Team Stum

Team Stum

Friday, March 29, 2013

Not winning any awards

I had such good intentions of being a blogger again. I had even better intentions of winning the prize for being the fastest ever home study and adoption dossier preparer. Only to fail at all of the above.

The home study is done-ish. I'm just plagued by a police clearance for the few months we lived in St. Thomas, USVI. "Island time" is a very real thing, so getting a person to feel urgent along with me about a form isn't easy. We didn't commit any crimes while living there except exercising super poor judgement to move there in the first place, but for some reason the USCIS believes there should be  actual documentation of our good standing.

The dossier isn't even close. I don't want to discuss it. Aida is there--all turning 1 and stuff--and we're here missing her, talking about her, praying for her, and as odd as it might sound, loving her.

Our wonderful friend, Karis, traveled to Ethiopia in February. She carved out some time to visit Aida, and I'm so happy she did. What a sweet one headed our way! I've done this adoption thing enough times to know that what you or others observe about your child in her environment doesn't pack itself up neatly and board the plane to the U.S., but it still feels good to know that she is content, happy, loved, engaging, and most definitely eating. All of that means she has the capacity to be those things here, too, someday.

Have I told you that Aida is really tall? Her caregiver said she tried to put her in an exer-saucer, but she kept tipping the whole thing over because more of her was out of it than in it. My basketball loving boys think she's destined to join them on the court. I'm fast forwarding to clothing discussions knowing that every skirt and pair of shorts will look way shorter on her than her shrimpy friends.

Happy birthday, sweet Aida. May your next big day be spent here with us smothering you with hugs and kisses.

More soon, eventually.  

6 comments:

Alison said...

I can help her out on the shorts issues. High waters are cool, right?? Glad to get a glimpse of your life! Miss seeing you guys regularly.

Carpenters said...

Ah, so sweet! But I know it's bittersweet to spend this special birthday apart from her. We'll be praying things move swiftly and that she'll be in your arms soon.

Lynda said...

Praying things move more quickly - - even though we know God's timing is perfect. But we also know the sooner she is with her forever family, the easier the adjustment will be for her.

kathy said...

I can only imagine how you feel.....I'm sure I would be so impatient with the whole process!! Just hope things will speed up and your little girl will be here soon!!


Apryl said...

I have to say, I am SO jealous. Off and on with blogging, usually when I carve out time to write something I end up reading instead--which is how I found myself here! I'm eager to read more, and so excited for your family to add a little girl to the clan!

Leigha said...

Ahhh can wait till you have her in your arms. I'm with you sister the waiting is so hard. All our prayers leigha