It's a whirlwind...

My goodness!  Time has flown since we've been back from Nepal.  There have been so many changes and the acclimation that people told me would come so easily for Finley is happening right before my eyes! Finley and I have continued to bond over the time off from work.  We had a terrific adoption party with many great friends and family.  Several of my family members were there (Eddie, Sissy, Sheena & family, Kenny & family).  The Browns from Starkville brought their amazing son, Diwas.  The Browns are also a pipeline family that went through so much to bring their son home from Nepal.  Erin was at the party.  Erin was my travel partner to Nepal and Finley's didi.   Connie and Meredith were rock stars in putting it together.  I had many friends and family members who donated food for the party as well.  Thank you all so much!  There were also thoughtful friends from church and work that attended.   Thank you all who attended!  Big love! Pictures of the party and some of Finley earlier that day to come when I receive the release from the photographer.  Fabulous pictures!  


We also squeezed in a trip to the beach in the last week before I returned to work.  Now, that doesn't sound very practical but the beach is always practical.  Finley was a natural at the beach.  She showed no fear of the new or unknown, loving the water and the sand.  I posted a few pictures on facebook, but there are some below.  We had an amazing trip to Orange Beach with the Credille Family (Jeff, Connie, Ava, Ella, and Mrs. Ann).  Well worth the 6 hour drive that actually took 8+ hours.  


Before I knew it, the time came for me to return to work.  Love my job, but just was not ready.  I had such anxiety about leaving Finley.  I hear there is no escaping that feeling for new mothers, but it is very difficult to explain.  My return to work date was July 25th.  Finley did have a spot at the NMMC Childcare, but wasn't able to start until August 8th.  God provided for us as usual.  Stephanie Moore and her daughter, Emily, welcomed Finley into their home for 2 weeks.  It was the best transition you could ever imagine for Finley.  The Moores have a son, Jed, adopted from Nepal.  They were one of the pipeline families.  They were finally able to bring their son home in January.  Over those two weeks, Finley became close to the Moores and was able to spend time with a sweet boy that looks like her and has similar mannerisms.  I thank God for that experience!  I think we established bonds in those 2 weeks that will be a foundation for years to come.  


That brings us to this week and daycare.  Finley and I have purposefully made several visits to the daycare to say, "Hello" to teachers and pick up / drop off Ava and Ella.  We have had repetitive dialog preparing for Finley's big day at "school".  Monday comes.  Finley is soooo excited she cannot contain herself.  I heard that she had a spectacular day, going right down for her nap and playing with other kids!  Success!  Tuesday comes.  She clings to me at drop off until Ms Ann says "snack?" then she was happy as a clam.  Wonderful day  on Tuesday.  Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday....screams bloody murder at drop off.  You would think I am taking her to a scary clown show!  She loves this place and I am told is participating like it is the Miss America pageant after I leave.  I would say that this little girl has a knack for the dramatic.  I promise she did not get it from me!  Finley's English language has doubled in just a week!  Finley has also had a couple of play dates with Lilly, Emma Rose, and Jeny Odom - which she enjoying like a natural two year old!


A couple of  funnies...  
I walked into the living room the other evening to find Finley eating, not one, but 3 crayons.  The big triangle ones.  She was holding them all together in one fist and chomping on them all at once.  My area rug will never be the same.  Charlie, Finley's canine brother, must have seen her and followed suite today.  To my knowledge, he was just eating one at a time.  


Last weekend, Papa John & Meme (aka Johnny & Meredith Farris) and the Credilles were with us at Comer's (super duper steaks!).  Finley was in a booster seat at the end of the table.  Next to us was a table of several people and (1) seeing eye dog.  Of course, the dog peaked Finley's attention, but she was fairly well behaved.  Until... all eyes were turned and she decided to reach for the dog.  After the sound of the crash, we all looked to find Finley had fallen on top of the assistant dog and was pedaling in the air with all limbs like a turtle.  The dog scampered, but returned when all was calm.   What made it even funnier was that the dog was wearing a large sign that said "Please don't pet me, I am working".   I used to only have to worry about my own clumsiness and poor decisions.  Now, apparently I am responsible for someone else's! Ha.  


