Chosen From Heaven Above . . . Hearts Forever Joined In Love

Monday, September 21, 2009

At Last, AT LAST . . . in my arms!

Sweet Pea arrived this afternoon around 4:30 p.m. (Islamabad time). I had the cameras ready, easily accessible, within arms reach!

I had been originally told 2:30 p.m., but I'm quickly finding out that punctuality is not a Pakistani forte (LOL)! Anyway, after 2 additional, nerve racking hours, there was a knock on the door. . . I immediately jumped up (both Uppa D & Mama were napping, or trying to). I simply could not get the door opened quick enough, but I do remember taking a deep breath just before I threw open the door. There stood the Nanny and Sweet Pea!!!!!

The Nanny smiled at me and bowed her head and said "hello". Even though my arms ached to hold Sweet Pea, I was polite and let them come into the room first! Sweet Pea looked like an angel. The Nanny had her all "gussied" up in a pretty white dress with a yellow collar and ruffle. There were appliqued teddy bears and flowers on the front of her dress (definately will go in a sealed memory box). She also had on this absolutely adorable matching beret with a yellow bow. I took it all in . . . how perfectly adorable she looked! The memory of it ALL went deep into my heart. But, what I immediately noticed and was drawn to . . . were her eyes, deep chocolate pools of alertness, looking right through me into my very core being, my soul . . . As the Nanny placed her into my arms, my heart sang . . . Yes, this IS my Daughter! It was as if Sweet Pea was saying with her eyes, "Mama I have been waiting, what took you so long . . . !"

Yes, the tears started flowing. If ever there is an appropriate time to cry, this is it - - when your child is placed in your arms for the First time and then Forever. I looked over at Uppa D (just like with Nicholas) and said "Perfect"!!! He just nodded his head and smiled with that "all-knowing" smile he has, like he has known all along. During the flights, I kept thinking about how that "moment" would be when I saw her. Would I immediately bond with her, like I did with Nicholas? Would my heart skip a beat and leap from my chest at the sight of her, like it did with Nicholas? I think every parent of a 2nd child has these same thoughts . . . wondering if it will be as perfect, again. Not wanting to compare, but desperately wanting it to happen, again.

Yes, the bond was immediate (amazing relief!). I can tell you that my heart skipped and I was overcome with love.

Yes - - it was PERFECT! Just a perfectly, surreal moment in time . . . when time stands still and everything else simply fades away, except this one perfect moment in time. I will cherish the memory of it forever! (Of course, Uppa D got it all on video - just in case I need a refresh in years to come!)

The Nanny and I made our way over the the small settee and sat down. She doesn't speak much English (Sadeem translated) but I could tell just how much she loves Sweet Pea. We were able to spend 1.5 hours together just visiting and sharing about our lives. Pakistani women are very reserved and I'm not sure what she thought about this American, single mother by choice of 2 children! But by the end of our conversation, she was smiling and gave me a kiss and hug! She gave me a very detailed schedule and I was able to ask any questions. She lives right here in Islamabad and will be available to take care of Sweet Pea when we are at appointments (If I can let SP out of my sight!). But, I definitely wouldn't want anyone else caring for Sweet Pea. It works out beautifully. There were bitter sweet moments as the Nanny said good-bye. But before the Nanny left, she wrote a good-bye note to Sweet Pea in native Pakistan. We will treasure it ALWAYS. Then she gave Sweet Pea a kiss and stroked her cheek (very touching to watch).

Sadeem and I continued visiting another hour about the court/adoption process over the next few weeks. He is extremely organized and definitely has everything under control. I have complete confidence in his work. I'm in very, very good SAFE hands.

After Sadeem left, we had a few minutes to do a bottle (3 oz, every 2 hours!) before getting on Skype to video conference with G'ma and Nicky. Nicky thought he baby sister was "pretty neat" and then he had a "6-year-old-silliness" moment to help him deal with his emotions about it all. We let him take the lead and "silly" it up! (We made faces at each other through the webcams!). Then I used Skype to call other family/friends to announce our Sweet Pea's arrival! Everyone is just thrilled and thinks she is just gorgeous (yes, she really is gorgeous!).

We have played, had an 8:00 pm feeding, changed a diaper and now she is sleeping peacefully. We will do a 10:00 feeding and bath. Then her last feeding will be at 12:00 and she "should" sleep until 6:00.

I know you all are anxiously awaiting pictures - - - I will post after the court hearing. But, until that time, here are a couple of "previews". Yes, "10 fingers & 10 toes"!













Yippee Skippee!!! . . .

What an amazing day, what an amazing blessing, what an amazing family. I am truly blessed!

:)

12 comments:

Chris Haven said...

Awesome! So happy that you finally have your little girl, cant wait to find out her name!

Stacey said...

All is right in your world... and now, the wait somehow must seem right for without the wait, there would be no sweet pea :) You describe the moment you met so well - I can only imagine how vivid it must be in your heart. Can't wait for pictures and tales of your family complete! CONGRATS!!!

Lisa said...

Congratulations!!!! I am sitting here reading in tears. Those are the sweetest little feet!!!!
Will you be able to go out and see Islamabad and do a little shopping or are you to stay in the guest house the whole time???
Congrats again... Can't wait to see more pics

Jo said...

Oh my... how exciting. I had been following your story and am very happy for you and how fast this process took for this country! I too am single with children. Congratulations on your first encounter and attachment.

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

What a beautiful post...with beautiful little hand and feet!

Congratulations and thanks for the tears....so sweet.

Kristine

www.russiansweetbaby.blogspot.com said...

I read this earlier at work and tried to leave comment but the work computer wouldn't allow it. I was bawling at work! Love the hands and feet! :) Adorable! So glad things are going well. Sleep when the baby sleeps, as they say (the rest can wait). Yes, the name--she's going to have a heck of a time spelling Sweet Pea Baney when she gets to school! lol When is court, can you say?

Holly

www.russiansweetbaby.blogspot.com said...

Whoops! Delete my last comment--probably shouldn't have put your name. I will repost it! :)

Anonymous said...

Nancy, congratulations! I'm a fellow single adoptive parent (Amanda, from Prokopyevsk/Kemerovo January 2008)and have been checking your blog for updates (we spoke via e-mail earlier in the year, I think). I'm so excited for you and your family! I can't wait to see pics. =)

Kathy

AP's Mom said...

Your joy spills through with every word you write! What a precious, precious moment! How wonderful that you get to stay and bond until court, and then soon home where you will all be together as a family!

Matt and Carla Morgan said...

Congratulations, Nancy! I'm absolutely thrilled for you.

Pam said...

Nancy,Uppa D & Nicholas,
How happy Iam for you! I had goose bumps and tears as I read your events of the day. It was like a rush of memories the day we ment our DD. So, So Happy for all of you! Congrats!

Carrie said...

Congratulations!!! What a beautiful post. You can feel the love and joy in every word. I am so very happy for you!!!!