Day 5- Gotcha Day

Today started like the rest of our days. The Bash up first peppy as ever. We got up second trying to stay close to B for when she wakes up... Last B wakes up. She is a slow riser... It takes her a bit to wake up... Which is exactly OPPOSITE of The Bash. The boy is up peppy and wired all the way until he lays his head back down on the pillow for bed time! :) Love that about both of them!
We showered B off (once she did get up) and dressed her. Then I cuddled with her while I posted some updates on Facebook. She just sat there... Until I was too boring! :) She started moving around and I asked her if she was awake now. She nodded. I asked her if she wanted to go play with The Bash... She nodded. It was an awesome start to the morning. She was ready to play with dad and brother and that left me a small amount of time to go workout. I know that sounds crazy, but those of you who know me well... know that a workout helps me function the rest of the day... I cannot explain it... It just is who I am... So I worked out. As I'm in the room workout out, B kept peeking in and watching me (like I was crazy) and then running back out to play.
I got ready and we set off to play! We ran around and played Memory (again).... took some awesome pictures thanks to these sweet, now friends, at the crèche, and got things packed up and ready to go. Another mama arrived last night, and so I was able to talk to her. It's such a blessing to have a community of families that are going through EXACTLY what we are going through. It is a blessing to be able to talk about fears and hopes and doubts together and know that they know EXACTLY what you are feeling. All these parents I have met through this experience are so amazing. Such a blessing to us for sure!
We went from playing to packing up the van in a hurry. It was a surreal feeling really. Like... we have waited 3.5 years for this.... and it is ACTUALLY happening. Some days during this process it felt as thought this day was never ever ever ever ever..... ever.... going to happen. I would cry and cry in frustration feeling like we would never see the end of this process.... But then there we were... packing ALL Of us up to head HOME... TOGETHER!!! Can I get an amen hallelujah!?!?!
I was worried all morning about how our travels were going to go.... First,  we loaded the van with no crying. She clung to me tight... but no crying. She ended up falling asleep on the way down the mountain. When we arrived to the airport... no crying. She did a lot of people watching. But she was good. She was awesome! We ate lunch at the airport and then had some wait time. She just sat there soaking it all in.
We loaded the first plane... no crying. We took off. She gripped me tight. She clung to my arm. No crying. As soon as I could I took her seatbelt off and she hopped on my lap so fast and we rode the rest of the flight with her on my lap. She fell in and out of sleep... but was AMAZING.
Got to the airport in Miami. Was not sure how she would do with all the people, lights, and craziness... But she did awesome once again. She helped push suitcases, went though the medal detector, and walked through the airport like a champ. WE had a good 2 hour laps once we found our gate. At first she did not want to eat (pizza)... I was worried she was not going to eat or drink... but she downed her PowerAde and then was excited for her Lara bar. So I praised God for that. She ate, she drank, and she was pretty relaxed as we sat there. We did a sticker book (thanks Autumn) and she did a TON of people watching. She stared at a group of girls for the longest time. I think she thought they were pretty interesting! :)
As we loaded the 2nd plane she clung to me again. WE walked onto the plane and she squeezed my finger tight... but no crying. As we took off her squeeze got tighter, but she stayed strong! Another great flight! Praise God! She even got up to go to the bathroom!
Our car trip was another awesome trip. She let me sit her in her booster and buckle her in AND me sit in front. She watched out the window for a bit, and then fell asleep.
When we FINALLY arrived home (at 1am) she KINDA woke up a bit, but quickly passed out in her bed. It was a relief because then The Man and I could do the same!
WE ALSO arrived home to our back wall being finished (thanks pa) and food stocked up (thanks Char). THANK YOU for all your prayers... They have been answered and we feel so very blessed

