It has been more than a week since I first saw that little mug that has captured my heart. It is after 11PM and this is the first time I have sat down since my referral and just wrapped the serene feeling around me like a warm blanket. Don't get me wrong, I've been very, very happy. But between work demands and lots of other stuff going on I haven't felt like I could just 'cuddle up' with my referral. I would sneak and look things up on the fly and always be chasing my tail. Tonight, I caught a break. All that emotion came flooding forth again. I am just SO grateful after all this time to have 'met' my daughter. I'm not kidding when I say nothing else is quite the same. I breathe such a sigh of relief and feel as though the shackles on my previously subdued heart have been unlocked and tossed aside. The wound of that on-edge anguish one becomes accustomed to living with during this wait is just beginning to heal a bit. It won't heal without a scar but I will be even stronger because of it. That honed strength will serve both me and my daughter well. I've never looked toward the future with so much hope and promise.
I got a little misty today. My office mates have decided to have a baby shower for me. I hadn't mentioned my girl's specific birthday to the one planning things. The shower is now a bit of a birthday party as it was planned for PIPA's first birthday unbeknownst to the one responsible for arranging things. It will be held at a delicioso Chinese restaurant as well. I was very touched by the office staff being so considerate and thoughtful. I'm glad the shower is on my girl's birthday because I think I may have been just a little bit sad that day otherwise. This way we can celebrate her birthday as I wait to celebrate her life. It's all good!
Now, a BTDT technical question. I have to get VISAs via New York. Anyone willing to tell me what their approximate courier costs were to get their VISAs recently? I have only found one courier thus far and, frankly, the cost made my eyes bleed. But, perhaps I am naive and it is supposed to cost a bloody arm and a leg...and eye ;0) ??? I've been thinking I should sack my job and become a courier as a pay increase. (Okay, I am kidding but yowsa!)
You know, I still dream of that little Italian-speaking Chinese boy. I thought it would stop once I saw PIPA's face. I don't mind. I rather like the little guy when he shows up in my subconscious. But, I wonder what it all means. The great mysteries of the simple mind ;0)
G'nite all....off for uninterrupted zzzzzs while I can get 'em :0)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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33 comments:
You could be dreamin' about your second child from China...just look at my second China dream :-)
You are going to be such a wonderful mama to your precious girl. I love how you think!
The Chinese Embassy charges around $100.00 for the visa and the courier should be around $50.00. I would recommend that you check with your adoption agency to see if they have anyone they have worked with in the past. The other option is to contact your travel agent (if you are using one). If you aren't, contact one anyway as they may be able to recommend one. Just don't wait until the last minute to get your visa as they usually take at least 4 days to process. Good luck on your trip, your daughter is absolutely beautiful. I am mom to two beautiful little girls from China and it is absolutely a wonderful experience.
I'm SO thrilled for you that you are finally getting to soak it in a bit. I hope you enjoy marinating in the wonderful reality of your daughter for a long, long time.
So glad the baby shower is on your PIPA's birthday.
When I went to China, I used the Houston consulate for my visa. They accept from all 50 states.
Here's the website for the courier I used www.mychinadocs.com She was really good.
First of all... I think it'd cost me too much to get my VISA VIA NY!!! :) So I'll leave that to folks who are a little closer!
Secondly (and this should've probably come first!) GOOD GRIEF PIPA is just deeeevine! I just lap her up, everytime I come visit!
Thirdly, what a wonderful surprise! Having the shower on PIPAs first birthday - I can't think of a better way to celebrate, when you can't have her in your arms! I was interstate, buying my car on Tari's first birthday!!! ;)
PS Sweet Dreams! Even if they do include a little Italian-speaking Chinese boy!
That's wonderful that your shower is going to be on Pipa's Birthday!
A shower....Man, this adoption becomes so real to me every time I come on your blog (and OziMum's). YOU'RE HAVING A BABY SHOWER! YOU'RE A MAMA!! There IS a baby after this looooooooong wait!!!!!!!
I'm also thinking the little boy might be a second child talking to you in your dreams!
How wonderful that your office mates are planning a shower for you, and on Claire's birthday, too. How special is that? :)
Sounds like things are going well for you..
Maybe that little boy in your dreams is the son/brother that you will have one day..
It is letting you know to keep your options open...
Hugs girly..
Have a Great Week..
We processed through LA and it was about $60 for the courier and return shipping fees in addition to the visa cost, but that was back in 2006. Wicked expensive but there's little choice.
Have I told you how excited I am for you??? I cannot wait to follow you as you embark on this amazing journey called motherhood.
Your emotions really come through in this post and it made me a little misty eyed!
I love that your shower will be on PIPA's birthday. How fitting is that? It is cause for a party after all.
I am glad you are starting to let it sink in and enjoy it!!
What a great first birthday she is going to have!! She will DEFINITELY be with you in spirit!
I can't wait to see a picture of PIPA in the bathtub FULL of rubber ducks!!
