It makes you wonder.

Last April, I was in Ethiopia and made the biggest decision of my life--to become a family.

Yesterday, I got confirmation of my embassy appointment. I can't believe my time is here to travel again to this place that has a big piece of my heart and meet my son for the first time.

I started looking back at my adoption timeline and got goosebumps. I know I'm a little more sensitive to these things than most, but I can't help but wonder about the coincidences and meant-to-be's.

On April 27, 2009 I faxed my application to my home study agency, officially starting my process.

On April 27, 2010 I will board a plane that will take me to meet my son.

On May 4, 2009 I was officially accepted with my international agency.

On May 4, 2010 I will have an appointment with the US Embassy in Addis Ababa where my son will be issued his visa to come in to the United States.

But, I think the thing that struck me the most, and it's with tears in my eyes that I write and remember this... in early November 2009 I wrote this. This post, I found out later, was written within just days of my son's birth and the decision made my his birth family which will ultimately make my family.

It is so heavy and difficult and painful and breathtaking and beautiful.

I have found myself extremely emotional for the past few days. As I get closer to this big, this huge, this hugest thing I am in awe more and more of the strength and love of Abel's birth family.

This is big, friends.
I'm going to meet my son.

P.S. To make it all extra amazing and tie it up with a bow, we return to Chicago on Mother's Day!

Special

I am so thankful for good friends that gathered round last weekend (from near and far) to celebrate my final days sans-kiddo.

My friend Heather flew in for the occasion.

Friday night we had all of my favorite foods (cheese, cheese, olives, cheese, cheese).

and favorite drinks.

And my good buddies gave me SO many cute things for baby Abel.

Saturday, I was treated to brunch at Frontera Grill.

Yes, that's a Spring Green Bloody Mary. And, yes it is life-changing.

I love Rick Bayless.

Rick Bayless loves me.

Thank you so much to my beautiful buddies for a truly special weekend.

Love you.

That volcano sucks ash.

I wish that big, ugly cloud would just go away. It is really messing up things for a lot of nice people I know.

And, I am flying one week from tomorrow. Through Europe.

C'mon ash, move it along, will ya?

There is a really cute, pudgy-cheeked baby boy waiting on the other side.

Can you believe?

Two weeks from tonight baby Abel will be in the crib next to me.

Yup.

It's for real.

I have a plane ticket (and a dent in my bank account) to show for it.

Couldn't be more thrilled!

A weekend as it should be.

This weekend was geeeorgeous and it was about time for some weekending.

Got myself organized and cleaned up my filthy dwelling, played outside a bit, took in a double feature (one rom-com and one documentary... I like to think of myself as balanced!), and ended the weekend with a kick-ass show.

Yes, the way a weekend should be.

(I did work most of the day on Saturday and wrote a paper Friday night, but it still felt great!)

Things are winding down with school and things are winding up with anticipation of meeting the little one, who is plumping up and looking very huggable and kissable these days.

I am hoping to leave for Ethiopia in exactly two weeks. TWO WEEKS. I hope. I hope. I hope.

Adoption Rule of Ten

Ten pounds.

Ten new gray hairs.

Ten bucks in my bank account.

And, all worth it when I see pics of my sweet boy.

:)

I don't recommend.

I do not recommend pursuing adoption (alone) while holding one full time job, one consuming part time job, and going to school.

There should be rules against this.

The good news-- I will finish this degree the SAME day I am likely to travel to Ethiopia.

Finish. Baca. The end.

That means hours of novels, romantic comedies, and trashy mags await me on that flight!

The only thing keeping me going right now is sweet, sweet updates of that smiley baby boy.

Soon.