The countdown has started!

After the initial flurry of activity (NOT panic), we settled down and had a really good Thanksgiving with my parents. We had 10 at their house for lunch which is actually a small group for us. We did a little shopping and lots of dreaming. Now it's time to get back to the flurry (not panic).

My biggest "need" is to go get a warm coat. I have what I call a winter coat, but I really don't think it's what I need for a place where the high in the foreseeable future is 4. I think that the cold will make the whole trip that much more memorable. That, and the fact that we'll meet Creecher on my mother's birthday. What are the odds of that?

It seems like we get to spend a pretty good amount of time at the orphanage - morning and afternoon visits for 3 days (subject to the director's schedule, of course). We thought we might take a little Baby's 1st Christmas outfit and a small present or two so we can take some pictures of her first Christmas. We also hope we'll get a chance to pick up a couple of ornaments or something for her while we're there.

For now, I think I need to get back to my lists - things to buy, things to do, things to be sure to pack, things to be sure to do while we're there,...UGH!

Breathe, don't freak out, breathe...

We got our travel date - we are to be in the region on Dec. 3 and will meet Creecher on the 4th. That's less than 2 weeks AND there's a long holiday weekend in there. But, I'm not panic-ing. I've applied for our visas and the agency is checking on tickets. Our coordinators will help us with hotels and in-country travel. I've got a box of "Trip 1" stuff that I've collected as we ran across it. I've got a suitcase packed with donations for the orphanage. My husband has coordinated with the bank to get the obligatory "new" money. AND...my Anna Language Littles doll arrived in the mail today! I've been getting ready for this for a year - I should be ready. We'll be fine, right? RIGHT?!

Ya Tibya Lublu Too!

After a whirlwind day of errands and chores, I came home to find a PRESENT...for ME...from my Secret Pal. I love the cookbook (Ya Tibya Lublu), the t-shirt and the pro-adoption bracelet and key ring. What thoughtful gifts! Thank you so much!

We still don't have a travel date. Our case manager feels sure we will know next week. Until we know that, we can't apply for visas or book our flights. In the mean time, we're trying to update as much paperwork as we can. Our agency has really cautioned us against divulging too much info. and especially against posting pictures before the adoption is final. So, I'll share what I can but definitely no pictures for a while.

What we do know is that it will be COLD! I'm a little worried about having enough warm stuff, but we'll manage. It seems like we'll get to spend a good amount of time with our girl - morning and afternoon visits for 3 - 4 days. What were your favorite things to do while visiting?

I've read so many blogs and lists, but now while the iron's hot - give me your best "first trip" advice. What should we be sure to take that we might not think of? What things should we be sure to do on this first meeting with our little girl?

Creecher has a face!!

Yep! We got our referral! It's still sinking in but I've seen the pictures and read her medicals a thousand times so it must be true. Our case manager sent the information on Monday afternoon. We looked it over and sent it right on to our IA doctor. We spent 45 minutes on the phone with him Monday night (he's awesome, by the way) and accepted her on Tuesday. She's 9 months old and has a halo of light brown fuzz on her head. We're still waiting on a date to travel but our case manager said that it's typically within 2 - 3 weeks. That puts it right between Thanksgiving and Christmas which is just fine with us. With a little luck (okay probably a lot of luck) we could have her home for her 1st birthday.

I can't believe that after all this time it's finally happening! I've got to go update some paperwork or check on flights or pack something!!!

Progress and Caution

Happy Dance going on here. We got the word from our agency that the statute has been signed authorizing the MOE to start the re-accreditation process! Yippee! I'm not sure why it feels good to just be waiting for a different thing, but it does. Any progress is a step in the right direction.

On a less happy note, our agency cautioned us against divulging too much info in blogs. Negative information can be used against any or all of us. Even well-meaning comments can be misinterpreted or taken out of context and used to interfere with the adoption process. While I don't have any negative comments about the country we're adopting from or the officials or orphanages there, I'll try to say as little as possible about them so that I lessen the risk of saying anything that might possibly offend anyone.

Having said that, I feel like I have friends in this bloggy world so I'll try to keep up my blog to share our story without crossing any lines. And I'll DEFINITELY be keeping a check on all of you!

What's in a Name?

First, I want to say how fun it is to see familiar names commenting on my blog. I feel a lot less like a stalker when I'm opening myself up a little too! Thanks for visiting!!!

Lately, my thoughts keep coming back to what we will name Creecher when the time comes to put her legal name on paper. Creecher's all well and good for now, but I doubt that a judge who has to approve her adoption will find that very humorous. My general thoughts are:

1. My mom and I are "Betty" and "Betsy" and I always thought I'd carry on that idea. Or if not that idea, at least some sort of family heritage or significance.

2. Since we're adopting, I like the idea of either her first or middle name reflecting her heritage.

3. Finally, in all things, I like the unique and unusual (but not just plain weird - there's a fine line you know).

So, my questions for you guys are - How did you pick your children's names (even if you don't have your children yet)? Who were they named after? If your children were adopted, did you change their name?...or keep part of it? What other girls names (especially unique ones) can you think of that start with B?