Souvenirs

Yesterday (Sunday) we went to Beta and Tsum to get souvenirs. I wanted to have something to give Ellie each year on her Gotcha Day. I suspect as she gets old I'll have to add some things to this collection, but this will get me through many of the first years.

THANK YOU to Jennifer for displaying and photographing all of the pretties (twice -- don't ask).

A book called Glimpses of Village Life in Kyrgyzstan, three handpainted greeting cards of Kyrgyz children and a CD of Kyrgyz Folk Music.

Kyrgyz felt doll, "Dumbo" elephant ornament, felt change purse and stacking dolls.

A pair of bunny slippers and sandals, made of felt. The store where we bought these had the cutest little girl there. She was wearing a pair of the slippers and I fell in LOVE with them (and her!!)

A felt flower necklace and ring (the ring is in the middle of the picture), a leather bracelet and a felt headband

This is a musical instrument in the shape of a yurt. You blow into it, put your fingers over the holes and it makes the most beautiful music.

Kyrgyz "Barbie" doll with musical instrument.

A small felt purse with a goat stitched on it. A bunny rabbit ornament and a freaky weird looking Curious*George type felt ornament. I fell in love with the monkey ornament.

Happy/Sad doll. She has a face on both sides and you can flip her to however you are feeling. Interesting.

Jennifer also put together my thank you cards to the caregivers and orphanage staff. I wanted them to have photos of Ellie so I printed photos, bought photo cards and then used an online translation service to translate the message I wanted to tell them to Russian. We have inserted our "gift (a small donation)" to them and they are ready.

What Day is It?

I do this EVERY time. I get her, get tired, go to bed too early and then awaken at the crack of the day wide eyed and ready to go. Jennifer and I have been up since 1:00 a.m. local time. Oh well.... more time to get things done.

Our plane . . .

Our first flight info ...

We have washed clothes in the tub -- something you'll remember I did NOT want to have to do this time over. It was fine -- at least we have clean clothes. I read on Elizabeth's blog that she has contacted BM*I and our clothes will be here Tuesday. I SO hope they come before Gotcha Day as I'd like to have the gifts and Ellie's coat. I suspect Jennifer will be most happy to have HER luggage as she slept in a warm up suit jacket last night. *snicker* Neither of us have dry pants now because we washed them. It's a riot around here. I have also spent 30 minutes on the phone with our travel insurance describing every bag, contents, etc. They are also working on securing our luggage and will contact us soon. The good news is that we had insurance and they will pay for the money we spend because of the delay.

I didn't mention in my previous post the GREAT news about Northwest/KLM Royal Dutch. I have to give them a HUGE shout-out. When we arrived at the counter, I, of course, had an extra bag full of donations for the orphanage. I told them I was travelling for adoption and had a letter from my agency asking if they could send this bag as humanitarian aid. I put the letter on the counter and BEFORE they even read it, they checked the bag and never asked for a dime. They did, finally, scan over the letter briefly and give it back. HOW AWESOME. So, fellow Kyrg parents who are travelling, please consider flying KLM Royal Dutch over if you can. They are EXCELLENT in their customer service. (And THEY didn't lose our bags).

We are planning to go to the Metro sometime today for a meal. We ate at the Italian restaurant last night. We ate on the patio because there were a lot of people inside smoking. It was very cool out and they brought us out these lovely, warm ponchos/wraps for us to wear to keep warm. How thoughtful!!!

Here are some answers to questions I've gotten in email the last few days:

GNO - Girls Night Out. These are six "girls" (Iris, Dianne, Sharon, Dawn, Jennifer and me) who have been friends as far back as babies and who continue to go out once a month for "GNO". They are my support, my companions and my source of strength during all things in my life. Since Jennifer and I both have, er, "strong" personalities, I think they were afraid we might not get along on such a harrowing trip. We have made it wonderfully. I could have NEVER made this trip without Jennifer. She is taking such good care of me and I will be eternally grateful for what she and her family have given me by taking this trip with me.

"I hope one of you have a camera." Good grief, who SAID this?? (Hilary - *smile*). We have two cameras and a video camera. I'm certain you meant with us as opposed to with our delayed baggage. We did carry on all of our electronics. However, every time I go to get something (the camera cord to download photos, the cord for the laptop we brought to watch movies, etc.) it is in the other bags. Oh well. Jennifer and I are calling it our Amazing Survivor experience. You know, two girls, four countries, two pair of pants and a camera. HA!! Oh, and note to girls, Jennifer will eat weird food if she's hungry enough. We had some type of beef with cantonese noodles. There were veggies in it and I think Jennifer even ate some of those. I took photos as evidence. There's hope for the Japanese restaurants yet!! Well... as I began to upload the photos of Jennifer eating the weird food, I realized she has DELETED them. Can you believe this???? She said she didn't look good in it? I am going to have to keep my camera out of her hands from now on. Stayed tuned for more photos of her eating weird food.