Finley has many new toys that she is learning to play with.  She is still a household cleaner at heart!  Just give the girl a cleaning rag and watch her go!  She is separating from me more.  I can see her independence more every day.   She is a loving and affectionate little girl.  I am so thankful that God really has prepared her heart for me.  Finley is still not sleeping well at night.  She seems fearful if she wakes and I am not there.  Please pray that her sleeping improves and that her fear resolves.  I want her to rest.  


I hope you enjoy the pictures.  I can see so many changes in her and I think they show in the pictures of her.  I love you all.  Thanks for your love and support and prayers.  We continue to feel that all the time! 


Love,
Lydia and Finley

Lydia, Finley, and Jed

Ella, Ava, and Finley at the beach

Finley loving shoes

Finley posing at the beach

Finley & Ava ready for bed

Finley and Momma

Sweet Finley

1st day of daycare - August 8, 2011

Big girls ready for daycare

Go Sox!

Finley loving her momma

Happy June and July (delayed posting)

Greetings, friends!  Hope you have all had meaningful time with family and friends over the holiday.  Finley and I had big fun at the Credilles' in Belmont, MS on the 4th.   We had lots of traditional foods and a spin on the water slide.  Finley is a natural water bug!  After just a short while, Finley was going down the large slide with a little help and didn't panic (mom did!) when she went under water.  I think she will be swimming in no time!  The second pool experience was at my Sissy's for our mid-week family celebration.  She went under the water more times than I can count.  This girl is toughening me up - that is for sure! 


Just to catch you up on a few of the happenings of the past couple of weeks... Finley will be able to start the hospital daycare on August 8th.  Praise the Lord!  The few weeks between when I return to work and starting daycare, she will stay with Stephanie Moore.  Stephanie and Chris Moore adopted a little boy from Nepal in January.  So thankful for the opportunity for Finley to get to know him better.  We had a couple of good visits with the Moores.  I think it will be a good transition for her to stay with them for a couple of weeks before going to daycare.  Finley has met several more family and friends and is really adjusting quite well.  She is initially shy and then is often playing after a few minutes and blowing kisses/waving by the time we leave. We visited with Papaw Jack and Nanney Lou Lou.   We also had some Mexican with Uncle Ed and cousin Joey.  Good visits!  We also had a work shower that was tremendous!  Finley was ripping up and down the halls by the time we were done and has slowly figured out that all the stuff in her room from the shower is for her!  It's so cute!  She tried on her beads and dress up shoes - it looked great over the pajama bottoms she was wearing!  That girl is gonna master some high heels in no time.  Such a girly girl!  I can hardly keep up.   I am so grateful for the friends I work with (you guys are great!).   If we haven't gotten a chance to visit with you, hang on...   Week before last we didn't do much visiting as we kept Ava (a sweet labor of love) because she had pneumonia and we couldn't get out for her safety.  We have been to the pediatrician and have gotten the 2 year immunizations (5 sticks).  She cried with last 2 shots.  Pitiful.  She ran low grade fever and walked stiff-legged for a couple of days, but now seems much better.  We met with Dan Davis, lawyer for our re-adoption.  Last Thursday she officially became Merritt Finley Thomas. No longer is she Diksha Balika, although she usually calls herself "Diksha".  On the day of adoption, she did look at a picture and say "Finley" for the first time.  Yay!  It feels like a final piece to a puzzle.  While MS does honor foreign adoptions, it is easier to re-adopt to change her name, get the SS card & MS birth certificate, and register for school, etc.    Another big milestone was our first day at Sunday service at Hope Church.  Finley did quite well and met several sweet people our first day back.  She didn't make it through the whole service, but we came close.  There was a brief outburst when she signed and said "eat" and didn't get immediate results.  A brief exit from the service let her calm down and then we were able to return.  We will work on tolerance for this.  Finley did seem really interested in the worship music (and the flash cards that Connie brought!).  She has now been to a second Sunday service.  I will spare you the long story and just give the abbreviated...  Last year some time I heard the song on the radio "While I am Waiting" by John Waller.  I was so moved by the lyrics that I printed them off and posted them on my computer at work.  I read them everyday.  I had already committed this adoption process to God.  However, from reading the lyrics I made a conscious decision to actively praise God while I was waiting for the process.  It just gave me the happiest heart.  I continued to hold that song close to my heart throughout the whole process.  On our first day at church after returning from Nepal, it was posted in the bulletin that John Waller was going to lead worship at Hope Church this past Sunday!  You can't tell me God isn't in the small things!  I am so amazed and John Waller was so spirit filled - it was a tremendous service!
A few new lessons by Finley and for Finley...

