Thanks for Rockin' and Rollin' with Us

It's been four days since we have been home and Baby G has settled in much better than anticipated. The trip home was tough. She cried for the first 9 hrs. of the 18 hr. (all business class) flight. Needless to say, we weren't favored by the other passengers but I also hope they know most people in their right mind would not voluntarily take an 18 hr. flight with a 13 mo. old baby. We realized that our flight path home went across the Pacific and our flight path to Manila went across the Atlantic, so we literally flew around the world to get her.

Finally at home, she's enjoying her freedom to roam throughout the house. Once we set her down, she bee-lined it for the outlets, bathroom and anything on the table in the family room. It's only right to let her explore as much as she can and we'll just buy some stock in the Safety First brand. Her first two nights she woke up often but the past two nights she has been sleeping through the night. Our days have mostly been spent at home where we are trying to learn as much as we can about each other.

We came across some challenges when we got home including Bob the Dog. She's never been around dogs before so it took a few days for her to warm up to him. Now she gives him a kiss by leaning her head against his body. We're working on her saying Bob's name, one of the first words both our boys were able to say early on. Another challenge has been food. She doesn't like jarred baby food and we've tried a variety. Tonight, however, I placed chicken picatta, garlic noodles and peas all in the food processor and she ate it like candy! Ah, the magic of the Cuisinart blades. I can't wait to mix up some special sauce for my G love tomorrow.

The boys have enjoyed having her at home. Our older son has been incredibly helpful, always willing to take part in feeding, bathing or changing the baby. Senor Silly always is looking for ways to make her laugh. He thinks it's funny when she squeals with excitement after watching him do something funny. They both have stepped up to the plate as loving big brothers.

Tonight, as part of the bedtime routine, each of our kids gets a hug, kiss and they're told "I love you." Tonight was the first night I told Baby G I loved her. It just came out, without any premonition but it definitely felt good to say it and it was so true. It didn't take long for her to seep into our hearts and it's comforting knowing that she's staying there forever.

So I close this journey by saying a heartfelt "thank you" for taking time out of your day to read our story. Many friends have said they have cried while reading my previous blogs. While my intent was not to get you sad and sappy, the goal was to be honest and open with my feelings about adoption. This experience has been a blessing on so many fronts for our family and for myself. We are grateful you took this journey with us. Thank you.

Moving On and One Step Closer to Home

We left Manila this afternoon, a day earlier than expected as we felt overwhelmingly homesick. We miss the boys and we felt confident to travel with the baby one day earlier. We ran the idea past Che, who said if we could, we should. And so we did.

We are now in Singapore, spending our overnight layover at the hotel. Which, by the way, I have come to love this city in a short amount of time. It's absolutely amazing and I'm sad to miss the chance to go out and explore its beauty.

The baby did better than expected on the plane and while she was fussy at times, we have come to realize she is not used to being held. We hold her when she's having a bottle, we hold her during take off and landing, all of which she's not used to....yet. Her personality has really come out these past few days. She's a happy baby, loves to get someone's attention, and when she does, she beams the most adorable smile. She can blow kisses and she can give kisses, which reiterates the love her caregivers had for her. It's amazing how quickly we fell in love with this little baby. We are so grateful to have her as part of our family.

Tomorrow, we hop back on the plane for the long haul back to NY. Close to 20 hrs. of travel in the air. The baby has been sleeping solidly for 9-10 hrs. per night. Let's hope she sleeps like that on the plane. We are excited to bring her home, introduce her to the boys and for us, see the boys. We have missed them greatly.

I'll have one last post after we arrive home but wanted to sign off by saying how appreciative we are for reading our blog. Your comments, emails and other posts have been wonderful to read!

Many Firsts

We have finally settled into our hotel in Makati, Manila, central hub of the city. It's been surreal these past few days. I'm not sure if it's just jet lag or being homesick but it has been an incredible experience so far. We left Newark on Sunday night and arrived in Manila Tuesday afternoon. The time change is 13 hrs. ahead of EST time. I'm writing this now at 9:11pm EST and it's 10:11am Manila time, on the club floor of the hotel where people are eating their traditional Filipino breakfast of fish, rice and vegetables or the Western continental breakfast we are accustomed to eating.

