Almost Time

We got the sweetest treat this morning.  I've known other families that got to Skype with their children at Chiquitines, but I didn't think that we were going to get that privilege.  That is, until our social worker, Beth, e-mailed us Friday afternoon asking if we would be available to chat with Luisa via Skype.  Absolutely!  The three of us huddled around the laptop this morning, waiting for the call to come through.  Caroline (who has watched many videos of Luisa on the laptop) kept asking, "She'll really be able to hear us?"  She was so excited.

The call finally came through, and sweet Luisa was there with her ever present, huge grin.  Abby, our favorite OT, was holding her and pointing to us, saying, "Mama!  Papa!  Tu hermana!"  Caroline kept saying, "Hola, Luisa!" and introducing herself.  We told her how very much we love her,t hat we are coming to get her in four days, and that she will be with us forever (while Abby translated for us).

Caroline showed Luisa a few of her toys and books.  When she held up the Mr. Potato Head, Luisa just lit up.  She lunged for the laptop and tried to grab it.  I've seen a photo of her playing with Mr. Potato Head, so I knew she was familiar with it.  She obviously is very fond of that toy.  It promptly got packed in our bags after the call.  :) 

After the Skype date, Philip went into work to save a vacation day.  Caroline went to hang out with her Auntie Erin, and I got to packing.  And repacking.  This fifty pound weight limit per bag is slightly obnoxious.  My packing list is very long.  Packing for a month-long trip that spans two different climates and includes four people (one of whom we've never met and are mostly unfamiliar with her needs) is a daunting task.  I think I may have squeezed it all into the specified limits (don't tell Philip, but his carry-on is pretty darn heavy).

Tomorrow will be a day of errand-running, chiro visit (oh, how I will miss Dr. Jessica for the next month), and then trying to reestablish order in my home so that we don't return to messy CHAOS.

The time is very near for us to head down to Cali!  We are so, so, so excited to be going soon.  Thank you all for your prayers, and keep 'em coming! We are very appreciative.