Thanks for sharing this. I often wonder if this hurt goes away and how big a scar it will leave. I have said that this time as hard as it is, will affect us forever. We can look back and recall a time when we were missing our children with all our heart and soul. That will be a reminder of sorts to not take our kids for granted.
I hope you get a better courier price for thos muy importante visas.
Keep smilin!
Hmm... the Italian boy, perhaps he's PIPA's guardian angel, for some reason that's an image that I've clung to throughout this arduous process.
it's good to hear the wounds are healing and that friends are finding perfect ways to celebrate PIPA.
How wonderful that PIPA's shower is going to be on her birthday! A double celebration of love.
Hmmm...still dreaming of that adorable little boy? Time will tell! Pipa could use a big brother to watch over her.
Peaceful bliss of being a momma. You've waited so long for this...so happy your schedule has slowed a little so that you can enjoy the moment. ((hugs)) of happiness!
Welcome to mommy-hood! You'll be surprised at what will now trigger the mistiness.
My daughter's 1st birthday also fell between our referral and travel. My officemates surprised me with a shower on her actual 1st birthday (and it was a MAJOR crazy time at work so making the time for it during that craziness was sooo meaningful!). It was so special knowing that so many good friends were thinking of her on that day when I desperately wanted to be with her, but just couldn't. Enjoy the celebration...and be prepared for major mistiness!
I can't remember what it costs cos it is just one of those things that you have to do but we used Dependable Adoption Courier Service and the lady was fabulous.
www.dependable-acs.com
201 297 9531.
When we were waiting to travel for Annslee I knew we would miss her first birthday. My coworkers threw a birthday party/shower on her birthday for me and it was a huge help. I felt like at least we were celebrating! It is hard to miss their first bday but you have so many other firsts to share : )
I used the Assistant Stork for my visa courier. They were great and very timely, I want to say it was around $150?? Here's the link http://www.asststork.com/
Sara-
I just feel so warm and happy coming here. Like life has just fallen into perfect place, like all the waiting makes sense now that I see Claire's beautiful face right there on the to the side... doesn't erase all those years of waiting, I know, not at all, but now it's like I get it- and I know you do too.
I'm so glad about the shower, and that by divine intervention it will fall on your girl's birthday- how perfect. How totally perfect is that. Relish in these moments, momma. Soon she will be in your arms. SO amazing and surreal still to imagine it. Can't wait. JUST cannot wait for you.
How awesome! Can't wait to see all the fun goodies you get. Such a nice event to celebrate your little one ... and on her b'day! Too cool. Congrats again. I get all sappy everytime I visit your blog. ;)
Your not alone in your misty eyes...you have no idea the feeling I get every time I look at PIPA's face. I can't imagine what I'm going to do with myself when I finally see my daughter's face.
Word of advice...buy stock in Puffs Plus now.
I love that the shower is on PIPA's birthday. That makes it even more special. Glad to know you are letting the warm stuff sink in. My experience was that the relief happened in stages. I didn't fully know the extent of the wonderful stuff until afer I was home for a while. I know it is different for everyone.
I was able to get my visa in person in Chicago, so can't help you out there. I would ask your agency for suggestions.
How perfect that your shower will be on her birthday!
I went through Chicago, but I think the courier was around $60. She was awesome. We used her when we had our paperwork authenticated for the paperchase, too.
My wait was long for me, but nothing compared to what everyone is doing now. I would never tell anyone that you forget the wait, but I never think about now. If I do, I'll confess that I'm grateful for it now. If I had gotten my referral in April '06 as we expected, we would not have Sera who was born in April '06. I know that I would have loved the child I was matched with regardless, but now I can't imagine any other child. That doesn't mean I have forgotten the agony.
Perhaps you're dreaming of a future son.....who knows? :-)
Glad you're all misty. I love it. :-)
LOVE... is a wonderful thing!!
Love, Kristy
I am so happy that your shower will be on PIPA's birthday. So special!
I used "There's Always Hope" out of Illinois for our visas. Here is the link for her pricing http://www.theres-always-hope.com/china_info_visa.htm. I know it isn't NY, but it might give you an idea about price! Good luck!!!
Congrats on your beautiful baby girl!!
I second the comment about Carol at dependable adoption courier services www.dependable-acs.com
She was really fast, and very inexpensive!!
Margie
That post made me a little teary. I'm so beyond happy for you... and living a little vicariously, too.
A party on Pipa's birthday. Perfect!
PS. Maybe the Italian boy is your future husband? Hey...if Demi can marry younger why can't you? LOL!
Congratulations!! Your daughter is beautiful! As another single mom - BEST decision of my life!! You will love being a mom! Very happy for you.
Michele (Ava's mom)
That is Stacy's future son you keep dreaming about :0)
I swear, every time I read your posts since your referral, I cry.
Your shower being planned for the day of Pipa's B-day - Heavenly....just Heavenly.
I love how things work out! I think it is awesome that you are having your shower on your girl's birthday. Have a wonderful time!
Maybe the Italian speaking boy is your future son or son in law?
I just wanted to second the recommendation on the Asst Stork!
They are in VA, close to Washington DC. We are mid Visa processing, and I'm very happy with them!
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