Give me an L...for being so lame in posting! lol

Hi everyone!  First of all I must admit that I have been woefully LAME-O about posting on the blog this fall (and now winter, omg...).  I am our elementary school PTO president this year and must admit, it has been way more work and time than I ever imagined.  Man, parents are insane!  lol  Coupled with the fact I like to do a good job and worked freakishly to bring in lots of external donations from major companies for our annual silent auction this fall and well, I just didn't have the energy or brain cells to blog.  But I swear I will do better!

Besides all that, this fall was rather eventful in a variety of ways.  First, it saw Brian tearing his Achilles tendon playing soccer with the dads from Case's soccer club.  He's fine and its been repaired (luckily he has excellent partners) but it definitely slowed him down a bit and bummed him out.  I told him at least he did it playing sports and not walking in the yard!  Yea, that didn't really help, lol.  Anyway, he is no longer using a crutch, a cane, and has started PT so things are getting back to normal.  Maybe not getting a referral was a blessing in disguise since he would have been miserable traveling with all that.  As it was, we did get back for another Michigan game (Michigan-Nebraska) and although he had the cane, he weathered it all like a trooper.  But they scanned the crap out of that cane in Detroit, lol!  Even though it was made of wood they were not gonna trust that one bit.  As you can guess, the cane passed and so did we.  :) 

Next, Case continued playing club soccer and got his first goal finally!  This was a big deal because although he has played a while, he was always the younger kid and then got moved to defense.  Now, he loves defense and rocks at the position, but its hard to get a goal when you are dropped back.  But he got a sweet breakaway and blasted the thing so hard it went right between the goalie's outstretched hands.  He was over the moon!   Case has continued to do just awesome in 4th grade and basically leads the pack in about everything he does- all with great humility and acknowledgement to both his teachers and other classmates.  He is our angel and we love him to pieces.  But let's face it, the kid needs a little brother  :)

So what has been up with us on the adoption front?  Well, unfortunately not a lot.  While we have seen other families get referrals and take their trips, our phone has still been silent.  Based on some info I gleaned (great word, eh?) recently, there does seem to have been a 4-5 month slow down in Poland for referrals; but, it seems that things have started to pick up again. 

We have been counting the days until we would need to renew all our stuff and it looks like the end of January will be the target.  Hopefully, if we can get and accept a referral before that, Lina thinks we should be good to go.  We'll do whatever we need to, but it would kinda stink if we have to re-do items.  What really burns my toast is that the re-do would be for the US and not for Poland!  I mean, seriously??  I understand getting updated fingerprints, but the home study?  Even when the adoptive country doesn't need an updated one?  Whatever.  Thanks US bureaucracy. Ugh.

So here we sit as Christmas approaches in a few days, still waiting for that call.  We have high hopes for the end of 2011 and definitely for 2012 that we will receive a referral and meet our son.  Still, we are absolutely thrilled to pieces for our fellow adoptive families that have completed or are the process of completing their adoptions!  Once our journeys are complete, we definitely need to get together to celebrate at Polish Fest!  I treasure all the friendships I have developed with many of you over the social media and blog sphere and am proud to be here to support you all, like you have supported us.    

And to our son....who is still waiting...somewhere in Poland...in either an orphanage or foster home....please know that we love you and we are doing everything we can to find you and bring you into our family.  Trust in God and His grace and mercy for He will untie us soon.  We pray for you everyday to have peace, to be warm, to have someone to comfort you and give you love, and to know down deep in your heart that God is bringing your mama, daddy, and big brother to you very, very soon. 

We wish you all the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years in 2012! 

New look for the blog, same old news

So recently I updated our blog with a cool picture which essentially mimics the Blue Ridge mountains- which we see out our window every day.  It was easy and didn't take much time, which I was very thankful for....unlike this whole adoption situation.

I have to admit, I am officially getting frustrated yet am still generally conflicted about the timetable for our referral (if it ever will come).  Let me explain:  Although I am glad the agency we work with has sorted out the bogus claims and situation with COA, I am increasingly annoyed that Poland and SMIA have been moving at a snail's pace lately.  Supposedly this whole thing had no implications on the Poland side so I do NOT understand why there are families awaiting their second trips to get their children that are being kept on hold.   I know the court dates are not SMIA's fault, but Poland has been so painstakingly slow that SMIA can't get these families squared away and hence, can't or won't advocate for others that are waiting to get a proper referral (ie one that fits what they requested).

And I know I shouldn't complain because this is absolutely and utterly unfair, but I have to vent:  Our dossier is squeaky clean.  I mean, freakishly clean.  My husband is of Polish heritage (we even know where his family comes from!), we are both stable, educated professionals that are already established parents of a fantastic child, we are financially able to proceed with any adoption, and we are requesting an older aged child(ren) that most people aren't interested in and who are supposedly busting at the seams over there.  So what is the hold up, I ask?  We call and talk to the agency and are told "you just have to wait".  Sorry, but that ain't cutting it lately.  I am impatient to meet our child that God has chosen.  Everyone says we have to wait for it to happen in "God's time", but these delays seem more secular that divine and I'm ready for some divine intervention to grease the wheels a bit.

At the same time, I am glad the whole travel thing didn't come down during October.  I have had to be major peacemaker and deal broker on behalf of our elementary school PTO, of which I am president this year.  I have had to calm nerves, provide encouragement, give direction (sometimes sternly), and act as intermediary for various stupid arguments between adults.  Our school's major fundraiser is upcoming in early November and honestly, I'm not sure I could be absent during that time anyway.  I've tried really hard to get everything in place and have secured so serious donations from national companies and Clemson University for our silent auction in the event we miraculously receive a good referral and travel, but I can't see that happening until after the event and definitely not until after the other families receive their second travel dates.  Plus, the longer Case is in school the better for him.  But we have reservations for Disneyworld in the spring that we thought we would be taking with 2 kids, and while it doesn't affect the room etc, there is no way we are losing that!

So here we sit- everything done right and looking great according to our agency yet no referral.  I have to continually explain to my child that we are still patiently waiting and see the look him losing faith every day that it will happen.  Plus, add in the possible anxiety, expense, and complete hassle of updating home studies and getting fingerprints redone should they expire after the new year and, well, I'm getting a bit ticked.

Wish this could be a happier post but that's where I am right now.  Not looking for sympathy necessarily- just venting.  I am praying that Kara and Tom, Heidi and David, Leigh and Greg, and Tracy and Scott all get their dates soon because they have been separated from their children WAY too long already and these families need to be reunited.  So I call upon you, Almighty Father and Lord, and ask you to deliver these families and join them together at last.  I also ask for the intercession of Holy Mary, Mother of God on behalf of all of us waiting for our children to come to us.  Please help us and keep us strong during this trying time.   Amen.

