What I Miss About Russia...

Can it be Thursday, already? The week has flown by - which is good as I prepare for my countdown to get a court date.

I have found it amazingly hard to get used to whole normal sleeping. A 15 hour time difference really stinks on the way home! I think I adjusted more quickly over there because I was so excited about everything that was happening and my 2nd day there was an emotional overload. That will help you sleep for sure!

There were so many big events last week, it's hard to pin-point all the highlights, but here is a quick list of things I miss about Russia:

1) Meals with the "family": Most of the times we would eat breakfast and dinner in the Vlad Inn with the other adoptive families on their journey. Because everyone is going through the same experiences, the compassion is endless. We'd sit for hours - and not just because we had nothing else to do - and laugh at each other's stories. On one particular enchanting evening, one of the pre-adoptive fathers, Ed, ordered the "Sea Bass" from the menu. I can't help but sharing what arrived. Now I am NOT a vegetarian, but it's rather hard to eat something when it's staring at you...

2) Fireworks: Rhonda and I had heard rumors of nightly "gunshot" sounds from around the hotel. We hadn't heard it, so it really didn't concern us; until one night at dinner. The sounds of two rounds of gun shots were heard for sure. After returning to our room and starting to fall asleep, both Rhonda and I woke up to the sounds of ... more gunshots. Being the stealth creeper that she is, Rhonda crawled to the window to see what was going on. These shots sounded close! And she didn't to get shot through the window. Imagine our surprise to find out that it was only fireworks! And nice ones at that! We aren't sure what the celebration was, perhaps just our being in their city was celebration enough!

3) Beautiful scenery: Being a stone's throw from the Sea of Japan has it's highlights! Other than almost loosing Rhonda's camera under a train, we had a great jaunt down to the beach. My other favorite piece of Russian scenery - the gorgeous Cathedrals. They are timeless and classic and make you think of Russia instantly when you see them. Here is one for your viewing pleasure...

4) And finally, of course.... Little Tatiana. I wish I could post one of the 258 pictures Rhonda took of her while we were there... but alas, you'll have to wait until January. With the holidays, it looks like we'll be targeting a January return for court. It could happen before Christmas, but looks like January. Keep your fingers crossed!

By Popular Demand...

Didn't think you'd hear from me so soon, did you? Little Tatiana's admiring fans demand some answers... so I don't want to risk a fiery hoard at my door...

She's a petite little thing. Since she was born a month premature, she's small for her age. I think she's also a smaller framed girl. Thankfully for her sake, she won't inherit the Clarkson curse - long torso, short legs.

On her birthday, her caregivers had put her in an outfit that I brought as part of the donations. It was a 12 month outfit and it fit her well. So likely when she gets home, she'll be between a 12 - 18 month size. My friends who have adopted also mention that typically when the little ones get home, they have a growth spurt after adjusting to the nutritional benefits of products here.

So that's the latest update. I went back to work today - catching up on the weeks missed emails and gossip. For some reason it has been harder coming home and getting adjusted to the time, than it was when I got there. Maybe because I was so excited and jumped into everything right away. Hope you are all well. Thanks for the love and support!

There's No Place Like Home...

After a whirlwind trip and the Saturday that would never end... I am safe at home! Rhonda and I left the Vlad Motor Inn at 1:30pm on Saturday 10/25 - Vladivostok time. Since they are 15 hours ahead of Michigan - that's 10:30pm Friday night at home!

The trip was not without it's small hiccups. At the super modern (sarcasm) Vlad airport, there was a "system problem" (all we could get given the language barrier) and Rhonda's boarding pass wouldn't print. They hand wrote her a boarding pass for that leg of the flight and told her to see an agent in Seoul. (However, to add to the mystery, all of the bags were able to be checked under her name!)

Upon arrival in Seoul, we were once again pushed and shoved (and literally CLIMBED over) on the plane by our Russian comrades. That was probably the most odd thing about the trip. I had been warned about this by the fabulous Jesse and Jason (who should, by the way, write a book on travel tips to Vlad as they nailed EVERYTHING!), but it's the most offsetting thing to actually experience. We made it off the plane and were ready to start locating our next gate, when we realized that time was not on our side. We had to do the proverbial OJ Simpson through the airport (and I don't mean holding someone up at gunpoint!) to get to our next gate, which we decided was far enough away to be in Japan, not Korea. We made it in time to get Rhonda's new boarding passes and collapse in our seats.

