Post-Trip Accounting

Work projects waiting: 3
Unread emails: 54
Google Reader: 1000+
A week in the mountains with my girl and my fam: Priceless!



(Still, please be patient with me as I try to catch up on . . . everything!)

Wordless Wednesday: Colorado

Westward Hack

When you read this I'll be hacking my way to the Wild West (which is actually east, but that just doesn't seem right) of Colorado. Hacking because I FREAKING GOT SICK THIS WEEK.

I am none too pleased that the first day of my vacation may consist of me napping in a hotel room by myself . . . wait, no, that sounds awesome actually. If only I can get rid of the coughing, sniffling, feeling blaaaaaaaah part.

And of course first I have to survive a three-hour drive, the airport, and a two-and-a-half-hour plane ride with little miss probably won't nap because I'll want to. I think it'll be fine, though. She's a good traveler and I'm packing about 47 kinds of snacks.

Here we come Rocky Mountain Hiiiiiiiiiiiiigh, Colorado!

Travel Question

I'm going to Denver in a couple weeks, as are my parents, to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. Me, a two-year-old, an airplane--two and a half hours. The question is: to bring car seat or not to bring car seat?

I'm thinking it would be easier to strap Anna in and tell her she can't get out, just like in the car, than to have her wiggling everywhere. Last time she slept two hours one flight, which I doubt would happen with no seat. A contained and possibly sleeping child would probably be much nicer for the poor person in our row than Queen Wigglesworth demonstrating her hopping abilities on the seat.

On the other hand, I will have to get the seat, the suitcase, the backpack, and the child from parking to luggage checking by myself. Once I check the suitcase it won't be quite so bad, and thankfully it's a direct flight, so no problems hauling it through another airport. But I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble or not. My sister-in-law can borrow one for Anna to use if I don't want to bring it, so it's not a must.

I'm thinking the deciding factor may be whether or not I can find some way to strap the seat onto my suitcase for the car-to-luggage-check portion of the trip.

What say ye who have traveled solo with toddler?

Now Reverse

All good things come to an end.

So do family visits. (Ba-dum bum! Rim shot!)

We successfully reversed course across the U.S. yesterday. We got up and out on time (early) and had a relatively short flight to Minneapolis. Anna was squirrelly but it was just our two seats in our row so let her wiggle, it's only an hour. Short layover before the long flight, but filed under Epistemology we found our Free Miracle! card and redeemed it for an extra seat in our row and a comatose-for-three-hours baby.

However, this nap did simply defer all the protesting about being confined (and I don't just mean Aaron's opinions on coach legroom) to the three-hour drive home. At least our fellow plane passengers were spared Anna's insanity-inducing pitch. It would have made that little carry-on dog someone had howl in pain. Like we did.

We all went to bed early, by Pacific time standards, but today Anna almost fell asleep on the 1.1 mile drive home from church and between bites of lunch. No naps for us grownups, though--duty calls.

I will try to get some of the four billion pictures taken last week up here and emailed to those of you who need them soon, so just hang on, they're coming. But in order of importance I first have to (1) pay bills and (2) get some other papers out of the way so I can (3) work like a mad fool to make up for lost time. Don't be fooled: the freelancer's vacation is really only work deferred to a late-night purgatory of procrastination payback the next week!

All Play

We have been enjoying our time in Michigan. My brother and his wife arrived with their four-month-old boy "Tobo" the night after we did, so there has been lots of playing with and staring at the little ones. Anna is having the time of her life here with the small slide/swing set, kiddie pool, sandbox (aka hair nemesis...I was not home when this occurred...), deck steps, music table, five billion toys, and cows (bmoooooo!). My favorite game is her rocking me while I'm on the hammock!

We arrived just in time to be reminded that: (1) it's stinking hot here and (2) it's FREAKING HUMID here. However, Aaron loves the heat anyway and my dad wisely and mercifully got an air conditioner for upstairs where we kids and our kids sleep. After a couple days of extreme heat it has found the perfect spot--warm and sunny but not humid. And we spent Sunday afternoon on Aaron's parents' boat on Lake Michigan. Ahhh, summer!

