Gagillion Updates (before the storm...heh heh...)

I have updates for you - betcha thought I would never come back!

First, can I tell you how excited I am about our two showers this weekend? I have one with my girlfriends on Sat. and one with Anton's school/parents Sunday. This is my first time at this baby shower thing, and I am soooooo excited! I can hardly wait! Also, on Friday night the M3 Posse is having a Pajama Party at K's house. Whahoo! I haven't done that in years! We are all so ready for Friday - too bad we're minus V - but she's got better things to do right now - like say...oh, being in China with her new cutie patootie, Aubriana? (See #6 below)

Here they are in no particular order at all - who's got the time?

1. Tonight some dear friends of ours stopped by out of the blue and surprised us with this!

Here I am with my Chicco "Polly" Highchair!!! It's the cutest and slickest thing you've ever seen! I love the colors (orange, blue, brown, and green polka dots) and I think they'll work for both the kids. I was so surprised I spent five minutes with my mouth gaping wide open and thanked them maybe no less than 50 times. They said they just wanted to "bless us". My Lord! We ARE! This was such a mood lifter and a huge, huge happiness for me. Thank you so much Tracy, Larry and Ella! We are beyond blessed by your generosity!

2. While on my travels this last week - I got to see one of my oldest and dearest friends - Renee. It was so good to see you, my dear! I actually got a little teary when we said goodbye - all these years as friends and it was my last time seeing her as just "Christie". Next time we meet, I'm a mama. Love you girl...you have made me laugh for 16 years and I can't imagine not knowing you.

3. Of course, there's the wedding. It was just beautiful! My aunt was STUNNING! And I really think she looks like Jane Seymour. Don't you? It was so good to see them both beaming and happy - just totally right in every way. I was invited to sing for her ceremony and it was such a privilege to be asked and to share their day in that way.

Vegas was hot. But FUN! My mom and I had quite the adventure and I highly recommend seeing the "Titanic" exhibit if you're in town. It's fascinating!! I won no major cash, because I refused to play more than about $20 in slots. Couldn't bear the idea of losing money so close to our trip. Just couldn't do it!

Mark & Deany

I finally snuck a picture of me with the bride - my sweet Auntie! I have no idea why I look like I'm lit up like a pink piglet in this picture. Ugh.

My & my Mama! (Rehearsal Dinner)

4. Anniversary #7
AB really outdid himself this year and gave me the royal treatment. Oh-la-la! He reasoned it was our last anniversary as just Anton & Christie, and wanted to do something extra special to convey his love for me. And boy, did he! I got picked up in this beauty...

Where we drove to get this beautiful man from work...

And then onto an amazing dinner at III Forks. What a treat and the food was absolutely AMAZING! Not one bad bite in the whole meal and I felt so pampered and loved on. For my gift? AB presented something I have wanted for a very, very long time: Our wedding on DVD. I could have cried! We only had it on VHS (yes, I just aged us) and our VHS machine has been long gone. I was so moved...what a wonderful time we had together and such a great way to love on each other before our big move into parenthood! When our driver took us home, we curled up on the couch together and watched the wedding video - which made me tear up and brought back many happy memories of our special day. Thank you, babe - it was so WONDERFUL and so great to be reminded of how much you are my best friend in the world. I love you!

5. Last month I along with two friends, Susie and Laura, was invited to lead worship at a Women's Retreat. We don't attend this particular church, but the three of us really enjoy singing together and somehow it was passed along the vine and we were asked to lead. We had so much fun - I swear, just on the ride there - we laughed and laughed. And our sides were quite literally hurting by the time we got there. It is such a priviledge to sing with these two - they are such amazing singers and so spot on - I feel honored to lead with them. The site was beautiful (I've been there before for my own church) and it was a pleasure to get to know the women from this church.
6. OMG! I have to tell you how utterly happy I am for M3 Posse Sister - my dear sweet friend Valerie and her beautiful daughter Aubriana - they are in China and finally united after all this time! I don't need to tell you - she's a DOLL! They come home next week and I am so excited to see them and hug that baby...please stop by and give her a little blogger hug - she could use it - she's homesick and feeling under the weather. Such a bummer when you're so far from home!