Touching down in Atlanta was a welcome sight. We dined at TGI Fridays (food!), and the bathrooms actually had TP (more on that later). At the gate, we splurged for the $75 upgrade to 1st class, which turned out to be so worth the money. As we started heading out the runway in Atlanta, we had not quite reached full speeds yet (but almost), when suddenly the captain slammed on the brakes and pulled off the runway. Apparently some warning indicators had turned on, and they wanted to check it out. Thanks Delta! It turned out to be nothing, and while the delay was annoying, it's good to be home safely.

Some general musings from Vladivostok:
1) The city is very cool. Being right on the Sea of Japan, the bay views are amazing. It was foggy there many mornings, although we weren't so sure that some of that wasn't pollution. No EPA there...
For anyone who has traveled in Europe, the city could look like almost any major European city. Lots of apartment buildings that look old and run-down on the outside, but are likely kept up well inside. They max every inch of space!
2) Traffic Devices... or the lack there of! We saw a total of about 4 traffic signals in the downtown area. Now this is a city of 700,000+, not 7000. No stop signs, etc. Road lanes, sidewalks, etc are merely a suggestion.
The trip downtown was probably 15-20 miles, but would normally take 45 minutes to an hour because of the complete chaos on the roads. You want to turn? Just edge out, someone is bound to stop (right?). It's the ultimate game of chicken. AMAZING. And not for the faint of heart!
3) Toilet Paper - my new best friend. You don't know what you've got until you loose it, right? Oh yes! People told me to bring TP on the trip - and I did... but until you experience this, you can't actually believe it. Public bathrooms are lucky to have toilet seats (yes, seats) and NEVER have paper.
4) It's getting hot in here... maybe it's just me because I tend to be scrimpy on the heat in the winter (old house!), but MAN do they like the heat. The baby home was kept at about 80-85 degrees. The Korean air flight had to be about 80 degrees. Same with Scary Tatiana's office. The weather was very comparable to fall here - about 55-65 each day, yet I rarely wore my coat...

More later, I am sure, but I have two kitties who are begging for attention. Roo (the giant beast!) slept with me all night, and I awoke to 7 toys delivered to the side of my bed. It's good to be home!!

Happy Birthday Tatiana!!

I can't believe it's Friday already!  Tomorrow Rhonda and I jump on the big tin bird to head back to the good ole' U.S. of A.  I am NOT looking forward to the flight.

We went back to Scary Tatiana's office today, but this time the "official door" was re-opened (it's been closed due to construction) and we got to take the lift!  That's elevator in our native tongue. Imagine a small box that jolts on the start and stop - enough to make the most brave person shudder.  So first bonus was the elevator, 2nd bonus was I didn't have to go in the office.  Rhonda, Kate (my translator) and I waited in the hallway while Sergei delivered the big hot documents.  So now it's officially, official!  I have signed my intent to adopt little T and the paperwork is filed.

From there we departed on our "small excursion".  Translation:  A 3 hour tour.  It was great to see the city - and I swear I'll upload some pictures when I get home on my own computer.  The city is much like any big city, crowded and they use every inch of space.  Because Vladivostok is the former home of the Russian Naval Fleet - they have a great bay.  There's a wonderful memorial to the Russian men lost in WWII and lots of ships.  

We had to purchase the customary Russian gifts:  Matroiska dolls, Vodka and cavier.  What a combo!  And we also ate our first meal outside the Vlad Motor Inn - bilini's (think crepe with great filling) in a cafe.  So minus the furry hat (sorry Charlotta Cum Laude) we've hit almost all of our Russian milestones.  Next time.... next time.

Finally it was off to the baby home to see Tatiana on her birthday.  She was a little overwhelmed again for about the first 5 minutes.  I think these children are so used to their routine and the little room that they live their lives in, that a change can be scary.  After she warmed up - it was giggles, smiles and LALALA (her version of a song, I am sure).  Very funny for me as this is also Emma and Katie Ginther's favorite word.  I am telling you, she's going to fit in well!  She and Emma are only about 1.5 months apart in age.  It will be great for her to have so many built in buddies!!

