One Amazing Year Ago

Scenes from February 17, 2006....the day our precious babies were placed in our arms. We were blessed to share this day with Michele and Todd Borski (from Wisconsin). When Ian and Ahylana became part of our families forever, our lives changed....for the better. Both kids are simply amazing.

It was rather hot and humid in Kolkata the day we met our precious son. Our driver was scheduled for 11:00am. The orphanage was about 30 minutes from our hotel. We were going to be early for our noon appointment, but with traffic in Kolkata you just never know...so we wanted to be sure. First time parents...can't be late. :) As we drove through the streets of Kolkata, we tried to soak in as much of the culture as we could. We have the entire drive from the hotel to the orphanage on video and when we look back at it...wow...it's still overwhelming. We pulled up to the orphanage and were quickly whisked inside (with our trash bags of orphanage donations). We were greeted warmly by the staff and escorted upstairs to Ms. Roy's office. We could hear the babies crying in the other room. My stomach fell to my feet. I would like to say that's when I started crying, but those of you who know me well know that I was crying the entire ride from the hotel. I did compose myself so I wouldn't be a crazy red faced woman when we met Ian. Ms. Roy went over all of our paperwork and then went over the paperwork with Michele and Todd. She talked to us about their food and what they were eating. Gave us their schedule and then asked the Ayah's to bring them in. They were supposed to bring Ian in first, but the first baby coming in had a cute little dress on...so oooops...we had to scramble to switch cameras and start taking pictures of the Borski Family. As I remember it, Todd couldn't move too fast because he was simply awestruck by seeing Ahlyana. It was a beautiful and tender moment. Shortly after Ahlyana was brought in, our moment arrived. This beautiful baby boy that we had prayed for and loved was finally coming through the door. I remember swallowing hard and reaching for my baby. Charlie was behind me as the Ayah gently transferred him to my arms. We couldn't talk. All we could do was hug and kiss this sweet boy. Then I handed him to Charlie. To watch Charlie with him at that moment made me fall in love with Charlie all over again. You could see the love for his son shining through.

I've been trying to think of just the right things to say in this post. It's not happening. Today is such a special day...it's GOTCHA DAY!!! The day we became a forever family. It's hard to express what I'm feeling today. The memories of a mere year ago keep coming back and I get so emotional. The day we finally looked at his smiling face, the tears we shed, the frustrations we felt and the agony of waiting disappeared. Those feelings have been replaced with joy, wonder and amazement.

We're going out to dinner this evening to our favorite Indian restaurant to celebrate. Then we're coming home for dessert. I'll post some pictures from today a little later.

We celebrate today....and thank God for the miracle of adoption.

Random Photos

From the top: 1) SUPER STAR; 2) Bath time is always fun (Charlie double dog dared me to caption this picture in a different way....but no); 3) Yeah..I like this flower....OK?; 4) Momma's #1 (of course Daddy wasn't in the room at the time); 5) If you're happy and you know it shout Hooray...HOORAY!!!!; 6) Daddy's so silly; 7) Zonked out on the sofa after our first Valentine's Day together...Momma's special little valentine :)

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!!! Ian and Daddy were so sneaky and cute. They gave Momma chocolates and not 1...not 2...not 3...but 4 DOZEN beautiful white roses this morning. Charlie had put everything together last night and wouldn't let me go back in the kitchen to get a drink. I should have known he was up to something. It's the first time in 20 years I've had roses and chocolates on Valentine's day.

One year ago today we left for India to pick up Ian. I've been so weepy the past few days just thinking about how God has truly blessed our lives. One short year ago all of our worlds were turned upside down, but God in His infinite wisdom knew exactly what we needed to do to make it through the rough patches. I'll post a bunch more on Saturday...our Gotcha Day.

There are several Dillon families traveling today to pick up their children. Grace and Shane (who live here in Oklahoma) and Anila and Lenin will all get their babies exactly one year after we did. Another family will pick their daughter on Monday. One family should be in India now and they will get their daughter tomorrow. What an exciting time for all of these families. But, it wouldn't be India adoption without a few hiccups. These families are traveling without their child's passport being in the hands of the orphanage director, Anju. Remember our struggle last year? This year it's worse.....there was a fire in the passport office. They are telling Anju that they should be able to get the passports to her this week. However, if they don't the families will be delayed in Kolkata. Please pray that the passports are in Anju's hands before the families arrive.

What's the cliche? Love is in the air....wow that's really appropriate for the families that are traveling today....as it was for us and the Borski's as we headed to India just one short year ago to finally hold our amazing children.

