Guess What Came In the Mail Yesterday?

We were prepared for a longer wait, so we were pleasantly surprised to find Nigel's Virginia birth certificate in our mailbox yesterday! YAY!!!!!! So now we just have a few steps left and we'll be done with all of this paperwork once and for all. - Sarah

We're Still Here

Yikes, it's been awhile since my last post.....

We still haven't gotten Nigel's VA birth certificate, but we were told that it would take about 8-12 weeks from the date the adoption was finalized, so we've got some time. I really think it's possible that we'll wrap this all up by our first family anniversary, which is so awesome!

Tomorrow I'm meeting with a PhD student (social work) who's interviewing parents of internationally adopted children about their experiences. Tim met with him last week. We're on a roll.... not too long ago I answered some questions for a paper that Bethany's working on. I think I could talk about adoption to a rock!

I also like to listen to people talk about adoption. Which brings me to a little plug: If you found my blog on this site (and are, therefore, local) and are interested in adoption or know someone who is, you won't want to miss May's Resolve Adoption Support Group meeting (May 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Glen Allen Library). Dr. Suzanne Lavoie, a parent by adoption and director of the VCU International Adoption Medicine Clinic, will be speaking about the clinic and what it offers; common health issues among children of international adoption and how easy or difficult they are to treat; testing for vaccinations that have already been administered; consequences of drug and alcohol exposure during pregnancy, which drugs should people really be concerned about and how much exposure is too much (something that folks who are considering domestic adoption might really be interested in). On a personal note, I HEART Dr. Lavoie. When we got the referral for Nigel she went over his available medical records with us, and once he was home she thoroughly checked him out.

And if you came here just for a sugary sweet picture, here ya go:

More Good News!

Yesterday we shared some good Nigel news. Today, you HAVE to go to the Gurskes' blog for their good news!!!

Nigel's Re-adoption is Complete!

We got word earlier this week that Nigel's re-adoption in Virginia is complete (the paperwork was actually signed on April Fool's Day... hopefully that's no omen). So, once we get his VA birth certificate in the mail we can apply for a social security number and a certificate of citizenship!

It's a relief! Not so much because I was afraid someone could come and take him - actually, I've never had that feeling, which kind of surprises me now that I think about it - but because it just means we're one more step to just BEING!

Part of me is sad to see his Green Card and Ethio Passport become invalid, though. I feel very comforted by the legality of those documents. It's something little that carries a lot of weight if his status or relationship to us was ever questioned by someone in authority (doctor, police, etc.). So, for that reason I think we'll go ahead and get a US Passport, too. - Sarah

We Survived the First Birthday Party

Nigel's birthday party was yesterday. The weather was supposed to be crummy so everyone crammed into our tiny house. I think it went really well.... Nigel was overwhelmed at times, but there were no serious meltdowns.



I made cupcakes out of banana bread and topped them with a cream cheese frosting that was lightened with whipped cream and sweetened with agave.




Since we'd never given Nigel cake before - let alone an entire cupcake - he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. So, Tim cut it into fourths and the rest is history



Nigel got some really great gifts, including this singing mailbox from his grandma and grandpa M...


... and this awesome play cube from his grandmother and grandfather B. My mom and brothers gave us a family membership to the local children's museum!!

Mixed Emotions About Nigel's First Birthday

Nigel turned ONE today!

I always knew I wouldn't be able to take this day as a straight celebration. For starters, since Nigel has only been home for 8 months, it's kind of hard to think of him as being older than that.... no matter how large the genius child is.

Like all parents, Tim and I have loved watching our little one grow these past few months. He's a real person who's taking steps, standing up unassisted, loves to laugh, and has formed some distinct likes and dislikes. But - and I never thought I'd say this because I'm not really a baby baby person - it makes me sad to think about him growing up. All those months that he was a blob laying on a blanket I should have cuddled with him more instead of wishing for the days when we could cook together or ride bikes. He's gotten quite clingy rencently, and I'm savoring it as much as I can. Lord knows teenagers don't let you hug and kiss them all day!

But as an adoptive parent, two other things are on my mind today, the first being that I was totally oblivious to his very existance until almost two months after his birth. I just looked back at my old work calendars (yes, I keep those), and saw that I was at a women's health conference getting story ideas one year ago today. I didn't post on this blog on the day of Nigel's birth, but two days later there was this entry about getting our fingerprints done again (I still don't get that.... it's not like they change). How different my life is now because of him.

And lastly, but most importantly, my heart is heavy for Nigel's birthfamily. Throughout the entire adoption process I felt guilty about wanting a match so badly because ultimately that meant yet another child wouldn't be raised by their birthfamily, in their birthcountry. Yet another family would feel heartbreak. I hope they know that we think of them every day and tell Nigel how much they love him. - Sarah

guess who has a birthday on wednesday???????

Daddy loves you and we will have a great birthday. lots of boxes and balloons!