Yea, so, this has been me for the last month or so.  To be more accurate though, it should be holding a cell phone, computer, car keys, PTO president folder, football tickets, dog leashes, and 2 others things I can't even remember right now.  Needless to say, that picture alone should let you know why I have not posted for a while. 

As of July, I assumed the presidency of our PTO.  Its a very strong group and definitely has high expectations of anyone serving in the office.  While that doesn't bother me- I mean, I was my sorority's president twice in college, was a rank leader in the Michigan Marching Band, and am a professional nurse, so I get multi-tasking- I have been absolutely swamped/overwhelmed with the work the last 2 months.  Being the head honcho, main (wo)man, and most easily found target for people to complain about anything from the school to whether we should do Halloween treats bags (ludicrous), can really get under even the most-hardened skin after a while.  Add onto that starting our new BooHoo/WooHoo Breakfast for Kindergarten parents, trying to coax/persuade/bribe (not really) parents into the role of room parents, and apply for mini-grants and charitable donations from companies all over the country to support our children and school whose budget continues to be sliced up year after year and...well, you see the stress.  And the worst part?  Its only September!  I have to serve until June and am not fully convinced my VP will be able to handle the job.  Oy!

So anyway on the adoption front- as most, if not all of you know by now, St Mary's got slapped with one of the most ridiculous suspensions in September.  This is based on what appears completely bogus reasons and because the head of the COA (Council on Accreditation) is...well... apparently a tool.  As a result of one family's selfish claims, everything got put on hold.   Cue the pouty voice: "We didn't get anyone good, and that other couple did- no fair! And why didn't SMIA help us to decipher medical information more (even thought that isn't their job and we should have checked ourselves independently) and even though we had turned down 5 referrals and Poland was the one that removed the kids from consideration, its ALL THEIR FAULT"  WAHHHHH!  This complete lack of rational thinking on this couple's part and vindictive behavior caused tremors that were felt by adoptive families working with St. Mary's all over.  Just as important, it threatened Lina's livelihood and sterling reputation.  Over 10 years with no complaints and one triggers a landslide?  Ridiculous.  Smells like the head of the COA trying to make his job seem important and therefore, save it?  Maybe rabbit, maybe.....

Soooo, when all was said and done and after a lawsuit was filed in federal court by SMIA, the COA agreed to let them resume adoptions, fully accredited.   And most important of all, Poland NEVER had a problem with Lina or St Mary's.  Just some piddly, little pseudo-government agency here.  *Shocking*.  Gee, can you tell I'm still fairly annoyed about all this?  Anyway, it seems from others posting that the wheels are in motion again over there.  Once they complete their trips, we are hopeful we too will be receiving a quality referral and can start planning our trip as well.  We hoped to be there with many of those families we've gotten to know well via the blogs and (old) Facebook- don't even get me started on the changes- but that was on our timeline and not God's.  His is perfect and ours is, well, probably a total wreck (lol) so we'll go with God's. 

Case continues to do great in school and stated club soccer again this season.  I guess its been a little bit of a weird relief to not have to worry about taking him out to travel yet and letting him get as much of 4th grade under his belt as possible.  Ideally, we would love to travel 1st trip by Christmas.  We actually made plans for Disney again this year because it was so far in the future we thought no biggie.  Now, we'll have to make sure we can arrange our second trip to accommodate that and Case's state assessment testing.  Hopefully it won't be an issue and Poland will work with us should the time get close.  We're hoping its done by then and not even a concern, but we'll see how fast they get up and running after this setback to SMIA. 

Well, that's it for now campers.  I'm sure there is some other PTO-related fire I have to put out or that is smoldering and I just haven't smelt it yet.  I'll keep posting though as things come up!  Take care everyone!

-Laura

Posting from my new techno toy!

Today I decided to try out my anniversary gift Brian got me last week- a new Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tablet.  I actually wanted this instead of an iPad since, well, we already have on.  The biggest thing for me though was that I wanted something to run Flash.  Although we are definitely an Apple family with Macs, iPods, iTouches, and iPads,  Apple do not use Flash (for
reasons too long to type here).  Its not that I do alot of things that use Flash.  I just wanted the option of something that did- especially if and when we go to Poland since I fear I will need to feel connected and it would tick me of if I couldn't watch something because it couldn't run Flash.

So far, I have found the Galaxy tab very cool and even like some if its features better than the iPad (I know! Sacrilege! lol).  Its a little lighter, the keyboard has great action, and the screen color and clarity is amazing.  Basically, its as close to an iPad as you can get and most of the geek world mag reviews I checked said likewise.

So I'm having fun today checking it out but I might as well fess up, I also got this so when we travel I can watch my own movie or read my own book through the Kindle app, instead of having it monopolized by 2 boys- one almost 10 and one ALOT older, lol-  playing
 Angry Birds.  Plus, if they think I am really reading a book, I can work on my own Angry Birds levels in peace, without unsolicited advice about where, and at what angle I should fling the red, yellow, or blue birds to get the green pig.   ;)

Heat wave 2011

Like the old song says- "We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave...."  For so many days now I have been tolerant of these extremes but this last week, I finally broke.  I have had it!  Since the end of May, we have officially had 2 days under 90 degrees- yep, you read that right...2!  And just last week with the temperature climbing into the 100-110 range consistently, it has officially become unbearable.  The pool water is warm, the lake is warm, you can't get a breeze without going at least 10miles an hour in the boat- overall it is just oppressive.  Add in humidity, which is a constant in SC, and its definitely stunk.

Worse of all though, it has driven us inside, into the comfort of air conditioning, but still inside.  I don't even think about how much electricity our air conditioners use.  Its just so frustrating and now that we're in the dog days, I don't see much end in sight for a few weeks.   We have all been more stir crazy than ever before and until recently I realized why.  Was it the heat?  Last week, I realized the answer was no.  The real reason for the extreme boredom and antsy-ness (is that a word? lol) is something entirely different and very unexpected.  Its because this summer we didn't go to our ranch in Wyoming we have visited for the last 3 years.

We decided to not go because we thought we might be in or looking forward to Poland to meet our son.  Obviously, we're still waiting patiently.  I thought we would all be fine with foregoing the trip in lieu of the more involved adventure to come.  I thought, "Its not a big deal.  We'll be fine without going. We've only been a few years in a row".  I even thought Case might be bored if we went again.  I was wrong on all counts.   I didn't expect was how much we would all miss it and it had become a family tradition, even in such a short time.   The heat has definitely made it worse too since I know its cooler and more comfortable there.  Still, it is totally cathartic and we are have missed the beauty, simplicity, and pure relaxation it offers.

