Hello blog world!!!

It's been a while since I've written a post!!! Since my last post, I've returned to working full time, Baby K started pre-school, and the hubby is also back to work everyday at the office!!! Suffice to say, the only constant we've had here at home is CHANGE!!! Our precious girl has been home for nine months now and it has been the happiest, scariest, most humbling, most amazing, and AWESOME"est" time ever!!! I've never been more tired or worried or stressed in my entire life...but SHE is so worth it! I wouldn't trade it for the world!!! Since we've been home we've celebrated many first. Baby K had her first birthday in March, gave up her bottle for her first sippy cup in April, she was dedicated to Christ on my first Mother's Day in May, first trip to the zoo in June to celebrate Edward's Father's Day, first trip to Disneyland for Edward's birthday in July, and finally first day of pre-school in August. These are the milestones but it's all of the moments in between that I totally live for. The snuggly lazy Saturday mornings, the random smile on my face when I'm washing her sippy cups, the goodnight kisses, the sweet voice that calls me mommy, the baby scent that I can distinguish from any other, the chair on the table that now has a pink booster seat, the flailing arms that rejuvenates me as they wrap tightly around my neck when I get home exhausted from work, the giggles, and watching baby K raise her arms up in praise when worshiping at church on Sunday mornings! There are so many moments that I've experienced in this short amount of time that I've been entrenched in motherhood. Daily, I'm amazed at how blessed I am to be this precious girl's mommy...

Neglected

is the new title of my blog! That is exactly what has happened, while I bask in the joy of being baby K's mommy! I'm so in love with her. The blog will have to take a backseat...but what a Journey it has been indeed!

Today's amazing gifts!!!

All the way from Connecticut!!! Thank you Auntie Wendy and Ate Lily!!!!!!!!!! A year ago, who would've thought that not only would I have an absolutely beautiful little girl, but that we would be receiving a boxful of beautiful clothes handed down to us all the way from across the continental US!!??? It was one of those..."Wow!!! Did that really just happen?" moments!!!! Yup, that's what happened to me and my beautiful baby K, TODAY!!! Wendy Cushing, fellow blogger and momma to Lily and Becky, sent us approximately 40 pounds of clothes and we received it from the awesome "UPS man", today!!! The blogging community has been an amazing support system to us during our adoption journey. I have made many friendships as a result. So touching are the stories and walks of life of the many women that I have met in the blogging world. I treasure each and everyone of you. Honestly, the blog has been such an avenue for me to truly put into words the emotions during this journey. Those of you who've followed us and stood by us know, that those emotions ranged from: sheer joy, blissful happiness, absolute chaos, frenzied frustration, and just over the moon giddiness!!! But out of all that, many meaningful bonds were formed! The UPS box delivered on our door today was a tangible expression of those relationships. Not to be forgotten also, was a lovely package that came from Renee Squires from Canada (now mommy to Rafael) of a beautiful shirt, that she specially picked out for baby K a couple of months ago!!!
How lovely these gestures of thoughtfulness and generosity!!! Whether you've sent us gifts or not, please know that I treasure friendships, blogging momma friends!!! Thank you so much...I am truly blessed by YOU!!!

P.S. Another amazing gift today happened while I was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Baby K, came up and hug my leg and said, clear as day, "I love you Momma"!!! This was followed by an endearing (yet loud) scream of "I love you daddy", from the bottom of the stairwell towards Daddy's office upstairs. Usually, baby K would say I love you back to us when we say it first. Today, was the first day she initiated it on her own! We are so touched by this moment. She surprises us with new things everyday. She is such a sweet sweet girl. What a blessing she has been and a ray of light in our lives!!!