Ok, so that's the latest. We're preparing for our trip in small ways every day. Since I got home last night, I've done laundry, unpacked, cleaned house, made a packing and grocery list, gotten blood work at the lab, caught up on work, met with friends, had a final conference call with our agency to go over last minute details, and arranged for Quint to have a lap ticket on our way home. I'm cruising along through my checklists and have no intention of stopping.

Notimetosayhellogoodbye.

I can't wait until I get to post pictures of us with Quint for all you sweethearts out there who have been following our journey. And for those who have been around since the inception of the blog and the Keira journey - just know that we appreciate you so much and still pine daily for our little princess. Can't wait to have both my babies home next year and finally have both of my kids in my arms at one time. What a sweet day that will be! But for now, one step at a time...or one baby at a time - tee hee!

Cheers!

A Good Laugh

Hey, all my blogger adoptive Moms! Cheers from Vegas!

I just had to share this comment I got from my last post. It literally cracked me up!!! I laughed out loud at the ignorance of "Anonymous". What do you think?

and I quote:

Anonymous said...

"I find it interesting that you sit here and blog about how you can't wait to see your son, and you wish you were leaving earlier. You COULD go earlier, but you choose not to. I honestly think its very selfish of you to leave your son in an orphanage, while you sit here all happy in your luxury...well...compared to what he has anyways."

Anonymous - you COULD say who you are, but you choose not to. (Lame) You're comment is downright laughable. Since you have so much time to comment your unwanted opinions on my blog, why don't you spend a little more time researching. We aren't allowed to get our son until our confirmed travel dates, because he cannot be issued a Visa to leave the country until that time (hence, the travel dates). And I fail to see the selfishness in traveling halfway around the world to take my son from an orphanage in three weeks time. Clearly you have not spent an iota of your own time adopting or pursuing it - or you would know that you are confined to the parameters of the process. Duh.

Anyway, I must tell you that you gave me a great laugh. Oh! And thanks for sending me your IP address!

Ass.

hahaahahahahahahahahaa

Lists for my lists for my lists...

Have I mentioned that we're going to Ethiopia in 3 weeks and 6 days? Have I mentioned the MASSIVE amount of things we need to do prior to leaving, the least of which is get Yellow Fever shots so we can avoid bringing the black death back to the US - if for some reason there was an outbreak? Have I mentioned that tomorrow I am traveling to Vegas to attend my Aunt's wedding? I won't be back until next Monday and it's a wonderful thing that she's getting married and it's going to be amazing (love you Deany) - but I HAVE LISTS, PEOPLE. LISTS. I'm so far behind on certain things that my lists have lists.

This is the problem with being obsessively obsessed. HA! You make lists for your lists for your lists. You get through one and and you make a new one. You constantly think of things that need done - and then you sit on the couch (kind of comatose like), lists in hand, whilst you realize that you'll never get through all your stupid lists. I'm not saying I do this (cough), or that I have done this (sputter) or that I will (ahem) I'm just saying it could happen (gulp).

So, I'm traveling to Vegas and I'm sure I'll post a pic or two. But in my mind - I'm stuck in list mode and all that's not getting done on the homefront.

Meanwhile, we're anxiously awaiting another update at the end of the month for Quint. It's going to be so great to see new pics and get new information about him. That is definitely one of the perks for this adoption - we get regular updates. It's nice to feel somewhat connected to him as he grows and changes. Even if we aren't there yet.

But seriously friends - 3 weeks......6 days.

Unbelievable.

I have a whole post to do about the amazing romantic gesture AB did for me last Friday. It was an anniversary gift and it was so awesome! I have pics - I'll have to post that later...maybe tonight?

