The song, I'll be home for Christmas really hit home this year. In my heart of hearts and hope of hope, I wished for Joey to be home. As we all know this Christmas wasn't meant to be our 1st Christmas together. So tonight I sit and wonder about our future. I wonder when our "firsts" will begin. No matter when it is, I am ready!!!!
Merry Christmas to all my friends and family and a HUGE thank you for your support!!! And to my little love 1,800 miles away...I love you and carry you in my heart everyday!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
Not my plan...
Those who know me, know I love a good plan! I like things to roll out, just like they are designed in my head. My mom said the other day, you really shouldn't plan as much as you do! Once again, Mom 1 Nicole 0
Last night I learned that there is a delay in the process to bring Joey home. It hit me hard, like a big ol' punch in the gut. The severity of the issue has yet to be determined. So last night, I shed many tears, turned to my awesome support system, tried to sleep and went to school today. At school, I once again realized how lucky I am to have such an awesome work family. I was met with hugs, jokes to make me laugh, lunch with my team, and 19 little first graders who are busting with holiday excitement. I had so many words of encouragement that meant so much.
I have re-focused and jumped back in it. I am not planning anymore, as I have been reminded...it's not my plan its God's plan. He knows best and I am ready to see what he is going to do.
Last night I learned that there is a delay in the process to bring Joey home. It hit me hard, like a big ol' punch in the gut. The severity of the issue has yet to be determined. So last night, I shed many tears, turned to my awesome support system, tried to sleep and went to school today. At school, I once again realized how lucky I am to have such an awesome work family. I was met with hugs, jokes to make me laugh, lunch with my team, and 19 little first graders who are busting with holiday excitement. I had so many words of encouragement that meant so much.
I have re-focused and jumped back in it. I am not planning anymore, as I have been reminded...it's not my plan its God's plan. He knows best and I am ready to see what he is going to do.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Waiting....
Today I got 2 new pictures of my cutie pie! She is changing lots and and I can't wait to see her. Many people ask daily, "Have you heard anything?" and unfortunately the answer is NO. I am currently waiting for an email from US Immigrations that says they will approve her file and then the fun begins. Once we have that info, they will be able to schedule her medical appt and her VISA appt. Once the VISA appt is scheduled, flights will be booked, bags will be packed, and the countdown will begin. I pray every night that Joey is safe, healthy, happy, and being taken care of. I know God has a wonderful plan for us and it is time, I give it back to him and realize he knows best. A huge thank you to all my friends and family for your support!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
A year later...
12 months ago tonight I was on cloud 9! I had finally heard the words I was waiting to hear...you have a daughter! I am pretty sure I didn't sleep much that night or the nights following. The days after we were matched, I was excited and happy to share my news....to show off my daughter! Then days turned into weeks and weeks to months and I wasn't hearing anything. I watched her grow through pictures. In March, I was told it was time to meet her and that trip was the highlight of my year!!!!
So tonight I will go to bed knowing that every night that passes is one night closer to us being together FOREVER!!!!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Happy Birthday Little J!!!
You are 2!!! I have thought about you all day, much like everyday! I hope that your "aunties" sang to you today and that you had a fun day with your friends. Grandma and Grandpa and I celebrated you today! I even blew out your candles and made 2 wishes for your 2nd bday!!! They of course got you 2 presents, a play phone (which I know you will love!) and a 2 dollar bill for your 2nd bday:) I am counting the days til we are together again and know that the next time I see you, we will be together forever!!! I love you so so much!!! And can't wait to throw you a HUGE 3rd birthday party!!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
The day that changed my life forever...
Well I must admit that my plan was to blog about my 2 weeks with little J a lot sooner then now! However, life happens and so the story goes. So bare with me, as I look back on my trip and share the details!!!
April 22, 2014 was the day that changed my life forever. The day that I met little J and fell in love instantly. At 5:20 am I met Andy at O'Hare. I am sure Jules was more then a little apprehensive to send us off, as we all got a little teary eyed as we said good-bye. For those of you who know me well, you know I hate to fly. Andy is very familiar with this fear and knew exactly what to do to distract me. We got through security and checked in. We got our trashy mags and a little breakfast for Andy and waited to board our plane to Ft. Lauderdale. We didn't have seats next to each other, which wasn't ideal but I survived. We landed in Ft. Lauderdale and took the opportunity to eat a little food and touch base with everyone at home and then we boarded our plane to Port Au Prince. At this point, I am sure I had every emotion possible. I was scared to fly, nervous about leaving the country and maneuvering through the airport in Port Au Prince, and over the moon excited to meet J. The good news was we were able to sit together on this flight! As soon as we got off the plane, a man was waiting with a sign with our names! Thank Goodness, as he would help us get through customs and get our bags. We then were able to meet the driver from the creche! We were happy to see him, as it is kinda overwhelming when you leave the airport. Those of you who have been there, know exactly what I am talking about.
I had been told that it would take awhile to get from the airport to the creche where J lives, so we were prepared. We made many stops and were able to see Port Au Prince from the windows of the car. It was busy and the streets were filled with people and cars. After a change of cars and a driver, we finally arrived at the creche. How long did it take you ask, I truly have no idea. I am guessing about an hour and a half. When we arrived, we were taken to the guest house, where we would stay and then they said those magic words, "Do you want to meet her???" and of course my answer was YES!!!