AND... the best thing we have discovered is WHOOPIE PIES. Oh.My.Goodness. I am to have Elizabeth ship us a box each month. Like we need them. Here is a photo of a whoopie pie. WHY does the South not have these???? Enjoy looking at it because by the time you read this, it will have been eaten. YUM!!

Here are some photos from the past few days. Thank goodness Jennifer had a card reader in her bag.

I saw these in the London airport. It is something you chew that brushes your teeth. I think having one of these things at home would be cool. I didn't have any London coins so I couldn't buy one or I would have.

The infamous Beta Store where we visit EVERY day, it seems.

Jennifer's first Coke Light.

At first we thought this was a bride, but upon closer inspection, we decided maybe it was a teenage girl getting photos made and that the woman with her was her mother. Who knows? She was pretty and her dress was pretty.

Let me just tell you that Jennifer, Elizabeth, Ellen (Elizabeth's mom) and I have laughed more than I have laughed in a hundred years. We are developing ab muscles from all the laughing we are doing. It has been SO MUCH fun hanging around these three incredible women!! What a blessing God has shared with me by allowing me to travel with them and share our excitement with them.

Bear with me if you email and ask questions or make comments and I don't get back to you. Know that I read EVERY one and value EVERY one, but the new time zone, lost luggage and getting things ready is taking a bit of my time.

Here - Part II

So, I promised I'd write more about our adventures when I got back. Little did I know when we left at 9:30, it would be 3:30 before we got back.

So, Jennifer and I had great flights. We got good seats on each flight, didn't have long layovers between flights, slept fairly well and made all our connections. When we left London, I saw them load our luggage on the plane (well, I saw Aidai's stroller for sure), but when we arrived, unfortunately, none of Jennifer and my luggage had made it and only two of Elizabeth and Ellen's had.

We got to the hotel and took inventory of what we had among all of us and decided that we could make do with what we have. Ellie has a Gotcha' Day outfit, but, sadly no coat. That is really our only major concern right now is a coat for her. Not a requirement, but it is pretty cool/cold here and with her being so tiny, I really think she needs it. We anticipate the luggage will arrive on Tuesday with the next plane. If it doesn't we are sort of in a predicament at that point and I'll have to decide what to do about clothes for Ellie. I have only the one outfit -- no sleepers, diapers, toys, bed -- nothing. I can make do in most areas and think I can buy some sleepers here in town.

Jennifer and I, fortunately, each have a change of clothes and clean "skivvies" so we are ok and can wash things out on a rotating basis. It is a bit cold here though and so we will struggle if we don't get our luggage. We are trying to remain positive that it will arrive.

Today, we made our Beta Store run for water/sodas and other items we needed due to the delayed baggage. We exchanged money, bought some souveniers at the Beta and then went back to the hotel. Shortly after, we left again to go see Allison and beautiful, beautiful HotDog. We then went souvenier shopping at the Tsum where I was able to get "Gotcha Day" gifts for upcoming years' celebrations. We walked back to the Italian Restaurant and ate either a late lunch or early dinner. Jennifer and I agreed we won't need to eat again.

Our travel has caught up with us and we are either going to have to nap or go to bed (at 3:30). Tomorrow, I think we are planning to mainly stay in. We will meet with our in-country coordinator to go over details for the upcoming week.

Thanks to all who continue to pray for us. We felt them during our times in flight. If you could pray that we receive our luggage Tuesday (right before we leave to go get Ellie), we would certainly appreciate it. And, "GNO", we are getting along great -- for now. *smile*

I CANNOT believe I am THIS CLOSE to my sweet baby and will get to go get her in less than two days.

We're Here - Man Plans; God Laughs

We are HERE! and have our internet hooked up. In typical B*M*I fashion, all our luggage has been delayed. After all the planning, packing and repacking -- to have this happen is terribly funny. We hope to have it by Tuesday prior to Gotcha Day. I will post more later. We are off to see A. and her baby.

Her Room

Due to numerous requests, I'll post some photos of her room. BUT, I offer this disclaimer. The room is not yet what I want it to be. The stencil is OBVIOUSLY not finished, I have to find and hang something on the wall where her bed is. I might reduce some stuffed animals/dolls and put them in a toy box -- I'm just not SURE yet. So, it is a work in progress.

General overall photo of room.

The green and pink chest belonged to my grandmother. I refinished it for Ellie's room so she would have something of her great-grandmother's. Note her Kyrgyz pretties on the wall above.

A crown mobile.

The Princess' reading caddy for books before bedtime.

Ellie's "Ellie-phants" -- several from her ever-growing collection.

I liked this sign a lot.

Where she may (or may not) sleep. I'm not sure Josh slept in his for the first six months of his life.

So, that's where we are -- today. I won't do more until I after I return. It is sufficient for now.

These Boots are Made for Walking

The Princess' first boots - size 1 in ultra suede with velcro sides. Every six month old girl should have a pair of pink boots, don't you think?