• I have been depriving the poor child of the kind of rice that she likes.  You should have seen her eating like a man at Shogun and noodles at Mt Fuji.  Although, she was a little freaked out about the fire. 
• You can fall down multiple times a day and be okay, even a few face-plants.  I am attributing this to her dare devil instincts.
• Finley is learning the hard lessons of sharing.  She hasn't quite learned that the whole world doesn't belong to her.  She experiences repeated disappointment, but is getting better. 
• Finley's theory on food.... give it to me often.  I will try almost anything (sometimes 2 or 3 times), but if I don't like it I am going to expel it immediately!
• Finley loves being a helper and would like nothing better than to deliver something to the garbage can. 
• She is growing attached to all animals, but especially Charlie and Obie (dog and cat) and Rudy and Squeeky (dog and cat). 
• She would rather eat off mommy's plate rather than her own! 
• Finley can label about 5 body parts and is saying a few phrases in addition to several signs and single words.  She continues to amaze me every day!
• Sleep is improving but still a challenge.  More on that later.   

For those of you who don't know, I had a wee bit of a challenging week.  Monday I backed into Jeff's (Credille) car in their driveway and on Tuesday I ran over their cat!  Pathetic!  Squeeky lost and eye and has his jaw wired shut, but he is alive! It is looking up right now!  I will end with a few pictures to catch you up on this amazing little girl.  I can't wrap my brain around all of the progress she has made.  Thank you for continuing to remember us.  Love. 

Finley's first day at Hope Church.

The sweetest girls in the whole world celebrating Independence Day.



Sweet Finley



Finley with friends, Morgan & Steven at Ella's 1st Birthday Party.  She loved the fondant but not the cake!



June 23, 2011 - Recent pictures

I know I have been slack in posting in the last few days.  Connie, my personal tech person, has been busy.  I have definately been busy.  We have visited with family in Corinth including Finley's Uncle Ed, Uncle Tim, and cousins Sheena & Trey, Jen Jen, Dylan, Jay, Mary Margaret, and Ginia Kate, and Zack.  Finley and I were excited to visit with my friends Jo and her family and Greg & Cindy.  We also introduced Finley to the work people.  She handled it quite well, for the most part.  We have also been handling insurance, securing daycare (big yay!), and scheduling MD appointments.  There is an aweful lot to do after getting home.  Finley is down for a nap, so this is how the blog is being updated!  She is still spending about 50% of the time in my lap or in my arms.  Meltdowns that I previously described are gradually turning into tantrums of a 2 year old.  It is no longer primarily about insecurities, but about cookie and clothing preferences.  How is that?  We've only been home a week and a half and she is not only figuring her world out but has an opinion about everything!  I love to see the wonder and the excitement of all the new experiences!  My good friend Jo gave her many great gifts, but gave her a balloon (her first) and it was so fun to watch.  Sleeping is much better, as we have introduced a more regular routine.  However, she is still very restless at night and sits up in the bed several times and sometimes whines.  She is beginning to self console and will usually remain in the bed until the sun rises.  Finley still need me with her to fall asleep.  A challenge for another day still.  She has started using the potty occasionally again and will let me know when she is soiled.  I thank God many times a day for the undeserving grace and love that he showers freely.  His love is so very evident to me in the eyes of Finley, but it is not exclusive love.  It is the same love that is offered to all...it is there for the taking. 

      "The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you."   2 Corinthians 13:14


Finley wearing Momma's red shoes.  She stared at them for a good 30 sec when I put them on!




