March ups and downs

I don't know about the rest of you, but it has just been beautiful here.  Warm temps in the 70's and even 80's....gentle spring rains and a few thunderstorms.  The grass is green and flowers are blooming.  I love the colors of spring and the different flowers that bloom this time of year.  It has been a beautiful March outside.  I know that my paperwork made it to the MOJ the beginning of the month and I continue to wait for word that a court date had been set.  I have continued to prepare for M and have even sent her pictures of her room to help her prepare.

This month has also been very difficult....

Waiting for news about the adoption process is HARD....almost painful at times.  Unfortunately I have also had other issues come up in my life....which is one of the reasons I have been more quiet.  Just over 2 weeks ago things turned upside down....my college friend sent me an message late one night...a message that didn't sound like her normal.  I was rather worried and in the back of my mind, I feared the worst....the next day that fear was confirmed, her cancer is back.  This time instead of being in her breast it is in her bones.  Not only that but the next day she was going into surgery to fix the 2 fractures in her spine that were caused by the cancer and putting her in extreme pain.  She made it through the surgery well, only to be told that her bones were softer than expected.  In the following days we also learned that the cancer is throughout her bones and will be a life long battle, no treatment will completely kill this cancer and the approach the doctors are taking just doesn't feel like enough.....Needless to say this was a big blow.  I know that that my friends will seek out the best help and course of treatment (alternative or traditional) they can find, but it is very scary and sad to think about a 33 year old wife/mom/friend being in the battle of her life.  It is heartbreaking realizing that her husband and son might have to live without her sooner than they should have to.  At the same time I am amazed at her positive approach to this, even though I know she is scared and worried about her little boy growing up without his mommy.  Currently she is undergoing radiation...which does help her feel better.  Please pray for my friend and her family....I want her to have many happy years and memories with her family and friends, but I know it isn't in my hands...I have no control over the situation.
Needless to say this has been a very hard month.........

A girl who needs a home

My friend Viviane is trying to help "B" find her forever family.  "B" lives in Eastern Europe and needs a family.  She is a beautiful girl with lots of potential.  Check out Viviane's blog and some pictures of "B".  Let's help "B" find her family!

http://martiniadoptionroad.blogspot.com/2012/03/meet-b.html

M's room

Today my mom came over with the desk and mattress for M's room.  I had been storing them at my parent's home while I painted and we just waited for a nice weekend.  I wanted to do it last weekend, but then we had snow on Friday, so we put it off till this weekend.

The boys enjoying the bed....I love the headboard!

Libby was checking out the new pillows

Just chillin on the M's bed

Had to shut the cats out of the room to get a picture without them on the bed.  Every time I would move one off a different one jumped up on it!

Pink, Pink, and more Pink!!!!

The desk I found for M...love it, it's hand made out of walnut, just beautiful!

Dresser in it's new place

closet full of clothes

M asked for Barbies, so here is what is waiting for her.  I took a picture of it because she hasn't seen one yet.

Yes, they invaded the room again!

They are all looking at the camera...that never happens!

In some ways the last month quickly flew by, in other ways it feels like it dragged on and on.  I have been waiting to hear about my Article 5 letter most of the month of February.  I did find out that the Bulgarian agency was going to have the interview at the US Embassy on Tuesday in order to get my Article 5 letter.  Still waiting to hear that they got it and that it is being translated. 

This time of waiting has been difficult.  I know that M is waiting anxiously for me to come back for her.  This wait is different for older children.  They understand that their new parents are coming back for them.  They have seen this happen with friends who have been adopted.  So, they wait....wondering which day their family will come to get them.  One of the questions that M asked on our last day together was, when would I come back for her.  I told her I hoped it would be in April or May.  I am still holding out hope and praying that it works for me to get her in May.  Although, if I could I would leave today to get her...heck I would go just to see her right now!  But I can't and so I'm stuck waiting, preparing things for her and missing her like crazy.  Here are a few things that I have recently gotten for M's room.  I just love the color the walls turned out...it looks great with the bright pink accessories that are in the room.

M's headboard that came this week

A bear one of the teachers I work with made for M.....not sure what is going on with my camera, might have to think about getting a new one sometime soon

61 Days

It has been 61 days since I have seen M.  It isn't easy at all knowing she is half a world away and waiting for me to come back for her.  A lot of trust for a little girl who has only known rejection by parental figures.  The orphanage director has allowed me to send M emails and cards since my visit.  It has been wonderful to send an email out to her letting her know how much I am thinking about her, the progress being made on her room, and the excitement that everyone is feeling while waiting for her to come home.  It has been hard not knowing if she has gotten the emails or knows what is going on. 

Today I opened my email and received a wonderful surprise....an email from M!  Up until now, I had not heard anything from her, the director or the Bulgarian agency about how she was doing.  So, I know you want to know what the email said.  She is doing fine....behaving well and working on her English.  She and her friend Z did get the package I sent last month and liked the t-shirts and stickers I sent to them.  She is also ready for me to come back and get her.  The director also added a line to say that M is doing great and waiting for me to come and get her.  I was so happy and touched to have the few lines from M and know she is well.  I almost cried!  I know how special it is to get any communication from or about your child between trips....I feel so lucky that I was given this gift and I truly appreciate M's director taking time to allow us this communication.

Knitting

So, I have been busy with adoption stuff....but I have been knitting.  Here are a few things I have finished lately.

Yup, more Bella mittens....actually have made 8 pairs of these now and have one more pair to make

Toddler sweater for a little guy who's mom is a great support for those waiting.

Ok ,not sure why the buttons decided to look funny in the pics.  They are dark brown and match the edging of the sweater.

Sweater for my nephew Koa....can't see it in this pic but the buttons are super cute with little deer etched in them.

Different view

Working on a few other projects....helps that this is perfect sweater weather :)

Some movement

My I-800 approval is on it's way to the embassy.  Hopefully by the end of next week my article 5 letter will be ready.  Then onto the MOJ for signatures.....people seem to be stuck at this point right now due to new people taking office.  Hopefully more updates in the near future.