Gotcha Day Outfit (unless I change my mind -- again). Note that I am NOT very fond of the hat, but I am respectful of the fact that they would like her head to have a hat on it and this one is the coordinating piece for this outfit, so . . . She will ALSO be covered up in a winter coat before leaving the orphanage.

This is a really cool find from Home Goods. It is a sign with three pegs to hang things on. I'm still trying to decide where to put it. Her room, truly, is still very much a work in process because I'm just not finished with it. I think I need to know her to make it truly hers. Does that make sense?

This is an "Ellie-phant" purse from our friend Maggie who has been so very supportive of me in particular during this adoption. I cannot WAIT to see Ellie carrying it around!!

Also, thank you to my sister who just sent a LOAD of clothes for Ellie. I don't have a photo of them yet, but will soon.

No Days Left - Leaving in Less than 24 hours

Per April Taylor's advice, I'm going to stop torturing her and just get on the plane already. *smile* Tomorrow.

Tonight as I sit here in the midst of a house flat torn up, it is familiar, quiet and comforting. Duke, the cat, is sitting beside me alternately "talking" and purring. I'm certain he wants petting. Another cat is sleeping on the back of the couch. I hear the gentle sounds of snoring coming from upstairs where Kevin, who still isn't feeling so well and is now limping from his sore ankle, is sleeping. He is so tired. Josh has his head covered up with his favorite blanket and his fan is whirring away. He is such a hot natured kid that the fan is required year round. This is how he sleeps . . .

There are three packed bags sitting upstairs in the hallway, awaiting transfer to the car.

And I? Well, I need to be doing so many more things than blogging, but it's the last quiet, peaceful moments before a new life starts. Getting on the plane tomorrow evening at 6:00 will be the beginning of huge changes in our lives -- much like walking through the doors of the hospital were back in November 1997 when I had Joshua. I remember I was scared then too. But, not as much because I just didn't know that I should be scared. I've changed, grown and learned so much in those ten (almost eleven) years that now I know what's out in the world. But, regardless of what's around the corner, we are ready to take it on as a family.

We had our last trip to Matzatlan tonight -- the local Mexican restaurant we love so much. I suspect in, oh, about four or five days I'll be wishing I were there again. *smile*

We've decided Josh will "skip" school tomorrow to spend the day with me. I will miss him something terribly and so this last day together is important for both of us, I think. His fall break starts next week so it will be nice for him to have some time off while I'm away.

I remember, growing up as an adopted child, hearing the song, "Somewhere Out There" where the lyrics are: Somewhere, out there, beneath the pale moonlight, someone's thinking of me, and loving me tonight. I remember wondering if my birth family ever thought of me. Now, the shoe is on the other foot and I wonder if my little one knows that I am thinking of her and loving her tonight. Full circle, life is.

I promised you all photos of Ellie's room. Truth is, it's not finished. However, I am going to post photos of what is done in a little bit. I still need to go up and take the photos and upload them. I also want to post a photo of Ellie's "Gotcha Day" outfit. My mom had her the most adorable crocheted dress, hat and booties made, but we decided to hold off on it until her dedication at church. So, instead, I had found a cute little horsey dress and sweater and since the Kyrgyz people love their horses, this seemed really right. I also got her a cute little pair of pink cowgirl boots. I'm certain the orphanage folks will have a field day with those. *smile* I know that she will be beautiful!!

For those of you who have asked what to pray about for us, I have a little list of things that we would appreciate you to pray about over the next two weeks:

• Safety in travel for Jennifer and I


• Health of Jennifer and I


• Ellie's health upon arrival and during our time in country


• Ellie's acceptance and ease of transition to her new family and situations


• Kevin and Josh's time together


• Jennifer's family while she is away


• Smooth adoption proceedings

Thank each of you who continue to offer kind words of support. I have no "0" photo to share with you all -- I'm taking April's advice and getting on with it.

Thursday Updates

Ok, so I apparently had LOST my mind during my midnight post last night. It is NOW, 35 hours until I get on the plane so it was impossible for it to have been 30 hours last night. So, math obviously isn't my strong suit.

And, I worked on my bags again after the last post and managed to get everything nicely tucked into the bags I have. I have one more item that needs to fit somewhere, but I am hopeful that I can figure that out before I go.

Today, I need to work in the field again, pick up some formula to take to A., go to the bank (Kevin might be doing that one), get Kevin to sign new I600 forms as I think he signed the first ones in the wrong place, get a color copy of my passport, enter some more jobs, drop my snacks off at Jennifer's for her to pack in her suitcase, go to Josh's football practice and sleep in my bed for the LAST TIME before I have a new baby in the house. *sigh* I heard word from over there that the babies are a bit sniffly (beginning of cold season) and have a bit of diarrhea and diaper rash, so... I'm going to make sure I have all the things packed for that. I'm sure I do because I cannot IMAGINE how I left anything out and still have as much luggage as I do. The good thing is one of the bags will not be making the return trip home. I'm exchanging it for Ellie. *smile*

I'm so very, very excited.