So bear with me as I share some pics and memories.  I need to for my soul's well-being.  :)

The entrance to the HF Bar Ranch!

Heaven!

Usually we head out to HF Bar Ranch, the 2nd oldest dude ranch in country, in Saddlestring, WY in mid-July.  We spend 7-10 days there at 5500ft in the Big Horn Mountains, riding horses, fly-fishing, skeet shooting (Brian, not us), going to rodeos, and just enjoying the fresh air and outdoors.

Our family in 2010 with our horses Miller, Russia, and Scotty (L->R)

Running the horses in from the pasture

China Wall- beautiful and you can ride on trails that weave through it!

This about says it all!  Coming down from Castle Rock ride

Natural sound soother, the creek that runs right between the cabins. Bliss.

Rope 'em!

Hanging with the wranglers at the corral.

On Big Mesa looking back at the ranch

Curious little antelope

Ranch pool!

Brian and Case fly-fishing

Brian and some of the other daddies skeet shooting with the professionals.

 Driving the ice wagon! Case got to help deliver ice blocks to each cabin.

The cabins are rustic, have indoor plumbing, but no TV or phones.  The technological detox we are able to experience is so needed.  The food is fabulous and we have met people from all over the world- pretty famous people too, which makes it exciting too.

The best part is, we are all guests relaxing and all treated the same, and we all treat each other the same.  The people, famous and non-famous, are there on vacation and have deep roots that run to this ranch.  Still, even though we might ride with them, sit at the table with them each night, or share a post-evening ride drink in the fishing shack, its still kinda cool when you discover who they are.

For example, one year we met Elizabeth Peale Allen, the chairwoman of the board for Guideposts magazine, and the daughter of Norman Vincent Peale ("The Power of Positive Thinking").  A lovely woman whose husband is buried on the ranch and the family  journeys there often.  She stepped on something in the river and Brian looked at her leg (she was fine), and she was so gracious.

Another year, we met Josh McLagen when Case was playing with his daughter.  So who is he, you ask?  Wait for it....  They had played for a couple of days, we had rode out with them, and Case even ate at their table a few times in the ranch house.  Nice guy and were we surprised when we found out what he did!  While we had no idea he was famous before, we started to realize when he brought "his personal copy" of a movie that he "worked on".   We thought it was a DVD or something until it had his name on it....in the movie credits and literally on the bottom in a security mark.  It was Night at the Museum 2.  He was the 1st director.   He also told us about a "little" movie he had coming out that December that we would like.  It was called Avatar.  Add to that, he worked on films like Titanic, and you get the picture.  The best part?  You would never know he was that famous- he was just another guest who had come there often.  We watched on a screen set up outside, under the stars, in chairs under blankets.  It was heaven.

So, I am posting these memories and great experiences to remind myself that while we swelter away in the heat, nirvana is just on the other side of the country.  We plan to take our new son with us next summer (fingers crossed!) and hope he'll fall in love with it like we have.  But make no mistake, next summer, we are going!

Yeeehaw!

No, not a referral yet, but still something cool

So I'm up at school yesterday doing prep work and PTO stuff (since we start back in a few weeks) and our principal tells me that a new student enrolled whose mom is from Poland!  He's going to introduce us once we get back to school, but what a great resource, eh?  Also, my husband recently had a new patient in his office that is also Polish and here teaching at the university.  Nice guy, new member our parish, and yet another resource for us in the community!  More proof that God is constantly giving us little reminders to stay faithful, be patient, and that He is looking out for our new son.  Thank you Father! 

Another month down

Well, we've hit the 4 month mark and although I know small in comparison to some, it’s still another milestone in this interesting process.  I must admit that selfishly I was hoping we would be taking our first trip by mid-August.  I know, I know- God's time can't be rushed or planned- but its not because we are just so anxious to meet our new son; its for a couple of other more practical reasons, which might be even worse, lol.  

This sad and silly but here goes.   My son starts back to school in August and I really hate the idea of taking him out for a week once he’s in to travel to Poland.  Now some people would say "just leave him home"; but here's the thing- he really, really wants to go along and meet his brother.  How do I deny him that?  lol  And honestly, I want to see them interact together too and think it'll be a fantastic experience for him.  Since we are looking at adopting a child over 5, I feel their dynamics will be very important and I want them to get a great start.   And our school is fabulous and will definitely be understanding make no mistake- its just that he starting 4^th grade and is doing sooo well that I don’t want to do anything that would disrupt it.   See?  Silly, but a worry nonetheless.

And the second reason is even worse.  This year I got saddled with...I mean, honored with being elected PTO president.  I could’ve said no, but that’s just not me.  We needed someone and I was the most qualified...ok, actually I was just next in line.  And I do love being a part of the organization and all it does for our elementary school, so how could I refuse? 

Anyway, I can’t help but look at not only the school calendar, but also the PTO calendar and see when a trip would fit in best.  These are absolutely crazy worries and not even related to a job!  Lol lol!  In fact, I’m less concerned about my husband taking off work from his practice!  How skewed is that??  I know, I need to get over it because everything will work out fine and later in life, I’m sure we’ll look back and laugh at my silliness.  Still....with fall festival, testing, fundraisers, and...... ahhhh, stop it Laura!  lol

Moving on, I do have to say I see so many adoptive mom friends that have completed their first and/or second trips (Yay!!) and I am absolutely thrilled!!   I have gotten to know many of you via FB and your blogs and I cannot think of any group more loving and deserving than you all.   And I am continually amazed that although we are still waiting, this doesn't make me jealous or unhappy or even "woe is me, when will we travel"- it makes me joyous to see God bring so many families together and make so many children happy and safe.  That is what this whole adoption thing is about and it is God’s hand at work- how could I even question that perfection?  I can’t wait for the day we can all meet up at Polish Fest and let our children play- how special will that be since we have gone through these journeys together?  Awesome, simply awesome.

So how have I filled my time over the month?  Phew, lots of ways!  Number one, with all this bru-tal heat lately (we’ve been in at least the upper 90’s since June!), we have been focusing on cooler family activities.  That includes day trips, boating and tubing on our beautiful lake, and seeing movies- Cars 2, Mr. Popper's Penguins, in particular.  I have played chauffeur to soccer training sessions and 2 camps- Clemson University where he commuted and got to work with Div I coaches and MLS players; and Erskine, where they held his team camp.  At Erskine, my little guy stayed over from Thurs-Sun in the dorms, which was a huge step for him and mostly, me.  He was with his club teammates, absolutely loved it, and could not have been safer.  It was so good for him to branch out and stay with his soccer club buddies.  And best of all, although he urged me to leave asap after I unpacked him on Thurs ("Mama, I'm fine. You can go now"), he was so happy to see us on Sun and greeted me with a huge, sweaty, boy hug...in front of his friends!  Doesn't get much better than that!  

