Still flying...

What a crazy and wonderful few days it has been. So much to do. So much to be excited about. I figured out that I had slept a grand total of 8 hours between Sunday and last night. Ouch. Finally, last night I crawled in my bed as the fireworks were still going off in the street. I slept like a rock at last. Happy New Year to all!

I feel SO much better after some sleep but still don't really think in full sentences. So...here is my flight of ideas on the past few days:

1) That Rumor Queen is one popular chick. Not that I didn't suspect that but my blog traffic could have filled several stadiums these past few days. Wow, it's really amazing. Many of my visitors I have 'known' for ages and many new faces dropped by with good wishes as well. And, of course, most just wanted to gander at the bald loveliness that is my girl. Thanks to all...I have so appreciated the support I have found here.

2) I spent part of today going through the beginnings of 'the plan' with my fabulous sister-in-law who will be traveling with me. What an adventure this is going to be!!!

3) This is MY midwife. I wish I had captured the look on her face when I told her she had just delivered my baby. Then again, she looked a bit horrified at the thought. She was a good sport...especially because I was stalking about my front entrance in a state of near psychosis for HOURS before she arrived. (Yes, the neighbors still talk and I'm alright with that ;0) Of course, she arrived when I went in to the bathroom for 0.2 seconds.

She drove by my house at first and I nearly went flying out and running down the street after the truck. Fortunately, she backed it on up before I had to resort to these tactics.

4) My translated paperwork was so surreal to examine. Wow, that is MY daughter they are talking about. I did notice one little thing I did not hear about when I received her referral via phone. It was the checked box that says 'obstinate sometimes'. Uh oh ;0) Oh well, I have my moments too so that's just fine.

5) My heart just seized reading some of her personal information. My girl is beautiful and healthy. I could ask for nothing more. I admit that when I started this process I was much more comfortable in the fact that I would never know birth parents. Despite the fact that this will likely not change I am now the polar opposite and only wish I could know how my amazing child came to be. Already, that 'hole' in information is much more significant than I anticipated. But, we have what we are dealt and we will make a happy life. Certainly, this is not a perfect world.

6) PIPA is currently being cared for at the SWI of Yuanzhou in Yichun, Jiangxi. Soon I will be scouting about to find an orphanage Yahoo group. I am so eager to get every shred of information I can.

7) I am very fortunate to live near the practice of a pediatrician who is an expert in international adoption and is widely published. My PIPA will be seeing her. Even so, I opted not to do a medical review of her information before accepting PIPA's referral. This was MY choice and may not be the choice for everyone. For me, I am in the medical profession and have an understanding of the information presented. I also realize that there may be inaccuracies so, to me, I didn't want opinions based on that. Most importantly though - go now and look in the sidebar, I'll wait. See that face? She is my daughter and that is that. Whether becoming a mom by birth or adoption there is no guarantee of perfection...nor should that be expected.

8) Care packages??? If you have a moment, would you BTDT folks PLEASE drop me an email with your recommendations based on who you used. I thank you so much.

9) Yes, I know I said at one point that I was thinking I would keep 'Jadyn' as my girl's middle name. But, now it is more important to me for personal reasons to use her Chinese name. The majority of the time here she will simply be PIPA.

10) I am only going to mention this once because I am moving beyond it now and I can't live in the negative. But I need a little vent. Someone in my life who should have known much, much better hurt me to a quite devastating level the day I received PIPA's referral. It was simply an act of insensitivity and self-centeredness. But, it hurt and it hurt deeply. Please, if you are reading this and someone you know is adopting and gets that call at last...don't act like it is no big deal giving it the due of the arrival of the daily mail while thinking only of yourself in the statements you make. Just.don't.do.it. I really am moving beyond it now but I feel for people who have to go through that insensitivity more often. I have been fortunate not to have to deal with asshats at every turn. 'Nuf said.

11) This has been the best New Years of my entire life...and that's a fact. Oh yes, guess what match date is recorded on PIPA's paperwork? You got it - Christmas Day. No Christmas will ever top the beautiful gift of her.

12) Congrats to all who are seeing their wonderful babies finally. Hooray for Kelli my LID mate in particular! I am so excited about some mamas right around the bend!! You know who you all are.

13) Yes, I still plan to go COO. It isn't like I have to pack hairbows after all ;0)

14) Thank you...sincerely. To each of you who have offered your support through kind words, comforting hugs and well wishes. Thank you, China. I will be forever in your debt for the gift you have presented to me.

15) I am such a hot mess. I still cry every time I look at PIPA's picture for very long.