1 Day ...

Is anyone else tired? I'm tired. It's midnight. I have repacked my bags -- again. The results are STILL the same -- with the orphanage donations, I am going to HAVE to have a larger bag for it. I suppose I will call my friend Lisa and borrow her suitcase again. I just did NOT want to have to lug another bag with me all the way around the world. *sigh*

Ellie's bag came in at 48 pounds. Close. Mine has yet to be weighed, but I think it's ok. It's just too much STUFF and I've whittled it down to what I think I absolutely have to have.

Josh said tonight he wished he were going back with me. When I asked him why he simply stated, "Because I like to travel." I reminded him how long (and boring) the flights were and how bored he was in country and he said, "Well, if Daddy had taken me swimming more, I wouldn't have been bored." *smile* He went every day.

Oh well... I'm tired and going to bed. In 30 hours, I'll be on a plane. Unbelievable. I wonder how much I can cram in in that amount of time???

AND... score one for mom, I ordered Josh's Clone Trooper costume tonight. While I am away, it will arrive and for once in my life, I will be ahead of schedule on something. I will let you in on a secret though -- there are no fall decorations up at our house and there won't be this year. I don't have treat bags for Josh and Ellie either -- they might just end up with a Wal-mart bag. I suspect I'll be too tired to care a whole lot. BUT... they will both have costumes. Ta Da!!

To My Readers

I got an email a bit ago that said, "Hi! You'll probably never remember this email, since you're in the whirlwind of pre-departure packing/scrambling to get stuff done and pretty soon you'll be parenting a baby girl, but I had to write and say Good Luck!"

The email went on to say she found our blog the day we had to turn down our referral of Ellie. WOW. What a hard day that was and what a time to find our blog. I remember that day like it was yesterday. God surely had a bigger plan than I did though and He managed to turn, what we had viewed from a human standpoint, into something much bigger than us. We are so glad that He did.

But, her email sparked some thoughts that I wanted to take time to write about (and I have NO time so this is truly an indulgence).

"You'll probably never remember this email." But, I will. Each time I get an email from those I don't know and from those I do that make a comment on my blog, it spurs me on to continue to share the pieces of our lives that I share with you. I've had many ask me why I lay all the details of my life out on the internet each day, and truly, it feels like my calling at this point in life. I'm not sure why God wants me to write this stuff. I'm honestly not sure most days why God allows me the blessings He does or why He puts me in the situations in my life that He does. He obviously has more faith in my abilities than I ever would. I would have never thought we would endure for three years to bring Ellie home. I would have never thought it would involve a failed adoption, three countries, and the large amount of money it has cost. All of us in this family, Josh included, has put everything in our lives on the line during this process and God has rewarded us with the blessing of a daughter and sister.

And, now, just two days prior to leaving to go pick up Ellie, each email, each kind word, each hug whether in person or via email or as a comment from the blog, touches my life immensely. It is balm to a very tired body right now.

At church tonight, our children's minister gave me a packet of letters. Each is addressed for a day during my trip for me to open so that I will have encouragement while I am away from all that is comforting and normal and while I am literally in a foreign land. As I was thinking of that kindness, I was reminded that as Christians, we are foreigners here on this earth. This is not our home. We shouldn't be comfortable here. It should feel wrong -- somehow off, as if we are waiting to get back to home. Brother Michael's encouraging words could be compared to the words that God gave us in the Bible -- words to comfort and encourage us and help us during our time away from home. The encouragement and support is lost if we don't read them, though. Here's a photo of my encouragement notes. Thank you so much for them, for the time you spent writing them, for the thoughts contained in them. I will read my first one on Day 1 - Travel Day -- just as it is noted.

The writer continued to mention that she and her husband were in the process of adopting from Kyrgyzstan as well and that blogs have really encouraged them during their wait.

I remember reading blogs of the ones who came before me -- religiously poring over them for all the details of how it would be and I vowed that I would share everything I could when it was my time. I will be honest. I have not shared all I could. There is so much more that I've wanted to share about our process, but felt I couldn't. I suppose I did compromise some of my desires to be fully open in order to make sure things proceeded as they needed to in order to get my daughter home. Walk into international adoption expecting the unexpected. Don't expect it to all go smoothly. It might, but chances are it won't. Don't be willing to compromise your integrity and your beliefs for the process. Research and form relationships (off yahoo lists or boards or wherever) to stay informed with what is really going on in the community where you intend to adopt. Knowledge is power. Relationships are also very important during this process. Be willing to help others -- you will always be re-paid one-hundred-fold times over when you least expect it. Know that you truly do owe something to those that follow you and that your actions, comments and behaviors will affect more than just you and your adoption. Learn what battles truly are important ones and which ones are best to just let go.