Welcome Baby Party

at Daddy's work a couple of days ago was fantastic!!! I've been meaning to sit down and write about it...but as you can see I've been distracted by sweet daddy moments and not so sweet poopie moments!!!
Now, that baby K is napping comfortably and quietly, I can talk about the sweet day that we had at Daddy's "office" with all of his wonderful co-workers and friends. These amazing folks have "labored" with us through the years that it took to bring baby K home. They've been supportive and have done many gestures of kindness towards us. It was lovely to celebrate with them and share our beautiful little girl for her first "coming out" party! Baby K made out with lots of compliments on her pretty dress and shiny golden shoes. She also made out like a bandit with lots of generous gifts, that were opened by her and her Daddy. Among her favorite gifts are: the bunny goodnight book, Melissa and Doug art supplies, and a cool Dora wooden chair. She was over the moon with all the presents, which we haven't even been able to unpack from the trunk of our car. Not to be remiss are the wonderful dishes that was served, including baby K's favorites: grapes, noodles, and a huge Dora and Diego cake!!! There were also a lot of details which we truly appreciate and are so thankful for. Baby K enjoyed all of the fun balloons and Mommy and Daddy were so touched by the matted picture of our family for guests to sign. We also loved the DVD of the shower, which we were given before leaving. We watched it as a family that evening and it was a great way to end what was already and enchanting day. Thank you so much to Daddy's crew!!! We are so blessed by your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity. Thank you for being part of our family!

Not so tender moment...

Meltdown this AM. Baby K would not get into her carseat. Fought me like there was no tomorrow. I lost the battle to a toddler! It turns out, she was pooping!!! I guess, I wouldn't want to sit on my poopie butt either...

Tender Moment...

that I just had to blog about!!! Tonight, baby K fell asleep while snuggling on Daddy's chest!!! So precious...

She has really bonded with her daddy...it just melts my heart to watch them! The two people I love the most, sharing such a tender moment. We're all so blessed...

God's grace

explains it all!!! Kristine is adjusting very well, after 2 months with her mommy and daddy! She has seamlessly adapted to her life with us, much to our surprise. We were worried about attachment and bonding issues, but we all seem to be doing well! Kristine definitely know who her parents are. She's very affectionate and oh, so sweet. She gives us sweet kisses...nuzzles us with her cute little nose and puts her head on our shoulders when she's tired. She is a happy baby with a boisterous laugh and a "melt your heart" smile. We are so in love with her, and we believe that she loves us too. Everyday, we are amazed at our daughter. She has new words almost everyday, she likes to do her puzzles and is currently learning "textures" and blended colors. She is a bright girl who is very inquisitive and eager to learn new things. Her memory is also unbelievable, she retains information for new words and things that she has learned. So, it surprises us in a way, that she does not call out or ask for her wonderful foster family, who she was deeply attached to. But if her daddy steps out, even just to the garage, she'll say, "Daddy, come back". She has also grown attached to our little neighbor, Nolan. She plays street hockey and ride trikes outside with Nolan for the past few weeks. This weekend, he went on a little spring break getaway for 3 days. For three days, baby K asked about him during her morning and afternoon outside time. Saying, "Momma, where's Nolan? Nolan come back?". I am so amazed at how seamlessly she has adapted so far. I know she misses her foster family in her own way, but I am encouraged that the trauma from that isn't greater than it is. And nothing else can explain it but God's grace. I know He's looking after all of us and helping baby K through her transition and has great plans for her future.

Sweetness

continues! Today, as I was putting baby K down for the night, she asked to hold hands. It was so endearing. She is getting used to us holding hands during prayer time...but this was just random and so very sweet. :-)

I survived the first day...

back to work. I missed baby K so much and couldn't wait to come home. When I did, the first thing I heard coming out of the car was her squealing, "Mommy"!!!! It was music to my ears. Edward was so sweet to bring her to the door, so she can be the first thing I see when I got out of the car. I have never been so happy to come home. I just wanted to hold her and kiss her all over. I got hugs and kisses back too...but after a couple of minutes, as a typical toddler, she squirmed out of my arms and wanted to show me how she can ride her trike. And she sure can. She is growing so fast...

I'm home today and I just put her down for a nap. Sweet girl went down easily despite some congestion and cough. It's gloomy and cold here this week. We're hoping for sunshiny days really soon, so she can get some outside time to play.

Returning to work is daunting, as it means not seeing my sweet angel everyday. God give me strength...as tomorrow is another day away. But in a way, it feels real. We are now out of our bubble and this truly is our life...she really is home and she really is our little girl!!!

Yet another transition...

