Yikes

I know, I am such a slacker. I have been meaning to post forever. I even put little updates on Facebook. For some reason, though, updating the blog has been an obstacle I have struggled to overcome. I miss Annie SO MUCH. I miss Evan (my husband) SO MUCH. This adoption process and deployment seem like they will never end. I know that isn't true at all. I know we are closer to the end than to the beginning. It's just been a struggle lately to keep my spirits up. Two of my best friends moved away and that has been hard on the boys as well as me. Elijah has had a lot of issues adjusting to me being home again- even though I was only gone 12 days and we are going on two months being back home. I dread leaving him again, but I would dread taking him to Bulgaria more! ;) My mom will care for all three boys this next time (ok, at least that is the plan). Right now Elijah has been asking to go to Grandma's house every day, so I am hoping he will do well there! I think my mom's plan is to bundle him up and let him play outside in the dirt as much as possible, lol!
As far as the adoption, we are moving along! Our Article 5 was issued and should be submitted to the MOJ next week, along with the rest of our second stage documents. As long as there are no problems in our paperwork (and with our awesome attorney, I am confident there will not be any issues!), then the next step is to be issued a judge and wait for the judge to schedule a court date! :) :) As we draw closer to the end of our journey, I find myself more and more anxious to have Annie HOME. I often find myself wondering if she had a good day, if she has been sick (she seemed to be getting sick when I left), if she is eager to come home, if she misses me... Our last visit was HARD. I started to cry so many times and I think I did pretty good not blubbering the whole visit, I managed to hold it together until I got to my room that night. Annie was mad at me. She seemed to know I was leaving- I think her caregivers prepared her for my departure. I appreciated that, even if it was a hard last visit with her upset with me. :) Her caregivers are obviously fond of her, which gives me comfort. I just wish it weren't such a long process, but even so, I am glad that Hague is in place for the sake of the children. I have Annie's picture on my phone, on the counter, on my FB. I love seeing her smile multiple times a day and I am counting down the days until I can see her smile in person and hold her in my arms again!
I almost forgot! Molly, thank you so much for your support!! You have no idea how much we appreciate it! Jo, Annie is 5 years old. Are you adopting through AAC and Toni? I would love to hear about your journey! Thank you very much to all who have prayed for us, prayed with us, offered us moral support, purchased an item from us or donated. Someday I hope to show Annie just how much she was loved even before she came home. :)