A difficult day

Well today was the day they brought L to me, but it wasn't easy at all.



The morning started alright -- shower, breakfast, and then a walk to find the closest Catholic church -- The Immaculate Conception. It's about five blocks, not too far. But since the sidewalks here are hit or miss it should be a bit of a challenge with a stroller.

But nothing like the challenge I was to face later.

After buying a few more groceries (yesterday I went to the Econo Mart and today to the more upscale Super Verdura), I came back to wait.

First, only the adoption facilitator, we will call her "Gina," showed up -- sans L. She then called L's foster mother and from the conversation it seemed like the foster parents weren't aware that I was here. I had told the foster mom that I was coming after Easter and hoped "Gina" would have filled her in. But it didn't seem like it.

When the foster parents arrived, L burst out crying as soon as she saw me. She knows that when she sees me she will be away from her foster family -- this is the only family she has known, of course.

After about 30 minutes of getting her settled with her pacha (bottle), there was a misunderstanding with the foster parents about time frame for the rest of the adoption process. A call to our lawyers got things straightened out (for now at least). I am a bit troubled by this turn of events. Said a few prayers to Mary for help.

Once they left, L was very sad -- wailing like my eldest nephew used to when he wasn't with his mom. But some crayons and a Baby Einstein book with hidden pictures and buttons that make sounds kept the screams at bay.

Then, L threw up on the couch, the carpet, on the bathroom floor on the way to getting her to the toilet. I think she was just so upset about everything.

Cleaned her & I up, did some quick spot cleaning around the apartment, some more of the sound book, and then it was time for bed.

Another pacha (about 4/5 water to 1/5 milk), a long lullaby, and a few more prayers to Mary and she finally fell asleep (surrounded by towels just in case!).

She is still so beautiful. And when she laughed between her tears it made my heart leap.

There were other highlights of today - Glenn & I got Skype to work, I found the church, L is totally potty trained.

Tomorrow is another day, of course. And with all the thoughts and prayers of my family and
friends, it will be a better day.