(3 weeks though...seriously?)

Mi Vida Loca

Ok - well, we're still processing the reality that all hurdles have been successfully...well, hurdled.

But I've received tons of well-wishing e-mails and comments and I just want to give a huge thank you for all the support and sincere warmth that you have all sent our way this last twenty four hours. It's been so wonderful to read such heartfelt comments from you. What a joy!

Meanwhile, I did have a couple questions that I wanted to answer for all the curious souls tuning in:

1. When are you going and when will you be back? We need details!

Our travel has been booked and we leave May 17th and return the 28th. AB and I are truly looking forward to a sweet time for the three of us to get to know each other - tucked away thousands of miles from our daily life and cell phones, e-mails, text messages, and WORK. Cocooned from the daily grind and enjoying 10 days to soak up our sweet boy and memorize the details of his face while we learn how to be his parents. There is a permeating emotion in our home of urgency to find ourselves on the plane to Ethiopia. We are ready to meet our son!

2. When will you actually get Quint in your arms?

Gotcha Day will be May 19th. Mark it on your Gotcha Calendars!

3. Are you taking a laptop to blog? Don't leave us hanging!

Well, we are taking a laptop - but I've heard that internet is limited at best. If there is a way to post from Ethiopia, I will find it. We will only know when we get there and can access our situation. Unlike China, we will not be staying in a hotel, but rather a guest house a short distance from the orphanage.

4. Can you PLEASE post a picture of Quint now?!? You're killing us...seriously!

My poor blogger peeps - you're so visual! I can't blame you - I'm the same way. But alas, I cannot post his picture until we have him in our custody. Though he is legally ours, it is not our own adoption we will hurt now. It is the process for others. I would never risk that for anything. Legally, I don't understand all the implications or reasons for the air-tight security, but we must abide the rules - and I know you would not have me do any less.

5. Are you ready to go? What all do you have to do?

Well, ready is such an ugly word. Ha! PRESSURE! We are not ready to leave, if we had to leave tomorrow. We have many things to tie up and to ensure before we can take a breathe. I think the breathe will come when we're on the plane and it is what it is. A friend called today and said "are you packing yet?" We laughed, but it's not that far off. Packing for a trip like this requires detail and thought out lists - something I am well versed in. AB - not so much. Being the world traveler of the two of us, he's much more likely to throw a back pack over his shoulder and say "I'm ready!". The bottom line is that we have a lot to do and a short amount of time to do it in, given our work schedules, impending travel unrelated to Africa, and busy calendar. But, I AM confident it will all come together. It always does...

So there you have it! That's the latest - we're just wrapping up our travel arrangements and confirming our tickets. Then it's on to more important details like "what will I have Quint wear?" Tee hee!

Shout out to Valerie - traveling to China to get her little pumpkin, Aubriana, this coming Sunday! Wowza! Watch her blog for a feel good (and hilarious) interpretation of another family being formed! Love ya V!

Humbled

He's OURS!

We travel May 18th...I'm speechless....

Our son is coming home

Thank you Lord! You're Amazing! You knew before time began that Quint would be my son and that this day would be before me.

Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

COURT

Monday is our court date for Quint. For the most part, I'm not freaking out. But if I let myself go there...there being the unknown possibility that something could happen - then I get a little jumpy. Otherwise, I've had a fairly strong sense of peace about it. Like we didn't come this far for nothing.

But if you pray, would you remember us on Monday and little Quint, half a world away. This is the day that will truly change his life forever - the day he will officially become part of our family. And then it's only up to going and getting him in our arms to make it official.

I will be sure to post when we hear the outcome...Monday will be nerve-wracking for sure.

Meanwhile, on a completely different note - if you enjoy Digi-Scrapping - I want to send you to my gal pal and fellow M3 sista's website Caffeine Created Designs. She's got freebies and adorable stuff for all you techie scrappers.

More to come soon...