And, above all, keep writing and leaving comments. It is such a blessing to read kind words from others. I will remember them and cherish them.

2 - No Updates

My friend who is travelling was unable to go in Ellie's room to check on her when she picked up her daughter. I am sad, but fully understand as it seems that things are becoming more confidential at the orphanage and in the country all the time. It has been the same with our requests for updated measurements. I know, if there had been any way possible, she would have checked on her. So... the Princess just needs to hang on six more days (144 hours) and I will be there myself to get her and bring her home. So many emotions rolling around in me right now -- so close and yet still so very far. My tummy is quite upset this evening and I'm certain it's nerves. Were it not for friends in the same place I am that I can call up any hour and talk to (you know who you are), I'd really be in a state.

All day tomorrow, all day Thursday and part of the day on Friday and I get on the plane headed toward her -- at least I will feel like I'm making movement. I feel an anxiousness now to get to her.

With all that though, I am still sad to leave my guys behind. I will miss them and the time I would have with them so very much. It's a hard place to be -- torn between the two. Of course, we all know that my job right now is to go, get and return. The Princess needs her mom.

Productive Day

Well, although my day did not go AT ALL how I planned it, it went well. I created a route to go and do field work. At the first house, the bottom fell out and it was forecasted to rain all day so I gave up and went back home. I decided to tackle some of my errands that I still needed to do so I managed to accomplish the following:

1. Trip to bank to get funds in order for trip.
2. Trip to Wal-mart to get contacts. I also picked up some fingernail polish for Aidai. We are going to have a girl party while we are there, complete with mani/pedis, movies and chocolate! I also picked up a camera to drop off for another AP while I'm there.
3. Trip to Home Goods to get a trashcan for Ellie's room.
4. Trip to TJ Maxx to return some items
5. Back home; pick up kids; drop off kids;
6. Wash and fold all laundry except one last load (which will be done before the night is over)
7. Hang up clothes in Josh's room
8. Vaccuum downstairs, clean up clutter (that was a BIG one), vaccuum steps
9. Begin to start entering the last of my field work.

The field work entry will take me a while. I'm hopeful I can finish it all tomorrow and that will give me Thursday in the field to finish up whatever I might have due before I return.

I was excited to read that Allison picked up her sweet baby today. I am hopeful she is feeling better.

I wore my Ellie "button" today so that I could talk about her wherever I went. People would obviously see this (huge) button and ask about the baby or make a comment about her and I could tell them that I am leaving in a few days to go pick her up. It's a great adoption conversation starter and I got to talk to the nicest people today.

Jennifer has checked the weather forecast for our time there and it appears it might be going to rain on Gotcha Day. Interestingly enough, it rained on our wedding, it rained at Joshua's birth and it would seem just inappropriate if it didn't rain on Gotcha' Day. However, I'm looking at this with a different set of eyes. On my wedding day, I made a comment about how awful it was that it was raining that day. I had a co-worker/friend who is Iranian and she told me in their culture, it was considered a blessing to rain because it meant that your life would be "showered" with blessings. And such has been the case. So, if it rains, I will put up an umbrella and consider myself showered with blessings directly from God!!

Jennifer and I have also noted that it's getting much colder there. Sunday and Monday night (when we arrive), the lows are 33*. I didn't pack a hat, gloves or scarf, but now, I'm thinking I should. I also didn't pack Ellie's coverall/coat thing, and I'm thinking I might should. I'll continue to monitor the weather over the next two days to see what I should do. I really HATE the thoughts of having to unpack and repack, but it's better than being cold.

Josh still has a basketball scrimmage at 8:00 tonight so it will be a late night.

All day long I've been thinking about Ellie -- wondering what she looks like, how she is, what her temperament is like, how she will adjust. I'm just SO EXCITED!!! I'd be even more excited if I didn't have to take those long flights there. I don't mind flying, but I remember how LONG it was last time. Oh well... as Elizabeth says, "It's a means to an end."

3 Days - Regular Life

I was SO tired when I posted that I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to add words to the "3" post so now I'm doing an update.

Three days. Now that I'm getting closer I'm stretching it to include the most of Friday that I'll be home because I need the extra time. *smile*

I've gotten a lot of my work entered and still need to go in the field for a day, day and a half more. As much as I thought I wouldn't have to take work with me, I just might have to.

How is it that I've had this long to "get it all done" and still don't have it all done? Typical. My friend Amanda is taking care of the rug issue for me. She has a rug that her dear daughter E. isn't using anymore that she is going to bring to us. YAY!!! I'm on a mission the rest of this week to get over to Home Goods for a trashcan.

I spoke with A. last night, who has her little one by now. I was so excited to just talk to someone who is that close to Ellie. I know that by now she has seen her, maybe gotten new photos of her and can tell me how she is doing. I'm very excited about that and for her. One week from today, I will have Ellie in my arms. So very close now.

