I bought boys’ little undies today and onesies and sippy cups. Polo shirts and jeans and socks and hoodies. I didn’t go overboard as Spring and a warm weather wardrobe will follow shortly after we come home. And I need to figure out if he really is a 2T. Multiple pairs of shoes were purchased because I was supposed to have measured his feet during my past trip but now have no idea of his size. I was hoping to avoid his shoe situation from the Baby House — shoes that couldn’t close properly on some days and on others, shoes in which his feet swam. But it will be figured out.
I am happy, excited and in disbelief. All of our paperwork on our end is properly dated. Nothing threatens to cause us any delays once we are there. I am sending away for my Visas for March 1 — April 1.
How did I get to this time? It is an unbelievable feeling of anticipation. I still have much to do — primarily painting Eden’s pink room in preparation for a boy and ordering the toddler bed. Baby gate installation, something I never ever had to do for my girls, is next.
I feel like someone who has climbed Mount Everest or jumped out of an airplane. After something of that magnitude, you think surely you can accomplish anything. Of course this is just the beginning and other challenges and triumphs will ensue. But to get to this place knowing all my obstacles … a miracle in and of itself. And I refer not even to lost paperwork and rejected fingerprints. I’m talking about the emotional stuff that came before — the struggle to make the decision, stand up in the face of adversity and swing my husband over to this side. You couldn’t ask for a more proud father to be. It’s amazing.
I used to think I didn’t want to be a billboard for adoption. But you know what? I want to be a billboard for adoption. If our story, a regular nice every day family who knew absolutely nothing about adoption at the start of this, could come out with a remarkable family and experience, then I hope with all my heart that in some way one day we will inspire others — even Emma, Eden and Major themselves — to open their hearts to a child who needs love, a family. One of the most important things in my life.
I also decided I feel ready to lose the darn extra pounds that distress me. I deserve to be the best me, the best mom and wife. Full of energy and vitality. So that my outer light will and can shine as bright as my inner light.
Determination? Check.
Dedication? Check.
Commitment? Check.
Passion? Check.
Carpe Diem!
We went with briefs! Don't forget to get a baby bottle…you just might need it!
We went with briefs! Don't forget to get a baby bottle…you just might need it!
We went with briefs! Don't forget to get a baby bottle…you just might need it!
whoohooo! You go mama! Hey its already mid February! Have a great weekend 🙂
whoohooo! You go mama! Hey its already mid February! Have a great weekend 🙂
whoohooo! You go mama! Hey its already mid February! Have a great weekend 🙂
This is great news! My heart broke for you that you couldn't see your beautiful boy after your court visit. I was just assigned Almaty and I am over the moon excited but I fear a long or longer journey then I've already had?? I am so happy for you that you are positive and ready to seize the day!! Best wishes!! Maybe I'll see you in Almaty soon! Lisa
This is great news! My heart broke for you that you couldn't see your beautiful boy after your court visit. I was just assigned Almaty and I am over the moon excited but I fear a long or longer journey then I've already had?? I am so happy for you that you are positive and ready to seize the day!! Best wishes!! Maybe I'll see you in Almaty soon! Lisa
Great post!
For shoes you could try something like "Little Striders" found at Target and other stores. They are heavy duty cloth socks with a heavy duty rubber soled shoe/toe built in on the bottom. The best part is that they come in "range" sizes; our son who just turned 19 mos. is wearing the 18 – 24 mos. size and they are roomy! Might be perfect as a start for your little man! Oh, and they are cute too ~ we have the bear claw pair! 🙂
Not great for heavy snow, but for everyday they are super!
Enjoy this special time of preparation!!
Lisa
Lauren and Tyler's Mama
Great post!
For shoes you could try something like "Little Striders" found at Target and other stores. They are heavy duty cloth socks with a heavy duty rubber soled shoe/toe built in on the bottom. The best part is that they come in "range" sizes; our son who just turned 19 mos. is wearing the 18 – 24 mos. size and they are roomy! Might be perfect as a start for your little man! Oh, and they are cute too ~ we have the bear claw pair! 🙂
Not great for heavy snow, but for everyday they are super!