Day 4- Steps forward and back

Today was another emotional day.
B woke up kinda her normal timid self. Not sure what to think. We let her lay there to wake up, and then I pulled her over to snuggle and check out what The Bash was doing. The Man started the shower (it takes a bit to warm up) while we woke up. Once things were warm B took a shower (I THINK her first). She was not so sure what to think about it, but I think she liked it. She washed herself and then we got her dressed and ready for the day.
The kids and dad watched a little show, while mom worked out. Then we headed out for some play time. This morning B was ready to go. She talked to us more and sooner, She was very interactive with all of us. She was laughing and having a good time. We played games, played some beats with some drum sticks, painted pictures, chased each other, stacked blocks, and just had a good 'ol time. We ate lunch together and then headed over to the creche.
There was NOT a whole lot going on, but I wanted a nanny to work with me on how to do B's hair. So we found a nanny that was willing. She did all but a little and let me get my hands in there to do the braids. So I got a very mini tutorial on how to do B's hair. I feel betterish about that whole ordeal. The good thing is, I don't have to work... so I should be able to work on that girl's hair all day if need be! :) She likes to sit and cuddle a lot, so I can get some good practice time in then!
After that B was tired and actually ended up taking a nap on me, while the kids ran around and we decorated for B's party. Benito stopped over and we met with him. I'd love to tell you more of that story.... just not at this time.... hopefully soon though! Anyway we talked with him, and then the "party" started. The party was mainly us being mobbed by the kids wanting all the goodies we brought. It was craziness. We also brought nanny gifts and let B hand them out and give hugs to them. It was sweet to see how much the nannies love her... and hard... hard to see her have to say good-bye to these women that have been her mamas for so long.
We left soon after handing out all the goods. We came back and vegged out. Be was tired. I was tired... We were all tired (except maybe The Bash... does he ever get tired?). So we played a little ipad books and then a couple puzzles and memory. It was good, but really dazed. We ate dinner and B did not eat too much. Not super surprizing she had eaten a lot that day. After dinner she pretty much just wanted me to hold her. We walked around the halls and just watched everyone else.
Right around bed time we started brushing teeth and I changed her clothes. I had her take off her shoes and she lost it. I really wasn't even going to try and put her to sleep tonight. Just walk the halls and let it happen... but she started to cry and could not contain herself. So despite my efforts of a low-key evening and a better night of getting her to sleep... we had another rought hour of full on crying. It was insane at some points. She was kicking and screaming and crying so loud. Some times I had to set her on the bed and let her scream and cry there because she was moving around so much I couldn't hold her. I would just hold my hands out and when she was ready she would come back to get a hug. She did that for a good hour. I can only imagine the fear and hurt she must feel. It breaks my heart each time. I could feel my heart just beating and breaking... But we continued on... I kept hugging and holding her. Giving her space, yet not leaving her... and then... without warning... She is done. She stops crying. Barries her head on my shoulder... and is fast asleep. I sit there rocking her and crying.
If we have an amazing day, and have an hour each night of full on crying... I'll take it. I honestly think it would be more alarming if she didn't cry through all this situation.... But my mama heart breaks so much when it happens.
ALSO, side news... we do have other people here at the guest house with us. That has been nice to have other people to interact with and talk to during down times. It can get a bit lonely here. ALSO... it just so happens that they are photographers here to take pictures for C4C... So we will get some awesome pictures of B's gotcha day tomorrow! HOORAY!
THANK YOU again for everyone's messages yesterday. They are so encouraging to us. We appreciate them so much.
Please pray for us as we have a LONG journey home tomorrow. Please pray for safe travels and smooth travels. Pray for patience and peace.
WE CANNOT WAIT TO BE HOME!!!!!!!!

Day 3- Wanna Hop on This Roller Coaster?

