We had our first of five post-placement adoption visits over the next 5 years with our AMAZING social worker... if you live in Washington State, JoAnn and the gals at Agape Adoptions can help you get your homestudy written. They are so on top of things and so knowledgeable. I really appreciate their quickness in responding to my emails.
As we paperchase to Giavanna... our little gift... we pray that it will be fast enough to actually bring her home. Sometimes I think about all the paperwork one needs to do to bring home a child... and wonder, is it really worth it? Sometimes this paperwork just seems to go on and on and on.
I know the paperwork fatigue changes once they are in your arms, and perhaps, the hours and hours and hours of paperwork will be forgotten. JoAnn not only did our post-placement visit today but also our multiple interviews for the NEW homestudy.
At the completion of our interviews, I started lunch for the little ones as Grandma and Grandpa Pirate were coming in for their first visit. It was so nice to not have to travel... we are some of the worst travelers ever... I am sure of it. It takes us 5-6 hours to make a 3 1/2 hour drive... and, we never have fewer than 5 stops. Not sure what it is, but driving is definitely not our thing. And, it just wears on my body for days. Can't imagine what it will be like with 2, 3 or 5 little ones in the car.
Life is easy (or at least easier) in one's own home environment, so I was delighted to share our little princess monkeys while they were still able to keep their routines, play with their toys, sleep in their own beds, feel safe in their known surroundings, yet STILL be able to interact with Grandma and Grandpa...
Amaris was so sweet... she is a total copy-cat to Gabriella. I told Gabriella that Grandma and Grandpa Pirate were here... and she screamed in delight. Amaris screamed as well. Then, Amaris surprised us all by jumping up from the table and running to the front door to give them a hug... she is a total snuggly-wuggly, bold, confident and just plain delightful.
Both girls clearly enjoyed themselves. Grandpa Pirate can sure make things fun... and, Gabriella was REALLY enjoying all the special attention she was given. It was so precious to watch!
When we walked to Starbucks, Amaris was a bit more timid... probably because it was her first time to go to Starbucks, and she was out of her home environment and what is familiar to her.
This is Amaris' first official Starbucks drink.
Saying goodbye...
Will it EVER be possible to get a good photo?
Monkey 1 + Monkey 2 = impossible photo shoot
As soon as Grandma and Grandpa Pirate left... the girls asked to sit down for dinner... no surprise...
their favorite past time is food! Tonight happened to be our first pizza home from China. YUM!
