3 Years Ago....

Happy Anniversary to us! 

The Big S

We visited friends from out of state this weekend.   A couple and the beautiful newborn baby girl they adopted.  Just one month ago they got a call and were told they were chosen by the birth mother and to fly out that evening to pick up the baby.

 

I would be lying if I didn't say I was envious.  I would also be lying if I didn't say that the entire visit was difficult for me.  I am so happy for them, but to see them beginning their family, holding their little one and being so in love with their child, all I could think of is when will it be our turn.

 

I think of our adoption every day.  Every single day, several times a day.  And lately the "when it happens" has been turning into "will it ever happen." Every day a little bit of me is discouraged and disheartened.  Every day I feel a little less.  I want this so much and there is nothing I can do but wait.  And waiting sucks. 

 

 

September Numbers

We got our new numbers this week.

We are



No. 30 for a Boy

 and



No. 41 for a Girl.

 Some movement from last month which is always encouraging. 

But seriously, I can't wait!  

Sydney in Pictures



Finally - after 3 months - the last post about our vacation!   Sydney, in pictures.

We arrived in Sydney in the evening and went up to the hotel rooftop to see the city.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Luna Park

Taronga Zoo. Sydney in the background.



6'4" is still not as tall as the average newborn giraffe.

 

What a life! Lounging around all day, no discernable talent.  It's like she's a Kardashian.



Lou.  She was not amused by Arthur trying to climb her tree.

Arthur aka Bad A**




It's Meerkat Manor meets Jersey Shore.  Soaking up orange rays under the heat lamp.

  


Bendy Em, Street Performer.  Watch Ladies and Gentlemen as she attempts to fit her whole body in that box.

 

It was cold in the Blue Mountains which explains the Eskimo and Una*bomber look.



The Three Sisters.

They latch onto you as they eat from your hand.  Very cool.



Mr. Demille, I'm ready for my closeup.





Was the dingo eating the baby?



Tasmanian Devil.  Those teeth are huge!



Whaddya mean you're out of chips?



Stopped at the Chocolate Bar for some needed indulgance.



Did we just eat the whole thing?

 


 

Made entirely out of legos.



Sydney Aquarium



I'd rather be texting/



Walking across the Bridge at night.

 


 



Goodbye Australia.  Hope to make it back someday.



Livin' on a Prayer

We're halfway there, livin' on a prayer, take my hand
We'll make it I swear, livin' on a prayer.

Half way to what?  Half way down the wait list. Half way (9 months) through an estimated 18 month wait to referral.

Our original numbers were 67 - Boy and 95 - Girl.

 This month we are

Number 33 on the Boys list





Number 47 on the Girls list.

Hope the second part of the wait is a little easier on the heart than the first half.  



Throw Another Shrimp on the Barbie

After leaving Melbourne, we headed to Cairns.  Let me say this about domestic Australian flights - nothing like the U.S.  We thought we would have to be there 2 hours ahead of time, deal with unfriendly airline staff, stand in long freaking lines, be groped by the Australian equivalent of TSA (ah the perks of travel) and have my curling iron once again be mistaken for another handy appliance (It has a cord.  Shouldn't that be a clue it isn't what you think it is).  Nope.  People here are friendly, the lines are short, I didn't get fondled and my curling iron escaped scrutiny.  And bonus - you can take your water bottles in also.  Wow.

Anyway, we arrived in Cairns which was the warm weather portion of our vacation.

The next day we took a snorkeling excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  I was determined to snorkel which really doesn't mean anything unless you know that I don't swim.  I don't even float.  But I had some grand plan that involved my nieces, floaties, cursing and life long humiliation. Thank goodness for plan B, a patient marine biologist, a life vest and the tour of a lifetime.  Seriously it was like being inside Finding Nemo.  There were clown fish - actually fish of just about every color- and beautiful coral all around you.  Amazing. 

This picture doesn't do it justice.



I nicknamed these two Marlin and Nemo.




Tired of snorkeling, they worked on their tans.







Photo of me without makeup.  About as rare as a Yeti or Loch Ness monster sighting. 


The next day we were off to the town of Kuranda.  We took the scenic railway up the mountain and the cable car on the way down.  There were also a few stops along each way to walk and explore.

Next stop was Hartleys Crocodile Adventures!  Those suckers are huge.  And deceiving.  They float along lazily in the water then bam! They leap out about 8 feet.  You definitely do not want to have your arm sticking out taking a picture. 

This guy has worked with crocs for 15 years and still has all his limbs!

There were also other critters.



Reason #187 why I never raise my hand when they ask for volunteers from the audience.



 Later on we found the wallabies and koalas. 

Koalas are pretty much like this for 16-18 hrs a day.

  But they perked up a bit when we were there.

Until the Sydney recap, I'll leave you with the lyrics from this soothing Australian ballad.

Come to Australia

You might accidentally get killed

Your life's constantly under threat
Have you been bitten yet?
You've only got three minutes left
Before a massive coronary breakdown
Come to Australia
You might accidentally get killed
Your blood is bound to be spilled
With fear your pants will be filled
Because you might accidentally get killed