On the educational side of things, the other day we also attended a tour of the Clemson robotics department, which was totally cool!  Case got to drive a large robot through a maze, learn about light and sound sensors/technology, do facial recognition exercise, 3D computer generated technology, and see different uses for robotics.  Case was completely into it and was thinking all the way home of ways robotics can be used to enhance and improve daily life.  The best was when he said he would like to design a robot that would do the laundry to help me (cue the "awww!").  I loved that this experience really resonated with him and was educational to boot!  As a result, he asked to be signed up for the Lego League Robotics Camp in August for kids here in town and I was more than happy to comply.

So as we wait for word on our new son, we will continue to have fun in the sun and AC.  School is inching closer and closer and everyday I work on not stressing about the calendar.  I’m trying to focus on the positive and not worry as much about that which I can’t control.  One really good thing: my son’s new teacher for this year is fantastic (a man!) and very interactive with his students.  Should we have to travel during the year, we are thinking about setting up a protected blog where Case can write about his experiences in Poland and his classmates can ask him questions.   Another classmate whose family went on sabbatical to Spain last year did the same thing with this teacher and it helped keep him connected while away.   One way or another, it’ll all work out.

Until next time!

Taking this blog private- the whys

I love technology.  With blogs, websites, Skype, Facebook, etc we are able to stay so connected today with those we treasure, even when we are apart.  We can even meet new people, make friends, and revel in the joys of others.  And for me, that’s magical.  

But its can also be borderline creepy when people you don’t know try to friend you or read your blog without identifying themselves.  You can only take it for so long before you have protect yourself.  Sorry, people in Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Philippines, India, Germany, and Ireland- when you check my blog and don’t identify yourself, it really weirds us out.  Yep, it's been this many countries- I have a traffic feed that tells me where.  If we knew you, then it would be fine.  But when we aren’t sure and you stay anonymous, we have to be cautious.  

For this reason, we are going to be taking this blog private for the duration of our adoption. This protects us and, more importantly, our new son once we receive a referral.  It also protects all of you that follow, by proxy.  So if you would like to be added to follow my blog, please send me your email so I can add you.   I already emailed some of you and if you responded, then you don't need to send it again.  It'll probably happen within the next week so you have time to contact me if you want to continue to follow.

Thanks!

Cooking in June and July discoveries

Its been a little bit since I last posted a blog entry so I thought I'd catch those following up on my escapades (teehee!).  Again, SUPER long, but I want to capture these moments and sound interesting....kidding! 

If I wanted to summarize the summer so far, its been H-O-T...brutal hot...with temps over 95 almost every day and high humidity (so my hair looks most days like Rosanne Rosannadanna).  Its definitely worn out its welcome and is so "over" that it needs to vacate...and soon!  Still, we did manage a few things:

Most of my early and mid June was taken up with serving, yet again, as the craft coordinator for VBS.  I originally took this job on after this one person flaked out and totally dropped the ball and it was ALOT at the time.  Still, I survived and got many compliments on my "creations" that I just continued to volunteer year after year.  But, with Case closing in on 10 and after having done it for over 7 year now, I was totally cool with another person taking over and as MacArthur said "simply fading away".  Alas, that was not to be, lol.  For whatever reason, everyone is terrified of crafts and doing it for almost 100 elementary school kids on average makes most people run for the hills.  So when they asked, I thought "ok, I'll do it one more year".  The theme this year was cooking and I have to say, although it was very challenging to integrate cooking with learning about God and Jesus, I think I was pretty successful.  And better yet, the children LOVED it!  My thing is to have crafts that make them use both gross and fine motor skills and a variety of different mediums and textures if possible, so I never order the kits from the VBS company (of course, Oriental Trading and I know each other well and communicate regularly- ie they send about 3000 unsolicited magazines to me each year, lol).   I also design the craft to relate to the bible verse or special message of the day.  I feel it makes it more salient for the kids.  Anyway, here are some of the crafts we did:

Of course, I had a wonderful time with the kids again and loved seeing their faces as they made the connection between our food theme and the Bible.   Ok, the fact I had pictures up of famous Disney chefs and songs from "Ratatouille", "Lady and the Tramp"(Bella Notte), "Beauty and the Beast" (Be Our Guest), "Finding Nemo (La Mer), and various other french accordion songs (yes, there are albums available on iTunes!  who woulda thunk it? lol) probably added to my enjoyment.  Still, I'll be doing it again next year and probably more after that once we return home with our son. 

Ah, you are wondering about our status- well, we have not heard anything solid yet, but it has only been just over 3 months.  I know others have waited wayyyy longer.   So we're patient and optimistic.  The one thing I was hoping for was to have our first trip before Case started school, but we can't plan everything, right?  We have filled the hours with boating, swim lessons, yard projects, and blueberry picking.  Here is our over-designed, over-engineered, over-everything firepit and rec area that we decided to complete when the temps spiked 97-99.  Nice timing, right?  lol  It is 45in in diameter and turned out great (and no, it isn't a kit):

Here we are picking blueberries- hard to see but the trees were dripping with them- and me and my boy.  Brian was busy filling his bucket in another row, "Ka plink, Ka plank, Ka plunk" (How many remember that one? teehee!) *see bottom for answer youngsters

In the meantime, I have been having fun finding out more and more information about our Polish ancestry- which come to find out is much more vast than we realized.  We knew Brian was 1/4 Polish on his dad's side and they have always celebrated all sorts of Polish traditions through his grandmother etc.  What he didn't know was where the family was originally from and how far back it went.  Anyway, we were talking about all this and Brian's dad remembered all kinds of new information nuggets.  My F-I-L is getting up there, but he's still as sharp as a tack and frankly didn't even think to tell us some stories, lol.  Guess he thought we knew by osmosis?  lol  But as a result of the new info, we've (I've) found some cool things! 

