Thursday, April 30, 2009

24 more hours.

Tomorrow morning the actual journey part of our journey to Rubin begins. We're leaving home at 7am for Chicago, and our flight takes us directly to Seoul.

As it turns out, we are also staying at the Renaissance Seoul Hotel... the same hotel where  Christine and Doug just spent their first nights as a family with their baby boy, Spencer. Following their blog this past week has been such a comfort to me. So reassuring, and such a thrill.  As disappointed as I was that our paths weren't able to somehow cross along this route, I know that our travels are only beginning. I feel blessed that I've come to know so many other Mamas who have been or will be in this spot. All of these eyes and ears who have taken Seoul in, and who might be able to help me, someday, tell Rubin more about where we first met. 

My mom and my mother-in-law are ready to go. My own mom, anticipating her very first visit to the country where two of her sons were born.  She told me yesterday that she is racked with emotion each time she thinks of meeting Rubin. I can't wait to do this with her.  With both of them. Their joy is both familiar and unexpected.  Equally wonderful in my heart.

Of course, I am going to be missing Theo and Emmett like mad.  Dave asked Theo this weekend, "What are you going to tell Rubin when he gets here?" And Theo, without giving it a second of consideration, said, "Oh, welcome home, Rubin!!"  I know that he is ready, and can't wait to meet this boy that we've been talking so much about.

And Emmett. Just as I soaked up all that was "my baby" about Theo in the days before Emmett's birth, right now I am wrapped up in Emmett. His vice-grip hugs in the morning. His LOUD voice. His kisses and giggles and pats on the cheek at bedtime.  I can't help but worry, a little bit, about how his transition will go once Rubin is home. But not because I really have anything to worry about. Just because I am their Mama.  And worrying is what Mamas do.

And so begins our last day together as a family of four.  It's been so good. I can't wait to see what will happen next...



6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing how fast things move once you get your call? 24 hours - yipee!! Enjoy your flight - and if you are flying Korean Air, I highly recogmend not ordering the Korean breakfast... unless you enjoy fishy rice cereal ;)

janiece said...

I hope your flight is uneventful and peaceful. I look forward to hearing more and then meeting the newest member of your family! I know my kids are excited too!

Shelley said...

I will be following your blog religiously this week! SO excited for you my friend!

Greta Hanson said...

Good luck on your trip Emily. I will be thinking of you often in the next week and pray everything goes better than great for you in Korea. Can't wait to read all about Rubin's homecoming.

dana said...

how wonderful for your moms to share this incredible experience. safe travels and i cannot wait to read about your trip and meeting rubin!!

Tracy said...

Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Our Adoption Timeline

  • December 23, 2009- Adoption Finalized.
  • May 7th, 2009- Family circle complete in Madison.
  • May 6th, 2009- Mama's got Rubin in Seoul.
  • May 4th, 2009- meet Rubin
  • April 23rd, 2009- Visa Interview
  • April 22nd, 2009- TRAVEL CALL!!
  • April 14th, 2009- Packet 3
  • April 7th, 2009- NVC out
  • April 1st 2009 (no foolin')- I171 received
  • March 9th, 2009- I171H received
  • February 27th, 2009- progress report from SWS
  • February 24th, 2009- Fingerprinted at USIS
  • February 19, 2009-Rubin's legals arrive in state.
  • February 16, 2009- mailed referral acceptance.
  • February 12, 2009- received referral paperwork.
  • January 29, 2009- verbally accepted referral
  • January 27, 2009- received unofficial referral.
  • January 20, 2009- I600A received and filed with the Dept. of Homeland Security
  • January 16, 2009- submitted I600A
  • January 12, 2009- homestudy document complete.
  • January 12, 2009-received Foster Home Licensing
  • December 22, 2008- A.I.A.A. director approves application, establishes our file, and requests our homestudy documents from J.D.
  • December 5, 2008- submitted Foster Licensing application.
  • November 25, 2008- A.I.A.A. accepted official application.
  • November 15, 2008- submitted formal application to A.I.A.A.
  • November 13, 2008- final homestudy meeting.
  • November 12, 2008- autobiographies completed.
  • October 30, 2008- second homestudy meeting.
  • October 22, 2008- received formal application from A.I.A.A.
  • October 14, 2008- first homestudy meeting.
  • October 1, 2008- submitted pre-application to Americans for International Adoption and Aid
  • September 25, 2008- submitted application packet to Adoption Advocates, Inc.
  • September 18, 2008- first meeting with social worker (J.D.)
  • August 2008- decided to adopt

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