Showered with love!

A pair of wonderful friends (Elaine and Radiene) gave me a baby shower last Saturday. It was a ton of fun and I so appreciate the effort that went in to it. I have to admit to feeling a bit like a fraud though, not pregnant and no travel date yet.... the wine helped me get over that in pretty short order. ;) My little boy and I are going to get off to a great start as a family with the adorable clothes, toys, books, and assorted paraphernalia we received.

Bear hugs going out to the friends that made it and to the ones that couldn't, but sent their best wishes. Your support means so much during this incredible journey!

Stroller Search

I swear trying to find the perfect stroller is like trying to find the perfect car. They all have slightly different features, are different sizes, different prices, etc. You have to figure out which cool little features you are willing to give up and what is a must have. For me, I want it lightweight, snack tray with cupholder for kid, cupholder for Mom, one hand folding and opening, adjustable single handle, and big accessible basket. Of course, sturdy and well made are in that list too. Ha! Just try to find one that fits the bill.

It started snowing again today, so I want this one! Too funny!

Christy is a Mom!

A big WOO-HOO for Christy who had success in Aqtobe court yesterday! Her beautiful baby girl is nearly, officially hers. The 15-day appeal period has started and once that runs its course, they can finish up the paperwork and head for home in Minnesota. It is so heartwarming and inspiring to read Christy's blog and to be able to share her adoption journey with her. Congrats to her and her little one!

Delays and decisions

Update from my agency in the last couple of days: There will not be any available children that meet my criteria in Aktobe until at least March or more likely April. Sigh. But, I am lucky in that my dossier has not been logged in in the region yet, so I still have options. We are exploring those now and I'm doing a lot of thinking and soul-searching and finance/calendar reviewing to figure out the best path for me to find my child, hopefully sooner. I thought I was done with this agonizing part! Flexibility is definitely key. Winning the lotto would help too! ;) I'll let you know when I know what the plan is going to be. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed, and send up those prayers that my baby will still be coming home this spring to his mint-toothpaste colored bedroom.

Viva Las Vegas!

Haven't posted in a couple of weeks -- much going on. Had the interior of the house painted. Again. Better color. I can live with it. ;) Nursery was painted too. Not quite what I expected -- sage green was the plan, mint toothpaste was the result -- but I'll make it work.

Went to Las Vegas for business earlier this week. First time I've been there since my 25th birthday. Stayed at the Desert Inn last time, which I think was imploded not long after. It has certainly changed. I was born in Vegas and lived there until I was 4. I remember some things about the apartment complex Mom managed, but more from visits Mom and I made up until I was 10 or 12. It was a little sad for me. Lots of memories and really made me miss my Mom, especially right now with so many things I wish I could talk to her about. She died three years ago this month -- that anniversary sort of snuck up on me. Very true what they say, that no matter how old you are, you still need your parents.

Happy New Year!

It's now 2008 -- the year (finally!) that I will become a Mom! That sounds so scary! ;)

Holidays were a blur. Worked long hours through them all. Had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas with my good friends in Colorado Springs, but otherwise missed "the season." I didn't even have time to put up a Christmas tree. Sigh. Well, I can only look at it as the LAST Christmas I'm going to have that is about work! Next year will be very different.

Update on Christy -- she has found her beautiful baby girl and is halfway through her "bonding period" in Aktobe. She has the greatest blog, posts every day, and shares so much of her experience. I'm hanging on her every word!

Two of my friends here are throwing me a baby shower later this month. Feels weird, but who am I to say no?! Now I just have to get registered. Babies 'R Us, here I come! I did order my crib from them -- it came in, went to pick it up, but the darn thing won't fit in my handy-dandy carry-all SUV! That is just NOT supposed to happen! Thankfully my very nice next door neighbor is willing to fetch it up for me with his big pick-up.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and wish you all the best for 2008!