Birthdays and escrow, whew

There has been a lot going on around here! I had a birthday in February, Kirk's birthday is today, and we are scheduled to close escrow on Thursday! Buying this home, creating a room for our daughter, this is our nesting. We are getting our lives ready.

This past weekend we were in Yosemite with my parents. We show shoed on fresh powder as snowflakes gently fell, we hiked 1,000 feet up to a beautiful look out, and we drank tea and read in our cozy little rooms. I have slowly come to realize, that one of the greatest gifts of parenthood, is being able to show your child the world. It takes my breath away, the awe of that gift. This weekend I imagined showing our daughter Yosemite, playing with her in the snow, watching her face as she tastes hot chocolate for the first time. I can't believe that I will get to bear witness to her unfolding life. I feel immensely blessed and grateful for the responsibility of motherhood that is soon to be mine. I shoulder it willingly, lovingly, expectantly.

We are holding steady at number three. The children's home our adoption agency works with is going through a yearly accreditation renewal process. When this happens, no referrals can be matched. In other words, no children can be placed. I've spoken to our caseworker Tami, and she said that there are referrals ready to be placed, but they have to be put on hold until the renewal takes place. So far the process has taken over a month. It feels so close!! We are simply waiting. Some of us (Kirk) and are more patient than others of us (me)....