One week.

I can't believe it's already been a week. It seems like just yesterday we were filled with anticipation waiting to see our daughter's face.

It still gives me goosebumps.

Sometimes people ask me questions about "my daughter" and it takes me a minute to register who they're talking to.

Oh. You mean me. =)

Things I have learned in the last week:

1. Although I committed to buy at least 80% of clothing and furniture used years ago (and have stuck to it)...apparently that rule does not apply to my daughters belongings. Either that, or I have suppressed some unrealized desire to SHOP and this is the perfect excuse to release that pent-up longing. Either way, it's a sad-- and more expensive-- realization...

2. Zulily is evil. Daily emails of cuteness? I have two trips to Africa to fund, folks!....this madness must stop! =)

3. Apparently people don't think you're serious when you talk about things like 'cocooning' and 'transition-periods' because I am having to re-explain myself to those around me like somehow it's the most unnatural thing they've ever heard. They must have thought we were joking six months ago when we introduced the idea??

But we are standing firm. =)

4.  Hair care is scary. and exhilarating. and exciting. I am considering buying a mannequin head to practice corn-rows and double-stranded twists. I want Cupcake to know she is perfectly created by God and that we wouldn't change a single thing about her. Cupcake's hair appears to be tight-coiled, maybe 4b, so going with natural hair care means learning a lot of styles..and I refuse to fail at this! =)  


P.S. Can I just give a shout-out to sites like HappyGirlHair, ChocolateHairVanillaCare, and NaturallyCurly for helping me not be completely clueness.

I *heart* them. 

5. My daughter is amazing and beautiful and we are so grateful to families who made it a point to take lots of pictures at the orphanage so we can get a small glimpse of her personality. We are in awe of how blessed we are. God must love us something crazy to entrust us with His most prized creation. I am walking in incredible thanks to Him for sharing her with us.

That said, we know our daughter's transition will be full of grief and sadness. Her little life has already experienced more tragedy than anyone should and we are constantly asking God to protect her little heart. To comfort her when we can't. And to love her through her grief in the way only He can.

We are not blind to the fact that while redemption is an amazing display of God's goodness, it does not erase the tragedy that caused redemption to be necessary in the first place.

Please, as you pray for our family, for speed and favor in the process...remember, also, sweet Cupcake's heart in this. And join with us in praying that God's hand is evident in her transition and that He comforts and heals her heart. Because only He can do that.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued congratulations!

We are blessed, indeed!

Here is a picture of the luvey I made Cupcake. I incorporate soft minky fabrics, knit, and colorful cottons. Currently The Husband and I are sleeping with it every night and praying over it until we can send it over to our Sweet Girl.