I gave Tatiana a bear from Build-a-Bear for her birthday.  I recorded my voice so she can listen to me while I am gone.  We also bought some yogurt, apple juice and cookies for her group to have for her birthday celebration.  She also got a balloon that said Happy Birthday and my coordinator and his wife (Ivan and Luba) gave her two bunnies joined at the hands.  I left the caretakers two disposable cameras to take pictures during my wait and also a photo album of me, my parents, our home, Bernie (daycare!), and all her new cousins.   And I got a present too for Tatiana's birthday!  Rhonda gave me the best necklace that says "mama" in Russian.... it's wonderful.  The best.

Tonight we are dining once again in the Vlad Inn.  We had our dinner party minus Sara and Steven tonight (we miss you) but always good to hang with Heidi and Mike, who keep us in stitches.  Now we are listening to the live entertainment -- a singer/karaoke type band.  They're actually really good!

Paka from Vladivostok!!

Hook, Line & Sinker...

That's it.  I am done.  Tatiana has truly stolen my heart!!  Today was a wonderful day with her.  She's just so completely precious.

We didn't have to go back to see Scary Tatiana today - so Rhonda and I even managed to squeeze in a morning nap.  AAAHHHH.  At 12:30pm we were off to see Little Tatiana again.  We arrived after her lunch time - and after a few crocodile tears, she was in great spirits.  She's cried a little each day we've seen her, but today it was MUCH less (only in the beginning).  I believe that the change from her daily schedule is so abnormal for her, that it was upsetting at first.  Now it seems that she's reveling in the added attention.

We played inside for a while and then we were allowed to take her outdoors again.  Such a welcome break from the sauna temperatures of the baby home.  I was expecting COLD weather here this week and packed a couple sweaters.  It's been VERY mild, and they keep the baby homes toasty warm - getting outside is wonderful.  

Tatiana likes being outside.  She's super curious and fascinated with leaves and sticks.  Thankfully we have lots of those in Michigan!  She loves to cruise around and gets so excited that she will trip her feet on the very uneven payment outside.  We saw a koshka (kitty!) in the yard today while we were outside - and she wanted to chase after him.  My 3 furries at home are going to LOVE that!  (not)

She's really a sponge for knowledge right now too.  She was saying "yes" with me today and my newest most favorite word... MAMA.  Yup, she called me mama today.  Not sure she knows the meaning just yet, but I'll take it all the same!  My little Riley is going to have a ball with her!

So now it's official.  I signed the letter of intent to adopt her while at the notary this afternoon.  Her birthday is tomorrow -- she'll be two, and thankfully, I get to spend it with her.  We purchased some yogurt, juice an cookies for her and her group - along with the bear I brought with to leave behind - for her birthday celebration.  

So now comes the waiting (AGAIN!).   My coordinator, Ivan, says that typically it's 2 months.  But if you do the math - that's Christmas.  They celebrate here from 12/31-1/10, and he's not sure we can pull everything off by then - paperwork, court and wait time.  So keep those fingers crossed!  It's going to be a long couple months!!

From Blue to Pink - In One Quick Wink

As promised, here is the daily update.  First, before I get started, I have to say thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments.  Your thoughts, prayers and love have meant the absolute world to me the last couple days.  This roller coaster has been crazy!  I am lucky to have a great set of friends, real, cyber (and heck, imagined too!) and family.

And while we are on the subject of family... I am unofficially announcing that the female dynasty sprung forth from Lock and Liz Clarkson is adding one more strong willed female!  

I haven't signed the official paperwork, but I know in my heart that Tatiana is the one.  Yup, folks, you heard it here first, please welcome Tatiana Elizabeth.  I will likely send her documents over to the IA Doctor tonight, but more for a "what could potentially need attention in the future" vs. ruling her in or out. 

She's a pistol.  Imagine that -- another feisty female to add to our crew.  For those of you who don't know the background... I come from a long line of strong women.  My mom is 1 of 5 girls (1 brother too, poor Uncle Larry!), and my father also has 5 sisters (and yes, 1 brother too!).  My Grandma Clarkson (mom's side) is no longer with us, but I am so fortunate to still have Grandma Repp and live 1 mile from her.  Tatiana will make Great-Grandchild #11 on the Clarkson side, and get ready for it... Girl #10.  A Female dynasty in the making!!