Cough. Sputter

I'm sorry. Really I am...I know many of you are posting regularly and they are great posts with birthdays and milestones, and LID's - and I'm trying to keep up with them. Really, I am!

But part of the give and take of blogging, is also commenting. I unabashedly admit that I love your comments probably as much as you love receiving them too. What fun would blogging be if no one read our stuff? What would the point be? That's why it's so fun to read all your comments!

But lately? I've been a terrible blogger buddy because I'm like a hit and run blogger. I read em, and yet I haven't commented. It's not because I don't love your blog - it's because I am overwhelmed. It's because I have sticky note reminders all over my house. It's because when I look at my desk calendar, I get hives because most all of the days for this month have something penciled in. This in addition to working full-time and being bogged down with that as well; deadlines, and reports, and problems - it's just crazy around here.

Add on top of all of this the fact that, Lord willing, we're going to be on a plane to Africa next month to get our little Quint. Monday the 14th of April (yes, that's next Mon.) is our Court Day...and if we pass... well, it's official - he's ours! Please be praying for us that all will go well, and that we will pass with flying colors.

So, all this to say - I have been falling down on the blogger job - but it's not for lack of trying. Please hang in there with me! I will be back to commenting again...it's just that I've got to get out of this sticky note hell. Which reminds me...I need to...well, better put it on a sticky note...ugh!

Bullet Point Life

• I'm hosting a baby shower this weekend for my gal pal who had twins last month. I made this diaper cake last night, and I'm freaking proud of it!

• I went to W@lmart tonight at 11:45. Because I have no time folks. There I was at midnight buying punch, eggs, balloons and water. I was the ONLY shopper I saw in there. The workers even seemed surprised every time they came upon me wandering around. When the management started talking over the PA about ice cream, etc. it was time for me to rustle up my crap and get out of there.
  
• I like my pajamas more than any other piece of clothing I have. Where is the crime in that? (I guess the crime was in wearing them to W@lmart tonight...)
• D@ncing with the "stars" is a disappointment this season. Where have all the good dancers gone?
  
• American Id@l is ok...we like David and Michael. (Who doesn't like Michael?)
• Tornado warning back in effect for tomorrow. Pray for me. I've already dismantled the bunker...and I'm supposed to go meet my dear Robyn and her darling Avery as they return from China tomorrow evening. It's supposed to be NASTY weather. They probably won't even let them land?
• Work and life is gonna make me croak. I'm so overwhelmed that I'm underwhelmed. I want a whole day to lay in bed and there is just no possible hope of that on the horizon. Sob.
  
• We got two new pictures of our boy - which were it not for strict rules, I would post here for you all to enjoy. He's a doll! But I will admit, there was a moment of hesitation when I saw his picture - because our little man is already growing and changing - so much so, that at first I was like "huh? who is that?" No worries. It's him. Or a remarkable look alike.
• Now that the house projects are mostly done, we just have to get through April (which is incredibly busy) and then it's bam, bam, bam - and we're off to Africa. Those three bams stand for time flying by the first two weeks of May.
  
• Despite the fact that we are adopting our son in the middle of our long wait for Keira - we miss her so much it hurts. It's like a hole in my heart. I can't wait to go and bring her home. Counting the days...
• What are these ant looking things in my house with wings? They don't look like termites - but I've killed four in different areas of the house over the last 24 hours. Starting to freak me out.
• AB's next production is "Sound of Music". I'm so excited - it's one of my favorite movies ever.
• Thanks for all the really nice comments about the makeover for the house. It was soooo much work - we were zombies afterward for about two days. But soooo worth it!

That's all I've got for now...just felt like sharing...

Foul Weather

First let me preface this with the following: Mom, yes you - my mother...I want you to step away from the computer right now. No...no arguing with me. Step away! Go on...you're forbidden from reading this post. Trust me.

Ok, moving right along.

Yesterday was the scariest day living in my home, since I moved to Texas.