Enjoy this special time of preparation!!
Lisa
Lauren and Tyler's Mama
Great post!
For shoes you could try something like "Little Striders" found at Target and other stores. They are heavy duty cloth socks with a heavy duty rubber soled shoe/toe built in on the bottom. The best part is that they come in "range" sizes; our son who just turned 19 mos. is wearing the 18 – 24 mos. size and they are roomy! Might be perfect as a start for your little man! Oh, and they are cute too ~ we have the bear claw pair! 🙂
Not great for heavy snow, but for everyday they are super!
Enjoy this special time of preparation!!
Lisa
Lauren and Tyler's Mama
Oops…sorry, I meant "skidders" for the shoes! 🙂
Oops…sorry, I meant "skidders" for the shoes! 🙂
Oops…sorry, I meant "skidders" for the shoes! 🙂
What a great post – so positive!
You could consider getting Major some Robeez for indoor walking (especially since they come in 6 mos. ranges). 🙂
Also, I love "boxer briefs" for my Nicholas. 🙂 Gap carries them as does Target (especially in all the characters little boys love so much).
What a great post – so positive!
You could consider getting Major some Robeez for indoor walking (especially since they come in 6 mos. ranges). 🙂
Also, I love "boxer briefs" for my Nicholas. 🙂 Gap carries them as does Target (especially in all the characters little boys love so much).
What a great post – so positive!
You could consider getting Major some Robeez for indoor walking (especially since they come in 6 mos. ranges). 🙂
Also, I love "boxer briefs" for my Nicholas. 🙂 Gap carries them as does Target (especially in all the characters little boys love so much).
Hello Stephanie! THis is the only way I could figure out how to email you back, could you send me your email address? This is Kristen, you left a message on our blog that you had taken pictures of our son's trip home! YEAH!! I was SO THRILLED to read your comment, and it made me feel so good that he was receiving love and support during that time and that you guys were like angels helping to watch over him, and helping Olga. I have found that adoptive parents are the most caring, outgoing, sharing, and supportive group that you could ever find, and think you for that! my email address is [email protected].
I'm going to bookmark your blog as well, I'm so thrilled you guys are expecting your first son – yeah! CONGRATULATIONS to you!!
Hello Stephanie! THis is the only way I could figure out how to email you back, could you send me your email address? This is Kristen, you left a message on our blog that you had taken pictures of our son's trip home! YEAH!! I was SO THRILLED to read your comment, and it made me feel so good that he was receiving love and support during that time and that you guys were like angels helping to watch over him, and helping Olga. I have found that adoptive parents are the most caring, outgoing, sharing, and supportive group that you could ever find, and think you for that! my email address is [email protected].
I'm going to bookmark your blog as well, I'm so thrilled you guys are expecting your first son – yeah! CONGRATULATIONS to you!!
yahoo…almost there!!
yahoo…almost there!!
yahoo…almost there!!
I hope that this final wait goes quickly. The next time Carolyn has a "Kaz" get-together, I hope to finally get to meet you, and to meet all 3 of your kids too!
I have to second the Robeez, they look like they would work because of the size ranges. We have yet to wear boxers or briefs! My boys are commando all the time… but it is time to do something about it. I think it will be briefs for day, boxers to sleep in.
Julie
I have to second the Robeez, they look like they would work because of the size ranges. We have yet to wear boxers or briefs! My boys are commando all the time… but it is time to do something about it. I think it will be briefs for day, boxers to sleep in.
Julie
I have to second the Robeez, they look like they would work because of the size ranges. We have yet to wear boxers or briefs! My boys are commando all the time… but it is time to do something about it. I think it will be briefs for day, boxers to sleep in.
Julie
Here's a second vote for Robeez. And they have the added benefit of being impossible (virtually) to fall off and similarly difficult for little hands to take off – think 25-30 hours of flying time. I meant that they would stay on for the whole flight, not that it would provide him with a 30 hour escape challenge. 🙂
And speaking of flying time, isn't it a little early for that great debate? That boxers/briefs dichotomy? Definitely pull-ups for a flight of that length. 🙂
(So many smiles today).