Today started off pretty good! B slowly woke up, we bathed her, dressed her, and we cuddled for a good long time. We started watching/playing with books on the ipad and she got settled in so that I could back out and let The Bash and her cuddle and play together. I even got my workout in! :) She EVEN took time with The Man. They played with playdoh and she even made The Man a bracelet! :)
The morning went along well and everyone was getting along great. By the time I was worked out, showered, and got ready it was time to take up the donations and some gifts for the kids at the crèche.
When we got there, before entering in, B turned around and wanted me to hold her. She did not want to be put down, and just held on tight. While we were there the little ones were having school! It was fun to sit and see all they are learning. After school we handed the kids the toys (which are probably destroyed by now). We were only at the crèche for about 15 minutes and decided it was time to go back home and eat some lunch. So we walked back and fixed some lunch. B ate it up like a boss and a feeling of gratitude came over me. I feel so very blessed to have all of us around the table and eating together!
After lunch we played UNO, Memory, stringing items, building items, coloring, and tons of puzzles. The Bash and B even went off and played together for a bit. HOW COOL!?!?!?!
We ate dinner again and it was another great meal. She just takes food down and stops when she is full. I can safely both kids LOVE fruits and veggies (especially carrots). Both kids LOVE to drink TONS of water.
Overall B was a lot more easygoing today. She was a lot more willing to play and walk around. She talked A LITTLE to us. She laughed and smiled and had a great day.
Bed time was hard. She was not wanting to stay another night. When she knew it was time for bed, she lost it. I rocked her for a good hour or so while she screamed/sang. I cried. I felt her pain. I'm sure this whole thing is awesome... but SCARY! I cried and she cried and we sat and rocked for an hour. And then, she just.... stopped.... She passed out and is asleep now as I write this. So.... it was rough.... but in the same light it was a good hurdle to jump over with her. It hurt my heart that I could not just stop her from crying. It hurts my heart that I cannot comfort her and let her know that everything is going to be great. Even after she fell asleep I cried... My heart breaks because I feel so unequipped to do this.
So she sleeps... and tomorrow will be another day. Tomorrow will bring another set of new joys and new challenges. Your prayers and encouragement are a blessing to us. Thank you SOOOOOO MUCH!!!

Day 2- Let Her Sleep in Shoes!

Today has been nothing less than a whilwind! We started off our day at 3:17am.  We hopped out of bed, got ready as quickly as we could and then headed out the door. We took a shuttle to the airport and there we sat for a good 2 hours. It was easy to check in, because our checked luggage was already checked and waiting for us!
We loaded the plane and set toward Haiti. The flight was uneventful, and no matter how hard I tried I could NOT get The Bash to take a nap. So he stayed up... and so we all stayed up! After we landed we gathered up all 9 of our bags (3 checked, 3 carry on, and 3 bags) and carried them through the airport.. It's funny how different our feelings are in this process from the first time we landed now to our 3rd time. We've got this down like pros! :) We met our ride and loaded all our bags into the car.
We acutally did a LOT of driving fomr 9:45-2:00. We picked up our C4C rep, headed to the Embassy to pick up B's passport, went to IBESR to get our final signed off letter, hit up GIANT for some fresh produce groceries, and then FINALLY made it to the guest house. We dropped out things, stuffed food in our mouths, and headed up to the creche.
B was there eating. She is always a timid one. Remember that when you first meet her! :) But she soon came to me and held on for dear life. I held on to her. Trying to sniff her (it's a mom thing?). The Bash found his friends and quickly took off with them. THEY LOVE HIM THERE!!! THe kids chase him around and pick him up and just love him. It's amazing. BUT, at that time... I was too tired to be dealing with so much touching and craziness... so I suggested we take B back to the guest house and get settled there and The Man agreed.
So we swept B away... and didn't go back. At first B was VERY nervous (as she has a right to be!). She held on to me tight and said not ONE word. We watched The Bash and The Man play Jenga. We watched a movie (did I mention we were tired?!). Then we had dinner. The girl LOVED it. She scarffed it down! I loved watching her eat. I loved being at the table and eating as a whole family. It's just a glimpse into my life now... and it just was everything I loved and so much more.
B started to get restless. Not sure what we were going to do with her, but for SURE wanted to start heading back to the creche. We distracted her with coloring, music, and books. Then it was time to sleep. I tired to take her shoes off... and that was NOT happening. I tried just sitting and rocking with her for a bit, like I had done the times we were previously here for nap time.... BUT she was not having any of that. "COME" she told me as she pulled my hand toward the door to lead me back to her bed. I said "No, B, we are staying here. We are staying as a family now." Anyway, we had a lot of going back and forth. Finally I did what I had done to The Bash the COUNTLESS nights he was awake. I walked around bouncing and rocking her and FINALLY she passed out asleep. THen I laid her down on our bed and she grabbed my hand and fell back to sleep. Shoes on and all... She is sleeping right now next to me... with her shoes on! :) I'll take it!
As we laid there together I recapped the day in my head:
1- The Bash is an amazing boy. He is loving towards his sister with NO return at all. He was patient in a car for hours on end and plane trips for hours on end!
2- B is an amazing girl. She has stuck it out in this situation that I can only imagine is 100% frightening. She has been so strong and so trusting in a time when we have not really earned it! I remember our first trip here. After the first day of all this change and struggle I cried. She... is... amazing! I know God is working in her heart right now, and as I laid there I continued to pray for His work.
3- The Man is a patient and loving man. I cannot imagine this journey without him. I don't think I would have made it.
4- God is good! I do not have to go back to work for the rest of the school year. So if I have to stay up and rock this sweet girl to sleep every night.. I can. If I end up sleeping in her bed for months... I can. Whatever this transition needs... we can do it! What a blessing!
5- I HOPE that we can continue to bond closer and closer as a family in these next few days here.... So that our return home is a good one. I PRAY that the Lord continues to break down barriers in B's heart and help her to embrace this next CRAZY step in her life. I PRAY that we all can have our hearts and heads ready for this new change. I an so THANKFUL for these 2 kids. I lay in this room with our family of 4 and could not feel more blessed. We have been waiting for 3.5 years for this very moment. 3.5 years to bring this sweet girl home so we can be complete..... AMEN!