Finley with cousin Maddie.  Her first sleep over.



Sassy pants!



Finley and Ava.  They love each other.  So sweet.  So thankful. 



Loving the sucker Trey gave her. 

June 19, 2011 - Catch up

Hi all.  The last few days have been catch up for visiting with family, bonding with Finley, and catching up on sleep. 

Most impressive (or at least most relieving) is that Finley has slept through the night for the past 2 nights.  Yay!  It makes for a much happier child (and Mommy) during the day.  She has been waking with the sweetest spirit, smiling and playful.  She probably has a better sense of safety and predictability.  She still requires me to sleep with her (or at least hold her till she is asleep) at night and during naps,  and does wake briefly during the night.  So happy.  We have only been home a week today! 

My sister Leta, my nephew Zack and my great niece Maddie were with me from Thursday night until Saturday afternoon.  I was so nervous about Finley's tolerance, but it turned out to be great.  Finley took a couple of hours to warm up, but she played with everyone and even ventured into the other rooms to play several times.  I specifically encouraged her to play more independently, but was close when she called for me.  My sister, Leta, was thrilled to finally meet Finley and loved that Finley allowed Leta to hold her several times.  It was really great having my family visiting. 

Finley has spent more time with the Credilles this weekend.  She is loving Ella, stroking her head and poking her eyes (I don't know what that's about).  She and Ava love each other, but also are having some power struggles over toys. 

Here are the latest new things from Finley...

• Finley ate Mexican.  Loved it, but perhaps a little early for her system (yikes!).
• Finley has now been to Walmart, Toys R Us, CVS, Kroger, Pizza Hut. 
• Finley said "I Love You" in demonstration and spontaneously.  The sweetest thing yet!
• Finley loves Ramen noodles. 
• She continues to be very frustrated when trying to communicate, which inevitably leads to a meltdown. 
• She has now said, "Ava", "Ella", "nanna" (which is really her aunt leta), "Connie", "all done", "eat", "hello".  
• She pretends to talk on the phone.   
• She loves veggie straws and on occasion has chosen them over cookies. 
• She is sharing and not sharing at times, but is learning good toy play. 
• She has run to Leta and Connie, even though she then looks for me.   
• She helped Connie unpack groceries. 
• I left her at Connie and Jeff's to go check on Charlie (Finley's canine brother) and for the 15 minutes I was gone, she didn't even know I had left.  Progress!!!

I have now ran into a few people and realize how many people are looking forward to meeting Finley.  Just knowing that is endearing.  I am so excited for everyone to meet her.  I truly believe that all prayers for this endeavor have been heard and so many answered already.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  Pictures to follow tonight or in the morning!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

To God be the Glory.
Love, Lydia

June 16, 2011 - New Skills

It was a better sleeping night for us.  Finley went to bed about nine and although she was restless and had to be held some, we were able to stay in the bed until 4 am! Yay!  She even went back to sleep and we finally awoke at 6.  The new techniques... a fan for continuous noise and turning off all lights to indicate that it isn't daytime when she wakes and wants to get up.  


This morning we paid a visit to the Hope Church office and is was so sweet.  Finley got to see Dianne and Meredith and all the other staff that have been praying diligently for us.  It was emotional for me.  Finley shy'ed away and then fell asleep while we were talking.  

Other new stuff that we did today was took a ride in the buggy at Kohl's and Kroger, which was pretty exciting for Finley after the initial adjustment.  We also went to our first shoe store (Payless).  You would think she was well schooled at this event.  She argued with me in Nepali to get the ugliest pair of shoes in the store.  I refused and she melted.  We purchased our shoes and left.  She clung to the shoe bag like it was her best friend, as you can see in the picture.  

New skills for the day....  Finley responded to her new name multiple times.  This is a big deal to me.  She is imitating many English words such as train, Ava, all done, thank you, tv.   She ate cereal with milk in it with a spoon all on her own (lots of spilling).  


Tonight Finley is meeting Aunt Leta, Zack, and Maddie for the first time.  She is also meeting Charlie, Finley's canine brother.  He is returning home after an extended stay.  