One other note and additional thank yous.  Sorry for the outpouring of emotions here, but like all those before me, I am keeping it real.  So that's who this final note is for.  All my blogger, adoptive family friends who have completed their process or are still in the works.  Without you, I probably would have lost my mind with doubt and questions this week.  I feel the need to say some specifics -- and I am sure in my lack of sleep, I will miss someone - so if you are missed... please forgive.  To Tamara and Angie... my LH crutches... what do I say.  You two are a blessing.  Thanks for all your love and support.  To Ondrea, without you realizing it most likely, I am devouring everything you pass along.  I know the road ahead with a feisty little girl will be a challenge, but I think I'll make it.  Thanks for the inspiration.  To Nancy, Karyn, Becky... I've loved reading about your experiences... you helped me prepare for this more than you know!  Jesse and Jason -- wow, I don't know where to start.  You two are the best.  I can't even begin to thank you.  I feel like I have followed you down a crazy path and you prepared me for every step.  Sara, Phyllis & Heidi (and of course, Stephen, Ed and Mike...) my neighbors in the Vlad Inn - thanks for the great times this week and sharing all our experiences this week.  I can't wait to hear more about your kids.

Finally, (whew! yes!) special notes for Amy aka Wong, Pam, Jennifer my cousin/sister and Suzy.  I am lucky to have you in my life.  And last but not least... my partner in travel and soul sister, madam Photog, Rhonda Marie.  I can't thank you enough for everything.  Keeping me sane and grounded and helping with every step.  Even all the steps of the 5 flights of stairs!  I'll leave you all with some of the very talented (but she'll deny her talent everytime) Rhonda.  She took this precious shot today...  Paka!

You Just Know

Where do I start?  What a day.  Last night after my blog posting I met with another coordinator for the agency here locally.  If I was nervous by the comments earlier in the day, my talk with him made it worse.  He knew the background of the referral and not in so many words basically thought it wasn't a good situation.  

I went to bed nervous, scared, upset and frustrated.  After a midnight (here) phone call from Lorien at my agency, she talked me down off the cliff and emphasized the importance of one step at time.  Every little thing was stressing me out this morning - hair, temperature in the room, etc. anything to avoid the giant elephant in the corner, staring me in the face of what could potentially be a really rough day.

We were off to the Department of Education.  The first stop of the journey.  The DOE gives you the permission to visit the baby home and that specific child.  Imagine a very small, warm room at the top of 5 flights of stairs in an older building much like at a University.  The woman was scary, and asked some questions and then explained the policies.  No smiles.  Hard to get used to because you don't realize until you don't get them how reassuring a simple smile is.  

After the scary stop, we were off to the baby home in Artem (about 1 hour away).  We made a quick stop at the local Department of Education to pick up a facilitator - this time not so scary, who came along with us.  Another 20 minutes in the car and we arrived to a complex of apartments and old abandoned factories.  Just as I am wondering where we are, we pulled into a cute, sparse, but nicely decorated baby home.  Inside we went...

We waited about 2o minutes while the little guy and his group finished their lunch.  Finally, it was time for the BIG moment.  They brought the little guy in, and just as everyone said, I knew instantly that unfortunately, I was not the mom for this little guy.  My dreams and hopes are that he finds a wonderful caring family to take care of him.  We played with him a bit, and listened to the brief description from the doctors, not knowing when was the appropriate time to say "Nyet".  

As we walked to the car, I really tried to be strong, but the tears did start to flow.  Not the first time, however.  I felt horrible leaving him behind, but knew in my heart that it was the right decision.  We stood by the car while our driver went inside for a minute.  One of the caretakers from inside, walked out with a little girl (dressed in boys clothes) who was walking around the adorably cute playground area smelling the flowers and playing with her caretaker.  Rhonda made a quick joke about "don't bring her down here, we'll be tempted to stash her in the car" because she was so cute.   Sergei, the driver, returns with news that they'd like to introduce me to a little girl - almost 2 yrs old.  So back inside we went.  

By now, you can probably guess what happened.  The little girl who was outside smelling the flowers -- that's her.  Rhonda started to tear up and I really had to hold it back, thinking what so many of the families who have traveled before have said "You Just Know".  While I still have some questions about her background - we have an appointment to go back and visit her tomorrow.  So while nothing is finalized, I am a very different frame of mind tonight vs. last night.

More from Russia tomorrow... it's late and to quote another adorable little girl... "The Sun Has Gone, To Bed and So Must I..."

Whenever Yesterday Was...

