Change is a familiar friend. The change I am feeling right now could be compared to what a driver feels as they change lanes on a busy highway trying to make their way to the exit ramp. My head is turning back and forth, I am checking my surroundings, stuff is happening all around at dangerous speeds, the anxiety is up a tad because I fear I am going to miss something important… yet all the while I have my goal in mind and the actions I am taking are leading me to that end. When I am finally on that blessed ramp I can slow down and merge with the calmer side road. It will be nice to be able to take in the scenery and have a nice chat with those in the car. Until then I am on full alert, full speed ahead.
One thing I am sure of is the fact that I will be different when this adoption is finally finalized. There is a welcome change taking place in so many facets of my being. I can’t define it right now (I’m driving, for goodness sake, gotta keep my eyes on the road, ya’ know, can’t get distracted right now). All I know is that I will like it very much.
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Things are going very well with the bonding, the visiting, the process, and all that.
On the technical side of things we turned in the form yesterday requesting a second court appearance to be granted permission of “convivencia” (that she gets to live with us!). This form could only be submitted after the reports from the social worker and psychologist were completed and turned in. Thanks to the top notch team at the orphanage this was done quickly and efficiently. Until this second appearance is given we continue to visit daily, usually twice a day. Yesterday I think we finally found the quickest route that gets us there is under 15 minutes, rather than the 20+ it was taking going as the crow flies.
On the bonding front (by the way, I dislike greatly the word ‘bonding’. It sounds so gluey) all is well. She really loves her papa. She and I are finding ways to enjoy being together. With Raimy she is tight. Raimy is helping her connect with Gabrielle. Timothy and her have their moments of pure sweetness and then they are off playing again. Tyler and her have shown no particular feelings one way or the other. They give hugs when it is time to say good-bye; I think their connection will take place more when we finally have her in our house.
On all other fronts not related to the adoption we are a bit stretched. I prefer not to go into that right now because I feel like I am going to break under the taunting voice of perfectionism if I begin to pick it all apart. Compartmentalizing, prioritizing, making quick decisions and sticking with them, selective ignorance and adjusted expectations have been the way to just push through.
On the emotional front we are keeping it together. We acquired permission from the home to bring her to church with us along with a Tia (caregiver) from the home. Tia Lucy came and helped be a reference point of familiarity for her since we had only just started to get to know her on Thursday. It went so much better than I could have ever hoped. Turns out she likes being the center of attention in a large group of people (gets that from me! ha!). The people at church were so kind and happy with us. I tried not to cry so as to not concern Kaitlynn. She is so well behaved and just sat on my lap playing quietly as Papa preached.
On the practical front we have had some fun happenings.
- I now know her shoe size.
- I got to give her a bath.
- As long as I have a bottle of water to share we are best buds.
- I got to do her hair for the first time.
- She showed me the clothes she wanted to wear and I helped her dress.
- We got a half-way decent family picture thanks to a park bench, a rock, luck and the timer feature on our fancy camera.
Without further ado, a few pics from our last couple of days.
Papa and Gabrielle having some fun in the park
I love this picture of us all together
Kaitlynn loving on Raimy
Just us Girls
What two year old doesn't love this game? "Again, again, again..."
The adoration is mutual with Timothy and Kaitlynn
Mama and Kaitlynn
Even the sky agreed it was a happy day that evening as we said our farewells
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks as if there are a lot of prayers being answered!! Will keep praying for favor and God’s provision!! He’s got you covered!!!
Big BIG hugs!!
I love you! Praying for you for the peace that passes all understanding.
Really loving the play-by-play! Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated!
Angie, thank you so much for keeping us informed. i feel a bit like a fly on the wall.
your smiles are so beautiful in all these photos. i think these are some of my favorite photos of you ever, so pretty.
i especially like the one with you and the girls.
will we ever get to know her birthday or is that a secret?
Yes, thanks for the blogging and great pics. It is great to see this amazing, wonderful, beautiful miracle and precious gift from God unfold. Thanks for sharing!
Such a sunny smile! So beautiful.
I can easily imagine the ‘changingness’ of it. And how like you to compare it to driving.
I’ll be praying for transition and emotions (and perfectionism). Love you!