It all began with humidity. Not terrible - but mucky. Kind of sweaty, but cold sweaty. Really windy. I sat at my desk doing my work-thing all day. Around 3:30, my little Kaleigh crawled under my desk and was shivering. I reached down absentmindedly to stroke her head and ask her what was wrong. She just gave me a pathetic look and kept shaking as she jammed her body as far into the wall as she could. Hmmm. I don't hear any thunder? (She's terrified of thunder)

About ten minutes later, I noticed a clicking sound. Click, click, click. Against my window. That's curious, I thought. It's hailing. (you Midwest peeps see where this is going, don't you?) That's strange - it's awfully warm outside for hail. I mean, granted, it's windy as I'll get out - and it's been raining...and the sky is a weird color. But huge pieces of hail? (how dumb can you be?)

Within minutes of my pondering and head scratching as I stared out the window - I heard it. No, not it...stand by for that. I heard the siren. Not the fire engine kind. The SIREN. The one that goes on and on so that you know it's not an emergency vehicle making haste to somewhere else. It's the kind that sits on a large pole very high in the sky, all over town.

In my mind...I didn't get it. For about .5 seconds. Then I realized what was happening and I froze. Oh no. It's a tornado. They're warning us that a tornado is coming. Omg. Omg. What do I do? Omg. Ok...Ok...think, think. Where's the safest place in the house? Think! Don't just stand here! Think! Run! Hide! Do something!

I tried wiling myself to move - but time stood still. I couldn't seem to make my feet un-root. Finally, after what seemed like a siren induced coma - I clicked on the TV just in time to hear them say "and if you're in M____, (my town) then you must take cover immediately. Again, if you are in M___(sob, please God no!) you MUST take cover immediately. If you look here on our Doppler radar, you will see there is a huge weather pattern (i.e. tornado) that has all the indications of a powerful tornado heading towards F__and M____. You should take cover in a closet or bathroom right away. If this tornado manifests, it will be hitting M_____ at 4:20" At which point my TV goes DEAD. Oh yes, it did.

4:20? Did he say 4:20? But that's only 22 minutes from now? And they said it will hit F___ where my husband works at 4:15. OMG. I called AB -

AB: "Hello? Honey? Are you ok?"
CB: "No, I'm freaking out - there's a T...T...a.. Tor...(crying)..."
AB: "A tornado. I know - they've got the school on lock down. Listen to me - get the animals and get into a closet. Are you listening to me - I have to go....get the animals and get into a closet!"
CB: "Ok...I love you"
AB: "I love you - it'll be ok - just get into a closet babe - ok?"
CB: "Ok..."

click.

I went into severe panic mode. Though I wanted to be in total denial that this was actually happening - the sirens were still ringing loud and clear and I knew it was not going away. I had to get my fur-babies fast. Fortunately, my Kaleigh was already hidden in the deepest recesses of the master closet, so I only had to wrangle one dog and a pissed off elderly cat - who could not understand for her LIFE why I would drag her kicking and clawing into a small closet with not one, but two big dogs. After forcing them in - I realized silly things like the fact that I had no shoes on. I had no way to communicate or find out what was happening. What if my house collapsed and we were buried in here for days? I said a quick prayer and ran back to grab the following: don't laugh...I was not in my right mind.

• Computer - For checking the weather or anything I could find to keep me connected to the world.
  
• Computer Power Cable - for the non-existent plug in my tiny master closet. Don't ask.
• 2 packs of Peanut Butter Crackers - So I wouldn't starve if I got stuck
• 2 bottles of water - so I wouldn't get dehydrated after days or even hours
• 1 orange - no idea. Seemed to make perfect sense at the time.
• Tube of Chapstick - What? I've got chapped lips - it could get bad after two days.
• Two pillows - so I would be comfortable while waiting for rescue
• A blanket. Because the 70 that are in the closet already on the shelf just wouldn't do (??)
• A hoodie - because I was in the closet and there were no other clothes in there to wear in case of emergency...(seriously...no idea)
• Shoes and socks - which I then left in the bathroom and not the closet.
• Bowl of water for the animals - which I then also left in the bathroom.
• Three candles and some matches - because lighting up in a closet filled with flammable things like dog and cat hair and tons of clothes, seemed very reasonable at the time.
  