I had planned to write a post regarding our returning back to work this week after 6 weeks of "cocooning" in our own little world. But now, I can't even articulate the words. All I can think of is the end of daily snuggles with baby K and Edward. We are spending the last day of our 6 week cocoon. I will not be having daily afternoon tea parties of animal crackers and milk, daily morning snuggles with all three of us, daily rocking of the sweet baby girl for naptime, and a lot of other wonderful things that I've gotten accustomed to. The end of everyday breakfasts together, watching all of the silly faces baby K makes, hearing her sing songs all day long, napping together, and all the other everyday things we've been doing as a family these past few weeks. I will miss her so much. This I already know. But, we think we have a schedule figured out. Edward will return to the office on Mondays and Wednesdays and I will stay home with the baby on those days. I will return to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and baby K will be home with Daddy. Edward will telecommute on Fridays and I will be off as well, so we'll have to the long weekend together. Then in April, I will add working on Fridays, and Edward will be home with her alone on those days as well. This will be our long"ish" term schedule until baby K goes to preschool in late summer. We discussed this with ICAB and the placement social workers seem to agree that this is a good idea for baby K to be able to stay home longer and gradually increase her exposure. Edward and I initially thought this would be a good way to maintain continuity for a longer period. But now, I wish I can be home longer. Though I know, I will probably be feeling this way (or worse) at the end of the next six weeks, when ALL of my leave will be exhausted and I have to return to work full time. So, I'm trying to see this as a blessing and appreciate it for exactly that. I am thankful that God has shown us a way to keep baby K home longer...though I know, I am going to miss her so much on the days that I work. Sigh...

Post-placement visits...

started today!!! We got up early this morning with a purpose! We had an early appointment with our social worker at her office, which is over an hour away from our home, thanks to LA traffic. I changed baby K's diaper and dressed her in her sleep. Though she woke up with a smile and a chuckle, just in time to help me get her shirt on. I love how she always wakes up happy! She's either singing or laughing, before she calls for Mommy or Daddy to get her out of bed! So, breakfast was dry cereal, a banana, and milk in the car for the little mama. With Dora, Mickey, Elmo, her Leap Pad bus, and Wocket in my Pocket book...off we went on the commute! The visit went great and our social worker was very positive and supportive. She asked about how baby K is adjusting, what she's eating, her sleep habits, her daily routine, and her current developmental skills. So, we told her and it sounds like by golly, we are doing alright with this kiddo. When we brought her home, she was eating very limited table foods (mostly treats) and EIGHT six oz. bottles of formula daily. Now, she is eating table food for meals and snacks, including vegetables and fruits and is down to taking only 2-3 bottles per day of whole milk an an oz. of formula added for comfort at night. Previously, she was sleeping close to midnight and now, she is down by 8:00 or 8:30pm and sleeps at least 10 hours. She is also napping regularly at 12:30 or 1:00pm. Her fine and gross motor skills are age appropriate from what we've seen and also from talking to her pediatrician. So, this visit was a great way to take inventory on how we are progressing as a family. After talking to the social worker, Edward and I both realized (lightbulb turning ON) that baby K is thriving and happy here at home with us. It just feels great to know that we are supporting her growth in all areas that matter. I'm sure there are still lots to learn...everyday, she surprises us with something amazing. I just hope we can keep up with this special little person, whom we just love so dearly!!!

Can you say...

BIG "baba"???? We just came from baby K's 2 y/o physical today.

Here are her stats:
Length = above percentile 95
Weight = 86 percentile
Head Circumference = above percentile 95

She got some lab work, flu shot and a booster shot for pneumococcal vaccine, so that wasn't too much fun. She recovered well with some "ice cream" (Pedialyte pops). It was heart wrenching to hold her down for the needles...mommy hasn't recovered well. Maybe I'll go get some "real" ice cream to feel better. Shhhh...don't tell baby K, I don't want to break the Pedialyte bubble!!! Hahahaha!!!

March 7th 2011

Two years ago today, my sweet little girl was born in the Philippines. Two years ago, her birthmother made the toughest decision a woman may ever have to make, the decision that she is unable to parent this beautiful child. I will be forever grateful that she has given Kristine the gift of life and the subsequent gift of a forever family.

