Rome....day 1

Well, my mom and I had quite the experience getting this far. We got to travel first class from Detroit to Rome on Delta. I must say, I don't know that I will ever be able to fly coach without being sad. Honestly, it was amazing..3 course meal and dessert...real silverware. Great flight attendants who were quick to help with everything...and amazing seats the reclined completely and had leg room to spare! We ended up coming to the hotel and sleep for a while then went out to see some of the sites in the area. Since the hotel is close to the center of the city there were several sites close by to see. I had fun taking tons of pictures....not sure why but posting them from the iPad to the blogger post isn't wanting to work...will try it figure it out so you can see. We stopped and had some gelato which was VERY yummy. We are both still very tired so, we aren't planning on doing anything else tonight. More site seeing tomorrow!

Wanted to try writing a post from my iPad before the "BIG" trip. I know a few friends follow this blog who aren't on FB and want updates while I'm in Bulgaria getting Maria. So, you might be wondering when the "big" trip is....well, we leave on Tuesday. Yup. In just a few days. We (my mom and I) are going to be in Rome for a few days to take in the sites. We are planning on hitting the main tourist attractions there and I do plan on taking lots of pictures. We will then leave on Sunday for Bulgaria and will hopefully be home before the end of the month. So, right now I'm cleaning and getting things ready. Still have a few things I need to get at the store, but everything should be ready by Tuesday. Hoping and praying that flying standby works out well and doesn't frustrate me...I will probably be reminding myself how much money we are saving by flying this way. I'm sad I will miss everyone at the Bulgarian adoptees reunion this year, but I know I will be meeting up with some of he families at different places over the next year.

Fun with kids

Had a great time hanging out with my nephews and niece.  We went to Legoland Discovery Center in the Chicago area, Madagascar 3 and to Fisher Nut Outlet store.  There was a little testing by the youngest, but we all had fun.  Some pics from Legoland....if you get a chance highly recommend it.

Miniland

The 4 kids together

The safari area was really neat

Some of the creations even were motorized

There were lego people on the beams as we walked upstairs

Totally loved this lego creation!

Star Wars and other fun characters

Even Santa

3 of the kids waiting for one of the rides

These were really cool...the tops are see through legos and there are lights inside that flickered like fire

Harry Potter

And Hagrid!

Waiting....

Waiting for news that the court decree has been released....yeah I know it has been more than 3 weeks since court.  Finally heard yesterday that the decree would be released today...still haven't heard that it has been released.  However, we are planning the pickup trip.  A family friend is being amazing and giving us his "buddy passes".  This is awesome, because instead of paying over $1700 per ticket we will be paying around $700 per ticket.  Yes, I know I'm really lucky that I'm getting these tickets.  It also means that we will be spending some extra time in Europe.  We are talking about spending a few days sight seeing in Rome and then a few extra days in Bulgaria.  Thought it would be nice for Maria to see some more of her country before leaving.  Oh, and we will most likely get to fly first class....this could be a lot of fun.

The only thing that makes me sad it that it will be just over 6 months between trips...that is just too long.  Especially for an older child who understands the process and time.  Hopefully the extra waiting won't be an issue for Maria.  I will still have about a month and a half of summer vacation left for bonding time and to help with learning English.  I'm also disappointed I won't get to see everyone at the Bulgarian Adoptee's reunion this year.  I know I had such a great time last year and really wanted Maria to meet everyone this year.  Oh well, next year will have to do and it will be here before I know it.

I'm also going to run to Chicago for a few days next week....completely last minute.  I get to take care of my honorary niece and nephews for a few days while their mom finishes up working at the Montessori school that the kids went to this past year.  So, I get to hang out with an 11 year old, 9 year old, 7 year old and 4 year old....this could be a lot of fun, although I'm wondering if I'm slightly nuts for taking care of them a week prior to the pick up trip.  Oh well, at least it will keep me busy and they are AMAZING kids. 

Well, that is the only news for now...nothing is completely 100% on travel until the Bulgarian agency has the decree.  Hopefully will know that by the end of the day.  Until then here is a picture of one of my newest projects that little miss Emilia will be sporting next year :)

Knitted bodice attached to cotton material skirt

Just had to share....got a pick of one of the finished necklaces.  I think it looks awesome!

Gifts

I know I have mentioned to my friends and family how well cared for Maria is at her orphanage.  I had no concerns about leaving in December because I saw the care and love they have for her.  I knew she would be well taken care of during the long wait between trips.  I know that the orphanage staff has been her family....the ones who have taken care of her when she was ill, celebrated birthdays and holidays with.  They have seen the major milestones in her life thus far.  I'm sure that on the day that I go to bring Maria home...there will be many emotions for all of us.  I have no doubt it will be bitter sweet for them...happy that she finally has her own family and sad that she will no longer be with them.  I have been wanting a way to honor the special role that they have had.  So, this week I asked my FB friends for ideas (usually I'm creative with things like this, but with all the ups and downs, I feel a little burned out).  My friend Kristen suggested I look for necklaces on etsy.com  I started to look and found a store that makes glass tile necklaces and key chains (liked this since Maria's director is a man and I just don't see him wearing a necklace).  You get to choose the design, words, font, colors, etc.  The tiles are 7/8 of an inch (in case you were wondering).  She also will give discounts for larger orders!  We have been emailing back and forth to make sure that the design is perfect.  At first she asked if I wanted such personal words.  When I explained about Maria and the staff's relationship, she agreed I had the perfect words.  She is also an adoptive mom and completely has understood what I wanted.  So, if you would like to check out her store you can do so here.  Here are the two designs (similar) in Maria's favorite colors.

5/14/2012

Finally, after 145 days since seeing my daughter, after court was postponed last week.......I received the email at 3:45pm Monday, saying that the Judge approved my adoption.  Maria is no longer one of the 145 million orphans worldwide.  She is wanted, is loved and is my daughter!

 After receiving the news yesterday, I quickly called my mom and dad to let them know the news.  Then started making calls, sending texts, and sending emails to other important people who have been huge supports during this journey.  Answered texts/emails of congratulations and received calls of celebration.  Ended up posting a short video (minus music) on FB as an announcement.  So many fellow adoptive parents pouring out their support and joy.

The best reaction was probably from my amazing friend Andrea, who had been at a memorial (unbeknown to me).  She called late last night, squealing and giggling with joy!  She had me giggling and laughing too, just like when we were in college.  She didn't get my message until she got home and as soon as she heard it ran downstairs to call me, giggling the whole way...not sure what her kids thought of seeing that.  It was the perfect ending to the night.

The relief and joy felt are hard to describe unless you have been through this journey yourself...can say a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I'm sure there will be more stress and frustration before Maria is finally home....at least I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel!  So, now I'm waiting on the judge to release the court decree so that I can learn when my travel dates will be.  Ready to be reunited with my daughter! 

Mother's Day came a day late for me.  Just glad I can say: I'm officially, legally and finally Maria's mom!