Now, his mom (Brian's babcia) was something of a scandal because she was the first one to not marry a Pole in many generations; instead she married (gasp) an Irishman!  At least he was Catholic too, which is probably what her very Polish Catholic parents and large family thought, lol!  I'm kidding, they loved her husband loads!  Anyway, one cool factoid in particular helped me to find a very distant cousin who had loads of information on Brian's great-great-, great-, and grandparents.  Including Brian's grandmother, they were all 100% Polish, but until recently we weren't exactly sure where the hometown was in the old country.  Most of the records we had stated Prussia or Poland as birthplaces, but no town.  It was pretty common back then and even names changed when they loaded boats because of language barriers, etc.  Still, I found this cousin and corresponded with him and lo and behold....I found it!  Turns out Brian's family from wayyy back comes from a little town by Gdansk called Kosciercyna.  Brian was absolutely thrilled when I told him!  We totally want to visit here, even if the adoption takes us elsewhere in country, because how cool is that??!   Better yet (wink wink) I scored major points with the father-in-law because he had not heard that name since he was a little boy.  lol!  Not that I had to, but he was really happy and that made me happy as well!  It almost felt like returning a lost heirloom, if you will.  Giving them the actual name of their ancestor's hometown was really special, like returning a piece of their history, and helped us to feel even more connected to this wonderful country.  Which is why we can't wait to experience it firsthand.   This was really the candle on the frosting on the cake  :)

And while we would love to see Poland ourselves, we have definitely been enjoying it secondhand, lol!  During the waiting period, I have definitely had my attention shifted by all the HAPPY NEWS so many of my fellow adoptive mommies have received!  Truly, these are all answers to our many individual and collective prayers.  Brooke, Heidi, Kara, Renee, Jennifer, Tracy....holy cow!  The pure numbers are nothing but God's hand at work!  I am absolutely thrilled for each and every one of you and know you will all be loving, fabulous mothers!  Someday we will all have to have massive reunions all around the country!  And I am overusing my exclamation point!!  lol lol  Anyway, I love following your journeys and for all the encouragement you give to us.  We are happily waiting because we know we can't rush God and He always knows the perfect time.  Plus we have our loving, energetic, wonderful son to keep us busy so although we too look forward to receiving our referral, we are happily basking in the beauty and love of your adoptive journeys.  Thanks for letting us come along :)

Well, that's it for this installment.  I find myself a little lonely right now since I dropped Case off at his first ever stay overnight soccer camp.  He's with all his buddies from his soccer club (I was politely dismissed and told I could leave almost as soon as we got him unpacked, lol!).  Now, I'm sure he'll have a blast, but its the first time he's been away for so long (3 nights) and I can't help but be a worry-wort.  He's smart and a great kid, but he's my baby....and he's growing up fast.  I love him to pieces and just don't want to miss a second.  :)  Oh geez, what will I do when he goes to college?? 

Until next time dear friends.... :)


*Blueberries for Sal!  One of my faves growing up  :)

Dreams

I believe in the power of dreams.  They say dreams are our brain's way of sorting out our thoughts and letting our mind rest.  I tend to have colorful, sometimes vivid dreams, but rarely have nightmares.  My dreams usually involve quite creative, sometimes intricate stories and serve different purposes.  For example, when I'm really stressed, I usually have a dream about being in college and specifically, the Michigan Marching Band when I was carefree, in great shape (I mean, come on, I was 18, lol!), and was surrounded by my best friends daily.  It was a fun time and I think my dreams are centered there to help me settle.  Its comforting and reassuring at the same time and I always wake feeling relieved and rested, ready to tackle whatever I need to.  

I usually enjoy my dreams, even if I don't necessarily understand them.  But dreams can sometimes have other meanings and I believe there is divine intervention involved with many of our dreams.  In fact, I believe certain dreams are God's messages, whispered to us by the angels.  Angel whispers are soft and gentle, and they help our thoughts relax so we can sleep in peace, unbothered by the beating of our hearts which never sleep and without the complications of life when we’re awake.  Then, when we awake, we are newly blessed, with the angel’s whisper mixing perfectly with our own spirit.  I think they also often show us glimpses into the future.

When I was pregnant with Case, I am positive an angel whispered to me.  Now, during my pregnancy, I had probably the most bizarre vivid dreams I will ever have in my entire life!  There are three that stick in my memory because they were just so clear- the first 2 were absolutely weird and more than likely hormonally driven, but the third was completely different.  

The first one was in my 2nd trimester and involved looking out our 2nd floor bedroom window and seeing dinosaurs walking through our backyard.  And I mean BIG ones like Brachiosaurs!  But they didn't cause a ruckus or any damage- they were all quiet, peaceful, and just sauntered around.   Yep, that's right- a yard full of dinosaurs.  The second one was in my 2nd trimester too and was a type of "labor dream".  In it, I went in the hospital and when the baby was born and the nurse held it up....it was the cutest schnauzer puppy you could imagine!  All wrapped up in a baby blanket and no one seemed the least bit weirded out.  Um, ok.....lol!  Now, I think this happened because at the time (and still) my little schnauzer Lambeau was the only baby I had and I loved him sooo much (still do!).  Still, after these I wasn't sure what to think.  I figured they were just normal, weird pregnancy dreams that had some involved meaning but frankly, I didn't want to figure it out (it was summer and I was getting bigger and well, I didn't want to think too hard, lol).  Then the third dream came along.  To this day, I KNOW that this was an angel whisper.  

We had decided not to find out the sex of our baby because...well...there are so few surprises in life that are absolutely joyful and we wanted keep God's surprise for the moment the baby was born.  So even though different people had their sure-fire methods for predicting the sex (the string thing, how I carried the baby, etc), I blew most of it off.  Then I had "the dream".   It was at the beginning of my third trimester.  I had not even been thinking about the baby's sex, but one day I had a very clear dream that it was be a boy- a big, healthy baby boy!  From the second I woke up, I knew an angel had whispered to me.  I just knew it!  I decided not to share the dream with my husband (who was convinced we were having a girl...then a boy...then a girl, lol!) because I wanted to keep this little secret to myself.  It felt so special, I was absolutely sure I had received divine news.  From that moment on, I focused on mainly boy names and boy themes etc and on a beautiful fall day, I was blessed to become the mother of...yep, a big, healthy baby boy!  Everyone else was surprised and happy and  I was too in a way, but not in the same way.  I realized I had had a very spiritual, very personal experience and my faith was further reinforced that God and his angels were always with me and looking over me.  It was truly beautiful and something I'll forever cherish, as I do the son sent to me from God that day.

Now as we get closer to our 3rd month of waiting for a referral, I wonder when and if I am going to have a dream of my second son, my other God-sent baby that is waiting for us in Poland.  If I have it, will the dream be as simple and straightforward as the one about Case?  Will there be more information and perhaps even descriptive details?  I obviously haven't had this dream yet, but I'm hoping I do.  I know I can't control when they come and what they're about, but I love the thought that my angels bring me messages of hope and love when I rest.  This adoption journey is so much different than experiencing a pregnancy, but the serenity that comes with an angel whisper is something I would love to hear again.  Until then, I will wait patiently because as I have faith God is perfect in his timing and if He needs me to know something about our new son, I'm positive He'll let me know.  And hopefully an angel will whisper its soft and gentle message in our son's ear as well while he's peacefully asleep to let him know how much we love him and that we'll be coming soon.

