Tuesday, Jan. 12

Today started out rather inauspiciously. In the early morning, I was awakened when I noticed my arm was in a cold, wet puddle on the bed. Disoriented, I got up and slid into the bathroom (another puddle). And it all became clear-- Yes, Joe, with the temperature rising, the water dripping has begun again. This time, the puddles are bigger, but fortunately for me, they’re on your side of the bed :). The internet has been totally down for the last two days, so I’m not sure how I’ll skype you later today, followed by my promised call to Aunt Aleen. Oops, I spoke too soon. After numerous calls to reception, my prayers are answered and a very nice man, Sasha, found the missing cable and voila-- internet. Yea, so I can now update my followers and all the many caring, supportive folks about today’s events.

To bottom line it-- good news, great news, the best we could hope for. I don’t have our little baby with me yet (she’s in the baby house as I write this), but I’m hoping we get the green light from our translator that tomorrow we’ll go to pick her up. To backtrack, I sat with our translator for some time outside the official court room, rehearsing my speech, while we both kept our fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Once inside, it sort of took on a life of its own-- foreign to me but the many capable women sitting around this very big, long conference table, let me know I was in good hands. We rose as I answered questions, she translated, and I wasn’t sure how much to elaborate, but just kept smiling and kept it straight forward, hoping my nervous stomach wouldn’t give me away. I teared up at points, as it was so intense, the content of what we were discussing. My translator and I looked intently into each other’s eyes, as words were spoken yet so much emotion had to be kept bottled up. After all, this was a very formal procedure.

Then, another hour wait for the decision, so we distracted ourselves by picking up some photos (which I’ll include in our gifts tomorrow). Once back inside, I stood close to our translator, and when she translated the words, “immediate decision,” we squeezed hands and this time I couldn’t hold back the tears. I heard our baby’s name being translated into the name Joe and I have chosen, and it started to feel real... somewhat. I asked our translator to please convey to the judge my heartfelt gratitude and happiness, and before I knew it we were back outside. Hugs, a congratulations hand shake from our wonderful driver, and more hugs at the hotel from our gracious hotel manager.

Back at the hotel, waiting throughout the afternoon, our translator just popped in for two minutes for me to sign lots of paperwork, and will call me later tonight to hear how tomorrow will unfold. I’m feeling optimistic that our baby will join me tomorrow in our beautiful room, home away from home. I’m so excited to soon be able to dress her in that adorable REI pink snowsuit that Joe found (after multiple trips to different locations), while I wrap gifts, and organize her baby products/clothes/toys.

We’re over one huge hurdle today-- just a few more to go. I just wish Joe could be here too, to share in all of this, but I know that in all the important ways you’re right here beside me and our little baby. OK, off to skype you Joe.