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 The headache I had from sorting out forms has been replaced by a pleasant lightheadedness when I smell baby K's sweet milk breath.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...