So, I'm off to lead my regular life for today. Kevin had to leave really early, so I'm off to get up Josh, get him ready for school, take him and Braiden and Kiristin to school, come home, clean up and determine where I need to go and work today. This evening we have a basketball scrimmage and open house at school. It will be a full evening followed by a late night of more paperwork.

I am a blessed woman. Thank you, God.

Four -- I had to count twice

I was so surprised that it was time for the "four" post that I had to count (yes, even on my fingers!!) to make sure that it was right. I went back a few days to see if I'd skipped a number. That's how fast the days are rolling past. GRANTED, we don't leave until evening on Friday, so I'll have most of the day for very last minute things.

I just want to comment again on how blessed I've been through this Kyrgyzstan adoption community and all the friends I've made. There are so many that I can call up, talk to and share the excitement of this event. There are even more of you that I email regularly like you are a relative or something. We know each other's names, hubby's names, kid's names, what's going on in our lives and so much about each other's lives -- and many of us have never even met. I just got off the phone with another mom-to-be who was such a blessing to me and who prayed for me on the phone and who just "got" what adoption is like and it was so refreshing. She and I share a commonality that goes beyond state's borders and long distance. We share the love of two babies in another country in adjoining cribs in an orphanage. We wondered aloud if maybe, just maybe, they've become friends and will miss one another. Yet another thing I've not considered -- Ellie will miss all her crib mates that she's been with for the first months of her life.

And yet another family that I email regularly is in country now for a pick up trip. They are having a few difficulties (including my greatest fear -- lost luggage) and I am in prayer for them and that things will work out smoothly. I know exactly the fear both the one in country has as well as the one at home with the other children -- it will be us in a few days.

But, through it all, I have made friends that will last a lifetime -- connections for Ellie to the children she started her life with; children who look like her, share her heritage and her beginnings. What a blessing. Thank you to each of you who are adopting and have shared this journey with me, with our family. Thank you for being willing to share your lives, your stories, your faith and your trials with us. Know that you are important to me, to our family, to Ellie. Whether you are through the process and have your child home, are waiting for the next step in the process or have just started, you are part of our experience and we are grateful for all you have added to our story.

And, I would be remiss to not mention the fact that all the "at-home" friends are just as important in the day-to-day support they continue to provide to us along this journey. It has been a long one -- 38 months from the time we decided we wanted to adopt until now. As I told my sister, I could have had four biological children in that amount of time. She quickly pointed out I would have been crazy by now. What are sisters for, huh??

Today, I hung the sheers under Ellie's valance. I need to get some type of tie-back for them and I can mark the window treatments off the list. I now need a trash can. I don't think she'll care one way or another if she has one or not. Little things. Kevin was kind to point out tonight that Ellie's room is looking nice. I promise to post photos of her room before I leave.

Snacks and Scabies

Jennifer and I have snacks. We are pretty well ready to travel and have realized that tomorrow will be the Monday of the week we leave. I had a great day at church today. God was speaking words of peace to my heart that He will take care of everything and that I needn't worry. It was a nice day.

I've been reading about scabies. Yes, entertaining reading, huh? However, many of the children from Ellie's orphanage have them. Her doctor suggested familiarizing myself with what they look like so I'll know if she needs treating. I have the medicine but would LOVE for her not to have them. Poor baby. We don't realize how very blessed we are. As I was searching for the images, I saw people all over the world with scabies. Very, very sad. Our preacher today gave a statistic that the US has 5% of the world's population and uses 80% of the world's drugs. How very sad. So many, with so many needs around the world, and yet we feel we are deserving of it all.

When I think of seeing Ellie again, I just get giddy. I'm excited to see what she looks like, how she's changed and learn all there is to know about her. I don't know how I'll be able to stand the drive from Bishkek to Tokmok to go get her. I'm glad Jennifer will be there.

5 -- And I Thought I Was Ready

HA! (By the way, I LOVE this photo of number 5).

I thought I was ready. I'll say it again. HA!

Friday and Saturday passed in a blur of activity and although much is done, it seems there is much more left to do than I imagined. Surprise.

Saturday we did sleep in until 9 a.m. -- something I'm sure we won't be doing much of in the upcoming year (my "M" on my computer is not working well -- do you know how many words have the letter "M"?). We had an away ballgame which the boys won 35-6. Way to go Vikings!! It was my last game before I leave, so it was a little bittersweet for me. It was my last game without Ellie. I know that it will be more challenging to photograph (me) and video (Kevin) with a little one around. Not that this isn't something we really want -- it's just a fact.

We had agreed several weeks ago that Josh could have his friend Caleb spend the night after the White House game. So, we came back with an extra. They have been fantastic and have gotten along well and played hard.

After the ballgame, we went to Santa Fe to celebrate my daddy's birthday. Granted, his birthday isn't for two weeks, but I'll be gone, so we did it now. After it was all over, I realized we didn't even have CAKE. Can you believe that??? Me, no cake? *sigh* Maybe when I return we can have cake to celebrate lots of things!!