Haiti is beautiful!

IBESR Office

Day 1- Easter Sunday

 

Our first day was very uneventful as far as days go... :) We sat at airports.... sat in airplanes.... and walked through airports from 10am-9pm. We took 2 planes to get to Miami arriving here (Miami) around 9 (8 our time). The second plane we took from Dallas to Miami was SWEET! It had swanky seats and TVs for each seat. We all got to watch good movies and relax (even with a delay).We took a shuttle to our hotel for the night and basically got in our room and slept. :) 

We are very thankful for our safe travels and for a son that makes the best out of every moment. The Bash traveled like a champ holding his own as we walked through airports and sat for LONG times. This is a picture of The Bash listening to Harry Potter and eating dinner! :)

Up at 3:13 (2:13 our time) and headed out the door this morning. TODAY IS THE DAY... Today is the day we will be reunited, and will not have to leave without her ever again! Praise God!

Prayer requests:

Another safe travel
An easy pick up of the VISA from the Embassy.
B to recognize and be excited to see us
Quick rebonding
Blessed moments
Prepare our hearts and minds to come home
Patience
Energy!!!!

Have a fantastic day dear friends.

Closing this LONG chapter....

Friends and family it is with great joy that I announce we are FINALLY bringing our dear girl home. This journey started almost 3.5 years ago. We have been waiting for the last pieces of this final journey for almost a YEAR... and yesterday we finally got word that EVERYTHING is ready for us to travel to go get our sweet B and bring her home!

Those of you who are wondering this is all the details:

We had been waiting since the start of February for them to REprint B's passport.... the first time they printed it they put in the wrong birthdate. So a cool 10 weeks later... The Man and I were feeling VERY frustrated with this situation. In fact just last Friday I was out of control sobbing at the pain and frustration I was feeling with this whole journey. I believe I told Paul that I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on... I wasn't sure how much longer I could just put on a positive attitude and continue on with my every day life....

