5 For Hope

Wishing Away Time

I have heard from a few folks who are readers of 5 for Hope, but not a part of the Facebook community that they would like to see a photo of M3.

I usually don't post current photos of my girls on the internet and the same goes for M3.  This one is from summertime, but I love it because it shows her beautiful features, fetching smile and bright eyes.

Unfortunately, M3 is not feeling herself since making the move to the foster care center and the latest photos of her show us a not-so-snappy eyed child.  Her eyes are watery, her nose runny and from reports from recently traveling families, her breathing is labored and she has been running a fever. 

It sounds like she has a respiratory infection of some kind which, of course, makes me nervous.  M2 has had her fair share of respiratory issues and I do NOT mess around with those at all.  I have a protocol around the house for such times and I only wish I were within hugging distance so I could do the same for M3.  I am applying pressure where I can--on our agency to make sure the representatives in Ethiopia are keeping us updated, providing M3 with the medication and medical care she needs, and telling our daughter that we will be there as soon as we can.

Of course, we don't know when that is.  The day after we passed court, the Embassy changed the way in which it schedules and issues dates for Embassy appointments.  That means, our agency is unable to tell us exactly when we will travel.  And, our probable date of a March 30th embassy appointment has become less likely.  We've been told to prepare for an April 13th Embassy date.  That seems like an excruciatingly long time to wait to go scoop her up--especially when I know she is sick. 

I didn't think it was possible to wish away time in a more fervent way than I do at the end of a deployment cycle, but it IS.  I realize I need to start preparing to travel now because once my husband arrives home, it will be a whirlwind of reunification, assimilation and all kinds of other things that will suck up attention and time.  But, he is as anxious as I am to go meet our daughter and for that, I'm really grateful.

Filling in Information Gaps

Today, we received an e-mail with M3's current measurements.  Thank goodness for the internet and its plethora of sites useful for converting metric measurements to our commonly used measurements.  And, even further, the sites that convert those measurements to kids' clothing sizes.  It looks like our girl will wear a size 4 (no 'T') and if no straight 4's are available, a 5 would likely do fine.

I found this really interesting and it makes me wonder if, in fact, M3 is the age she is purported to be.  At first I thought it was possible that she could be that size if she were born and raised in America.  But, she'd be a very teeny nearly seven-year-old, I suppose.  What I know about kids in Ethiopia is that their growth is not typically that close to their American siblings' growth chart milestones.  I think we could be in for a very interesting time of evaluating M3's chronological age once she is home.  I love a good mystery even if I'm not so crazy about surprises.

This news was fantastic and much welcome!

But, as most things I've noticed about adoption, just when you think you've filled in all kinds of information gaps, new gaps take their place.

I have made many connections in the adoption world since beginning down this road.  Some just vicariously through their blogs--I lurk or even comment, but rarely make personal contact, while others have included exchanged e-mail, Facebook friending or even phone calls.  And, the one thing I have concentrated on from the beginning?  Planning that huge trip.

The day after we passed court, we learned that the way Embassy date confirmations come down has been changed.  This change prevents us from being given a solid date the week following passing court.  And, our caseworker has no idea when we will learn the actual date of our travel and how much lead time we will actually have.

You can see how this, especially for someone like me, is unsettling.

We had been told we'd probably travel for the March 30th Embassy date when we passed court.  However, within a day, the Embassy announced the change and things were in the air.  Today, I learned that we may not travel until the April 13th date. 

Things being pushed out later isn't the happiest.  However, with all we have going on at the end of March, it may go by in a blur.  And, much to my husband's dismay, it would also provide him more of an opportunity for hands-on preparation for our trip. 

We'll just have to practice being flexible and go with the flow kind of people.  At least M3 KNOWS without a doubt that Mommy and Daddy are coming!  Hang in there, baby girl!!  We will be there SOON!!

Words Fail

It is FINALLY time that I can say this not only as something I know in my heart, but also something that is recognized under the law:  I AM THE MOTHER OF THREE LITTLE GIRLS.

That is an AMAZING thing to be able to type and almost too surreal to believe. 

I received the call today when I was in the law school class I assist with each week.  I grabbed my phone, dashed from the room and answered it as I was walking out the heavy door.  Just as our caseworker said, "You passed!", the door was loudly closing right behind me and I didn't hear what she said.  I think she though I was being cheeky when I said, "What?"  But, I wasn't.  Just hard of hearing.

She repeated herself and then I believe I took a full breath and exhaled for the first time in a year and a half.  I didn't realize that I had not been doing that and it felt amazing.  Occasionally, during and after a good run, I have that level of relaxation, but it only lasts for a few minutes.  Today, it continues.

Now comes the planning and the crazy other details...which is awesome!!

And, the best part?

Because my husband's deployment is wrapping up earlier than we thought going into this, he will be home in time to travel with me to pick up our daughter.

Thank God this is moving forward again and that we will have our girl soon!