Endings, beginnings, and lots of fun stuff in between

Well, the last couple of weeks have been busy and I can see the summer light at the end of the tunnel.  We recently had my son's first PASS testing period- which is the state assessment tests for SC.   He was only a little nervous and mainly about the actually test itself, rather than the material on it.  After the first day (which was math, his favorite and best subject), he took it all in stride.   He also had soccer tryouts and have started making plans for summer.  I'm really proud of him and marvel at how much he has grown this year.  I, on the other hand, have also grown- but in an unexpected way. 

The last couple of weeks has given me a huge reality check as a mom.  For so long, I have held his hand and helped him out with so many things, but during this last week with testing and tryouts, I had to trust his abilities and let go, in a sense.  He is an independent, smart kid and it's not the first time he has done things without assistance.  Its just that with testing (especially the state tests), I realized he was truly on his own.  Parents aren't allowed in their kids' hallways during the testing periods and the conference room where they store the testing material is uber-secure.  Of course, I made sure he had a great breakfast everyday, talked about the upcoming subjects if he wanted to, made sure we played to relieve any stress, and made sure he got plenty of quality sleep.  In other words, I did all I could as a mom.  But then it was all him.  Now, I am sure he did great, but it's a bit sobering when you realize for the first time your baby has to face something completely on his own.  You can review things with them and sooth any nerves they have, but you have to have faith that they are prepared.  

During this same week, Case also had his two-day tryouts for his club soccer team.  Now, this isn't nearly as serious as the testing, but it still is a big deal as the kids get placed on teams based on their abilities etc.  But again, I had to let him shine on his own.  Parents stay on the sideline and the coaches run everything.  He absolutely loves his club and the teams and coaches are phenomenal, many with collegiate, professional, and European/International experience.  And let's face it, there's not much cooler than talking soccer with guys that have heavy English, Irish, German, or Australian accents, lol!  Since Case still plays U-10, the teams are pretty equal; but the coaches still evaluated the players during drills etc. and yet again, it was his moment to perform independently.  I had to again believe I had done my job and that he was prepared.  He, of course, did great and was very satisfied with his effort.  It also provided a great stress release and confidence builder for him during the PASS testing phase.  It's kinda cool to hear kids from all different schools that know each other from the club talking about the PASS tests because they all were taking the same ones, lol! 

And now as we head into summer and the end of academic-related things and sports tryouts, I must face the next step in my mommy-dom- the overnight weekend soccer camp.  I am signing him up with his buddies from the club today and although it's close, secure, and he'll be rooming with his friend, I will still worry.  But I have faith I have prepared him for this next step and he will blossom in some new-found independence and the further realization of the faith we have in him.  Guess it's all a part of being a good mom.  Now, if I can just be sure he'll take a shower everyday after practice at camp......

Quite a week

Well, this week has been pretty event-filled for sure.  It has been world-changing, game-changing, and yet thought-provoking as well.  So forgive me the length as I share my perspective.

Like everyone in the rest of the world, all I could say early this week was "Wow."  Last Sunday evening, it was about 10:35 pm and I was up watching tv.  Ok, truth be told I was watching, gulp, one of "The Real Housewives" shows on the DVR- I know, I know, but I love them for some reason, lol!  Anyway, after that comes on "Watch What Happens Live" with one of the funniest people, Andy Cohen.  Its usually a lighthearted, playful show that recaps the Housewives episodes and is not to be taken seriously at all.  Well, that was until last Sunday.  Amazingly enough, it was Andy Cohen who broke the news that the White House was reporting that OBL (I am deciding to not write his name from here on out because he doesn't deserve to be remembered) had been located and killed.  I heard it, but it didn't quite process.  I thought "I'll just look online and see what the news channels are saying".  Well, when I looked at the computer, Facebook was going nuts!  I saw loads of posts from my friends (not just FB "friends", but my actual longtime friends) about the same thing.  I read them a couple of times- very quickly, mind you- and then I bolted downstairs to our rec room where my hubby was finishing up some work.  I was calling for him and arrived breathless and apparently a little pale.  He looked at me strangely until I said "They found OBL and he's dead".  We kinda looked at each other for a few seconds as it sunk in for him too.  He couldn't believe it either.  I related the other details I knew and then we went out and watched President Obama's news conference confirming it all.  Although the details obviously changed and became refined during the next week (heck, we're still learning more!), the impact of that event did not.

Now, I know 9/11 changed everyone in the US and the world, but for us it was intensely personal, but not in the way you would think.  It wasn't that we knew anyone personally that was injured or killed in the attacks, or even in the military actions that followed.  It was that 9/11 happened exactly 2 days before our son was born.

Let's paint a picture: I was gi-normous at the time, a full week overdue and into complete beached-whale mode when I saw the planes fly into the World Trade Center.  In fact, my dear hubby even thought I was mistaken that morning because, he thought, my pregnancy hormones were apparently making me delusional, lol.  I remember calling him at his office and telling him I saw a plane fly into the Trade Center.  A 737, I said (later of course to be id'd as a 767).  My sweet, patient husband said, gently, but a little patronizing "Are you sure it wasn't just a little commuter plane?" I got a little huffy and said "I may be pregnant but I'm not a complete idiot- I know what a jet looks like.  Geez!" lol lol! Ok, its a bit humorous now, but at the time it was anything but.

The uncertainty and fear that filled those days were so surreal as we prepared to welcome the most precious gift God has ever given to us.  I went into the hospital the next day and Case was born the following morning.  I had fully expected- selfishly now, looking back- to watch movies, Michigan football, and all sorts of things while celebrating the birth of our child.  Instead I watched people pleading for their loved ones, doomsayers, and everything in between; all amongst the most horrific images I had ever experienced.  I experienced the absolute joy and love of my new son and the absolute heartbreak as I saw others who had lost or couldn't find theirs.  It was almost too much and yet I felt I couldn't look away.  I took breaks from the tv, but would ultimately come back since it was all that was on.....every channel....all day and night.  When even ESPN has it on, its a big story.

We all know where we were.  We all know that feeling and still get choked up and tearful when we see images of the Twin Towers, Shanksville, and the Pentagon.  At least I do.  I remember even crying while watching an Elmo eppy with Case a few years later because he went to a FDNY firehouse and I couldn't help wondering if those brave, funny, sweet men who talked to a little red Muppet were gone.  It was awful.

And we all knew who was responsible.  And over the years, we waited and waited.  We trusted our military and our government that they would find this heinous, evil man and bring him to justice.  And yet, the time grew long.  Almost a full decade passed, even more for those that suffered through the US Cole, the embassy bombings, and the first Trade Center attack.  I think many of us had lost faith or let it slip from our foremost mind as the day-to-day things took over.