Hug someone today....it's Valentine's Day!!!

Growing Up

Today, Ian officially moved up to the next class at daycare. He's in a big boy room now. Wow. It's hard to believe. Charlie and I visited there over lunch today. He was sleeping soundly on his little cot. They have a lot more room in there, plus they do lots of activities during the day. He has adjusted beautifully. He visited the class on Tuesday, spent a little more time there yesterday and then today...he's there full time. He's also saying more words now. The latest in his vocabulary are teacher, school, apple, and church. He tries to say just about anything we ask him to. We often times can't understand it, but he's trying. We also noticed tonight that he picked up an ink pen from the table and tried to write on the paper. Where has my baby boy gone?

We're having a much colder winter than normal in Tulsa. We've had over 15 inches of snow this winter and more is expected. Yuck.

I looked back at some of the posts from last year on this blog. One year ago, there were 8 families waiting for passports so they could travel to pick up their children. 6 families passports were issued and they received that notice one year ago today. The 2 families that did not get passports were the Borski's and us. We ended up traveling with the Borski's and it worked out beautifully, but I remember how devastated I was last year when we didn't have his passport. There are several Dillon families in similar situations this year. One family just returned from India last week. They were able to get updated photos of the children. I know the families are just thrilled to get the pictures, but...it's hard at the same time. You are longing to be with your child and while you want to see the pictures it makes the wait that much more difficult. Especially when you see how much they have grown. Two of the families are waiting on passports. One of those is an Oklahoma family. If everything goes as planned, they will leave on Valentine's day and they will get their daughter, Jadyn on February 17th. Exactly the same date we became a forever family last year. They will return back to Oklahoma on February 23rd. We're planning on being at the airport to welcome them home. It's been a long, long journey for them...and it's not over.

As you're reading this, I would just ask that you pause for one quick moment and pray for the families who are waiting to travel to get their children. Only God can control the situation and only God can comfort them.

I was a mess last year on February 1st. Today...I was a mess again. Not because we were waiting....but because my baby is growing up. :)

22 Months Old

Today Ian turned 22 months old. I can't believe that my baby is nearly 2 years old. Wow...it just doesn't seem real. The last 11 months have been a blur but they have been filled with so much excitement and love. I can't imagine life without this sweet boy. Charlie and I look at each other sometimes and try to figure out what we did before we had Ian. He is such a perfect fit for our family and he brings such joy to our lives.

He does, however, have quite the temper. He's in a hitting phase. Partly because I think he's bored at daycare. He seems to hit more when he's bored or really tired. It's a rough phase, but I know we'll get through it.

Ian and Charlie have had this yucky virus that's going around. I'm hoping and praying that they don't pass it on to momma.

I guess I need to start planning Ian's 2nd birthday party....yikes! In between we have Valentine's Day (we left for India last year on Valentine's Day) and then February 17th is our Forever Family Day (or Gotcha Day). So the next couple of months will be full of celebrations.

Happy Adoption Day Ian

FINALLY....It's Official

At 2:30pm today, Ian's adoption became final!!! Woo, Hoo!!!!

Charlie and I picked Ian up from daycare around 1:15pm and headed to the courthouse. I cried the almost the entire way. I was just so emotional. Finally it was our turn. We went in the courtroom...and of course the ceiling fans were on...so Ian was fascinated by them and quite vocal about both the fans and the lights. As we were taking our oath, the tears started flowing again. So, the judge passed a box of tissue to me. I took two out, so I gave one to Ian. Then, the precious little one that he is....reached up with his tissue to dry Momma's tears. How sweet was that? Even the judge was a bit choked up with that one. Needless to say, I needed another tissue. They asked us a couple of questions and the judge said a few words to us and then....poof...adoption granted.

Donna and Ryan joined us at the hearing. It was so special having Donna there. The Haverty's and The Conner's started the adoption journey about the same time. We both attended the Dillon Adoption Workshop on the same day and then kept bumping in to one another at other Dillon functions. They received their referral of Ryan in May 2005 and brought him home from Korea in August. We received Ian's referral just one week after that. Ryan is 3 weeks older than Ian. They are a wonderful family and we're so happy to call them friends.

Of course, Brad was there as well. Brad and I have been friends for about 16 years now. We've been through a lot and he seems more like my brother than just my friend. He's such an important part of our family. Ian loves his Uncle Brad...or "Bad" as Ian says.

This evening we had some people over for a celebration. Lots of wonderful friends were here to share in our happiness. We had a wonderful time.

It was a fabulous day!!!! Ian is now officially "Ian Everett Kushal Conner"...and an AMERICAN CITIZEN. Yippee!!!

