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! :)