Ready and Waiting

Practice makes perfect.
On my signature that is.  Another day, another set of paperwork.  Since our homestudy is only awaiting the fingerprints (scheduled for Oct 7th) we're on to Dossier paperwork.  The passport checks have been cashed so we're hoping that means they're on their way.  We also had our psych evaluations done today.  It isn't easy to appear sane when the doctor says "And your oldest is?"
"6."
"And the next one is?"
"Almost 4."
"And the youngest is?"
"Almost 2."
"And you're expecting....??"
"You bet."
"And you want to adopt a special needs five year old?"
"Yes."
"Are you CRAZY?!!??"

You tell me Dr. Lady.  About half way through the evaluation you could tell she'd mentally convinced herself that the little lady would be better off with us than where she is.  Glad it finally kicked in.  By the end of it she was taking a more noble stance and actually seemed willing to go the extra mile and help us get what we needed quickly.  She asked how I was going to handle it all and I told her the same way I would if any of my naturally born children had those needs.  You don't think about it, you just do it.  Plus it isn't the little lady's disability I'm after, it is her soul, her spirit, her spunk.  That's what I'm in for.  I just can't wait to know her.  
So we keep plugging along, another day, another appointment or signature.  Each day one step closer to having her here.  We did find out yesterday that the babe I'm carrying is in fact a female so the little lady will have a sister from the jump off, and vice versa.  For those of you closely following our story, my due date is a might bit close to when we could possibly be asked to travel to meet her.  Just another little God given mystery to add to the mix of unknowns.  Something to keep you all on the edge of your computer chairs.  
The other day I explained to my two older boys how Marissa can't walk yet.  The thought I was referring to the little internal babe but once I cleared that confusion my almost 4 year old said he would just move her legs for her.  Ah.  Perfect.  Why didn't we think of that?  
We also found out recently that our insurance will cover any and all preexisting conditions on adopted children.  Glorious.  That was spectacular news.  Plus my hubby, Chris, gets ten days paternity leave both for the birth and the adoption.  Odds are we'll spend 10 of those days in Russia since he can use them anytime during the first six months postpartum.  
I just wanted to say thank you again, those of you who have prayed for us or prayed for Marissa or prayed that we'd find each other.  I haven't been this sure of many things in life but for some reason adding her and having her as a daughter seems like the most obvious thing.  I know your thoughts and prayers have a hand in that.  The task of adopting internationally can seem daunting and the funds needed are more than I care to dwell on but the surety of her place in our family calms my soul.  Eastern European governments don't have anything on that!  
I wish you all a happy and relaxing October weekend.   
with love,
Gretchen