Upon our arrival on Tuesday, we were picked up at the airport by our adoption agency liasion, Che, who is our lifeline while here in the Philippines. She's our translator, guide, advisor and connnection back to the US and someone who means so much more than just those things to her traveling families. In my mind, she played a key part for our family. She brought us to the baby's orphanage where we were greeted by the caregivers and social worker. They brought us up to meet Baby G immediately, who was just waking up from her afternoon nap. Walking into her room, we knew exactly which one she was, overcome with so many emotions by both her and us. She cried when she saw us, not out of joy but out of fear. It's understandable, I'd cry too. She was prepped by the caregivers her parents were arriving and a picture of our family was hanging on the corkboard just outside the babies room (as were other families who are arriving after us). We were able to play with her and the other babies and children in the orphanage the remainder of the afternoon outside in their courtyard. We lovingly called it "the baby party".

The first evening was spent feeding her, where she cried. It's understandable. We were learning who she was and learning her routine and she was learning who we are too. The orphanage has one guest room, where we slept and a crib was set up for Baby G to sleep right next to us. Tessie, one main caregivers, lives at the orphanage 24/7. Her prep for Baby G included sleeping in the guest room three nights prior to our arrival, which made the first night pretty easy for us. We were told of the midnight routine, which we followed and were happy to report a sleep-filled and uneventful night.

Our second day there, we were able to feed her all three meals with some fuss. She was warming up to us. We took a long drive up to Antipolo, the town in which Baby G first began her journey. There we met the Sisters from the convent who took care of her during her first days of life. They were happy to meet us and see Baby G after 13 months. We were honored to learn about their efforts and duties at hand. What incredible women, their devotion to Jesus and the children they take in. The Sisters are people I will always remember. Our day ended by taking a drive by the home I was first brought to as an adoptee. I lived in that home until age six and I remember bits and pieces of our life there. Life has come back full circle, 29 years later.

Our third day, we left the orphanage. I cried, the caregivers cried but Baby G did not. It was a sign that she felt comfortable with us. I have to give 100% credit to the caregivers and their thoughtful attention to detail to make the transition as easy as possible. They too, are incredible women and their unconditional love they have for each child that passes through their doors. While the separation is bittersweet, they feel happy knowing each baby is going to a good family. During our last night there, one of the caregivers said while hugging the baby, "I'm going to miss you so much". I knew her statement was heartfelt and sincere. We spent the afternoon traveling to the Inter Country Adoption Board office where we met the social worker in charge of all our paperwork in the Philippines. I peeked into our file and sure enough, all the paper that has passed through our hands and the adoption agency's hands is all in that green folder. Everyone's hard work has paid off.

So now we are on our own, at the hotel, resting and getting used to her routine without the caregivers to guide us. So far, so good. She's definitely a toddler and she's into everything. We are going to have to babyproof even more when we get home. Our afternoon will be spent going across the street to the department store where we will buy her some shoes. Her feet are bigger and pudgier than I expected. She cries only when she's tired and hungry. It's understandable. She's naps twice a day and we've figured out the windows of opportunity.

She's had many firsts these past two days. First time in a stroller, first time hearing a toilet flush (they have indoor plumbing at the orphanage but no toilet on the floor where the babies slept so they have never been around a toilet) and first time in an elevator. She loves to people and car watch; there are many to see here in Manila.

I have to say, I went in pretty intimidated by her. I had great hope that she likes us. But I have also realized "like" equals trust and attachment and if we can accomplish that, we're doing just fine. For now though, we are happy to report she is finally ours to call our own and part of our party of 5.

PS-I haven't quite mastered blogging but there are pictures down below, just scroll down.

Let's Rise to the Occasion

We're taking off tomorrow, game for the long flight and looking forward to the reward of meeting Baby G after 19 hours in the air. While we know the flight there will be relaxing, our feelings are two fold: excitement to meet the baby and anxious about leaving the little dudes back home. It's a long time to be gone from them. Our older son processes things differently than our younger son. The older son understands the outcome once it is explained to him. Senor Silly, on the other hand, asks a lot of questions. He asked last night "how many days until next Monday?" (the day we come back). I'm hoping the week keeps them busy enough to be distracted by our abscence but I know the evening routine will be different without our presence. We are very thankful for Grandma to step in while we're gone.