We have had some relatives and friends here to visit, and Aaron successfully officiated Sami's wedding Friday night. Now we're relaxing a bit more and as a day early birthday event for me, I guess, planning to all go to the zoo tomorrow to show Anna the lions (raar!) and tigers (kitty!) and bears (baba!), oh my!

On Our Way!

Bags are officially stuffed dangerously close to the overweight fee zone. House is ready for housesitters (the bummer about that is that you can't leave it a disaster zone). Must balance checkbook, check fridge for nasties, bring in rest of laundry, and then load up!

See some of you soon in our favorite mitten state!

Survivor: Airplane

Aaron and the kids made it home from YL camp safe and tired. They arrived early enough that Aaron could throw Anna around giggling for an hour or so before bed. They both slept in today.

I will soon commence the art of packing to survive 271 minutes of flight plus X minutes on runway with an 18-month-old, 23-pound wiggle worm on my lap. For the airports we got her a cute bear backpack with a long tail. Yeah, it's a leash. Cruel, demeaning us. But she loves her "baba," and isn't it actually more freedom than five-point harnessing her to things the entire time? I'm over it.

Some things I have in mind for in-flight entertainment: mini magnadoodle; a couple books (lift-the-flaps are good, I figure, to take as long as possible on each page...); her toy camera with the animal pictures; plastic bead necklace she's enthralled with; snacks like Cheerios, Goldfish crackers, string cheese, yogurt-covered raisins. And Aaron can play VeggieTales and Muppets shows on his Palm Pilot. For me, of course.

Then there is all the other stuff: diapers, wipes, cup, bib, spoon, milk, other food, change of clothes...

And my stuff: laptop (probably), camera, wallet, toothbrush, book I'll never even open, copious amounts of Dramamine...

So what am I forgetting? And the flip side: how can I lighten my load? (Answer: make it your husband's load!)

Aaron says she's going to be on my lap the whole time. But he also takes the aisle seat, so God help the poor soul on my left. I feel more sorry for them than me.

Meanwhile, here on the blog, as you can see I've finally done a little housekeeping. If your blog is not on my blogroll but you know I stalk you and you'd like it to be, let me know. (And if it's on there but you don't want it to be, that's cool too.)

In Your FACE, United Airlines

Yesterday I went ahead and booked our flights for July: heads up, GR, we're coming at you July 15-26. Let there be gatherings and festivities and low humidity for all!

And now, in an unprecedented act of advance planning . . . I just bought our tickets for Christmastime (Dec. 26-Jan. 7). This is stunning. I won't know what to do with myself all through October and November without this purchase to debate and rage about. The Grinch part of my heart grew three sizes today.

Even more shocking is that I was actually able to get two tickets using our frequent flyer miles. They seem to make it as hard as possible. For Aaron's last trip I even transferred miles from my account to his, which costs money, so he could go using miles--but by the time the miles were in his account, no "reserved for mileage plus" tickets were available. Grr! So rather than play that game again, I bought our tickets with miles and Anna's with money (well, credit!) and will try to use what remains next time.

For some reason I feel like I'm really gaming the system even though hello, we've been flying across the country at least twice a year for five years and also flew to Africa, first class--you'd think getting one lousy trip out of it would not be that hard. Oh, but today I am victorious.

ALWAYS BE VICTORIOUS!

What We Did on Our Christmas Vacation Trip

EDIT: Now with photos!

Long overdue tales of holidays past . . . (for more photos see previous post).

I have already detailed the travel endurance trials portion of our journey and the physical and emotional recovery period. I should note that once we got back into our routine, Anna got back into her easygoing nature, although we did have one heckuva long night last week with a very unhappy, nonsleeping, teething babe. Not that more teeth have made it through yet.

