Wordless Wednesday - 7 days

Confessions - My 'lines' have been crossed.

It's crunch time... so I literally have to write this in under 5 mins.

My hubby has been slaving at work to get things done. The other night he worked until 2am, then back up at 6am. That leaves me to manage every.thing. else. I think I may be over my head here. I am honestly not sure if I will get everything done on time. One way or another it will get done though, even if it's not done the way I want.

So with things in overdrive, our lives are in complete disarray...

The proof? Oh let me count the ways...

I used 3 ziploc bags in each of the kids' lunches today, and didn't care.

I have thrown paper and cardboard in the garbage because it was closer than the recycling bin. Add to that tin cans and plastic bags.

I am encouraging the use of plastic cups, cutlery and plates.

I have used cleaners that I uncovered from the bosom of our sink cabinet - full of who knows what toxins. That includes a magic eraser that just about took my skin off - note* - wear gloves!

I have purchased fabric softener and used it to leave our towels and bedding soft and smelling lovely. I also purchased Downy Unstoppables which I am in love with and don't even want to think of all the chemicals in them. I will live in ignorant bliss for another 10 loads or so... (I also use them as room fresheners as well).

I have missed breakfast and lunch on most days. (But increased the coffee intake.)

That coffee now consists of instant coffee as I have packed the kitchen away.

I let my son eat pumpkin pie for super last night. (It's squash at least right?)

Tonight's dinner was Sunny Boy porridge and toast.

I'm considering a 7 day fast or shake cleanse to save time not having to worry, but then realize that I still have to feed our children - so I consider frozen food, and if I had one - I would surely consider the microwaveable variety! (Do you hear me Tracy?! You know it's bad when!....)

Sorry earth... and my dear children who may be skipping a couple food groups these days. I promise to resume my responsibilities to you once I can find my way out of this maze of boxes and into the arms of Kenya! 11 days until we board that plane!

Counting our blessings..

Every child is a blessing. But with this particular referral we have so much to be thankful for. Wanna know more details about Z?

She is 27 lbs. According to this growth chart, she is in the 50th percentile. This means she's completely average... which is an amazing thing for a little girl in an orphanage in Africa! This eases our mind to know that our little girl has been well cared for... giving her such a great start.

She has spent 96% of her life in this one home. It's a relief to know that she didn't spend too much time in a hospital or at other homes, being moved place to place.

Her social history is a best case scenario. While abandonment is never an easy pill to swallow, I have dreaded the thought of having to explain a worse case scenario to my daughter. Infants left in latrines. So sad, and I am so relieved that I don't have to explain that one. While we will never know why she was abandoned, we do have reason to believe that she was loved... and we do have some pieces of information that may bring her comfort later on. An abandonment with ill intention, abuse or perhaps simply having no information at all... were my worst fears.

Her name. I'll be honest with you... I am not a big fan of 'older' Americanized names, or many common biblical names (most likely because they are 'old'... lol) - which is the majority of names of children in Kenyan Orphanages. I'm not going to start listing names that I wished she didn't have, as I'm likely to stick my foot in mouth... so I will tell you that I had always said that I hope her name is 'Faith', 'Hope', 'Imani' or something else, that I can't say without giving away her name (obviously!). So when I heard her name... I had tingles run up and down my body. What are the chances?

Her big beautiful eyes. We have originally requested 2 children because we wanted them to have someone in the family they could identify with. This went out the window when we were only approved for 1 child. Knowing there is so much about her that will be different from us, Muffin and I wished that she could at least share our big eyes, so we had a physical feature that all of us girls shared.

It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada... and wow, do I have a lot to be thankful for!

We have a travel date now, flying out on the 21st and landing in Kenya on the 23rd. We will be leaving our home on the 19th to get to Calgary. A lot of miles to cover in those few days, and a lot of things to do before now and then.

I will leave you all with a perfect little smile. (Look at those little chiclet teeth!!)

That moment...

That moment,

when I have my baby girl snugged in tight against my chest.

Our hearts entwined...

Her head nestled under my chin.

Soft breaths of peace slowly rising from her chest.

I glance down slightly to kiss her sweet little head.
 

Close my eyes
take a deep breath...

breathing in all her sweetness,

 thanking God for this most precious gift.
 