Thanks to all the friends who called, emailed and stopped by to give us one last well wish. Thanks to our older son's teacher who hung a picture of Baby G in the classroom. He has appreciated the support and excitement his classmates have shared with him and our family is flattered by everyone's grace. After hearing us talk about this for the past two years, it's comforting knowing that you're experiencing this journey with us. The link to the orphanage website is: http://www.sunmoon-ph.com/. I'm not sure if I'll be able to update the blog while we're there but check it out and you can see the baby's (and what will be) our surroundings.

We're heading into this turn in our path expecting a challenge. So many "what if" questions. Fortunately, we have a great post adoption support system through our agency and they will be able to lead us through the maze. If we have only a few "what ifs", we will be pleasantly surprised. But it's ok if it's a challenge, we're ready to rise to the occasion. It will all be worth it in the long run.

The Best Nest

We have finally confirmed our travel plans, received approval and we're off to Manila in 18 days and counting. It's a daily roller coaster of emotions ranging from excitement, anticipation, anxiety, stress and fatigue. It's been a challenge to be as detailed as possible when forecasting the week for Grandma and our two babysitters while we are gone. Who knew that planning a week of logistics for two little fellas could be mentally draining?

With that, I have been "nesting." Our pantry looks so organized it could be in a home magazine and our linen closet looks like Martha Stewart paid a visit (thanks Melissa). All for the ease of adaptation when the baby comes home.

We'll get a glimpse of the baby's current nest, aka orphanage, while we are there. Our travel plans begin with spending our first two nights at the orphanage. This is to acclimate her to us and us to her. I often wondered about that throughout the process; do they just hand her over to us immediately after she meets us? Fortunately the answer is no, for the sake of the baby, but being cognizant too, of her current caregivers. They have invested their hearts into her just as much as we have. I am sure the separation will be emotional for everyone involved.

One of my favorite stories growing up was by P.D. Eastman called "The Best Nest". This classic is now in our boy's library collection and I am looking forward to reading the story to the baby. We hope to provide the best nest; everything we can provide for her she wouldn't otherwise been able to have. And who knows, maybe one day she will sing like I did when I was younger, "I love my house, I love my nest, in all the world, my nest is best."

What's My Story? Pay it Forward

For those of you who don't know, I was adopted. For those of you who have known me for over 20 years, you have known it has been a long term goal; a desire to be able to give an opportunity to a little girl who might otherwise would have not had one.

I was abandoned in a hospital as a newborn and lived in an orphanage until 5 months, when my parents adopted me. They were living in Manila at the time. My parents have two biological children; my brother, who is three years older and my sister, who is three years younger than me. My siblings are pretty cool. Growing up I didn't think so, but as I look at our relationship now, they have accepted me unconditionally, despite the fact that I am not their biological sibling. I think this speaks volumes about their personalities and their ability to accept anyone for who they are.

So I was given a chance. Chances like being able to have my own bike, to play tennis and to go to college. A chance to be raised by a family with immense love and support. A chance to have my own family to share support and to teach my children to love unconditionally. I am pretty grateful for all these chances and the best way I can express my gratitude is by paying it forward.

Let's Rock and Roll

Many of you know that Colin and I began the adoption process back in May 2007. It's now September 2009 and I had a feeling our time was imminent with regard to a phone call from our adoption agency, Wide Horizons. We had just completed the paperwork to file for an extension as it was approaching its expiration date.

Yesterday, we got our long awaited phone call with the exciting news that we have received our referral! So began the phone tree to our family and very close friends, checking email, seeing her picture and printing out of all the paperwork to finalize the process. We are excited-so excited I was up at 3:00 am. I close with one of my favorite sayings from back in the day when I taught tennis camp at Emory University: "It's time to rock and roll". Thanks for joining us on our journey.