Friday, September 19, 2008

Countdown to Gotcha Day

Alexei told us today that next Tuesday, September 23rd, is The Big Day. This is one day later than what we thought. To be honest, we have no idea how the 10 day period is actually counted. It’s not consecutive days. It’s not business days. It must just be when it’s convenient for the Who’s down in Whoville. So, we are going to post our daughter’s picture that day, because that’s like our due date – our family will be born! We are looking forward to Gotcha Day, and are psychologically preparing ourselves for the transition.

We had another visit yesterday morning, and we are happy to report that she DID NOT cry upon our arrival, and furthermore, she allowed Travis to hold her. She was fussy through most of the hour and a half we had to visit with her, until the caretaker came in, and then she was extremely happy. She actually bounced her torso up and down and wiggled to get out of Trav’s arms, then walked quickly towards the caretaker with a huge smile on her face. We can now get a little bit of a chuckle at this obvious emotional display of joy for someone other than us. At first, we were insulted. But now, we’re just very aware of the immediate feelings of loss she will have, and so Trav and I are prepped for game day. We’ve got our plan, and we’re going to stick to it. Here it is: Pray.

Trav and I realize that there are going to be difficult times, but the fact is, this is going to be great. We don’t want to take ourselves too seriously, because there’s going to be a weird period where we’re figuring things out, and it’s going to be quite interesting, if not funny. So if you’re reading this, please say a simple prayer for the Lord’s guidance in all that we do. And that’s it! We’re ready!

5 comments:

Bethany said...

Aww I know it must be so hard to feel rejected by your child, I'm trying to prep myself for that too. But you know what, that shows that she has very healthy attachment, which really is a GOOD thing. I hope things get better ... we'll be landing in St. Pete on your gotcha day! :)

Kay Bratt said...

Hey-- my daughters are 13 and 18 and they reject me on a weekly basis. Welcome to parenthood!!

All joking set aside, congratulations. You are embarking on a wonderful journey.

Kay

True Story said...

I think your gameplan is PERFECT....and I have very much enjoyed reading your blog. Congratulations and many blessings for a wonderful trip.
Sandy

Natalie said...

Congratulations, Mom and Dad!! Of course there will be an acclimation period, but she will be grateful for the opportunity for life-long love once she is settled. An adopted child is born in the hearts of the parents. This is the strongest love. I will pray for a smooth transition for all of you. God bless!!

Natalie

becca! said...

It has been a wonderfully exciting journey for you all and I know that this is just the beginning of a lifetime of memories and you will one day look back at these and they will seem so trivial. Sharing giggles and tears has been an honor and I'm so glad that you set up this blog. Thanks for sharing and we're all looking forward to meeting your daughter. Hugs!!!