Last Day--Thoughts, Reflections, and Favorites

This says it all!!!!!! Kissing her brother by choice! She also held and fed him yesterday. I feel a bit of sadness in my heart to leave Japan. You would think after being here for 28 days I would be itching to leave, but it is just the opposite. I felt the same way with Guatemala. Part of my dying to go home and a big part longing to stay. This is our child's birth country and it is a beautiful country full of culture, opportunity, and tradition with the safety to walk around, a clean environment, and an easy transportation system. Savannah also flourished here and changed from this expereince and left a baby and is coming home a little girl that now has traveled across the International Date Line to become a big sister. We only sampled the city, but it has wet our appetite to keep coming back and really travel to other parts of the country and other islands. We feel so honored to have had this opportunity and do something that very few Americans get to. We are taking home the greatest gift of all and also leaving a part of our hearts here and knowing we will be back many times in the future. I have many feelings in my heart, but here are some memories of how we got started, what we love and also remembering the reasons we want to go home and what is waiting there for us. How it all began... Over a year ago we made an adoption plan At that time, we did not know the journey would take us to Japan When the Guatemala program did close Kazakhstan was the program we chose After months of paperwork when we thought we had it all done We had really just begun All the rules changed and it we had more to do We weren't nearly through Then a major slow down due to Hauge The future of adopting from Kazakhstan became vague After a very long wait and not much moving No information was very soothing We started to do research again We just did not know where or when Then I got an e-mail from a dear friend Who said it may not be the end There is an opportunity to adopt A baby in Japan, so you may not have to stop Thanks to my friends Misty and Kim We made it to Japan and now have a little him She put me in touch with a woman named Taz who needed a family who was ready and approved That was us and we were moved We were put in touch with the agency and changed to Japan We again had a plan After months of waiting the baby was born But the birthmother was torn She changed her mind and kept the baby So now we were back to what next and maybe We decided to stay with Japan and wait And then on my birthday, it happened and was great In my inbox, a picture of a baby boy Oh what a joy Born March 12th and papers signed It was official on the dotted line A week later we were on our way And for a month we would stay In the Land of the Rising Sun With the one That was meant to be ours We wished so long for him on the stars We met him on the 28th and was so small Just 16 days and all We had fun in Tokyo exploring all the sights Even though we were up with him all the nights On April 2oth we went to the US Embassy Where we would officially become a family All the paperwork was approved with stamp and smile This was now our child We wer filled with immense happiness and love This is a feeling beyond and above It was all worth it and more To be a family of four We are so happy with you our baby boy And two children now that are our greatest joy TOP TEN's--Of course there are a lot more, but these are the biggies. Some funny and some heartfelt! Top Ten Things We Love In Tokyo ( and we will miss) 1. That this is our child's birth country (not born in Tokyo, but the first place he lived with us) 2. The respect and politeness. Nobody yells or pushes or is rude. Everyone tries to help and extends themselves even when they don't speak your language. The respect is immense. People let you sit down with a child on the train, help you with directions, etc. 3. The love they have for children. Anywhere you go they welcome and nuture children. There are so many resources for them. 4. Starbucks--There is Starbucks is everywhere, they are huge with lots of seating. They are open all hours (some until 3 a.m.) and they brew multiple types of coffee and iced coffee all day. They have the best carriers in a bag that don't spill. It is so much better than at home. They also have other coffee shops. 5. Heated toilet seats--no explaining needed at 3:00 a.m. half asleep and having just finished a feeding. 6. Cleanliness- This city is so clean. They give wash and dries at every meal. There isn't a piece of garbage on the street or on the subway. Every bathroom has elaborate baby changers that are so clean and sometimes there is even someone to take your dirty diaper and throw it away. 7. Safety- This city is so safe. I am sure they have crime, but it is not evident. You don't feel like you have to watch your wallet. There are not homeless people on the streets or begging for money. 8. UniQlo--It is my new favorite store. Things are comfortable, reasonably priced and versatile. 9. Tokyo Tower View- I will so miss looking out the window and seeing this amazing structure illuminating and towering over the city nightly. 10. Access--It is easy and inexpensive to get everywhere. If you can't walk (which everything you need is in easy walking distance), you can take the subway and it is easy, fast, safe, clean, and inexpensive. It will hard to adjust to driving everywhere again. Top Ten Things We Miss at Home 1. Our family and friends. It is hard to not have a network and to be surrounded by those you love with two children. 2. Our bed and pillow-Tempurpedic can't be beat 3. No smoking in public places 4. Being able to get big packages of food--more than 8 strawberries for $7. 5. Baby Resources--Glider, Swing, Tummy Time Mat, Similac, Dr. Brown's Bottles 6. Our High Efficiency Washing Machine--We have this combination washer/dryer here and it takes 12 hours and the clothes are still damp. 7. Splenda!!!! There really isn't a sugar substitute here. 8. Food without pork, horse, octopus and squid in it. 9. Whole Foods 10. Being able to communicate (we like being able to learn other languages, but it does get difficult) and get our point across.