On the other side of the world, 3 days before baby K is born, Edward and I were approved by the Philippine government to adopt a child from there. Two years ago, we prayed for the child that will be meant for us to raise. We didn't know her then, but God sure did. We've always known we would be parents. God has always laid in our hearts that we were meant to have a child. We didn't know it then, but He has already ordained that Edward and I will be baby K's parents. As it is stated in scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Our family certainly is a testimony to His promises. There were many times, when I stumbled in the faith and often tempted to walk away from trying to grow our family through adoption. But I must say, there are lessons that you only can learn in the darkest of times. Edward and I learned that we needed to lean on the Lord and hold steadfast onto our faith in Him. We learned that God was in control and His plans for us were so much more than what we could dream of. Through prayer, He laid strongly in our hearts that He truly meant for us to be parents. The roads twisted and turned many a times these past two years. But today, as we look back, we are in absolute awe in God's awesome powers.

Today, we got to celebrate the day our little girl was born. Not only were we with her, on this joyous occasion, we were blessed to celebrate her second birthday, AT HOME! And that is what we did. No bells and whistles. No big parties with all the hoopla. We simply celebrated at home. Family from both sides and from church trickled in to share a birthday cupcake and sing happy birthday. Baby K blew out a birthday candles over and over again and got more than her fair share of cupcakes, which she loved!

Then we took her to ride the Merry Go Round at the mall, fed the duckies at the pond, and do a little a shopping. Then the best part: We came HOME!!!

I will forever thank God for creating our daughter and bringing her to life two years ago today. I will be grateful to Him for the rest of my days for growing our family and bringing our daughter HOME...

Third time's the charm?

It has been 22 amazing days with our daughter and it has been a wild ride already! She is on the mend from her cold and even her sensitive skin seems to be adjusting to her new environment, climate, and LIFE! As much as she is adjusting to us, we are also adjusting to her. It has just been Edward and I for many years, sharing a life and a home that is quiet, orderly, and peaceful. We were able to pack up and go at the drop of a hat. We can be halfway around the world in a matter of hours...but now, it is all so different. Our days begin around 8AM, when baby K wakes up. She has not cried upon waking in the morning for about a week. She looks around her room and just keeps her eyes wide open while she scans the room and gets her footing. While she was sick, she cried often and only wanted mommy. Daddy was starting to feel left out because she didn't want to be comforted or soothed by him. For the past few days, Edward has been able to get her out of bed in the morning when she wakes up and play for a little while, prior to bringing her to wake me up (though, I'm usually only "pretend" sleeping, since, I'm awake anyway, listening to them play). Around 8:30am, we take baby K down for breakfast. She loves crunchy things and would eat her cereal dry and drink her milk separately. Although this past Sunday, I made the judgement to dress her before breakfast so that we can get ready for the early service at church. Afterall, she just eats dry cereal and drinks milk, right? Well, this Sunday, was the day she chose to ask me to eat her cereal with milk. So, here we go...Sunday clothes, bowl with cereal and milk, and a toddler with a spoon who is determined to feed herself. Well, you can see where this is heading, right??? Okay, so, baby K ends up wearing part of her breakfast!!! We miss the first church service. Alright...so, back upstairs, washing her up AGAIN, dressing her AGAIN, and changing her wet diaper. Alright. She's dressed! I have combed her hair after taking bits of cereal and washing out sticky milk parts. Prettiful little bows: check! We can make the next service! Except for a small oversight, mommy is not dressed!!! Uh-oh. I hurriedly throw some clothes on and was ready to go. Daddy is dressed and diaper bag in tow. I'm looking for baby K and find her in her play tent, playing with her piano. Then, I smelled it! A pungent and now familiar odor...a POOPY diaper. Very opportune time, indeed! I lay Kristine down in her changing pad and I get the poopiest diaper EVER! So, we miss the second church service. Now, fortunately, our church has another service. We get it together and make it to the third service...which conveniently is her NAP TIME!!! She was a trooper though. She sat through most of the service and truly enjoyed the band, clapping and raising hands like mommy!!! It was amazing to finally bring her with us to church, where we've prayed incessantly for her to come into our family. It was such a sweet moment for Edward and I to be at church, praising and worshipping the Lord, who has blessed us with this child.
So, third time is the charm...we made it to the third church service. Gone are the days, where we just get up and go. By the time, we get baby K (and sometimes ourselves) fed, cleaned, and dressed...it is hours later than we expected. We know it will take some time, but it's our hope that we will continue to adjust to our new family life. It's definitely been an exhilarating ride already!!!

