Fighting Sleep and the Bug, Yet the Proceso Oficial Begins

I don't need no stinkin' sleep! And she don't need no stinkin' bug!

The G man and I went to the pool today after work, and he swam and swam and swam. I thought surely that'd wipe him out and he'd fall asleep right away at bedtime. Nope. He could not get settled and so called me into his room to lay down with him for a bit. I did, and we had some good snuggle time. Then, after a few minutes I got up to go, and he started to cry. "Mommy, later on in the night can I come sleep in your bed?" I told him if he wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to, he can come sleep with me. Then I said good night. Within a minute, he was crying and calling out to me. I went in to check, and amidst his very sincere tears, he told me, "Mommy, I don't think I can do that. I can't wake up in the middle of the night. I'm afraid I won't. Can't you just come get me and carefully lift me up into your bed?" How can one say no to that? Well, I never answered yes or no. Now, he is sound asleep and I know both he and I will sleep better in our own beds. But I also know that if he is still in his bed come morning, he's gonna be some-mad at me. What to do...

We got an e-mail June 15 from our adoption agency, and the good news is that the documents have been translated and the power of attorney has been registered, which really officially starts the paperwork in Guatemala to bring home Izzie. This week the attorney will file with Family Court. We got another e-mail today, and our adoption agency let us know that poor Izzie has been sick. She went to the doctor, and luckily doesn't have strep! It is a viral infection. She apparently is on the mend. Poor thing. Griffin and I said a little prayer asking God to take care of Izzie. It is soooo hard on infants when they have stuffed-up noses and ears. I remember when Griffin was about six months old and got his first really bad cold. He was so miserable, and the only way he could get any sleep was to prop him up slightly. I put some hard pillows under his crib mattress, to give it a bit of a recline. That seemed to help, but not much. I also used a humidifier, took him into the closed bathroom, cranked the shower on HOT and held him while the warm mist filled the air. Oh, and there was the dreaded snot sucker. He would scream when I tried to unclog his nostrils. I surely didn't blame him. I'd never want anyone to stick some rubber bulbous thing up my nose to try and suction out crusty, thick, icky snot.

Well... here's to fighting sleep and fighting bugs. May Griffin get a good night's rest and may Mary Isabela get well.

Peace,
B

Precious Heart

She couldn't be cuter. And so tiny. We finally received new photos and a new video of little Izzie and she is pure love. Of course, while seeing her sweetness makes me so happy, my heart also hurts. I want to scoop her up and can't. I am starting to get this thing called an emotional roller coaster when it comes to international adoption. When I received her referral, and first pictures and video, I was smitten. For days I couldn't stop thinking about her. Then, slowly... for sanity's sake and for the facts of life... I had to disconnect a bit. Her presence, while never forgotten, was less intense.
Then BAM! We get new pictures and a new video and I'm back on an Izzie High. I'm thinking we may just have to make a visit trip. I'm dreaming about her, talking to Griffin about his little sister, sharing her picture with anyone who will look.
Well, only about seven more months of this ride (if we're lucky! say your prayers that our journey to bring Mary Isabela home will be trouble-free).
Good night Izzie. We love you.