THAT is the moment

I cannot wait for.

 

It is with great JOY that we announce to you our REFERRAL!!

I will just get right to the photos, because I know that is what you are after!

First peek... 

I love this... the wonder in Mister's little face...thinking she is so cute. 

Muffin is about to jump through the screen and squeeze her she is so excited. 

 Awwww.... Mister wouldn't stop putting his hands all over his face, what a new emotion for him. 

The wonder in Muffin's face... 

Daddy's little Princess!

Mommy's Joy!

I wish I could show you a photo of her. I have been looking into this... some people show photos of their referral, some don't. Some have to sign documents stating they won't. It seems to vary country to country, agency to agency. There are no concrete rules, and we have not been given any instructions. However, just to play it safe, we are going to withhold from sharing with you until she is in our arms at least. It's killing me to do it too! But I can offer you some information.... 

She is 2 yrs old

She is beautiful (of course!)

She has yummy medium brown skin

She has kissable full lips

She is a LEO (Can you believe it!? I'm a Leo.. and love Leo's ;)

She is fiercely independent and decides who will hold her or not. (Hmmm strong willed Leo... never!)

Last but not least... one thing I wished for, was some big, beautiful eyes...

and I think you can agree, we got it! :)

Foto Friday - Coins for Kenya

Things to see and do in Kenya!

Your in Kenya, removed from your work, friends, hobbies etc.... what do you do? (RELAX... I know, but you can only do so much of that! ) This is a recent question that has been brought up by parents with little ones who are completing their foster period in Kenya.

I always found that it was much easier to parent by keeping your children active. Sitting at home can make you stir crazy.

So what can you do with your toddler in Kenya?

Well, a wonderful Mother on our adoption board gave us this fantastic list of day trips around Nairobi. I know many of you will be able to use this information as well!

Enjoy! :)

Elephant orphanage: Program is between 11-12 everyday.  Fun and interesting.  KSH 600 (approximately  $7.50) 

 Giraffe Sanctuary.  Can easily be done with elephant orphanage and potentially one other thing in Karen. 

 Nairobi National Park  $40 for just the park. For $60 there is also an animal orphanage and nature walk. You can see giraffes, ostriches, rhinos, lions, antelopse, and zebras—however, it is also possible to see almost nothing. 

Hell’s Gate National Park animal viewing; About an hour outside of Nairobi.  Pretty park with canyons you can hike.  You can do bike and walking safaris. No elephant and very rare to see any cats. Bike rental (500 KES)  and a canyon to hike (be very cautious of flash floods in rainy season.) 

Naivasha lake  Right next to Hell’s Gate. It is possible to hire a boat ride and see hippos and all kinds of birds.

Nakuru-two hours from Nairobi. It is possible to do in a day. A beautiful park—you almost always see Rhinos. Lions are very likely. Can be done in a day. A beautiful waterfall where you can picnic. 

Paradise Lost. Camel and horse rides, play ground, waterfalls, boat riding, Mau mau caves, picnic area etc. 

Village Market. Small play area with train for small kids; Waterpark (my kids used to love), bowling alley, movie theatre, food court, and a child minding area where you can leave your kid while you shop.

Bomas of Kenya. Cultural center; traditional dance show, huts from all the different tribes of Kenya, a restaurant, arts and crafts shops (they will harass you) and playground. Often warthogs running around. 

 Highend arts and crafts store. No bartering. Nice restaurant. Small play ground. In Karen. 

Spinners Web (another nice craft store over on my side of town. 

Kazuri (women’s cooperative beads)

Kitengela Glass (glass artsy place—a big hit with many of my more artsy friends)

The National Museum - ask for a tour guide when you enter. Little ones will enjoy more than 100 stuffed birds (all Kenyan species), other animals and a real snake pit.

Karura Forest - Lovely with some beautiful falls. 

Train Museum - Always a favorite with the boys. 

Amani Ya Juu -  a sewing-marketing-training project for marginalized women in Africa. Shop or relax in the oasis like garden cafe. There is also a playground

 for the children.



Anything else that you may have enjoyed that I don't have on the list? Please share, and I will add it. 

 I'll also link this to the sidebar so we have easy access to it.