Rookie

That's what I am at is mommy thing. Baby K woke up with a fever this AM, stayed away all day and just returned late this PM. I was literarily so scared and went into panic mode. In fact, I was still pretty labile and teary eyed just now. Oh my goodness, crazy thoughts ran into my head, like what if ICAB hears about this, will they change their minds! Am I a bad mother, I've had her for less than two weeks and now she's sick? Will her foster parents be shaking their head thinking, "tsk, tsk, tsk, she never got sick with us". Will this be mentioned in the post-placement home studies? Will I be the totally incompetent mom, because instead of chartering a private plane, I brought my child home in a commercial plane with hundreds of other people, who all seem like coughing or sniffling or sneezing??? How dare me!!!!
But prayer is awesome and the Lord's palpable presence in our home and family continues to be my saving grace and salvation from my anxious heart. These worries from moment to moment just get such a grip of me. There is such a pressure that I feel to do right by this beautiful beautiful child. I just love her so much that I hurt for her. But I know that I need to trust that God is the mighty healer of all healers and right now, He has His mighty hands on my little girl. I need to continue to trust in Him and not my uncertain" rookie mommy" skills. With the Lord's continued guidance, Edward and I would become the parents that He has ordained for baby K.

Daddy's Got This

Whew! What a night!! Today, baby K is a bit under the weather with a stuffy nose and a slight fever. I called on a couple of very experienced mommy friends of mine to keep the first time mommy anxieties under control! Thanks to my two good friends, I was able to keep some clarity to take care of my sweet baby girl. Edward did a market run this evening for Pedialyte freezer pops and saline nasal spray. He also got a medicine dropper which I am convince is the greatest invention ever! So, got some medicine in our girl which seem to take care of her fever. I fed her dinner and she ate well. I put her down at eight but only slept for an hour because her stuffed up nose made her very uncomfortable. I cleaned her cute little nose, rocked her to sleep again and she stayed asleep again for another hour. Then the pattern continued two more times. The last time she got up, we gave her another dose of medicine. Little did we know, she would become extremely hyper from it. So, she is feeling better but wants to be up and playing. She is asking for her iPad and YouTube videos. I gave her to her techie father and I will rest that he's got this. It's not about routines tonight. It's about self-preservation for mommy and at the same time, Daddy can win some brownie points from baby K! I'm bushed and going to catch some zzzzzz while Daddy does his thing. I'm hoping he will get her to sleep sometime in the next hour, we'll see. Currently, they are singing the alphabet song...oy!

Sweetness

Sweetness is the word in our family! Baby K is so amazingly sweet. Her head smells so pungently sweet with the mixed scent of baby shampoo and her sweaty little head after running around while playing. Or the smell I get when kissing her cheek, which is a combination of sweet milky breath and baby lotion. Then she has the sweetest smile which lights up her entire face! But the sweetest of all is her voice when she says, "Mommy, I love you"...

Happy Birthday Ate Melly

Today is baby K's foster sister's birthday. She helped take care of her while she was growing up. We just hope her birthday is as joyful as it can be considering that she is missing baby K terribly. She emailed me to say that though bittersweet, it is the best gift knowing baby K now has a family of her own. How wonderful is that. Truly, we didn't just gain our daughter, we gained a family in her foster family!

Men's Underwear

...are more comfortable than I thought! Hello blogging world!!! You probably don't want to know, but I'm blogging to you in a T-shirt and my husband's comfy briefs!!! It seems that we left home so quickly and in a whirlwind that I showed up here with the clothes on my back with barely enough extra necessities. Yes, we are in Makati...lots of malls and services abound late into the night. But, when it's Friday night at 8:30pm and the lights are out and I've just rocked a 30 pound toddler to sleep while singing lullabies until my arms were slightly numb, I've learned quickly that you pick your battles. When a sleepy and tired momma finds out that her first pair of pajamas are bring laundered and the second pair became a victim of the wet towel thrown in the hamper, one must take drastic measures. Not to summon the driver to take me to a perfectly good open mall, not walk over next door and ask my gracious friend who's hosting us to loan me one, or walk down to the laundry room to check if the first ones are dried or maybe just sleep in my own underwear (not an option because our friends 8 year old likes to pop in at times to see the baby). No...those things would take effort and precious energy. I looked wearily at my husband and said the magic words: "Can I please borrow your underwear?". He looks at me slightly bewildered and recoils a bit. But he gets it. We're both tired and ain't no way either of us are leaving this house at this ungodly hour of 8pm on a Friday to look for pajamas for me! Dear God, no way! So, Edward walks over to our shared suitcase (yes, we brought ONE suitcase) and grabs one of his briefs and hands it over to me with a slightly perturbed face! I look at it hesitantly at first. It's slightly more material than I'm used to but whattaheck, it's all I got! So, I donn the cotton, granny panty resembling undies and took the plunge. For a minute, my body felt a bit disoriented but immediately, the sense of pacifying comfort came over me! I think I might have even heard angels singing! Wow! I'm totally digging these! So, the baby is asleep, I didn't have to exert anymore energy, I could continue to cuddle her and watch her sleep...all in my comfy new pajamas! So friends who will be traveling after me to pick up their kiddos. Please pack enough pajamas...unless of course, you would like to have this heavenly experience with men's underwear!