Anyhow, we love the obvious anticipation and inherent tensions that you express regarding your coming trip. It allows us to recall all of those experiences without any of the pressures. And it is SO much easier for us to handle this vicariously through you, by the way.
Too bad about the strange situation encountered with respect to visiting with your son on the last trip. That is one of those events you just have to chalk up to the totality of the Kazakhstan adoption experience – sometimes the logic is not obvious.
All the best in the coming weeks – we look forward to sharing this conclusion with you. And seeing you all in Milwaukee, of course.
Here's to that fish of the day! 🙂
Here's a second vote for Robeez. And they have the added benefit of being impossible (virtually) to fall off and similarly difficult for little hands to take off – think 25-30 hours of flying time. I meant that they would stay on for the whole flight, not that it would provide him with a 30 hour escape challenge. 🙂
And speaking of flying time, isn't it a little early for that great debate? That boxers/briefs dichotomy? Definitely pull-ups for a flight of that length. 🙂
(So many smiles today).
Anyhow, we love the obvious anticipation and inherent tensions that you express regarding your coming trip. It allows us to recall all of those experiences without any of the pressures. And it is SO much easier for us to handle this vicariously through you, by the way.
Too bad about the strange situation encountered with respect to visiting with your son on the last trip. That is one of those events you just have to chalk up to the totality of the Kazakhstan adoption experience – sometimes the logic is not obvious.
All the best in the coming weeks – we look forward to sharing this conclusion with you. And seeing you all in Milwaukee, of course.
Here's to that fish of the day! 🙂
Here's a second vote for Robeez. And they have the added benefit of being impossible (virtually) to fall off and similarly difficult for little hands to take off – think 25-30 hours of flying time. I meant that they would stay on for the whole flight, not that it would provide him with a 30 hour escape challenge. 🙂
And speaking of flying time, isn't it a little early for that great debate? That boxers/briefs dichotomy? Definitely pull-ups for a flight of that length. 🙂
(So many smiles today).
Anyhow, we love the obvious anticipation and inherent tensions that you express regarding your coming trip. It allows us to recall all of those experiences without any of the pressures. And it is SO much easier for us to handle this vicariously through you, by the way.
Too bad about the strange situation encountered with respect to visiting with your son on the last trip. That is one of those events you just have to chalk up to the totality of the Kazakhstan adoption experience – sometimes the logic is not obvious.
All the best in the coming weeks – we look forward to sharing this conclusion with you. And seeing you all in Milwaukee, of course.
Here's to that fish of the day! 🙂
I used to think I didn't want to be a billboard for adoption. But you know what? I want to be a billboard for adoption. If our story, a regular nice every day family who knew absolutely nothing about adoption at the start of this, could come out with a remarkable family and experience, then I hope with all my heart that in some way one day we will inspire others — even Emma, Eden and Major themselves — to open their hearts to a child who needs love, a family. One of the most important things in my life.
amen!!!! well said girlfriend. and i feel a small measure of satisfaction in that perhaps your visit to meet dylan had a little influence
I used to think I didn't want to be a billboard for adoption. But you know what? I want to be a billboard for adoption. If our story, a regular nice every day family who knew absolutely nothing about adoption at the start of this, could come out with a remarkable family and experience, then I hope with all my heart that in some way one day we will inspire others — even Emma, Eden and Major themselves — to open their hearts to a child who needs love, a family. One of the most important things in my life.
amen!!!! well said girlfriend. and i feel a small measure of satisfaction in that perhaps your visit to meet dylan had a little influence
I used to think I didn't want to be a billboard for adoption. But you know what? I want to be a billboard for adoption. If our story, a regular nice every day family who knew absolutely nothing about adoption at the start of this, could come out with a remarkable family and experience, then I hope with all my heart that in some way one day we will inspire others — even Emma, Eden and Major themselves — to open their hearts to a child who needs love, a family. One of the most important things in my life.
amen!!!! well said girlfriend. and i feel a small measure of satisfaction in that perhaps your visit to meet dylan had a little influence