Famous Quotes from the trip (so far):

- "Don't make me go get Sean Astin.  He'll kick your butt."  (Amy to Rhonda, plane to LAX)

- "You are very lovely and beautiful".  (Sergei, our driver to Rhonda)

- "And that's sugar...." (Mike Lee to Amy as she almost "sugared" her fries instead of salt)

- "Ummm I'm typing in Korean" (Rhonda in the Icheon International Airport)

- "What's my name?" (Rhonda post arrival)

- "I did that yesterday, whenever yesterday was..." (Rhonda, again)

And to quote my favorite tween time movie from oh so long ago... (Poltergeist) "They're HERE"!!!

We have arrived.  After what seems like forever of planes (no trains) and a few automobiles, Rhonda and I have landed in Vladivostok.  Everything everyone has told me (especially you Jesse and Jason!!) is right!  The airport is small - and people were pushy, yet in some way I loved every minute of it.  We hooked up with Sara and her husband in the Seoul airport (my blog stalker with the scary weird same dates!) and also met another great couple waiting for their #2 trip to bring home their new daughter.  Sara and I kept up our magical timelines, but literally going through customs at the same time!!

Tomorrow we are off to the Department of Education and then to meet the little guy.  I am nervous and excited and anxious - all in one.   Sergei, my driver, and Kate the translator, had a couple comments today that made me VERY nervous... but no use dwelling on anything until we see for ourselves tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  Have a great Monday all those of you on the other side of the pond.  Thanks for the comments -- it's nice to have a touch of home so far away.

And finally, to explain the Sean Astin comment -- the semi famous actor was on our flight from DTW to LAX.  I, in my star struck nature, noticed him quickly.  I did some minor stalking and got a picture -- which I'll upload later!!  Peace out.

I've lost Sunday -- Do You Know Where It Is??

Wow... what a trip so far. Rhonda and I left Detroit around 7:45pm on Saturday evening. After landing for a brief but WARM stopover in LA, we were onto Seoul, Korea. The longest flight of my life. The flight was 13 hours. And somehow we have misplaced Sunday. I'm sure it's around here somewhere, but not here, because it's 7:29am on Monday!! Korean Air is wonderful - even in coach they have the best amenities. However, instead of being icy cold like most long distance flights, our flights have been super warm.

We're in the Icheon International Airport - waiting for out next flight, and man, what a transition! Some people speak English, but not so well. In order for us to get food (and kill 4+ hrs) we had to go out of customs/immigration, which we weren't expecting! But alas, we survived.

Next stop - Vladivostok! And hoping to meet a little guy in the next day or so. I am filled with excitement, nerves and the unknown. Keep you posted later!!

S-A-T-U-R, D-A-Y, NIGHT!

It's almost here! Saturday night is the big night. Rhonda and I take off from Detroit around 7:30pm. With a 3 hour stop at LAX, we'll be off to Seoul after mid-night on Sunday. With the time-change/international date line, we'll arrive in Vladivostok at 2:20pm on MONDAY!

I'll check in from Vladivostok to update everyone! Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes.

New Presidential Candidate

There's an effort to elect an unknown random person as President... and it's someone we know! Watch this online video about the surprising new nominee:

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=370617&altf=Bnz&altl=Sfqq

Let me know what you think!!

It's Fall, Do You Know Where Your Sugar Is?

If you live in the north, the answer could be.... CROSWELL, MICHIGAN!

I live in a small town about 4 miles from Lake Huron (hold your right hand up, palm up: just by your thumb knuckle is me!). Small towns have always fascinated me. One of the big factories in town is a (you guessed it!) SUGAR factory. Formerly known (ok, still is known as around here) as Pioneer Sugar, the Michigan Sugar Plant in Croswell, MI is up and running at full steam.

For those of you not in the know of sugar, in the north sugar is produced by sugar beets, not sugar cane. Giant brown potato looking things. Grown locally and then trucked to Croswell and dropped off to produce sugar.

With all that you'd think I lived in the sweetest smelling town in Michigan. Not so much. The odor is ODD. Very odd. Hard to describe, but it's not good. Worse on the days when the cloud cover is low.

So now you've had your sugar lesson for the week - you can go back to scouring the internet for other useless trivia and knowledge. And yes, I am trying to keep pre-occupied so the week goes fast!! Can't you tell?

Leavin, On a Jet Plane

Quick update!! After an exhausting, whirlwind of a trip to Chicago for work, I returned home late last night for a date with Obama & McCain. I quickly cleared my emails, only to hear the sound of a new email arriving shortly after I just emptied the mailbox. I have my travel dates!!