We returned home to start on the myriad of tasks we need to do. I am proud to report that I have pretty much finished packing!!! I still need one more Space Saver bag, need to pack a few more small items, but overall the largest portion of packing is done. I am embarrassed to report that I take way too much stuff!!! I have a bag for Ellie, a bag for me, a bag for the orphanage. There is a rolling (small) carry-on and my diaper bag which is serving as a purse for my paperwork, books, camera and snacks for the trip there. The rolling carry-on is carrying a change of clothes, meds, toiletries and items I would need to pick up Ellie if my luggage got lost indefinitely. It will also include my laptop and the adoption paperwork.

I have cleaned a lot of things out of Ellie's room so it is starting to resemble a room again. Tomorrow Jennifer and I are making a Wal-mart run. I hope to be able to find a lampshade (pink) for one of the lamps that I haven't managed to get shade for, sheers for the window to go under the valance, a suitable trashcan for her room and maybe a rug. That should finalize the things we need for her room other than installing a closet organizer in her closet. Kevin says he will get the closet painted and that installed while I'm gone.

Five days. Wow. As I type, A. is likely there sleeping off her trip. It's 10 a.m. on Sunday. A week from today I'll be sleeping off our trip and the plane rides there will be over. I will be very, very close to getting Ellie. I can't imagine.

I'm looking forward to church as it will be the last Sunday for a while. I'll be gone two and then I don't want to return right away with Ellie as I know we'll be tired and she'll be a bit overwhelmed for a while. We are also not sure if there will be any medical issues we'll need to deal with so we think we'll stay home for a few weeks. So, another "last" tomorrow. Pretty soon, all the lasts will be over and we'll be starting a lot of "firsts". We can't wait!!

Six Days - Chi-Wow-wa!

Six days -- unbelievable.

Last night we went for what we called our "last outing as a family of three". We went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Disney had really been blowing it up over the past few months and Josh was really excited to see it. On a scale of 1-10, it was about a 6-7 -- good but not great; cute and entertaining, but not worth seeing again until it comes out on DVD.

For those who have asked about photos of Ellie's room, I would love to be able to show them to you, but right now it is STILL packing central and still looks like a bomb exploded everywhere. I still need a trash can, pink lampshade, sheers for under the valance and a rug. As Betsy said, all of this could be solved by a trip to Target. Since Jennifer and I are off to Wal-mart Sunday afternoon for "snacks", I might try to see if I can find any of it then. I also still need to finish the stencil work. If I'm not too tired tomorrow evening, I'll try to get a few more words/lines of that done. What was I thinking? Of course, it will be very cute when it's done, but oy!!

It was nice to get to have breakfast with my parents today. Daddy is on vacation this week and I stopped by after taking Josh to school to try to set up his Skype. Turns out we needed a microphone and webcam -- both of which I had -- at home -- so we just had breakfast instead!! Can't beat that.

I was excited to talk to A. today who is leaving to pick up her sweetie. She sounded so excited and I kept thinking, "That will be me in just a week." I cannot wait to get back to Ellie and bring her home.

One Week!! Whoo Hoo

Can everyone say, "Whoo hoo""? We are celebrating that it is one week from today before I leave to go pick up Ms. Ellie. Today, my dear friend, A. leave to go pick up her sweet baby. I will be thinking of her all week long. I know she is very excited to finally be going back.

And, I will begin the last seven days of our wait back to the Princess. There's a lot to finish this week. Stick with us as we begin the last week's countdown!

I went to the doctor yesterday as my chest feels really tight and I've had a cough and congestion. Not wanting to be sick, I thought it best to get on this right away. I'm now on prednisone. Does anyone see the irony of taking a pill that, when I'm finished with it (the day we leave), I will be so hungry I'll want to eat the wallpaper off the walls and I'm going to a country where there aren't as many choices of familiar items to eat? Ha! Jokes on me. *smile*

I spoke with Ellie's pediatrician today and he called in two prescriptions for her for us to take on the trip -- just in case. He was able to tell me how much she should be eating, what to do in case we had problems, when to take the medicines and what we likely saw on Ellie while we were there that threw us into the tizzy -- impetigo. Well, there you go. So, he indicated if she still has it to put gauze over it until we can get home to treat it. I hope she doesn't still have it -- for her sake.

So, there's a couple more things out of the way. Jennifer and I are going to pack our clothes this weekend so we'll know where we stand luggage wise. There still seems to be a LOT of things to take and NOT a lot of room to take it. Of course, I am taking quite a bit for the orphanage, gifts as requested, and things for some other APs, so I think I'll likely pack those things in a separate suitcase.

"It's all good." "It's all going to be fine." "It will all work out." I say those three phrases over and over every day -- the power of positive thinking. I'm also positive that I'm going to be seeing Ed McMahan on my doorsteps with a clearinghouse check soon as well. *big smile*.

