I can’t believe it’s finally here. I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I’m leaving for Ethiopia and my SON Wednesday. Just three more days. I am at turns excited, scared, exhilarated, sick to my stomach, tearful, ecstatic! Such a wide range of emotions that I’m having a hard time processing. One of the pervading thoughts the last couple days is Man, I’m going to miss my bed!! Funny, considering what this trip actually means. I guess focusing on the mundane is all I can manage at the moment because the other stuff is just too big to deal with right now. 

Packing has been an ordeal. The biggest problem was not really knowing what sizes to pack for Asher. Fortunately, I received updated height and weight last week, so that made it a bit easier. Asher weighs 18.5 pounds and is 26.8 inches. So, I think we should be good with 9 and 12 months. I’m bringing lots of stretchy outfits and overalls that can be adjusted. As far as clothes for me…well, let’s just say, I have probably overpacked. Considering I’m going to be there for 3 weeks, and not sure what the laundry situation will be like, I erred on the side of caution and packed a lot, although it’s still under the 50 pound weight limit for the airlines.

I’m not looking forward to the flight. I don’t enjoy flying. In fact, it scares me to death. But I do it because I love to travel. I have never traveled this far without Owen. I’m a little sad that he won’t be there with me when I meet Asher for the first time. This is definately an event that I would have preferred he be at, but I think it’s important for at least one of us to be with Asher as long as possible before we bring him home. I’m hoping the extra bonding time will help alleviate some of the terror I know he’s going to feel at leaving the HOH and his Nannies. The HOH has been his home for almost 7 months. I can’t imagine what will be going on in his little head. I’m as prepared as I can be to care for a grieving, pissed off, little guy.

I’ve been scrambling around trying to get all our travel paperwork in order and get everything lined up before I go. Travel insurance, Pediatrician appointment, pre-paying bills, carseats installed, etc. etc. It’s just crazy the amount of stuff that needs to get done. Hopefully, my uber-super-anal-retentive self hasn’t forgotten anything. One of the disadvantages to being a control freak is I’ve taken care of EVERYTHING since we started the adoption process over two years ago, so Owen knows NOTHING. I can’t really ask him to do anything at this point because it would take me just as long to explain things as it would for me to do it myself. Yep, it’s my own fault! Poor guy has put up with me for 22 years. He must really, really love me!

Okay, so I’m rambling. It’s the nerves. I’ll leave you with a few pics of the mess I have created in preparation for the trip of our lifetime and celebrating Asher with family after passing court on August 5, and a couple pics of the little guy himself!!

Me, Owen and my Mom

Hayley (my niece) and my Dad

Celebrating in Charleston, SC with Owen's sister, Diane, and her husband, Ron. Diane is battling breast cancer. She is one of the bravest people I know!

Diane, Ron and Me

This is just Asher's stuff!!

Owen's stuff!

This is just my clothes!

Asher's referral pic from January 26, 2009. He was 7.7 pounds at 3 months old!

At 4 months after being at the HOH for just 1 month!!

Asher Martin Griffith

WE PASSED COURT TODAY! Asher Martin Griffith is legally ours, FINALLY! It’s been a rough three months waiting for the ban to be lifted and court to be rescheduled. I was bracing myself for more disappointment, but much to my surprise and JOY, we passed!!

Our little guy isn’t so little anymore. He’s 9 months old and we were told today he is WALKING! Can you believe it? That made Owen and I a little sad, but only for a moment. I’m just so overjoyed at the fact that I will be leaving shortly to bring my son home. I’ll post more on the travel arrangements later.

I was not surprised to receive an email from our agency today informing us that our court date had been rescheduled to August 5 with a Visa date of September 3. Not surprised, but definately a bit disappointed. *big sigh*

I was almost sure that MOWA wouldn’t interrupt their training to write the letters we need for court. So, our new court date is scheduled for after they’re back in the office. It’s really only two more weeks. What’s that compared to how long we’ve already waited. I guess the reason I’m not crying and cussing at this point is, I truly believe we are moving forward and that this is all going to be a done deal August 5. Asher is going to be in my arms soon and home where he belongs and I will do my best to forget the resentments I currently have for the numerous entities involved in making my life a living hell for the last two months.