ICAB Day

It's been a good day! I'm still amaze at this little person who is my daughter!

Daddy!!!!!

Squealed an exuberant baby K when she saw Edward!!! Edward and I are finding that we now work in shifts! He takes a shower during baby K's morning play outside, then we try to switch off! Key word there is try...though I didnt get a shower in yesterday until dinnertime! Yikes! So, yesterday, he took a shower and was away from us for about 15 minutes, We were outside watching the birds before her morning nap and I had her in my arms. Then I hear an exuberant squeal..."Daddy"!!! Followed by arms flailing and reaching towards Edward, as he was walking towards us! It's a moment that will forever be ingrained in my memory! I will surely cherish for a lifetime, that in 72 hours, we have become baby K's Mommy and Daddy, the fortunate people that God entrusted this little angel with. I am grateful for the peace that Jesus has put in my heart. It's as if, I was always meant to do this...

What day is it?

I have forgotten what life was before this sweet beautiful little girl! In an instant, she changed our lives forever. If you've been around me during this process, I have often compared the adoption process with the gestation of an elephant. It has been a long journey to this point...but it's funny because I now barely remember it! I don't know if it's the lack of sleep but the I800's, I800a, notice of actions, USCIS, and whatever other hurdles there were...are just a memory now. The headache I had from sorting out forms has been replaced by a pleasant lightheadedness when I smell baby K's sweet milk breath. The finger cramps from filling out the dossier has been soothed by her chubby little fingers that holds my hand while we are out for walks or sleeping. The memories of multiple meltdowns on mommy's part has been calmed by the sound of a squealing toddler who called me momma out of the blue yesterday evening while she played on my lap. So in 72 hours, my life has become about fluffy cheeks, sweet milk breath, chubby little toes, and gentle little hands, cuddles, hugs, diapers (lots of diapers) and milk! We also have had some whining, a little bit of tears when going down to sleep last night, and some quiet moments, in which I know baby K is missing her foster family. But all in all, baby K has been the strongest in all of us. Amidst our tears yesterday at CRIBS, she did so well and didn't even cry. It's as if, she knew she was coming home. Everyone still thinks she looks just like me, including the foster family and the matching committee at CRIBS. During our visit with them, they sweetly affirmed that their decision to match us with our little baby K was a perfect one! I am so grateful that God guided all of those involved with the matching process to unite us. I know God's hand was upon them because, can't remember what our lives were before baby K, nor can imagine having ever existed without her. As I'm writing this, I am listening to her breathing while she sleeps. It takes longer to blog now, because I often have to stop and either plant a kiss on a cheek, gently squeeze chubby little fingers, and just marvel in awe at this wonderful blessing God has bestowed upon Edward and I. Then, I just get down on my knees by her bed and thank my Father in heaven for entrusting us with this amazing little person.

Gotcha Day: Overwhelmed with joy...