So much closer . . .

Presents - Part II

I love presents. I like giving them; I like getting them. So, here are the most recent presents from HRH Princess Ellie . . .

A gift from fellow Tokmok baby, Addison (and of course, her parents!!). I can't wait to read this to Ellie.

Ellie has quite the collection of "Ellie-phants" now. This one, named Ernie, plays "I'm a Little Teapot". Terribly cute!! It was a gift from our friend, soon-to-be mom (of a boy, right??), Amanda.

Last night I got to spend about a half hour with my new, dear friend, Kat. We got to share drinks at Starbucks and she brought me so many goodies for my upcoming trip (travel wallet, thermos, hip hammock, converter) as well as this sweet little baby for Ellie. The irony of this is that this baby looks exactly (I'm very serious, here) like her daughter. I know Ellie will love this baby. It's just her size.

And while this isn't a present, per se, it is a diaper bag I got from my friend Terri, who makes them. She has however, sent the most incredible lot of goodies while we waited for Ellie that her beautiful handiwork deserves to be shared here.

Thank you to each of you who continue to share our joy and our journey. Blessings!!

Please Don't Peck My Toenails Off

Yesterday I was working in Kentucky. Apparently, my company is "between" inspectors in that area and often when this happens, I'll make special runs to "clean up" an area until they can hire someone. Such has been the case the past couple of weeks.

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Kentucky and Tennessee. The highs were in the 70s which is perfect weather for me. I called A., who lives in Kentucky, and commented on how much I think the farmlands in Kentucky remind me of Kyrgyzstan. She agreed that it was a lot like the country we saw during our rides from Bishkek to Tokmok.

Toward the end of the day, I was farther out in the country in a very rural area. I pulled up to a house to do a farm inspection. There were a couple of Amish gentlemen working on a barn when I pulled up and I asked if this was "so and so's" residence and if he was home. They told me the wife was inside. As I proceeded to the front door, they told me to go around to the back door. Ok, smile and walk.

Now, let me give you some history and information. In my job, and especially in the country, I come across a lot of dogs. Dogs, generally, don't bother me, but I know the risks associated with walking up on and scaring a dog. So, when I go into a back yard, I'm very cautious and my nerves are on high alert waiting to see if there is a dog hiding somewhere. That's an important fact.

Second, you can see from a post here that I've had run-in's with chickens before. There is also this rooster from Portland, TN whose photo I took back in March 2006 who chased me round and round a house, attempting to peck me to keep me away from "his" house.

This is important fact number two. So, suffice it to say, I am cautious around roosters and chickens as well. I'm not sure which is worse, a pit bull or a hepped up chicken. Seriously.

So, I round the side of the house and see one of my favorite things in the world trotting to me, a cat. I start to call the cat as he is trotting toward me. Oops. Apparently, the owners have free range chickens (of some variety), and apparently it was 1) feeding time, or 2) they were pretty tame and excited to see me because all of a sudden about fifty chickens began to run straight for me. Oh.My.Goodness.

I stopped an took my clipboard and started going, "Stop. Get back. Go away." and swooshing my clipboard at them -- trying hard to protect my open toes in my sandals. Oh, please Lord, don't let them peck my toes. This was my prayer. There were just too many of them to fend off. I was too far to make a break for the car and still too far to make it to the safety of the back door. STUCK.

Finally, after surrounding me, I inched toward the door, talking all along to the chickens and praying they don't start pecking at my feet, and the lady came to the door. I told her who I was and then said, "Are the chickens hungry or are they going to peck my toenails off?" She laughed and said, "They think you are going to feed them." WHEW!!! Big sigh of relief. At this point, I considered asking for chicken feed.

However, I made two entire trips around that house because my batteries died and I had to go to the car and the entire time I was there, every step I made, those fifty chickens and two cats made with me. It actually became funny toward the end. I thought to myself, "Good grief, I am a Pied Piper to chickens!!!" When I'd bend down to pet the cat, the chickens would all rush up closer. I gave up on the cats.

Here are some of the photos of them I took. It would have taken a wider angle lens than I have to have captured them all around me.

Here they come rushing toward me -- notice the ring leaders are the cats!! I'm a little to freaked to capture a good picture at this point -- most of them are to the right more.

Making the rounds to the front of the house -- notice the cat is still in the midst of the mix.All the running around (like chickens with our heads cut off - sorry, couldn't pass that one up), has worn out the cat who has now set down.

This chicken had pretty fluffy legs, I thought.

So, see, never a dull moment in my life or my job. Beats sitting behind a desk any day.

8 Days

Stay tuned for my story about being the Pied Piper of Chickens -- coming soon to a blog near you. Lord, thank you for not letting my life be dull. Thank you for not letting the chickens peck my toenails off. Amen.

9 - Single Digits!!!

We are in the single digits. Holy cow!!! We are also now in OCTOBER -- the month Ellie will finally come home and our family will be reunited!