As far as what all our trip included, well, it could be summed up in the word PEOPLE. People people people everywhere wanted to meet Anna. And meet her they did. With our Christmas Eve travel delays, we had no day to decompress before we hit the ground running. Christmas Day is always a full one for us since we stay at my parents’ house, go to Aaron’s parents’ for Christmas with the immediate family, and then go to his grandparents’ for the big extended family dinner and gift exchange (and wrapping paper whipping contest).

We went to his parents’ as usual and had time with them plus Aaron’s brothers and their lovely ladies and daughters. Anna and her two-year-old cousin Autumn shared a sweet minute of holding onto each other and staring and then a big kiss from Autumn. This year things were a bit different in that we had dinner there instead of with everyone at his grandparents’—the big dinner was called off because of his grandmother’s health. Grandma S. was diagnosed with cancer not long ago and sadly it is a type for which they can do basically nothing at this point. She is at home receiving care from family and hospice. We did all gather at their house for time together and gifts, though, and I suspect that Grandma summoned great energy for and from having everyone together, as you probably would not have guessed she was sick had you not known. She is a wonderfully kind, sweet, yet strong woman. She tells us each time she sees us and in notes that she prays for us every single day and always wants to know specifically how to pray. I know she prays for Anna too so we were grateful that she and Grandpa both were able to meet her that day.

For once I was grateful the drive from there back to my parents’ is long since Anna needed the nap—more family waiting to meet her! My aunt, uncle, and Grandma H. had driven over from the Detroit area for the day (my brother and his wife had arrived the day before). Grandma wanted to hold that baby on her lap right away, finally! (Anna is the first great-grandchild on my side.) We had dessert and there were plenty of packages for Anna to rip open, now that she was an old pro at that game. My parents got her a walker/ride-on lion which makes music and emits a comical giggle/roar. She bends her knees and bops her booty as soon as she hears it, and she figured out fast that it’s pretty fun to shove around. Busy day!

The next day we didn’t have to drive anywhere, but more family descended: grandparents, aunt, and cousins from my mom’s side also arrived from the east (though being warned in a dream, some returned home in other directions). Papa wore his natty holly bow tie, my cousins as usual brought great comic relief, and my aunt provided lemon tarts and made a fantastic Ethiopia-to-U.S. map wall hanging for Anna. My mother tricked us all into decorating cookies in the traditional retro-psychedelic style and ridiculous quantities for which we are known.

The next few days were a little more relaxed, attempting to leave Anna time for at least one good nap a day (normally she is still a two-napper). We had meals out (or in) with friends and spent time with our families. Friday we got some beautiful fresh snow. Saturday night we were at FunnyWriterMommy and Beau’s house and their two-year-old was showing Anna how to run around like a crazy girl. For about a week Anna had been taking a few steps between us or objects when coaxed, but suddenly she saw that big girl walking around with a toy and thought I’m going after her! She took off on her own and then got brave to walk farther and farther distances across rooms. She loved practicing and soon really got the hang of it. Now she’s walking all over the house all the time like an old pro (okay, like a clutzy old pro who falls down a lot, but falls like an old pro too). Wow! (And yikes!)

By Saturday night Anna was getting my cold and didn’t sleep well because she was congested. She kept waking up needing to be patted or picked up to go back to sleep, but then it would only last a half hour (hmm, come to think of it, she gave us a reenactment of this last night). Finally we found our infant motrin and brought her into bed with us, and we she slept the rest of the night (guess whose pillow she always drifts onto?). We decided we needed to skip church and get some rest, though, since we had a big evening ahead. That day was the worst I felt throughout my cold. Anna perked up fine though.

Sunday night was the big “come meet Anna” open house there at my parents’ house. This really turned out to be a good idea since a lot of people were able to come and we could not possibly have seen them all otherwise. There were tons of kids running all over the house too—good thing Grandma seems to have a toy factory in her basement!

New Year’s Eve we had one last hurrah with old friends. The sweetness makes it that much harder to say good-bye. It was good we didn’t stay any later, though, because it was snowing like heck all the way home. Watched the ball drop at my parents’ but should have focused more on packing, because the next morning got frantic (sorry again Mom and Dad). It was kind of like how we left Ethiopia (yes, that tale will come in time). All to get to the airport and stand in a line for an hour . . . which brings us back to our return home (brings us back to 'Doh!') and the end of this scintillating saga. What travel or celebration tales will the next installment hold?