Overwhelmed with joy...pretty much sums it up. I apologize for my lack of eloquence in this post, but the emotions we are feeling right now are so real, intense, raw, and just absolutely amazing. A little over 12 hours ago, we met our daughter. We've seen her pictures and have fallen in love with this beautiful little girl many times over before this day. However, we weren't prepared for just how intense and tremendous the love we would feel for her once we held her in our arms. Baby K is a precious little girl, so full of life and love. When we met her, she opened her arms and reached out to Edward right away. It melted my heart to see our baby girl finally in her Daddy's arms. While Edward was holding her, he brought her to me and she extended the same greeting. We are head over heels in love with baby K. We have waited for this moment for what seems like an eternity now. It may sound cliche, but truly, I can now say with reckless abandon that it was worth every second. My Faith in the Lord has taught me that nothing is a coincidence. God has created this specific path for our family from the start before we even knew it. Though the journey has been long and at times treacherous, it is because of His plans that has led us to this moment...a moment so tender that it brings tears of absolute joy in my heart. I am at this very instant, watching my husband and daughter sleep together, so peacefully, giving me such a God given affirmation that we were always meant to be a family.

Day 2: Gotcha Day Countdown - T minus 4 hours...

4 hours to go until we meet our daughter! I am filled to the brim with emotions. We have loved her for so long and today we will be given a chance to finally show her just how much. We've put together a goody bag for her of things she might like. It's all in a pink backpack that says: "Dream A Princess Dream". In there we have a purple polka dot dress, a Dora coloring kit, some Dora books, and a Mickey Mouse coloring books, crayons, and a Minnie Mouse and Dora stuffed toy. Of course, we added some organic snacks and a Dora sippy cup. Can you tell she likes Dora? We are excited to meet her but anxious as well. We know that she is in a wonderful foster family, who she is very attached to. I'm feeling some guilt of the grief she will feel when we finally complete the turnover. I guess the mommy instinct has already kicked in, because I already hurt for my little girl. We have prayed about this worry and are trying to focus on the long term future of our family to ease the anxiety. We know that this is something that needs to happen, so that we can bring our forever family together. Thankfully and blessedfully, we know that so many of our friends are praying with us...

Day 1: We're in Manila

We arrived in Manila safely today at the crack of dawn after a long flight from LA. A perfect symbol for the new beginning that this journey will bring. According to the schedule from ICAB, this is day 1. Nothing happens today, other than our arrival. Tomorrow is our official meeting day with ICAB and CRIBS at the foster family's home. Thinking of going to the nearby mall. According to the reports we received at her referral, baby K is living approximately 5-10 minutes away from where we are staying. According to my friend, who we are staying with here in Dasmarinas Village in Makati, there is a huge playground in the mall where local kiddies like to go on weekends. It's Sunday here, I wonder if my little girl goes there to play. Thinking of going there and in the off chance, spot a beautiful little angel, who is my daughter. Far-fetched, I know...but one can hope, right?

Half an ocean

Hello Hawaii!!!! Usually, we'd get off here. Find a beach and plop ourselves down. But today, it's just a re-fueling station. We are getting closer to our little baby K. Our excitement is palpable. The next leg of the journey will take us to Manila, the city where our daughter was born and currently living. Baby K is now just half an ocean away...

LAX: The airport

Edward and I have been to this airport many times. Usually to some fanciful destination that we conjured up in our travel-bug infested minds. By the time we get to the airport, we are so excited that our senses are already picturing the majestic Eifel Tower, the warm azure waters in Bora Bora, the white sugary beaches of Boracay, the romantic Santorini sunsets, or the serene vaporetto ride in the canals of Venice. These destinations have been so amazing for us. Though we hold the memories dearly, they were fleeting. Eventually, they ended and we came back home to this familiar airport, just the two of us. Today, we are embarking to what will be our most amazing journey yet...parenthood. We are on our way to Manila, where our sweet sweet little girl is waiting for us! Our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us, the blessing of a daughter. I can't think of a more wonderful journey than to be baby K's mommy. Edward and I will fly out tonight to our best destination yet! It's a voyage that will change our lives forever. I will never see this airport quite the same, it is the gateway to the rest of our lives. We will leave here today as a couple, and return as a family!

One More Sleep...

and we're off!!! In less than 24 hours, we will be getting on a plane and taking off to cross the Pacific Ocean to finally be united with our daughter!!!! We are excited, happy, nervous, anxious, and just ecstatic! So many emotions rolled into one. Our adoption journey of almost 3 years is on the verge of culminating. We will land in Manila on Sunday and meet our little baby K the following day. After looking at her referral picture and falling in love with her for the first time almost five and a half months ago, we are days away from holding her in our arm and just let her feel our immense love for her. Please keep the three of us in prayer...

Manila...

Here we come!!!!!! We have just been invited by ICAB to travel!!! *speechless*