Praying for a good night.  Good sleep makes for a much better day for Mommy and Baby.  


Lastly, I just have to thank God for a tremendous day and a terrific support system.  I value all of you so much for your "over the top" love and support.  Big love.  

June 15th - Jet Lag

The last couple of days have been challenging with the sleep patterns..  Finley started waking at 11:15 pm last night and we finally got up at 2:15 am this morning.  She is so sweet, but just wants to play and requires my active participation.  I tried to keep her up today, but she fell asleep sitting up and took a 2 hour nap.  I was able to sleep for about an hour, due to her waking periodically and crying.  Hoping to keep her awake this afternoon and just start to get her on a better routine. 

 

Finley is still very much attached to me.  I spend a lot of the days with her in my lap.  She follows me to each room and stands at my side until any task is complete.  She still has not regulated her feeding times either.  She is on a 2 hour snack schedule and has figured out where the fig newtons are kept.  Her activites of preference have to do with personal hygiene - brushing her teeth, washing her hands, taking a bath.  I had to close the bathroom door because I found her standing on the closed toilet rubbing candle wax (she raked out that was behind the toilet) and was trying to wash her hands.  I think she thought it was soap.  She also continues to diaper anything she can get her hands on. 

Aunt Cindy came to visit to see if Finley would play with her so I could rest yesterday.  Finley woke and cried.  She did eat a couple of the cookies Aunt Cindy brought, but remained upset.  Aunt Cindy left so she would calm, but Finley did give her a smile and a wave as she was leaving.  We know that adjustments take time.  I do feel that when she is resting better, that she will not be as distraught. 

 

I do find it helpful to have her around Ava and Ella (Credille).  She seems to enjoy watching them and is doing some play with them.  She is also warming up to Connie and Jeff more with each visit.  Yesterday I introduced her to the water sprinkler that was running at the Credilles.  She was impressed.  She ran her hand through it several times and then looked at her hand.  I love seeing the wonder on her face at the most simple of discoveries. Today I am posting a few pictures of her at home and at the Credilles.  Although this is a time of adjustment, I do  realize what an awesome responsibility and blessing this child is.  Can't wait for her to understand that too.  Just today she is understanding blowing kisses and is waving consistently.  We have also began saying our prayers at mealtime and bedtime.   Thanks for your continued support.  Love.

 

 

 

June 13, 2011 - 1st full day home

Today the jet lag hits.  Both Finley and I have altered sleeping patterns.  She woke up at midnight but stayed in bed until close to 3:00 a.m.  She went back to sleep from 6:00 - 10:00 a.m.  She took another 1 hour nap this afternoon.  I am hoping she sleeps better tonight.  She rode in her car seat for the 3rd time and there was no crying.  Prior to this, I can only describe it as throwing a cat into bath water.  Very happy to see that she is adjusting to the car seat.  Her first restaurant outing was to Abner's, where we met Connie for lunch.  Discovered she loves sweet tea and can drink from a straw.  She continues to play with Ava and Ella, although she is somewhat guarded.  She refused to eat pizza pasta for supper so I gave her rice and apples, yet again.  :)  Cookie count is 1!!!!  Aunt Cindy is coming tomorrow to meet Finley and can't wait to see her.  Here are a few pictures from our trip home.

Finally Home

I can't begin to describe my thankfulness to be home.  I enjoy travel and loved my experience, but am very excited to be home and hope to settle in over the next few days.  Finley and I are both a little jet lagged.  We have cleaned ourselves from the 36 hours of travel and took a 4 hour nap.  We have had McDonalds, sweet tea, and Connie's sonora chicken pasta.  Feels good to be home.  