Home from the Holidays

We are back home after a wonderful but tiring trip. We had a lot of fun with family and friends, although I will say it probably would have been a bit more fun had I not gotten sick right before we left, stayed sick the entire time, and come home sick. I hope to somehow find the missing ingredient--rest--and kick this cold soon.

Travel to went askew for us as for so many others. We intended to take the red-eye and go through Minneapolis, but the flight out was delayed until 2:00 a.m. so we would have missed our connection, spent all day in the Minny airport, and arrived late at night. So we opted to spend a short night in Portland, leave early, go through Detroit, and arrive in the evening, only 12 hours after we'd intended. All things considered--long flight and napping on the floor of the airport--Anna did wonderfully. My brother and his wife barely beat us to the farm, arriving 24 hours after they'd intended. (All things considered, my mother did wonderfully.)

On the way home all NWA flights were running late, so they threw us on a different flight so we'd make our connection. That meant hasty good-byes and no time to eat, go to the bathroom, or get water and make up a bottle. Aaron was left alone in row 2 with Anna and the diaper bag while I bounced around the back of the plane hoping he'd get my psychic message There's a pacifier in the front of the diaper bag. He didn't, but they both made it without crying. The second leg we were reunited and she slept a good while.

We are enjoying the quiet, eating soup, emptying bags, opening mail, and getting back to work. Before long I hope to unfog my brain and get pictures loaded and tales told. I'm barely sure what day it is, but 2008 seems to have started without us. Happy new year.

Ethiopia Trip: Days 1-2: Travel

I can't promise I'll get through it all before our Christmas trip, but I've decided to take a shot at telling about our trip since I just finished journaling about it. (Yes, I know it's five months later.) Let the storytelling begin.

On July 13, 2007, our friends Janice and Terry took us to the airport. We got to the airport at 11:00. Janice helped us get the luggage to the line but it was tricky getting it back to where they take it into security—two suitcases and one big Rubbermaid bin, plus backpacks—since Aaron couldn’t really lift it (remember this is just about five weeks after open heart surgery!), but we managed. Then we got through security and had enough time to get some fast food to eat. That was a mistake—in business class you get a three-course meal!

Business class did not disappoint even six-foot-five-plus Aaron. Legroom? Ha! You could have a dance party up there in Row 1. And your seat is not a seat, it’s a Transformer with its own remote control. Between eating and drinking (which takes a long time with tablecloths and courses) and refreshing ourselves with hot towels and sleeping, we didn’t even have time to watch movies on our personal screens or even read books (we were too tired for reading anyway). We got to Frankfurt at about 8:00 a.m. their time. I wasn’t too impressed with that airport (though the part we were in coming home was better). It’s huge, but that wing had two-seater bathrooms and no drinking fountains, and we couldn’t go into the sitting area by the gate until the previous flight was gone, and there appeared to be some holdup with the German Pen & Teller’s tickets, so we stood or sat on the hard floor in the hallway a long time. Then we took a packed bus to our plane. Finally the comfort of business class again, and now I got a window. Took off at right around 11:00 am. We refueled in Khartoum, Sudan, and a bunch of people got off. Only a couple more hours to Addis.

We did it. We’re in Africa.

I’d been a little afraid getting off the plane would be busy and chaotic, but it was easy. We went directly into the room to get our visas, which was simple. We changed some money, then stood in line and went through the customs window, then got our bags onto a cart. Well, again, I got our bags onto a cart while Aaron stood there feeling lame and looking lazy/cruel. He said later he should have given me a 'hurry up, woman!' slap on the butt just for further effect.