MONDAY, B's bestie was picked up and got to go home with HER forever family. I cried I was so happy for the family... and I was sad for B. How weird that must be to have someone, like a sister, just up and leave one day. The sweet sweet mom that was there picking up her daughter told me that she had been told that B's passport was in. So Monday The Man and I were anxiously waiting to hear something from Lifeline about all this.... with no avail... In fact our country rep was trying to get ahold of people, and couldn't get them.

SO, we kinda sat on that news... not knowing what to think... and hoping that this was true... and that we would have it all worked out by Tuesday.

TUESDAY.... NOTHING.... no word at all... So then I started doubting... Things like this has happened to us so many times during this journey it's so hard to get your hopes up too much... So carried on not knowing WHAT to think.

WEDNESDAY.... we got an email that morning telling us we DID have the passport and were waiting for Embassy's approval and printing of our VISA. Later that afternoon we got confirmation that B's VISA was printed and ready to go our country rep asked us both about times and dates we could travel... The Man and I both responded ANY TIME... WE ARE READY RIGHT NOW!!!!! :) SO, after a lot of craziness we have 3 plane tickets down to Haiti and 4 to come back!!!

We leave Saturday and should return late Thursday evening. :)

ON THAT NOTE.... we are so excited to share our sweet girl with you... but not for a bit. Our family needs time to bond and come together FIRST before we can introduce her to other amazing people. She has to learn that we are her family, we love her, provide for her, and will always be there for her. It's important we focus on that time as a family and really get a good foundation of love and support for her! So, as much as you want to come see her and visit her... we ask that you hold off for a bit.... as hard as that will be! I will keep you updated on progress and life here in our bunker as much as I can. If you have gifts for her, we ask that you give them to us and that we give them to her.... It helps her continue to see that we are her providers.

LOTS of people have offered up "Anything we need?" or "How can I help?" and the truth is... WE HAVE NO IDEA!!! :) I have not really been able to put together complete thoughts since we got the news yesterday! :) So if you wanna do something... great... IF not great... do I know what we need? NO... We do need donations to take to Haiti to give to C4C. I'm thinking someone is putting together a meal train? I have the bestst lady watching Nala... I THINK we have all the plane tickets bought and ready to go....  SO unless someone wants to come pack for me, grocery shop for our trip, or clean my house... I think we are good! :) haha! Continued prayers are good and keep the positive messages coming... this will be an intense week coming up for us!

ALSO, we are closing this chapter... but a new one begins. Please continue to pray for our family as we enter uncharted territory. Pray that we continue to grow and grow and grow closer as a complete family. Pray for our hearts and minds, pray that The Bash feels love and importance through this change, pray that we, as parents, make good choices for our family, and that we figure out how to do her hair! :) hahaha!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH... thank you... thank you... thank you! We have relied on all of you so much for your love and support and your prayers. Not a day goes by that I don't realize how completely amazing you are... I praise God for such a support group.

3. More. Days!

Stay tuned... Your daily readings are about to get fired up! :)


Sorry this post is all over the place... Can you tell how crazy my mind is right now?!?!?! My goodness!

Can I Get an Amen?!?

Today we got word that we have FINALLY gotten B's Birth Certificate! It will be delivered to the Embassy tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!! The document we have been waiting for since JULY has finally been produced!!! Feel free to jump up and down and scream! I know I did (with some crying)....

What does this mean? This means that we are on our way to bringing our girl home VERY soon (reminder we are working with Haiti... so it could been within the next 2 weeks... or we could be delayed for months... ya just never know....) But really after the BC is submitted they can finally move our file into our last stages at the embassy (USCIS). Then we need to get our VISA appointment. When we get our appointment date THAT is the day we will travel to Haiti, sign the papers, and bring our girl home!!!

BUT today we celebrate.. Today we jump up and down and put an extra pep in our step.... and TODAY we can now pray for:
- a quick last step
-a quick VISA appointment
- prepare our hearts for this transition




Ya'll are amazing.... Thank you so much for your continued support and love. We will continue to keep you in the loop as we carry on in these last steps.