Feeling "Right"

The weather outside is amazing- sunny and warm with low humidity (for now). It's FINALLY done raining for a while. I went outside with Sky, Daniel and Andrew to play some soccer and got a lesson in how hard Sky works to play that game. I have a reasonable level of endurance, but it just wiped me out!

It's been a struggle for me this last week just to stay focused on everyday life. Ever since Amelie's referral I haven't been able to come down out of the clouds. Maybe I don't want to. I keep staring at her pictures, which are everywhere. I have one in the bedroom and I always dread the lights going off at night because I want to keep gazing at her. I see her in my mind at almost every moment and imagine her sweet laughter, wondering what her smile must look like.

Daniel and I have come to a firm and definite decision about travel, and it feels as right as Amelie's sweet face. We've decided to travel to Ethiopia together. Something just thugged us over the head at the very same moment (like a giant salami). We weren't together- Daniel was driving in his car, and I was at home. Daniel called me and mentioned the idea, while I was thinking the very same thing. Prior to that moment it seemed impossible, but when we talked about it we realized there is nothing better we could do. We went together to get both Sky and Andrew, despite how "impossible" it seemed at the time. It was two long weeks in India, and with Amelie it will be a mere 6-7 days. That is definitely do-able with careful, thoughtful planning.

So far, we know Sky will be able to stay at a relative's house while we're gone. My sister has graciously agreed to take care of him in Lombard, Illinois during that time (so we'll definitely be flying out of Chicago). Thank you, Stephanie!!! That leaves three kids we have to figure out. We have a great sitter interested in house/pet/babysitting during that time (she's one of Liam's para educators at school) so we should be able to pull this off without a hitch. It's just time to work on housesitter notebooks for schedules, emergency contact info, meal plans, health insurance info, notarized letters authorizing her to give the kids care, where the water shut-off is, and so, so , so much more! It took me a few hours to put it all together last time.

Daniel and I were in the car together this morning, and Daniel mentioned that all the fears and trepidations he had about travel are gone. He feels totally at peace about it, and he's actually very, very excited to go and have this experience together. This says a lot, considering how nervous he was about going by himself ,or even with Sorin. Most of all, we will be able to share the memories of getting her and being in Ethiopia with Amelie when she's older. I have found this to be Gold with Andrew and Sky in their attachment processes, and it has given me a better perspective of where they came from, their people, living conditions and the energy they had grown up in. I think it will mean more to her that I went, just like I did for her brothers. And I have to admit, I'm going to enjoy every minute of the adventure with my husband and one small, beautiful child! From what I hear about Toukoul Guesthouse, it will be like a special retreat with great food and nice, homey accomodations. Looks like Wednesday morning we'll go to the health department and begin our fun series of shots! Woo hoo!

We also got the news that Mama Dezutti (Meg) will be leaving for Ethiopia to be with her Sam on June 13th. She will stay with him until his Embassy appointment and meet her husband in early July. She's a first-time mommy and we are super excited for her. Not to mention she'll take our care package to Amelie, be with her, taking pictures and video, and may witness her sweet laugh for us. We so deeply appreciate her generosity in doing this for us because it makes the waiting a bit more bearable. We hope she gets a picture of Sam and Amelie together!

Lots to smile about here!