Heading out, I didn’t realize we needed the baggage claim stubs we’d been given at PDX and I’d stuck in my zip ticket holder, and I couldn’t figure out what the guy was demanding—“Tickets! Tickets!” Then I was flustered and hot from hefting the suitcases around and just wanted to find the agency's lawyer, Sintiyehu—but didn’t see him. Some people had signs but none said Dove. I tried to act like we knew where we were going but a couple guys asked if we needed a taxi or to use their phone. I was a little freaked but the paper said go outside and follow the sidewalk so we did, all the way down to where cars pulled up, where fortunately a man asked if we were us, Dove Adoptions—our driver Wendi. Thank goodness! Sinti was inside but we had missed him; he said he showed me his sign and I said no. Whoops. We loaded up, tipped an unsolicited luggage helper, and were off. It was very warm out, felt good.

Our room at the guest house was a room with a queen bed and bathroom off it and bedroom with two twins and a wardrobe. I'd heard it was rather like camping but I didn't think so. But first we went in the house and they had dinner ready for us. We met a couple who has been here a while already and done some traveling, Kate and Jon, from Alaska. They talked to us a bit while we ate a little but we really weren’t hungry because of all the airplane food, so we ditched out to go to bed. I slept pretty well but it was cold in the room and Aaron got really cold when he got out of bed (as he had ever since surgery). In the night we heard dogs barking and I heard the mosque call to prayer, but they weren’t loud or bad. I woke up a little before the alarm went off at 7:00 but it was very dark in the room. And . . . no power. I found the crank flashlight to get my clothes around and discovered there was still hot water, so Aaron took a shower. Okay, maybe it is a bit like camping, I thought at this point.

Then I opened the door and felt like Dorothy in the Land of Oz: the sun was shining brightly on huge, bright green leaves, colorful flowers, dewy grass, cheerful birds.

We had breakfast at about 8:00. Very good. Starting to get nervous and emotional about meeting Anna . . .

Wendi drove us over to the orphanage care center at 9:30. Kate and Jon asked him to tell them to have them bring out our girl first since we hadn’t met her yet, and Jon was going to use their little DVD burner camera for us and Kate used our camera. We were ready . . . right?

We Are Home

We are home. Anna is wonderful. We had a wonderful trip and will write more as soon as we can.



Amesegenallo, Ethiopia.

Ready(?)

Ready.

Ready.



Ready.



Ready?

In two days we walk under African skies. In three we meet our dream made flesh.

Commence Paul Simon soundtrack of my life.

No I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
When the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away . . .

Joseph's face was black as night
The pale yellow moon shone in his eyes
His path was marked
By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked his days
Under African skies
This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm
And the roots of rhythm remain . . .

Too many people on the bus from the airport
Too many holes in the crust of the earth
The planet groans
Every time it registers another birth

But down among the reeds and rushes
A baby girl was found
Her eyes as clear as centuries
Her silky hair was brown

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time
Born at the right time

T-Minus 5 Days and Counting

So, we leave for Ethiopia next Friday this Friday. WE LEAVE ON FRIDAY!

Are we all ready? Ha ha ha. That would be a big fat no. We do have almost everything we need, but until yesterday it was all dumped in a pile in the middle of Anna's room. I removed packaging from new items and reduced the pile to 45% of its previous size. Good grief, no wonder our Earth is in trouble.

Thursday night we went up to Portland since Aaron had to have an x-ray and doctor's visit early Friday. We stopped at Target and bought some gifts for our Compassion girl who we will get to meet! Hoo boy, that shopping was fun. I can't imagine the fun those adopting older kids have picking out everything for them.

The doctor said Aaron's recovery is right on track and the weird symptoms he is still having, like coughing and night sweats, are not unusual. That means they can't do anything for you; you just have to wait it out. He is getting stronger all the time, though. We got out and about for the fireworks on the 3rd and 4th, and he got to see a lot of people. Is there anything better in summer than fireworks where the river meets the sea? I think not.

We are now in the period of Lasts and Nexts. Last time going to church just the two of us. Next time we go out to eat, we'll need a high chair. Last time I use or wear or wash things before I put them in the suitcase. Next time I want to zip into the store I'll have to unbuckle and rebuckle a car seat. Last time grilling steak on a Saturday night without a side of baby food. Next time you see us, we'll have our baby with us. (Last time you'll pay any attention to us.)