Let me first tell you about the travel home.  We left from Kathmandu 2 hours late due to mechanical problems.  Our layover in Bangkok was only 1 hour 15 minutes.  We sweated bullets the whole flight, worried that we wouldn't make our connection but continually reassuring ourselves and each other that God's timing in all of this is perfect and making our connection would be no different.  Thai held our connecting flight for 30 minutes for a small group of us.  When we got to Bangkok, there stood a gentleman holding a Los Angeles sign.  Seeing him gave us a momentary sigh of relief.  It was short lived as he told us to run, because the plane would leave in 10 minutes.  We ran.  Finley was on my hip and laughing.  Erin was loaded with carry-ons.  I was sucking wind, trying not to cry.  It seems we ran for about half a mile (I'm sure it wasn't, but in the moment...).  We made the connection and off to LA we went - 14+ hours on a plane with a 2 year old that had just been introduced to a plane a few hours earlier.  


Finley was amazing.  She ate on the plane, the food they provided and the cookies we brought for crisis intervention.  She slept for about 6 hours laying in the middle seat, but woke every hour or so for me to hold her.  She was preoccupied with the remote control that was in her armrest, which she used to operate the tv, call the flight attendant a couple of time, operate the light, and use as a play phone.  She was happy.  She did have to make every trip to the airplane bathroom with me while she was awake.  I'll just leave the details out of that experience.  Erin and I were soooo  thankful to land in LA at 9:15 pm (earlier than we expected) that we didn't know what to do.  Even standing in long lines for Immigration and Customs, Finley was in a good mood, and very cooperative.  We had our first American meal at McDonald's in the airport as we were waiting on the last leg of our flight to Memphis.  Weary, but excited we arrived in Memphis at 7 am this morning!  Connie and Sarah Davis greeted us in baggage claim with a "Welcome Home Finley" poster.  Finley greeted them wearing her "coming to America" dress and waving her American flag.  Pretty sweet.  The trip home was a little tumultuous, considering Finley has never been confined to a car seat.  She had moment of quiet, but was quite distressed.  We did make it and are in really good spirits.  


Finley was initially apprehensive about coming into the house.  Once Erin and Sarah were on their way and Connie got the suitcases into Finley's room and began to unpack, Finley was bonding with the stuffed elephants and attempting to diaper them.  She was quite the assistant to unpacking!  Within 30 minutes, Finley was exploring and laughing.  She is so happy at home.  Although it was becoming abundantly clear that she had no intention of napping and I was fading quickly.  So, although it was intimidating, I loaded Finley back into the carseat and we drove 4 minutes to Connie and Jeff's.  Connie was willing to watch her while I slept.  I could not wait to see Ava and Ella! I was a little nervous to see how Finley responded to the girls and vice versa.  Finley and I walked into the Credille's and Ava looked at us and said, "hey Finley".  After a few minutes, the girls were playing with the large legos together.  Finley is definitely guarded and doesn't want me out of her sight.  


So very thankful for safe travel and Finley's exceptional tolerance for travel (I do believe that she will be a world traveler) and I am truly thankful for each of you that has prayed for us and continue to pray for us.  Pictures to be posted tomorrow.  Love to you all.  God is so good.  

Day 15 pictures - June 10

Day 15 - A small Miracle

 

Received the email I had been waiting on.  April emailed this am and said to be at the embassy at 12 to pick up Finley's visa!  As she said, "It will take a small miracle."  Amazing chain of events.  We got to the embassy and April explained everything clearly, as there are many things to know in the process of getting back into the US through customs and USCIS.  Bobby then took us to the Thai airlines where arrangements were made for us to fly home tomorrow!  We were under the impression that flight was full.  Had we gotten to the Thai office even 15 minutes later, it would have been closed for the day.  They then sent us across the street to travel agency where I actually had to purchase Finley's ticket.  Since she is over 2, she doesn't qualify for a lap fare.  Probably better given the long flight.  So, my friends, we are coming home this weekend.  We are finishing packing right now and buying our last few souveniers.  We are meeting Bobby in the lobby at 9:00 am, even though our flight leaves at 1:30 pm.  I don't want to leave any room for error.  It may be a couple of days before there is another entry since we will be in route.  The plan is to fly from Kathmandu to Bangkok to LA to Birmingham (still have to book the last leg).  Thanks to all who have prayed.  Please pray for safe travel and that Finley has good tolerance for travel as well.  See you all soon!  To God be the glory in making this happen, as in this whole process. 

