Breathe Life

[url=http://www.daddyandpapa.com/i...]Daddy and Papa[/url]

Hey Buddy - there was a huge swing in your favor today - I can't really say what it is - it's a secret. But rest assured, in this game of life I asked "Mother May I...take 2 giant steps forward?" and the answer from beyond was "Yes, You May!".

<*doing a little jig*>

Nighty-nite!

XOXO

PS - Papa is doing a jig too - now that's something to see!!

Dear son,

It's time for another update. The sociologist came to the house and interviewed me. He also spent some time with papa answering questions. It lasted about 2.5 hours and was fairly simple. I spoke with the sociologist last night and the first draft should be completed and emailed to me for review no later than tomorrow morning!! In the meantime, I have already received two letter's of reference from close friends and a third is on its way. I received my FBI form and went to the office and completed my fingerprints 2 days ago. I received my employment/salary verification letter in the mail. The health insurance letter should arrive today. Once I approve and receive my final/original Home Study along with my original State background check, I will mail them to the INS. Then, wait for their pre-approval. That's enough of the process for now. More to come.

As for the home front. Papa and I continue to hash out a plan for your arrival. While your arrival is an exciting and highly anticipated event, the external and internal processes involved are stressful and scary. I have a financial plan and back-up plan in place and am willing to make concessions and adjustments along the way. However, know this - the process has begun and I will use all my might to find you and bring you home. I will not turn back or give up.

Some folks have shared conflicting opinions :evil:, some folks have been 100% supportive from the start :D, and some folks have bounced back and forth. All of this has helped me solidify and affirm my goal and promise. Hang in there little man - I'm coming!! :lol:

Love,
Dad

Dear son,

Lately, I have been amazed with the sheer number of opinions that have been shared by everyone, including my local banker, regarding your adoption. There are even those who have opinions about those who have opinions…and so on and so forth. I guess it stands to reason that there are as many opinions as there are people. Of course, there is value in everyone’s opinion, at least, that’s my opinion. By the way…what’s your opinion?

Webster’s Dictionary defines opinion:

opinion-, opinio, from opinari
1 a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter b : APPROVAL, ESTEEM
2 a : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge b : a generally held view
3 a : a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert b : the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based

Love,
Dad

[url=http://news4colorado.com/site...]Touching Ukrainian adoption story and new video clip[/url] :D

Dear little "Mishka",

Myself and a few others have started referring to you accordingly. I guess we all have this need to have and give names. I just returned from a required "Adoptive Parenting" class. We spoke about names and I shared my concern about naming you. While I have my own ideas about a nice name for you, I am well aware that you are already here and people are already calling you by a name given to you at birth. I believe it is important to honor your heritage and currently, I am of the mind to keep whatever name you already have. Or, at least keep it as your middle name. Either way, get ready for some silly nicknames like pooh bear, sweet pea, little Buddha. Your furry and feathered siblings (Nikki, Shasta and Zsa-Zsa) all have nicknames and have grown to tolerate it and so shall you – wink!

I am so anxious for your arrival! I want to be the best parent and fail at nothing! The social worker I met with today explained that my thoughts and feelings are perfectly normal (she only just met me today, give her time). She also assured me that I will make as many mistakes as all the other families out there grappling with life and all its wonderful choices.

I want you to know that I have been very busy preparing the way for you. I have filled out the required INS forms and sent in the fees. I have applied for a new passport and certified copy of my birth certificate. I just completed a mandatory class as mentioned above. We are scheduled for our "home study" for next weekend. This week I will contact the woman who will assist in coordinating room/board/interpreter once I receive approval from the National Adoption Agency in the Ukraine. I am saving my pennies to pay for all the fees, travel and other expenses. Soon, I should receive the finger print cards to do the FBI background checks on me and papa. In the mean time, I am going to buy books and subscribe to magazines and learn all I can.

If all goes smoothly, I hope to have you home by Christmas - that would be the most wonder gift in the world! So, my sweet son, please know that I am sending all my love across the ocean to you. It's only a matter of time until you are in my arms and we can begin this magical adventure together! Sweet Dreams.... I love you ~ daddy.

ok here goes:

* went to Idaho - work

* visited dear old dad aka sperm donor - haven't seen in 23 years - experience was unremarkable- which is ok.

* went to Pennsylvania - work

* went to North Carolina - work

* hubby gave the "thumbs up" to enlarge our family with a tiny human - too excited!!

* older brother hospitalized for alcohol addiction and seizures - now, in half-way house - on meds

* went to Key West - relax - unwind - eat - drink - relax

* back at home - working like dog - friends from Houston coming to visit

* going to Utah on business

* the karmic bell is ringing at work and some one may be eating crow very soon - please pass the ketchup!!!