Waiting for our real life to begin. (Timeline going forward!)

    I'm sitting here, watching videos of Rowan from June, pouring over our most recent written update, taking her in.  Seeing her mannerisms.  Her sounds.  Her looks.  All the things that I take for granted with our big kids.  All the things I can't wait to know about Rowan.  And I'm dreaming of messy family life - tears, screams, tantrums.  Laughs, smiles, and giggles.  Eyes locked.  Knowing day to day life with each other.  We have been waiting for her,  thinking about how she will be, and what are lives will be like.  But that's not the case for her.

  Rowan isn't a blank slate.  She has had experiences we haven't known.  She has likes and dislikes.  She has attachments, to her family, her home, and her life.  It breaks my heart that it could not be permanent, and at the same time, I hope to honor her past, and look forward to being in her future.  We are plan C, and we feel so blessed to be on her path!   As this process has unfolded, we have sent her packages, filled with photo albums, usb drives with videos, gifts, clothing, blankets, and more.   Her foster family has been showing her our pictures and videos, and they are talking to her about us. We hope some of the items that we have sent, can be brought home, and bring her comfort.  We cannot thank her foster family enough!  But still, how much can a 2 year old process, of such a big change?  We pray that she will come to feel love and comfort from us, and that we can give her a life that will make her foster family, and biological family proud.  

TIMELINE

Many people have wondered what the timeline is from here.  We are finally getting so close, yet, there are still a few steps, and a little more waiting before us.

Next week, we meet Rowan on Tuesday and Thursday, each visit for about an hour each.  We will be able to visit with Rowan, and ask her foster parents any questions that we have.   My friend Emily, gave us a list of typical questions, that are translated into Korean.  The list has questions like:  what does she like to eat?  What does she dislike?  How can you comfort her?  What is her sleep routine?  etc.  All things that may change, as we all navigate our new normal, but still so helpful.   

After we meet Rowan next week, we will have court on Oct. 30th.  We will stand before a judge and promise to care and love Rowan all of our lives.  After court, we will wait on approvals before we can take custody, which will most likely take 3-4 weeks.   

Ross will head home on November 1st, so he can be back with our big kids.  Palmer and Quinn have been so well loved taken care of by grandparents over this time.  We have been so thankful to both of our parents, and their support, because we could not have done this without them!

I will stay in Korea, until sometime around Thanksgiving!  God willing, I will take custody of Rowan, solo, that week, and we will fly home right after Thanksgiving!  It will be a crazy time, but we will fly home, and officially become a family of FIVE!

  


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