I'll post some pictures from today in a separate post.

Thanks to all of you who celebrated with us and those who also prayed for us as we went through this part of our journey.

Ice, Ice Baby

The frozen tundra....that's Tulsa. I've never seen so much ice. Actually, I haven't even been outside since Friday afternoon. We have about 2 inches of ice and it's supposed to get down to 8 degress tonight with a high tomorrow of 20. I've got just a wee bit of cabin fever. I'm going to work tomorrow and Charlie is staying home with Ian (his daycare is closed). Since my office was closed today, I was home with Ian and Charlie worked. I'm so thankful that we have understanding employers.

Ian is going a bit stir crazy too. This afternoon, he'd had enough. He walked to the front door and began pounding on it and crying. He really wanted to go outside, but it's way too cold. Especially since he's just getting over a cold. He's not used to being couped up in the house for 4 straight days. Maybe we can take him out sometime tomorrow. Hopefully his daycare will be open on Wednesday.

One Dillon family left today (from Ohio) to get their little boy, Micah. They are the first family to travel since last June. Isn't that crazy? Several families are now waiting on passports and about 9 families are still waiting for their guardianship papers to be signed by the crazy judge. My heart truly goes out to these families. We didn't have the problem with guardianship that these families have had. Of course, our problem was with his passport. All of the families that are still waiting on guardianship are supposed to have their cases heard this week. So, please say a quick little prayer for them. These children need to come home and be with their families.

As I posted a few days ago, Friday is our big day. That's the day we finalize Ian's adoption. Woo, hoo!!! We're very excited that this day is finally here. As vocal as Ian is, I can only imagine how the court appearance is going to go. I'll be sure to post pictures of the momentus occasion.

My boys are sleeping soundly, so I'm going to go to bed now and get some rest before I tackle the roads tomorrow morning.

Brrrrr....cold

There's no doubt about it...winter is here. We have about 2 inches of ice everywhere. We're expecting more tomorrow. The temps are in the low 20's are are expected to dip into the single digits on Monday night. Brrrrrrrrrrrr. We've been confined to the house. The roads are too bad to go out. It's been a pretty fun day of playing. Tomorrow promises to be more of the same.

Just a couple of new things in the past day or so. Ian put his first words together last night...or at least the first that we understood. He said to our dog Molly "go pee" (which is what we say to here when she goes outside to potty). We'd probably better watch what we're saying, hmmm? Charlie reminds me of that on a pretty regular basis :)

In one of the crazy, non sleeping moments last night I realized that he was attempting to climb out of his crib. He was mad and sleepy. That's the first time I've noticed it though. We'll see how much longer we can keep him in the crib.

He's still the greatest kid ever and we look at him each day and know just how truly blessed we are. Our adoption finalization is set for Friday (January 19th). Woo, hoo!!! We'll be glad when this is over. We will celebrate "Gotcha Day" (the day we actually picked him up) in just about a month (February 17th). Looking forward to celebrating that milestone. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year. My, my time flies.

Maybe more tomorrow if I'm still confined to the house with my two wonderful boys.

Bad Day Forgotten

Today was a miserable day for me at work. Just lots of stuff going on. I was stressed and tired and in a pretty lousy mood. I talked to Charlie on the way home and prepared him for my rotten mood. When I walked into the garage, the door opened and there were my boys...Charlie and Ian. Charlie said he thought it would make me feel better. He gave me a quick kiss and then said..."now you can really feel better....go get Momma Ian." Ian promptly ran to me and held his little arms up for me to pick him up. The moment I held him, my lousy day was forgotten. Amazing. The innocence and unconditional love of a child can make all of the stuff that I stress about at work seem to disappear (maybe he just needs to come to work with me). Plus...what a sweet and thoughtful thing for Charlie to meet me at the door with a kiss and an amazingly adorable baby. My boys are awesome!!!!

Happy New Year

Happy 2007!!!

2006 was an AMAZING year for us. For those of you who have followed this blog, you know all of the details and how many ups and downs we have had. At the close of 2006, we have so much to be thankful for...but the best of all is our sweet Ian.

The year began with us waiting, not so patiently for Ian's passport to be issued in Kolkata. There was a snag, of course and we were the last ones in our group to get travel clearance. It was grueling for us. Then, finally on Valentine's Day we left for India to meet this incredible baby we had only seen in pictures and video. The trip was long and tiring. When we arrived in India it was beyond description. Kolkata was simply overwhelming. On Friday, February 17th we met the child we had prayed for...our amazing Ian. It was the most incredible day. After 10 days in India we returned to the USA. It was so good to be home.