Thursday... 6/9/11 (day 14)

 

Met with April at the embassy this morning at 11 am.  Getting into the embassy is not like you see in the movies.  You don't go running into the safe haven of a gated building and people rush to your every whim just because you are an American (unless someone is shooting at you, I guess).  There are lines and thorough security checks.   We were actually the only Americans there.  Ironic, I know.  Other than April and the other people working in that department (I don't know what you call it), everyone else working there that we encountered was Nepali.  My only reaction to that is surprise.  Nice people though. 

 

The interview process was painless, other than not getting a conclusive answer as to when the visa will be issued.  There was paperwork provided on my end, questions from April and an embassy officer.  Finley had to be present with me.  She did quite well for the 1.5 hours that we were at the embassy, other than a little figiting.  Just to explain things more clearly...  Today's visit was to apply for Finley's visa for travel.  The travel document that was issued yesterday was required for today's appointment. She does not qualify for a passport b/c she is not yet a US citizen.   Now, we wait for the visa to be approved/issued.  April says that 48 hours is allowed for processing, but it COULD be sooner.  They close tomorrow (Friday) at lunch and are closed Saturday and Sunday.  It remains a big IF that it would be issued before they close tomorrow b/c it will only be 24 hours.  Even if it is issued Monday am, it will be difficult for us to get on a flight that same day.  Every family has to go through a similiar process, depending on the country.  It is a nail biting time, but part of the process nonetheless.   All of these steps have been taken by many who have adopted from the paperwork to the travel to the bonding / adjustment.  Adoptive parents are tough cookies and I guarantee a lot smarter than they were when they started!  I digress....anyhow, April should email me as soon as she has an indication of the time and day the visa will be ready.  So I am attached to the computer, just waiting for some word.  It will come soon.  As an act of faith, I have already started packing my bag. 

 

 

On a lighter note, we had the most fabulous meal at Woodstone Pizza.  As close to American food as we have had.  Bacon, spinach, garlic pizza with sizzling brownie and ice cream that we shared. This is the most self indulgent meal we have had and the first without hesitation for Erin since being sick.  Erin is all better.   Finley is also a fan of ice cream.  I can see that I should better pace her at the rate I am introducing her to the luxuries!  She says, "momma, momma" and opens her mouth like a bird.  When she gets a bite of something she likes, she rocks her head from side to side and her eyes get big and you can see the smile across her face.  Beautiful.  She is also turning into a singer.  She is still at about 40% with pottying, She will  need to learn table manners and manners for wearing a dress when we get home.  I am learning that it is difficult to fool Finley even with a language barrier.  However, I seem more subject to being duped by the 2 year old.  How is that? 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sweet messages and for keeping us in your prayers.  Be home soon!  Love to you all. 

 

 

Day 13... June 8th

 Bhaktapur, Nepal

It has been a very busy day.  We started by siteseeing with Bobby by car to the mountain of Nargakot .  On a clear day, you can see Everest.  Not a clear day today, but the curvy and a bit scary drive up was worth it. Kinda like a thrill ride at Disney.   It is the best scenery we have seen yet in my opinion.  Lush greenery and perfectly tiered mountainside that is perfect for people to plant crops of corn, rice, and beans.  The housing was scattered, mostly made of imperfect brick work.  There was scattering of very rustic cafe stops, water buffalo (that looked like horses at first glance), goats, people working the crops and just standing around.  Great picture op's.  We then drove down the mountain to the city of Bhaktapur (I assure you I do not pronounce that anywhere close to the way it should be!)  Bhaktapur is a beautiful, historic town dating back to 7th century A.D.  It is the town has a royal palace and many temples.  People still live and work there.  It is a page out of time.  Finley was amazing, but wanted to be carried most of the time.  While she is enjoying Bobby and Erin, she does not allow them to hold her for any period of time. 