• Cell Phone - obviously so I could talk to AB
• Purse - because I hate having to get a new drivers license and bank card. Admit it - you do too!

So, I had my stuff - and I kept thinking "what a shame...I forgot our wedding album" or "darn, I should have grabbed my home movies". As if I thought that the closet would be where no damage would happen.

I tried using my computer to check current weather - but it all said the same thing. TAKE COVER.

Suddenly I could hear the storm. It was loud and rain and hail were pounding the house. I was crying - to be sure. But I prayed the same line over and over. I couldn't even get creative - all I could think was "Lord, please...spare my community! Protect Anton! Protect me! Protect my animals!" Then I decided to get more specific as I heard the storm increase. "LORD! TAKE BACK YOUR TORNADO! SUCK IT BACK INTO THE SKY!" Then it got eerily quiet very suddenly. Having lived in Florida, I knew that right before a tornado hits - it can get very still. Like all the air is being sucked away. So I said out loud.."this is it...I can't believe it...here we go".

And I waited.

And the dogs panted like crazy. And the cat began to meow in frustration that it was hot and I wasn't letting her out.

Lord...please...let it pass.

And I waited.

And then my phone rang - after about fifteen minutes. It was AB.

AB: "You ok"
CB: "umm, no...yes...I mean...well, yes. But I'm scared to death"
AB: "You're ok, babe - it's gonna be ok. It's already over. It's passed by. It hit another town and kept moving.
CB: "Are you sure? It's over?"
AB: "I'm sure - the sun came out and they've released the students. It's gonna be ok. You're ok - I'll be home soon. We're leaving..."

I was too afraid to believe it - even though I didn't hear anything outside the hot little room I was now firmly planted in. Me, my animals, and my motley assortment of survival items.

After twenty minutes more, when I was sure it was at least ok to peek out the closet door - I carefully pulled the handle. As I glanced out and the cool air hit my face - my cat ran quickly through my hands and out to freedom. Right behind her was my Anabelle - who had had enough. Kaleigh remained hidden in the corner, no doubt where I wanted to be also.

But, I wanted to know if AB was right. Had it passed? Had God sucked it up into the sky? Or at the very least dispersed it, so that it never gained momentum? I split the blinds with two fingers and took my first look outside in over an hour and a half. Well, either my eyes were deceived, or there was in fact blue sky and scatter clouds. Dripping eaves and melting hail were all that was left.

I decided to exit the bunker and make my way to the living room- where I quickly fumbled back to the news.

"Can't really explain it...just lost all it's power out there over North Texas and fell apart. Not really sure why - but it seems to have just broken apart and there's nothing but little patches of bad rain in a few parts. So, having said that...we will end our emergency weather report and return now to our regularly scheduled programming..."

I can explain it. Thousands of "Lord...please!" being sent up over the last hour might have had some impact. Broken apart indeed!

AB came home shortly after and we had a nice long hug. He made me a wonderful dinner while I slept on the couch - I was drained dry from the adrenaline. When he woke me to eat, he smiled and said "dinner's ready".

"Ok...I'm coming. Gosh...I was tired! I almost died today, did you know?" He smiled at me.

Later as we prepared ourselves for bed, I walked to the closet and found him standing there, in the middle of my makeshift bunker, chuckling. I had never removed my "emergency" set-up. He surveyed my pillows, blanket, hoodie - and snacks. In his hand, he held my chapstick with a puzzled but amused look on his face.

"What?!?" I said. "I have chapped lips - you never know when you'll need chapstick!"