Of course, being home brought all new challenges for us first time parents. We struggled at the beginning, but all in all...it was better than we expected it to be. Through the year we battled ear infections, colds and the like with Ian. Charlie battled two staph infections. Except for colds and such, I've been pretty healthy. Thank goodness. Ian has adjusted to day care beautifully. Ian has grown from around 18 pounds when we first got home to 25 pounds now. He's developing beautifully and his hydrocephalus is not an issue at all. Ian's buddy, Mia arrived in Oklahoma City just 15 minutes before her first birthday in May. What a wonderful experience to be a part of their homecoming. We have been able to get the two of them together a couple of times since then. We're hoping to see the Tuckers later this month.

The most frustrating thing for us this year was the inability to finalize Ian's adoption in 2006. It's a long, long story and we're extremely irritated. Hopefully we'll be able to finalize sometime soon.

As we head into a new year, we pause to give thanks for a remarkable 2006. We pray that 2007 will be filled with love, laughter, fun and health for all of us. We pray that the families that are still waiting to get guardianship and passports to pick up their children in Kolkata will hear good news this week. And, we pray for all of you...May God continue to bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Happy New Year!!!!

Merry, Merry Christmas

OK...I started writing this long, long post...but I decided to just post pictures. There are several, so beware.

It has been a wonderful holiday season in our home. It's been filled with lots of activities, fun, laughter and love.

We Love The Snow...NOT!!!

Today Ian and I were home because of the 10 inches of snow in Tulsa. His daycare was closed and my office was closed. So, we were home for a day of fun...plus some playing in the snow. I was so excited. It was Ian's first experience with snow. After his nap, we donned our shoes, hats and coats and braved the elements in our back yard. He walked in the knee deep snow quite well. But....then he fell...which I thought would be fun. Boy, was I ever wrong. He didn't like it at all. I think it's because it was cold on his little hands. Maybe if his silly mommy had thought to get gloves, we would have had more fun. Anyway...our play time in the snow was short....but not before mommy snapped a few pictures of the momentus event.

Thankful

Tomorrow is our first Thanksgiving together as a family. We are so very, very thankful for the many blessings God has given us...but the absolute best is our son. Last year at this time, he was thousands of miles from us in a small crib in an orphanage. We were busy preparing for his arrival and so excited that we would soon be traveling to meet him. This year has brought many changes to our lives.

Tomorrow comes with an over abundance of thanks for us. But, it also is filled with just a twinge of sadness. Last week we lost a very dear friend. The strongest and most courageous man I've ever know passed away almost two weeks ago. At his memorial service, his pastor said..."I thought I knew what courage and hope was, but then I met Tim. HE was courage and hope." So, so true. Last year, he was at our house for Thanksgiving making his delicious corn casserole. He had been sick for a long time and we prayed that he'd be around long enough to meet Ian. Not only did he meet Ian, he was able to give him his first haircut. I'll treasure that memory forever.

My heart also is saddened now for some of the Dillon families that are waiting for their little ones to come home. There has been a terrible delay in the guardianship process and it's not over yet. One family that lives here in Oklahoma is waiting to bring their precious little Jadyn home. Jadyn turns one tomorrow. Happy Birthday Jadyn. I know how much her Mom and Dad wanted to have her home by her first birthday. We're praying that the guardianship goes through soon and perhaps they will have her home for Christmas.

OK...enough sadness. God has been so good to us. He is a gracious and loving God that led us to our amazing son.

This year Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning for us. May God Bless all of you and your families during this busy holiday season.

Our Precious Monkey....Cuter Than Cute :)

It all started on Saturday with the Boo Ha Ha parade in Brookside. The top 3 pictures are from Saturday. Notice the one in Starbucks....he's starting early :)

Then we move on to Tuesday evening Fall Festival at First Baptist Church. The first picture is of Ian and his friend Henry. Henry and Ian are almost exactly the same age. Henry is from Guatemala and came home around the same time Ian did. They are in Sunday School class together.

We move on to the pony rides. It was Ian's first time. He seemed to like it, but it was really cold and windy in Downtown Tulsa. The final two pictures are of him walking around in the Church. He loved watching everything that was going on.

We may be a teeny, weeny bit biased, but we think he is absolutely THE CUTEST MONKEY EVER!!!

Halloween was fun....I can't wait until Christmas.

Technical Difficulties

Hopefully I'll be able to post Halloween pictures tomorrow. Tonight, I'm experiencing technical difficulty. Stay tuned.....