Catching up.....

So sorry I haven't blogged the last two nights...we have lost our power two nights in a row and there is no Internet and some hot, sweaty, cranky girls to handle (including myself)!! So let me get you up to speed.

First, Lucie is feeling great! She was sick for the day and then throughout the night but woke up very hungry...she ate two pieces of french toast, had a big lunch AND dinner. She was fearless and obviously completely cured. ;) So we laid low that day - stayed in the house and the girls caught up on their sleep and I caught up on all my paperwork - I think we all needed that day.

Yesterday was productive for us...we had lunch with our friends The Tomczak's at one of our favorite places (they serve hummus and delicious drinks) - we then went to Mi Familia to pick up our declarations. Our declarations are a letter that states we have been officially approved through Mi Familia and this document (along with our birth certificates and marriage certificates) is presented to the court. Our lawyer confirms this will be presented today - and then the judge reviews our case file and sets a court date!

We had to run around a get a couple of signatures on the documents - and then met with our lawyer. Our lawyer, Nubia has been a disappointment to us in many ways. Every time I meet with her - she will give me worst-case scenarios, never commits to anything and I usually feel worse than before I saw her! She has also been sick for many weeks - this of course, has effected her timeliness on many things. So we started the meeting - asking about her health and if we needed to change lawyers to move forward. We are concerned about her and about our cases! She assured us that she was fine and the worst was over and that she was dedicated to getting our adoptions finalized. She also told us that it is possible to have us home within 20 days - she told us she had done this for some other clients. She didn't make any promises but it sounds very positive that we will be home in about a month!!! YYYEEESSS!!! So now, it's more waiting, more calling to check on status - but we are making progress!!

My children sat at a different table the entire time we were meeting with Nubia - they were so well behaved!! It was a blessing!! I must admit, I questioned if these kids were truly mine!!! Did I give them Tylenol PM and not remember it? Their behavior had me relaxed and at ease - it was the best meeting I have ever had with our lawyer - I have such peace in my heart right now....I know I am coming home soon and it feels so good!!

We got home around 7:00 PM - so I rushed to feed my kids and then Skype my husband - we got to talk to Allie too!! We miss her so much - going to the beach without her, seems strange and we wish she was going with us!! We caught up on what's she doing...it's a long story with lots of details but our oldest WANTS to go back to school!! We are very happy about this and have given her a few tasks to prepare for it and she was at the house talking to her Dad about all the details....I think she is very serious about doing well and I am so excited about her future. Exciting!!

Allie has had so many struggles in her life - she was 10 when her Dad got divorced - she was an only child and now she has to share her Dad with 4 other women!! She struggled in school and got her heart broke in High School. Many, many challenges and then look at the woman she is becoming!! She is truly one of the most loving people I know. She is finding her way and doing so with grace and love. She LOVES being a part of our family and she makes us all complete. I am very proud of our girl!!!

My husband gave us some GREAT news...he is coming on Sunday and staying until the following Saturday. This is the longest visit yet and we are making some fun plans with him. Having my husband here makes it so much easier for me - I have my partner to talk to, someone else to help with the kids and of course, I sleep so much better when he is here!! Yeah!!! I won't give any more details of what I enjoy when he is here....his Mom reads my blog (Hi MeMe) but you all catch my drift!! ;) I'm a happy girl!!!

So we are leaving this morning for another overnight trip to Las Cordones. Just me and the girls and I am excited!! More time on the beach - more shells to collect and time to get away from Managua and relax!! We all love the beach and it will be a fun couple of days. Bringing our tennis shoes this time and prepared for the invasion of the crabs....

Wishing you all a great couple of days...I will blog when we return...tomorrow night. Love and Blessings...