It is strange and surreal to think that the next time we do a lot of things, we'll have to do them completely differently. People keep saying, sometimes in a cryptic warning whisper, "Your lives are about to completely change." I say I know, yet I have no idea. But really, isn't that the point? We're doing this so that our life together, as wonderful as it has been thus far, does change and grow and expand. That doesn't mean I know what it will feel like to be in the next phase, but I think it's like marriage--you can only be so ready, and then you just do it, a day at a time.

I don't know how to get any more ready.

Except packing...
And laundry...
And cleaning up...
And finishing work...
And running errands...
I gotta go.

Provision(s)

We leave Portland on July 13! We will arrive in Addis on the 14th and spend our first day with Anna Jubilee on the 15th. We hope to also meet the girl I sponsor through Compassion--pray that they can arrange this on such short notice. We leave Addis at night on July 20 and get home on the 21st.

We are going via United/Lufthansa even though it's painfully more expensive because the better connection times will almost save us a day of travel/hotel each way, and with this long of a trip and us living 3 hours from the airport and Aaron still tired and uncomfortable, comfort and ease won out over dollars. We will change planes in Germany to give me a chance to try out all the Deutsch I once learned from Das Frau, in whose honor I shall wear purple (that day only, not every single day, as she did).

I continue to be amazed and grateful how every apparent setback is met by God's abundant provision, delivered by his people. Medical bills? How about on the day before surgery you receive a $2500 grant from a certain diminutive musician's ministry, Shaohannah's Hope! I love that we got a grant from Mr. Chapman because I met him once, and seriously, he's hardly taller than me. We got free backstage passes to a concert when I interned at a radio station, so we went, even though we weren't really fans. We hung back in the meet-and-greet line to let all the actually-excited people get their handshakes and autographs first. We thought this a bit amusing since people sometimes wanted Aaron's autograph when he was in his band and he always felt funny doing it since really, what's the point? Finally we stepped up and greeted him and he offered nicely, "Would you like my autograph?" and I replied without thinking, "No thanks; would you like mine?" Obviously he did not remember this incident or we would have been on Shaohannah's Blacklist.

Price of plane tickets almost sending you back to the hospital? Generous friends have sent a large gift to help make up for the unexpected extra cost!

Need some baby stuff? Ha! We will have you drowning in pink clothing and sippy cups before you can count to onesie! Our anniversary felt like Christmas when we opened two boxes of baby goodies from our friends Mike and Ren. Feeding stuff, toys, clothes, carrier, you name it, they passed it on. My mom couldn't keep herself away from garage sale steals. Aaron scored the essentials for fall at DetroitLions.com. And then today there came The Giant Box of Adoptive Families' Girly Goodies, oh my! I'd told other moms some time ago that I needed very small clothes since Anna was so tiny, so I was next on the list for this box as J's daughter had outgrown things already. I couldn't stop laughing pulling things out--it just didn't stop! I think Anna is already too big for some of this, but the friend from our Web board I affectionately call Crazy Laura just received a referral for a very young girl. Congratulations and watch your doorstep before too long, girl!

These are a few of my favorite things!

Okay, in the interests of honesty . . . this is what the rest of the room looks like right now. I had it all cute and organized until I started doing laundry, I swear!

GO for Travel!

Addis, we are GO for travel!

This morning I called Aaron's surgeon's assistant (who is, as she would say, FAN-tas-tic) and explained that our agency had an embassy date for us and although I wanted to be so excited as she suggested, I really wanted the big doc's A-OK before I bought airplane tickets. She checked with the doctor and called back in an hour and said "Buy your tickets!" YES!*

We are looking at leaving on July 13 and returning on the 21st. Can you say holy cow that's only 2 1/2 weeks from now!? And #&^!@* the tickets cost how much?

Baby girl is coming home!


* I would like to revoke the love I spontaneously pledged to a certain surgeon, although I will let my professed love for the assistant stand.