Anticipation, elation, and a little bit of a let down

I am beat tonight! I think it was just the anticipation, elation, and little bit of a let down today -- we were waiting for "Gina" to show up with the new birth certificate and go to get L's new passport.

"Gina" did give me an official copy of L's new birth certificate with our names on it (woo hoo!) but no passport office.


I figured maybe it's because you can't do passports in the afternoon, but another mother who adopted two children from Guatemala and finished up the process herself said you can only do those passports in the afternoon!

So what to think? If things don't happen tomorrow -- that is if we, for some reason, don't get L's passport, Glenn is thinking of coming down to help me get things moving.

One really special coincidence is that today is the 1st birthday of the daughter of my friends Carm & Dave. How nice they can share that date in a special way!

But enough of that, some highlights (well maybe some weren't really highlights) of my day with L.

Went to find a place to have laundry done because having laundry done at the hotel is way expensive. The place around the corner will actually let you do your own laundry. So did that - had to take like 3 walks around the block while waiting.

L did really well, but still trying to wait around for laundry with a 2-and-a-half year old is, let's say, interesting. I have such respect for the single moms who have to do this all the time!

Naptime was a breeze! We both had a bit of a restless night, so I think L was pooped. I dozed a bit but was also receiving calls and texts from "Gina" with updates on her progress on the birth certificate.

Afternoon was anticipation time. "Gina" was to meet us at 2:30. She actually showed up early -- a first. And I had the birth certificate in hand, made a copy, and was really really happy. Except of course that we were not getting L's Guatemalan passport.

Still, she promised me tomorrow -- please please say it's so. Then we hope to go to the Embassy as well. Wednesday would be the day for the 2nd DNA test.

Again, who the heck knows if "Gina" will keep to this schedule. But we will make at least most of this happen this week! I mean, we've waited this long we just can't wait any longer!!!

In the afternoon, L and I went to yet another mall - the swank, big, brand new Oakland Mall. There's a carousel, but I really didn't have the energy. Still, it was a good diversion.

I have to say I can not wait to be home just so I don't have to set foot in another mall for a few months!!

Dinner, bath were both good. Bedtime was a little rocky, but not much. L is getting used to the routine and she knows what to expect and what is expected.

Still, I have just been so tired today that it was a bit of a struggle this evening. Thank goodness my cousin, Megan, is coming for the weekend. We are going to go to Antigua Guatemala for a little getaway. Can't wait for L to meet her prima!

One last wonderful highlight - yesterday and today L has been calling me "mommy" much more often. Again, pointing at me and saying "mommy" and then pointing at herself and saying "Lisbeth." Ahhh so wonderful!!