TSA agent that insisted on patting Case down (this doesn't apply to children under 12, btw).  It meant no one could ever see us off at our gate, that there were ever-changing and confusing rules on what you could take and not take, and overall it made Mom and Dad much more stressed than they had been before 9/11.  People were crabbier, less trustful, and overall wary.  Case only knows this kind of world and its because of OBL.

And yet, as a Christian I struggled with how I should feel about this man's death.  I wanted to be joyful, but the reality was I was not.  I was relieved to be sure.  I was blessed to find a fantastic article by the Rev. James Martin.  Here is the link: Rev. Martin

In it was printed the Vatican's official statement, which really helped me gain perspective.  The statement, as Rev Martin says, "balances the desire for an end to terror with the sanctity of life, no matter how odious the person."  It reads "OBL {my abbreviation, not the Vatican's}, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions for this purpose. In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred."

Wow.  So I have taken a week and after more thinking and praying, I will say I do not rejoice in the fact a man was killed.  I am happy however that this man is unable to do anymore evil and has left this earth.  I leave it to God to enact any punishment and/or judgment against him.   I know there may be others to try and take his place- I mean Satan's army is always active, is it not?- and we must always be on guard.  However, I will now use my energies to try and teach my child to live in a world without OBL, just as I taught him to live in a world altered by OBL since the first breath he took in this world.  It'll be a refreshing change.

How amazing, world-changing, gut-wrenching, memory-evoking, and ultimately cathartic was the aftermath of Sunday night.  And there is a part of me that finds it no small coincidence that OBL was discovered on the same day Poland's favorite son John Paul II was beatified and named Blessed.  Blessed John Paul II was a man of peace and a man that knew when evil must be rooted out and conquered.  Perhaps he had a hand in the efforts that began Friday.  Perhaps that 2nd miracle needed for sainthood occurred right under our very noses.  Quite a week indeed. 

One month gone, but a Happy Easter nonetheless

We have been waiting for just over a month now and while I know that is nothing compared to some, its still a significant milestone for us.  It seems like only yesterday we sent all the paperwork in, but yet its kinda amazing its been a whole month!  Even though the dossier is more than likely still in the process of being translated, I still count this as waiting since, well, we are!  lol  As a result, I figure I will update the blog when we get news (of course) and at least once a month just to check in and let everyone know what we have been up to.

Obviously the most recent event has been the celebration of Easter and the end of the Lenten season.  Actually I am rather proud of my little family.  We made it all the way through without any mistaken meat consumption or relapses regarding what we "gave up".  I always take the challenge of Lent pretty seriously and really try to honor our Lord by keeping my promises, but it seems like for the last couple of years I have forgotten what day it is and had (gasp) some sort of meat on Fridays.  This year though, I felt much more in tune to the process and had absolutely no problem abiding and forgoing certain items.  Could it be because of the monumental step we took regarding the adoption and all the associated prayers for guidance that accompanied?  Probably.  Could it be that each year, although I slide closer to middle age, I am that much more removed from "baby brain" and all the forgetfulness that came with it?  Let's hope, lol! 

Regardless the reason, I am just happy we all took the Lenten journey together and it went well.  Case decided to give up Mario Cart and let me tell you, that was rough for the little guy!  Definitely a win-win as a mom though :D.  Add to that the fact he truly understands the sacrifice our Father and Jesus made for us and it made for a great season.  He prays and feels confident that the Lord will ALWAYS be with him in good times and bad and he has told me us how lucky we are to have Jesus on our side.  So very true, young man.

Easter was absolutely beautiful in the Carolinas and we had a wonderful day as a family.  The Easter Bunny was good and a morning egg hunt was very fun.  We planted flowers (is there really a better way to show rejoicing in the risen Lord and the rebirth and renewal of spring?), had a lovely dinner, and then a sunset cruise on our lake.  Bliss.  It was quiet and low key though because we had just returned from our annual pilgrimage.  No, not any place religiously impressive.  We went on our annual spring break trip to Disneyworld!  Yes, it was busy, but we absolutely love going there.  We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it was fabulous.  

Interestingly, although we had immense fun, it was both exciting and bittersweet in a way.  I realized as we walked around, went on rides, etc that next year we probably might be 4, instead of 3.  I often caught myself wondering what our new son will marvel at in this magical place:  Will he enjoy most?  What will he look like when we arrive on Main Street or watch the fireworks?  Will he want to pose with any characters-Buzz? Stitch? Woody?   What will he think of Toy Story Mania and Soarin' (my own personal votes as best rides ever)?  So many wonderful things to look forward to.  I can't wait!

At the same time, I found it to be a little bittersweet since this might be the last time my husband and I will go there with Case alone.  Don't get me wrong- we are so anxious to meet our new son and Case is totally into having a little brother.  Still, its always been just us and as a result, I think I noticed alot more about Case than ever before and I really tried to treasure him for the precious gift from God he is.  He is so funny, so observant and smart, and I love him with my whole heart.  I really treasured the rides we took together (when Daddy went to the roller coaster) and those nighttime snuggles and hugs.  Its silly, I know, but it also made me realize I have probably taken my mothering time with Case for granted and I need make sure I always carve out special time for us, just as I'll need to with our new son.  I can't wait to spend time with them both and see them interact as brothers :)

So that's about it for us.  And although we continue to wait, I have to shout a loud "Hallelujah" and "Congratulations" to another Polish adoptive mommy, Brooke, who met her precious daughter for the first time recently!  Her pictures were so beautiful and touching that I could feel the love and have no doubt this was God at work.  So happy for them!  It gives me such hope that all of us will be brought together with the children God has chosen for us in His perfect time.  He is indeed our great and loving Lord! 

Until next time, take care everybody and Happy Spring! :)

Well, we're waiting!

The title of this post is for all you Caddyshack fans out there, lol.   And in case you didn't guess, we have submitted our dossier and are now officially waiting!!  Yay!  What a HUGE relief to send Package-zilla off to the agency.  Although we went over the documents we had and what we needed many times (once me, then my husband, then us both...you get the picture), we finally were able to get 'er crated up and in the mail. Woohoo!

      

Here she is!

