wide web, we’ve been blessed to be able to connect with a family who is adopting a little boy from the orphanage where Cora is from. This family is from Canada, and I never would have known about them without the help of a yahoo group. (When Cora is older and reading this, I’ll probably have to explain what a “yahoo group” is, because I’m sure it will be outdated by then, right?) We received referrals for our children on the same day, and it was so much fun to share the joy of “meeting” your child for the first time with someone going through the same emotions. What a connection! I think this mother and I would have been great friends, anyway, even if weren’t adoptive moms. She’s a pretty great person, and it’s been fun chatting back and forth these last few months. I feel so blessed!

Our children have grown up together! At this point, we know so little about our daughter, but I do know that this little guy is a part of her past, and that’s pretty precious to me. Our children are close in age, so we’ve wondered if they are friends. (We hope so!) We may never know that, for sure, but we’re going to believe it to be true!

This family just got to experience “Gotcha Day” today with their son. I am so happy for them! It is exciting to see pictures of him finally in their arms. (And wow – is he a cutie!) I love to follow the journeys of other families traveling to pick up their children, but this time it’s a little more fun (maybe because it’s a little more personal?) On top of that, we know that our trip will look somewhat like theirs, so it’s like getting a sneak peek at what our journey is going to look like. Pretty cool, “eh”?

Well, congratulations, dear friend! The fun has just begun! You’re on my mind and in my prayers these next couple weeks!