We walked in through the creche and walked up, what reminded me of a tree house ladder and we were in the nursery. It was dark and a majority of the babies were sleeping. To her bed, I went immediately and I talked to her and then held out my hands and to me she came! I can't remember what I said, but there were tears. Tears of happiness for finally being together. There were no pictures, as it was very dark and Andy was just as excited as I was to finally see her. Our time was short that day but definitely long enough to fall in love!
April 22, 2014 was the day that changed my life forever. The day that I met little J and fell in love instantly. At 5:20 am I met Andy at O'Hare. I am sure Jules was more then a little apprehensive to send us off, as we all got a little teary eyed as we said good-bye. For those of you who know me well, you know I hate to fly. Andy is very familiar with this fear and knew exactly what to do to distract me. We got through security and checked in. We got our trashy mags and a little breakfast for Andy and waited to board our plane to Ft. Lauderdale. We didn't have seats next to each other, which wasn't ideal but I survived. We landed in Ft. Lauderdale and took the opportunity to eat a little food and touch base with everyone at home and then we boarded our plane to Port Au Prince. At this point, I am sure I had every emotion possible. I was scared to fly, nervous about leaving the country and maneuvering through the airport in Port Au Prince, and over the moon excited to meet J. The good news was we were able to sit together on this flight! As soon as we got off the plane, a man was waiting with a sign with our names! Thank Goodness, as he would help us get through customs and get our bags. We then were able to meet the driver from the creche! We were happy to see him, as it is kinda overwhelming when you leave the airport. Those of you who have been there, know exactly what I am talking about.
I had been told that it would take awhile to get from the airport to the creche where J lives, so we were prepared. We made many stops and were able to see Port Au Prince from the windows of the car. It was busy and the streets were filled with people and cars. After a change of cars and a driver, we finally arrived at the creche. How long did it take you ask, I truly have no idea. I am guessing about an hour and a half. When we arrived, we were taken to the guest house, where we would stay and then they said those magic words, "Do you want to meet her???" and of course my answer was YES!!!
We walked in through the creche and walked up, what reminded me of a tree house ladder and we were in the nursery. It was dark and a majority of the babies were sleeping. To her bed, I went immediately and I talked to her and then held out my hands and to me she came! I can't remember what I said, but there were tears. Tears of happiness for finally being together. There were no pictures, as it was very dark and Andy was just as excited as I was to finally see her. Our time was short that day but definitely long enough to fall in love!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
This is no joke!
Today is April Fools Day, Little J turns 20 months, and I am on spring break! Yet, the most exciting news is that 3 weeks from today, I will meet little J in person and fall even more in love then I already have.
It has been four months since I posted last. Life has been busy, winter has been cold and snowy, and through it all we waited. I check my phone multiple times a day, yet the last few weeks I have finally seen what I was looking for. The email that said IBESR thinks J & I are a good match...finally came! It took forever, yet as soon as it arrived, it was a crazy few days. I got the letter at 8:30 pm on March 19th, by 10:00 am on the 20th, I had potential dates to travel! Of course there was more paperwork that had to be done and quickly overnighted. Then we waited some more and today, I got the email that said "Book it! All is confirmed". YEA!!!!
Thank goodness for Spring Break!!! So many things to do!!! I will try to post some more things about the trip and new updates on J before I leave. Please keep me and J in your prayers!!!
It has been four months since I posted last. Life has been busy, winter has been cold and snowy, and through it all we waited. I check my phone multiple times a day, yet the last few weeks I have finally seen what I was looking for. The email that said IBESR thinks J & I are a good match...finally came! It took forever, yet as soon as it arrived, it was a crazy few days. I got the letter at 8:30 pm on March 19th, by 10:00 am on the 20th, I had potential dates to travel! Of course there was more paperwork that had to be done and quickly overnighted. Then we waited some more and today, I got the email that said "Book it! All is confirmed". YEA!!!!
Thank goodness for Spring Break!!! So many things to do!!! I will try to post some more things about the trip and new updates on J before I leave. Please keep me and J in your prayers!!!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
May this be the year...
2013 was a good year! It had some low points that weren't so fun, but there were definitely some highs that were! September 30th was one of those highs, the call that made me a mom!
The last three months have been busy! I was teaching 22 first graders (that still don't know about little J), I was wrapping up my internship to obtain my principal's license, the tornado hit Washington and changed so many lives, and of course Thanksgiving & Christmas!
So a little update on little J! Today she is 17 months old, as her birthday is August 1st. She weighs 20.5 pounds and is 30 inches long. She is a good eater and they say she is the "host of the nursery". She laughs a lot at her nannies/aunts and is learning new words each week! Of course those new words are in Creole, so this mom might need to add another resolution...learning Creole:)
My goal for 2014 is to document all of little J's updates!! My biggest goal of 2014 is to type the words, SHE IS HOME!!! 2014 is going to be an exciting year!!
The last three months have been busy! I was teaching 22 first graders (that still don't know about little J), I was wrapping up my internship to obtain my principal's license, the tornado hit Washington and changed so many lives, and of course Thanksgiving & Christmas!
So a little update on little J! Today she is 17 months old, as her birthday is August 1st. She weighs 20.5 pounds and is 30 inches long. She is a good eater and they say she is the "host of the nursery". She laughs a lot at her nannies/aunts and is learning new words each week! Of course those new words are in Creole, so this mom might need to add another resolution...learning Creole:)
My goal for 2014 is to document all of little J's updates!! My biggest goal of 2014 is to type the words, SHE IS HOME!!! 2014 is going to be an exciting year!!
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