I realize that the folders don't look that impressive, but the bulk of materials is inside and I took this from overhead to fit everything in.   One thing we were super happy with was our pictures.   After getting advice from many people who have walked this path before, we decided to pick about 16-18 pics of our house and us as a family.  A bit more than usual, but what the heck right?  We had alot to show and it turned out great.  I must give props to one particularly brilliant idea that came from a friend who included a baby picture of her husband, so the Polish authorities could use that as reference.  We loved it, so we decided to tweak that a little and instead included a pic of Case around the age we are requesting for adoption.  We figured he's the best living proof of how Brian and I look combined, so hopefully it'll be a good guide.  So now the dossier continues on its magical, mystery tour to Poland to be translated and then we'll hopefully soon matched with our new son.  Still, its the potentially lengthy wait that seems the most daunting.  

Funny story: when I was in marching band on college, we always seemed to be in long lines waiting for something- whether it was for food, buses, waiting in the tunnel before a game, waiting in the kitchen area of a hotel before performing an alumni concert on a bowl trip (that was a crazy one), or waiting for rides in Disneyland, or on the sideline at Rose Bowls.  You name it, we waited and waited, but happily and peacefully.  "Hurry up and wait" was our mantra then, and it taught me such patience that I often have no issue with waiting in lines.  Who would have thought it would turn out to be a life-changing lesson?

And thus it has been with a good deal of this process so far.  I have still played the "hurry up and wait" game often and have done fine so far.  Yet, I know that this wait is so different and could be a hard one because of the uncertainty.  When I was pregnant with Case, I was cognizant of him growing everyday and he was ever present for me.  There was no doubt that the waiting period was finite.  And even when he was a week late and I was felt like a beached whale, I knew the end was near and I would be able to hold him.  Very unlike this process.  In international adoption, you know your child is in another place and waiting for you, but you don't know exactly where or when you will meet.  Nothing is harder for a mother than to be separated from her child(ren) and the yearning to hold them is immensely powerful.  That makes this waiting so much more challenging and although the pull is different, it is equally strong for me.

So we wait.  And to keep my humor, I think about the look on Judge Smail's/Ted Knight's face when he says those infamous lines "Well, we're waiting!"  

 

Until then, we will continue our Polish lessons, enjoy Case and our family, prepare for our new son, and mostly, pray for all my other adoptive mommy friends to receive referrals very soon!  

Fat Tuesday!

I have to admit, I look forward to this day.  In fact, I lick my lips just thinking about it.  Now, I know its the day before Lent and we should be readying ourselves etc, but I just can't help it.  Why, you ask?
In one word, pączki. 

Ahhh, pączki.....  Those glorious Polish fried dough, jelly-filled pieces of heaven.  And although I miss Michigan and my friends often, this is one day I really miss not living near Detroit.  Why?  Because there is simply nothing like the taste, smell, and decadence of pączki.   These little beauties contributed to many a happy memory during my college years in Ann Arbor as we would venture down to the Hamtramck area on Fat Tuesday or find them somewhere closer and, ohhh...bliss! 

In the South however, people just don't know what they are and look at me with a face of utter confusion when I mention them.  (insert southern accent here) "Pooch-key?  What's that?"  Sigh.  So to help educate the masses, today I took some Fat Tuesday treats into my husband's office.  Because I couldn't find true pączki (ahhh...pączki), I settled on jelly and creme filled doughnuts- not exact but about as close as I could get.  Even though I cleaned the bakery out, I still wasn't sure I had bought enough, so I also got some apple fritters.  Everyone from the billing and telephone staff to the med assistants, nurses, and other docs loved them but....sacrilege!  They almost all chose the fritters!!  What?? I tried to push the pączki (try saying that ten times fast, lol) but alas, these southerners just weren't interested.  Now to be fair, some chose the jelly-filled doughnuts and I told them about the yummy Polish treats, but I think they secretly would have chosen a fritter if I had bought more.  Oh well, what can you do?  lol 

So tomorrow we begin our annual Lenten journey and fast, but today for me, its time to enjoy a treat and celebrate Mardi Gras- literally.  Happy Fat Tuesday and here's wishing I could bring you all some pączki! 

Tak!

This week has been pretty eventful but the most welcome surprise was right in our mailbox today.  Let me set up the scenario-

I may not have mentioned but last week, exactly 3 weeks after we completed our biometric fingerprints, we still had not heard anything.  Now I know the federal government can move slowly and I understand they have alot of fingerprints to process, but I admit I kinda kept that 3 week time frame in the back of my mind and expected it to be done.  I know, I know; but I was trying to be optimistic.

Well, last Thursday's mail came and still no letter.  My husband offered to call the Hague Adoption Unit- the number on the USCIS site for any questions etc. and find out what was up.  The guy was dry, blunt, but ultimately helpful since we found out they had (pause for effect) not...even...assigned...our...case...to...an...agent...yet!  Argh!! 

In fact, they didn't even have record we had completed our fingerprints. (Um, huh??)

And then he said it could take up to 90 days.  (Double huh??)

Brian told him that we had originally applied in early January and it had been 3 weeks since the biometric appointment in early February.  As I listened, I must admit I was peeved, annoyed, and sad at the same time.  I mean how can these federal departments not talk to each other and not know something that was required was done etc etc etc.??  And then to have to wait even longer?  Ugh, I felt so helpless. 

But then a glimmer of hope...

Dry guy told Brian that he would flag our account (in a good way) and make sure it was given to an agent ASAP.  (Really??)  I was a bit surprised, but let's face it, ultimately skeptical.  I figured another 3 weeks, maybe more. 

And then I went to the mailbox today.....

Hallelujah!!!  And the amazing part?  It came exactly one week after Brian spoke to that guy!  I mean, seriously?!  Way to go dry guy!!

And we were thrilled, but Case could not have been happier!  He ran in to tell my husband and insisted I take his picture with it.  Ok, the smile is his standard forced one, but trust me he was giddy!

And you know, I can be such an incredible cynic sometimes regarding our government and is efficiencies (or perceived lack thereof), but I have to truly pick feathers out of my teeth from all the times so far during this journey I have had to eat crow.  But its not my fault.  The US government has this reputation as being sooo big and sooo slow that you practically expect it to fail and have ridiculous delays.  And even more so, we expect the people that work for it to be uncaring automatons that would just as soon blow you off as a whiner, instead of really trying to help make things happen.  In reality, there are some really great government people out there and most are in the trenches, doing jobs that really impact us as Americans in our daily life and our goals and aspirations.  From the passport office to the post office, from the FBI to the Dept of Homeland Security, from the State to the Federal, we have had numerous and often unnamed people give us invaluable help along the way.  Unexpected, yet pleasant surprises?  Obviously.  Providence?  Definitely.  Of that I have no doubt.

So TAK, TAK, TAK! (which as you guessed or know is "yes, yes, yes" in Polish)  We have finally been approved and after one last apostille, we'll send this off to the agency and then on to Poland.  A huge, gigantic step towards our child that is waiting for us to come and bring him home.  We're coming sweetheart!