Thursday, October 2, 2008

Nag, Nag, Nag

I'm sorry for the lack of posting, but geez, I'm tired. I think it all caught up with me today and I was just plain worn out. We were on the road at 6:30 Tuesday morning and traveled all day. We pulled into Colleen's house at 7:30 pm and then I had a 4 hour drive home from there. Thankfully my girl Kristina called to check on me during my drive (love you girl!).

I know I have no other trips to compare this one too, but this team has decided that we are "exclusive" and should always travel together. We will, however, need a new leader since Colleen says she never wants to put up with us again (he he). I cannot remember the last time I have laughed so much. Kristina, Todd & I even had Jean Nathan cracking up at our DHS appointment (during the building evacuation & all)! We could find humor in just about anything and I can say I enjoyed every moment with this group.

Other than being with Anchise and the rest of the team, my favorite times were spent in the nursery. I spent quite a bit of time playing with the kids there. One of my favorite memories is playing with the shape sorter with Kervens. It started out just with him and then Sara, Layla & Jean Baptiste joined in. I would hand each of them a shape and make them take turns putting it in the right hole. When they had all the shapes in we would clap and say "yeah" and start all over again. They thought I was crazy & funny with the clapping & praising, but pretty soon they were all doing it too. We had lots of smiles. I also had a fun time playing catch with a beach ball with Jean Baptiste. I love these kids!!!

Meeting Anchise was overwhelming. I didn't want to force myself on her or scare her, but the nannies encouraged me to just dive in and take over as mama. She was pretty timid at first, but she let me hold her without too much resistance. The "wailing wall" kicked in when I took her out of the nursery for the first time (& the second time, & the third time - you get the idea). The team could always tell when I was coming with Anchise. Every day just got better and better. Hearing her call me mama was like sweet music to my ears. I loved every moment with her - wailing & barfing & all. It felt completely natural to be with her and love her as my daughter.

I'm sorry for lack of pictures - I am having problems downloading them, but hope to have help from my hubby with this tomorrow. I took close to 600 photos so I have lots of everyone's kids.

There were so many facets to this trip and I can't wait to share more, but right now I need sleep. Oh, sweet sweat-free sleep.

11 comments:

Kathy Eden said...

Sounds like you had an AWESOME trip!!! I am so glad! I can't wait to hear more & see pictures! Sweat free, rooster free sleep is a blessing :o)

livingpurereligion said...

Exclusive, eh? Snooty much??? :) I wanna come on your next trip! Then I can be in on all of the "inside jokes" and be able to call you Cheese, too!!!

I'm thrilled that you had such a great time with the team AND thrilled that you played with my boy!

Can't wait to hear more. (And pictures wouldn't hurt;)

Katy said...

Yay for an update...I wasn't really that bad with the nagging, was I?? Who needs sleep? I can't sleep a wink right now with the whirlwind news I got today.. I am SO thrilled for you that you got to meet your little angel, and are now getting sleep.. really I am. =) I hope to talk with you for sure so you can help prepare me..if not this weekend then sometime soon. =)

It's Gonna Be Me said...

Now now... No one needs to get their panties in a wad here. I never said I wouldn't put up with you again. I merely mentioned that I *had* to put up with you... Clearly the team was as excellent as it was because of its fearless leader - mwa! I could never abandon you all. What would you do without me next time you are in Haiti? ;-)

You guys were awesome! I had the best time. I was sad th trip was ending and it was certainly because of the friendships made and the fun we all had together.

Okay, enough mushiness! Get some rest and chop chop! We want to see those 600 pics posted on here tomorrow!

Michelle said...

That is so awesome Stephanie. Laughter is good isn't it? May the Lord bless your rest. So glad you are home safe and sound.

CG said...

Wow, this sounds like SUCH a fun trip! Can't wait to hear more! I hope to have a trip like this where I can really bond with other families, too.

Amanda said...

So glad you had such a GREAT time! Sounds like a wonderful support group! hope you're catchin' some z's. :~)

Lena Just Lena said...

Hi Stephanie-so glad you had such an awesome time-and that you played with my lil Jean Ba.....he's so stinkin' sweet. sounds like a great trip....TA families are the best.

Talk to you soon...enjoy that sweat free sleep!!!

:-)

The Gang's Momma! said...

I'm just catching up now - so happy to read the updates. Cracked me up with the puking one ;) So anxious to see the pics and hear more of your experiences. I love how different each adoption journey is!

Kristina said...

Girl, we need to start a rumor that the parting all happens at the Embassy!!!!! Rock on!!!

And thanks for the call today! God knew I was really struggling at work so he sent me you via the phone and I smiled the rest of the day!

Love ya!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you had a good trip. I know it is mixed with so many emotions. I left part of me Haiti forever.