 The historic city

Bobby received an unexpected phone call while we were out and asked if I wanted to see if I could get the Embassy appointment rescheduled so we could go get the Travel Document.  I said "Let's Go!".  Through some phone calls, we were able to get the appointment at the embassy moved to tomorrow at 11.  We then walked with Finley in arms to the Foreign Affairs and waited a couple of hours.  The ending result is that I have a travel document for Finley.  Just have to make 2 embassy visits and then  we can come home.  Checking on flights, but it may be Monday before we can leave.  Still, very thankful.  Maybe a small miracle in store after all.  Thanks for specifically praying for our travel. 

  

Things I have learned about Finley today...

- She can poop in the floor, but it was in front of the toilet. 

- She is beginning to immitate a few words, "shoo wee", "thank you", "bye"

- She is in love with cookies, really. 

- She is beginning to bond more with Erin, which is very appropriate that she still relies on me for most of her needs.  I am glad for her new bonding though. 

- She really likes to be carried. 

- She is fearless, adventurous.  Running to the edge of the mountain, etc. 

- It is so sweet to see her run at me with arms wide open, saying "mommy". 

- Her only pair of shoes is rubbing a blister on her heal, but she wears them anyway. 

       Finley running toward me!    

   

  Finley at the mountain top.

She is a very tired girl right now and can marathon cry.  Even at her most exhausted, she keeps pointing at the cookies. 

Tomorrow is our first embassy visit. Pray for favor and a quick turn-a-round! 

TOMS shoes at the mountain overlook

Day 12... June 7, 2011

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters."    Romans 8:28-29

 

It appears that the travel document will not be available until the 9th (Thursday).  April at the embassy has graciously scheduled our appointment there at 4:00 the same day.  Due to the processing time (& the consular and the embassy are closed Friday afternoon as well as Sat and Sun), it appears that the final visa will not be ready until Monday.  April said, "barring a small miracle".  Well, I believe in miracles so we shall see....

I am prepared to stay until Monday, but it would be so great to go home this weekend.  God's timing is perfect.  That is evident in this whole process.  I will say right now that this weekend is definitely my timing!  However, I will be settled in God's plan.  

 

Last night Finley put on her pj's and tried to get settled with me in the chair, but could not.  She pointed towards the bed and I asked if she wanted to lay down.  She nodded "yes".  That's big.  No crying.  We laid in the bed and she flopped like a fish for about 20 minutes until falling asleep at 8:00 pm.  She awoke 4 times and cried a little, but slept until 5:30.  Upon waking, she was happy and has had only a couple of minor meltdowns.  Today has been a day of exploration and play on our own.  No appointments and no real agenda, other than the basic necessities of a 2 year old.  We snacked in the room and then had a late breakfast.    Erin found frosted flakes that helped settle her stomach and Finley is a fan.  Frosted flakes may replace cookies. We just had a meltdown from being cut off from the flakes!  If it's not one thing....  Part of the appeal of the cereal in the bowl is that she stirs, adds water, and eats non-stop.  I have now replaced the cereal with coins.  Will have to watch closely.... Notice her ability to use a sifting spoon for the filtering of water.  Perhaps if we knew a couple of days ago that she had these skills, Erin would not have become ill.  Ha. 

 

Erin is close to 100% now.  Thank you so much for lifting her up.  She is back to eating, but with much guarding. 

 

 We also returned to the gardens today.  A lovely distraction.  Finley did run and play today.  A close call when she ran from me and almost ran into a fish pond.  Lovely.   A late nap for Finley today, but hoping that she has a long, restful night.  I am so blessed that she is sleeping as well as she is.   

 

A few new things we know about Finley...she is using the potty about 40%,  She loves animals (followed a turtle around the restraunt and pointed out the monkey outside our window).  She has excellent skills in pouring,  She has distinct fashion preferences.  She will undress herself and attempt to redress.   She is becoming a minor celebrity - everyone says "Diksha" when we leave the room and pretty sure we have never seen some of these people.  Some people still ask about the other American families that have come to adopt Nepali babies.  Sweet people here.  In this culture it is interesting to see how strong the man's roll is in playing / caring for the children.  All the men speak to her and pinch her cheek.  When we walk down the street, it's like a receiving line. 

 

Pray for a small miracle for the visa approval.  Thanks for your love and support.  Still amazed at this journey...