The post in which I give my acceptance speech...

Remember a few days ago, when I said that I was speechless?

I still kind of feel that way, but my words are starting to return, slowly but surely.  (You guys didn't REALLY think I'd be quiet for long, did you?  You should know me better than that....)

A lot has change since our last post.  I'm going to try and hit upon all of it, as quickly as possible, and then get into the "good stuff"...the emotional rollercoaster.

Let's see, how about some bullet points?  That'll probably keep things clear, right?

- First things first....the iPad giveaway.  You can find the information here, and also through the tab at the top of the page.  Remember, you have until March 1st to become eligible for our thank you gift, so make sure to get moving on that!   (Also, please, please, please if you share it via Facebook, twitter, or email, please make sure to either tag me, or send me a message via the blog letting me know.  If I don't know....you don't become eligible, even if you did one of the two things listed on the giveaway post)

- Secondly...we're still looking for donations for the silent auction in April.  You can find more information here (scroll down the page).  We're *thisclose* to having a really cool item to give away for every single day of the month!!  If you can help out with an item in some way, please let me know!

- Next - the March BBQ is coming up quickly, on March 24th.  Our location is 99.9% confirmed, but will definitely be in Gilbert (AZ).  We're just waiting to make sure that all of our "t's" are crossed and "i's" are dotted.  (permits have to be acquired and whatnot).    I've added a tab at the top of the page specifically for this event, too.  Be sure to keep an eye on it, and share it with everyone you know! 

- Thanks to a great reminder from a family friend, I need to share a special reminder with you!  In some cases, your employer  might allow for "corporate sponsoring" of charitable donations that you make.  The company, in other words, might add to the donation that you've made, at no cost to you.  It's pretty common in bigger corporations.  Turns out that donating to Reece's Rainbow (a non-profit) is eligible for that matching donation for some of our friends' companies.   If that's the case with your employer, don't forget!  Free money is always a good thing!  

- Last but not least - make sure to keep an eye on this blog.  We will hopefully have some VERY EXCITING announcements in the very near future, and your best way to make sure that you don't miss it is to subscribe to this blog.  You can subscribe in two ways - both are on the far right side of the home page.  Don't miss out!!

Alright, I think that's all for the "bookkeeping" type info.  I'm sure I forgot something, but I'll try to come back and add to that list if I remember anything important.  Be sure to keep checking in!

Now on to the "fun" stuff.   My gosh, every day that goes on, I'm getting a little more and more used to the idea that I have another baby out there, one that I've never met, and one that will hopefully be home relatively soon.  We're getting estimates of his arrival anywhere from the end of this year through next summer.   It's all up in the air, but basically comes down to the fact that we just have to be ready for when Hong Kong calls.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing for me.  I'm going to try to look at it positively - it means that there will be less time for me to freak out about the plane flight there.  FIFTEEN HOURS ON ONE PLANE.  I'm not sure how that's going to go over.  I just about had ten different panic attacks on the flights to Madrid this past summer, and I was traveling with TWO priests!   I mean, you can't really be in better hands when flying, right?  ;-)  I'm trying not to think about the flying part, but I almost can't help it.   Part of me really wants to just send Mike on his own (HK only requires one parent when it comes to traveling), but how can I not go see my baby?  How can I give up the opportunity to see him immediately?   Sigh.   I hate being a scaredy-cat.

The three big boys are finally starting to comprehend the idea of adoption.   Not a day goes by when they don't ask about Peter, and where he is right now, or if I'm going be his new mommy (and Mike be his new daddy), and if they can be his brothers, or them telling me about what they want to do once he gets here.  It's cute.   It's hard for me, though - there is still SO much that can fall through, at any point, and it's hard to not worry about that when we have these little conversations.  I suppose it's not any different than losing a pregnancy after they all knew about it, but for some reason, I am having a hard time preparing them.  I don't know if I just feel protective of them (or of me, maybe?  Like I want to keep Peter all to myself for awhile?), or if I'm just - again - fearful.   I think it's another opportunity where I'm being taught how to trust Him and His plans for our family.   It's so hard to do that, sometimes!  Okay.....all the time!  Darn "type A" personality........

We did find out that we don't have to have the crib and everything set up by next weekend.  The social worker just has to verify that the crib meets safety standards.  Considering that we just bought it last week, and it's still in the original packaging, she'll definitely be able to see that it meets safety standards.   The agency said that they doubted a manufacturer would sell something not up-to-code, so they're okay with it being in the box when the social worker sees it.  Whew!   I really wanted to finish out the current school year before moving things around, so that won't be a problem.   Yay! 

I'm a little annoyed at my doctor right now.  We all have to have these physical papers filled out and signed off on.  I  *just* had my yearly physical at the beginning of January....and my insurance company won't pay for another one so soon (and we don't have office visit coverage for additional appointments)...and the doctor won't fill it out without a new appointment.  So frustrating.  All of these little charges are so annoying.  $50 for each home study visit (there are 4), $62 for FBI background checks, $15 for this state background check, $20 for another, $50 for fingerprint cards (for each of us, so $100 total), $39 for birth certificate copies, and so on and so on.   It seems like every time I turn around, there's another round of little payments.  I know it's all for a fabulous cause -- but I wasn't expecting this "nickel and dime" kind of stuff for some reason.  Being a scrooge like I am, I hate all these little charges!!  I can't help but wonder if these were included in the average cost of a Hong Kong adoption that we were told....or if these are on top of that guesstimate.   We shall see, I suppose!

I wanted to take another minute to thank everyone who is making this adoption even possible.  We have had so many offers of help, and generous donations, and just all-around support from what seems like every bit of our lives.  College friends, childhood friends, family members, work colleagues, everyone.....you guys have been so incredibly wonderful to us, and I cannot find enough ways to say thank you to you.  Please know that the love and gratitude I have for you is beyond words.  Thank you all!

I spent the day at the science museum with the three rascals, and they're incredibly tired and in need of some Mommy love, so I suppose I should sign off now.  Don't forget to keep checking in for the latest news and to see who gets our thank you iPad!    Go subscribe to the blog now!!