Last week at this time our hopes were riding high that we might get a referral this week. Rumors were reaching all the way to December 12, 2005 LID's. So with our 12/9/05 LID we thought we would get in even if the 12th turned out to be too good to be true. Alas, the 9th turned out to be too good to be true and the November referral batch is cut off at 12/8/05. One day. After some tears and a few good rants at my patient family, I have adjusted to the idea and we are moving on with plans for how to handle travel in January instead of December. On the up side, we are going to be home with the girls for Christmas, an idea that received whoops of joy from Mara. On the down side it will take some creative thinking to provide for Mara's care while we are gone. But many, many friends and Grandma have offered to help and we just need to sort it all out so that Mara is in a place where she is comfortable during the week and with her sisters for the weekends. I keep telling myself that God knows what he is doing and that he has a plan. I'm hoping we can tap into that plan soon so we can follow it carefully.
So for the first time since our dossier went to China we have some confidence in our predictions. Since we are the next available date for referrals we will get a referral in December 2007, a full two years after our dossier arrived at the CCAA. WE ARE NEXT!!!!! Wow, I've waited a long, long time to say that.
Now for the real reason I popped in here today to post. I promised Katelynn to post a picture of Mara in her Halloween costume. This year Mara went as a princess. Surprise! Her basic costume was a recycling of Kelsey's old Maid Marion costume from 15 years ago, when the twins were 4, mixed with new accessories created by Katy and Mara. The beautiful crown was decorated by the two of them and looked just perfect. They also found "slippers" that matched perfectly and who would know they are from a "fairy" costume? A new belt, cape button and beads completed the ensemble.
I took Mara to The Bridge Assisted Living facility for early trick or treating. It was very crowded but Mara still had the opportunity to visit a little bit with a few of the residents. She did a great job of speaking up so they could hear her and she politely answered all questions and said thanks when candy was popped into her pumpkin. She was pronounced royalty by one very sweet resident who said "you look better than a princess, I think you are a queen." That got a great big smile from Mara. Later, after dark, Jeff took Mara around the neighborhood in the traditional manner and she brought home way more candy than she will ever eat. Of course, the evening was ended in our usual visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house for cider, donuts and a "special" treat from Grandma. The weather was perfect and the evening was declared a success by a very weary princess.