Rhonda and I will be heading out on 10/18 late in the evening with quick stops in LA and Seoul, Korea. The trip is so long that we won't arrive until mid-afternoon on Monday 10/20! Now that's some frequent flyer points!! I am so glad to have Rhonda going with me -- and huge thanks to Rhonda's husband Dave for helping make her part of the trip possible!

Double bonus during the trip is the Mike & Heidi Lee will be in Vlad at the same time! http://findingrfamilee.blogspot.com/ I've long stalked their blog and am so hoping we can meet up in Vlad. For my agency, Moscow is the "big region"; larger, so more families tend to go toward that region. It's wonderful to hear the stories of how they are able to meet up for dinner. I was hoping to share this with my partner in crime, Angie and her husband, Rick - but now I will hopefully get to meet Mike & Heidi!

Finally, one more small milestone to share. I received my FIRST registry present this week!! One more surprise waiting for me when I got home last night was a congrats present from my lifelong friend Pam. We met when I was around 4 years old!! Thanks Pam!!!

Again???

I got tagged again!! LOL

Just two days later - and before all my taggies were able to tag (tap, tap, tap), I was tagged again. This tag comes from Karyn (http://tiger-kar.blogspot.com/) a very funny new mom that I blog-stalked. I love reading about her adventures, she's honest and fun.

So you know the rules -- you get to hear 6 more random facts about me (yea, you!) and then I get to tag 6 more of you! Haha. So here goes....

1) While I have already mentioned that I am an only child, I actually have a VERY LARGE extended family. My mom is one of six kids, and my dad was one of seven. I have a bevy of cousins, all of which I know and for the most part see on a semi-regular basis. I feel VERY fortunate to have such a great, close family. We aren't without our issues and challenges, but we're family.
2) Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Notice I said ONE of -- I love them all, really! However, with my large family, we have a spectacular Thanksgiving tradition. Not only is my mom 1 of 6 kids, her father was 1 of 7 kids (all boys!), and ALL SEVEN families still get together each Thanksgiving. 5 of my Great-Uncles are alive and 4 live in this small town with me. Our gathering ranges from about 60-100 people. Big range, I know, but typically every other year it's "big" as people have multiple places they have to visit. And with those #s, as you'd imagine we have to rent a hall.
3) You probably know by know that I am a close relative to the CraziCatLady. No seriously, that's my aunt's email address. And the apple doesn't fall that far from the tree. What you don't know is that each of my kitties have their own Christmas stocking. Crazy, I know.
4) I have a sweet tooth that won't stop. It's my biggest weakness. Someone mentioned Cadbury Cream Eggs recently - YUM! But this time of year the BEST treat is: Brachs Candy Corn mixed at home with salted peanuts. Try it - you won't be sorry!
5) I am a serious picky eater. Combine this with the fact that I don't like my food to touch, I have bad food problems! On the list of no, no, nevers: seafood - if it can walk in the ocean, I am NOT eating it; salad - not sure what the issue is here, but I don't get it; most of the green veggies - I just do the basics, corn, carrots, potatoes, green beans and peas are ok.
6) I am fully hooked to fountain Diet Pepsi. But it has to be fountain. If I won the lottery, I'd put a Diet Pepsi only dispensing fountain machine in my house!!!

Ok, now on to my latest group of 6 victims:
1) Jenny: http://ouradoptionjourney-jennyandron.blogspot.com/
2) Lindsay: http://clmclaughlin.blogspot.com/
3) Danette: http://azlittlepatchofheaven.blogspot.com/
4) Sarah: http://ourrussianchildren.blogspot.com/
5) Becky: http://russianpeanut.blogspot.com/
6) Nancy - Her blog is on private right now - so no link :)

The rules are:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2.Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random facts about yourself.
4.Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Good luck all!

Belated Birthday Present

Yup!!!! You guessed it! Today, of all days, I got the magic phone call!! It was a "perfect storm" of sorts with a lot of things leading up to "the call": my sadness last week, birthday this week and to top it all off I was away from home on a quick trip for work. Since suddenly (yesterday) this turned into an overnight trip, I did actually have my laptop with me. Lorien from my agency called and said the magic, wonderful words, followed up with some additional information on my computer.

More details to follow, but it looks like soon I will be off to meet a wonderful little boy!