Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Do Not Be Fooled. The Paperwork Still Comes. And about our weekend.

Our Gotcha Day was almost two weeks ago and still, I deal with paperwork.  Granted, this is the good stuff - getting the kids new social security cards, getting the new birth certificates, and finally, getting passports!!  Have I mentioned that we've already booked our Mexico vacation in December?  A combination 40th birthday fiestabration for me and a celebration of our family completion. 

We took a short trip to San Francisco last weekend.  Drove to Seattle, flew on Virgin to San Francisco on Thursday.  Had dinner, took the kids swimming at the hotel, and then out!  Friday we did the touristy thing and took the BART to the Embarcadero.  Visited Pier 39 and ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.  Wandered through Fisherman's Wharf.  Took a cab to Ghirardelli Square (they don't give tours anymore!).  Then a trolley back to the BART and back to the hotel.  The kids went swimming, and then we decided to walk over to Kincaids for a fabulous dinner.

Saturday we grabbed some breakfast and headed out to scope out some houses.  Found a few that we liked up in Hayward Hills.  Beautiful sweeping Canyon Views.  Hopefully this house here sells SOONER rather than LATER.  I just want to get down and get settled.  At noon we went over to VX HQ and attended the company WOWBQ with Chris.  The kids had a great time and all of his coworkers were amazingly nice.  Later on, back to the hotel, took the kids swimming (are we seeing a pattern here?) and then early to bed. 

Sunday we had to get up early, eat some breakfast, and head to the airport.  Quick flight to Seattle.  Had to sell a kidney to pay for parking, and then on to Tacoma where I met a couple of girlfriends for lunch!  Yum!  We got home around 4, tired, HOT (it was 89 in the house, yipes!) and just wanting to chill. 

Yesterday it was back to the routine.  Two more weeks until school starts.  The kids didn't get back into the school they were in last year, so they have to go to our neighborhood school.  No biggie, and actually it works out better with my work schedule. 

Tonight - The Help with my BFF while her hubby watches The Heathens.  And for that, I thank him.  *wink*

Friday, August 12, 2011

Today was our GOTCHA day!

We woke up early this morning.  Got dressed, and headed down to Eugene.  16 months after we started this process, we found ourselves sitting in a courtroom, before a judge who took great delight in signing a piece of paper that would forever bind us with our kids, Jordan and Wyatt.  Their names were legally changed, and from this day forward, we are legally a family.

There is much celebration in this house today.  There is much rejoicing.  A long road, from decision to completion.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that has supported us on this journey.  And to my friends who are going through this journey now, I say to you - keep going.  When you are mired in paperwork, and home visits, and background checks, and sometimes disappointment, remember this:  it's not the journey, it's the destination.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at ours.  And now we begin a new journey.  One of guidance, and discipline, teaching and encouragement, love and laughter.

Today, we are a complete family.

Friday, August 05, 2011

August 12, 2011. 11:00 a.m.

That's our date.  For court.  To finalize the adoption.  To grow our family by two.  To give two awesome wonderful children who we have been lucky enough to be chosen as parents to, our last name. 

It's all legality, because from the moment we saw those kids, they were ours. 

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.  ~ 1 Samuel 1:27

Monday, August 01, 2011

A Letter to my kids...

Dear W & J:

Today I took you to sleep away camp.  We packed your clothes, loaded up the truck, and away we went.  We stopped for gas, drinks and snacks, because we had an hour drive to make.  We sang songs and we were silly the whole way.

When we pulled into camp, you were both so excited!  We unloaded the car and headed to registration.  Along the way, every counselor welcomed you to camp.

After handing in the paperwork, and getting your cabin assignments, we were on our way.  J, we took you to your cabin first, and I helped you unpack your sleeping bag and pillow, and set up your bunk.  I met your counselor, and took a couple of photos.  You were so confident standing outside that cabin.  I was so proud of you.  I hugged you tight and told you how much fun you would have.  I reassured you that you would make TONS of friends, and that you were a great girl, so it wouldn't be hard.  I talked to your counselor about how happy I was that you had this opportunity.  You hugged your brother and I again, and we left you to get settled in.

After we left J, W and I made our way to his cabin.  He skipped down the trail, so excited about finding out where he was staying.  We came up to your cabin, W, and you picked out your bunk: top!  We unpacked your sleeping bag and pillow, and carefully placed your clothes on your shelves.  You went outside to make your bunk tag with your name on it.  I talked to your counselor about what a wonderful little boy you are, and I went outside to check on you and get a picture.  You hugged me tight, almost not wanting to let go.  I told you how much fun you would have, and how daddy and I would be there on Saturday to pick you up.  You hugged me even tighter.

I left quickly, trying hard not to cry at the fact that I was leaving my little ones for the first time.  I looked back down the trail at you, and your little head was down, working hard on your bunk tag.  I am so proud of you.

I drove home with moments of sadness, missing you both already.  I've had to fight back tears a couple of times today, missing you SO much, yet knowing you are making memories that will last a lifetime.

I love you both so very much, and I am so happy that you have this amazing opportunity.

Can I call out sick this week and join you?

Love,
Mommy.