closer to done

ok ... things are better now ... I am a little less George W and a little more smart.  I have finished about 98% of the paperwork and feel totally focused and able to do the last 2% plus the work related stuff tomorrow.  One important thing to not forget is to go to the bank and deposit my paycheck.  Other then that it's likely that the next blog you read will be written by a sleep deprived new mommy!!!  Isnt' life great?????!!!!!  Thanks for following ... I get home on Oct 31st at 3:58pm ... Stacy

paperwork

Well, it's official ... I am a fumbling idiot (just call me George Jr) ... I CAN NOT bring myself to do paperwork!  Unfortunately, paperwork is about all I have left to do, both for the adoption and for my work.  It's a sad reality that I have to fight every instinct in my body to finish up BOATLOADS of paperwork today and tomorrow because it's my last chance ... and I think the US government really means it when they say that you have to turn this stuff in before they'll give you a visa for a baby.  I am not so certain I want to test them on this matter.  I also think it might be a good idea for my work relations to finish my client related paperwork before I leave for three months.   Unfortunately even trying to use Lucy as "bait", the end is worth the means is not helping inspire my brain to learn new things and accomplish boring tasks.   I SOOOO desperately want to fight the "man" ... I thought, what if I copy that one form onto red paper instead of light blue ... would the gov. really deny me my child because of the color of a piece of paper???  I will never find this out.   I got her birth certificate yesterday, there's a little passport size photo of her attached to the certificate ... she looks like a convict (sorry baby but you do) ... very stunned big eyes!    Well, I am off to try to finish at least one task.    Stacy

Smiling Lucy

Yesterday I received an unexpected gift of two new photos of Lucy and a social update.  She's looking beautiful and happy.  She's rolling over, holding down her bottles, sleeping better and gaining weight fast!  It's good news. 

One week

I will be in Ethiopia with my daughter a week from now.  I am overwhelmed with emotions right now.  This was my last child-free weekend. It went super fast. The entire weekend was busy busy busy. Friday night - Sunday night with really no down time.  I am happy though ... it's so amazing how giving everyone in my life is.  I am really blessed with family and friends who share my joy and excitement about Lucy. On Saturday I met Zed.  Zed is from Ethiopia, she works with my aunt.  I believe that Zed will be my "mentor" for Lucy.  She already has given Lucy gifts and has answered a few of my questions. I can't wait for Lucy Eskedar to meet Zed. 

Ethiopia

It's starting to sink in now...  I leave in two weeks.  Not only am I getting my daughter, I am also going to Africa.  I am going to Africa. This has always been the plan but it has just seemed like I have been planning more for a baby and the Africa part was incidental.  Now I need to start thinking about both things, the baby and the trip.  Here's one odd thing, packing a suitcase with a week and a half's worth of stuff to clothe, diaper and feed a baby that I have yet to meet.  What a way to start parenting!  I have never parented and I have never been to Africa why not combine the two?  OK, not a problem.  I have realized that the baby's stuff takes up a lot of room in the suitcase (she's small but spitty-uppy), the formula takes up a lot of room and I am quite unaware of how much she's taking and how often ... it's likely that I am over packing the formula but who wants their first big parenting mistake to be running out of formula 1/2 way through a 17 hour international flight?  NOT ME!   It's the same problem with diapers.  It's a good thing I have two assistants traveling with me!  

FINALLY

I finally got the news I have been waiting and waiting for!!!!  I leave for Ethiopia to get my daughter on October 22nd!!!  I can't believe how soon that is.   I return on October 31st.  Will let you know as soon as I have more information.  Stacy

October

STILL, no news on travel ... everything is still just "possible".  I have a feeling that it's more likely to be the first or second week in November and very unlikely to happen the end of October.  I just want to know.  I did receive another e-mail about Lucy and the new formula.  The worker who hand delivered the formula reported that she is taking it very well and that it appears as if it's contributing to weight gain.  I hope so.  I have been speaking (via e-mail) with three other moms who will likely travel around the same time as me. The "I know exactly how you feel" exchanges have been very very helpful.