Off Topic: Still waiting for Zach - where we are :)

[Pam]

I get a lot of questions about what's up with Zach, so I thought I would update everyone here. Thank you all, for your support, warm wishes well, and your concern during our intense journey through over-seas adoption!!!! :thumbsup:

Where we are: Every bit of paper work is done. We've satisfied the state (child welfare) and federal government (INS), satisfied the adoption agency here, and the Korean agency there.

Now Zach will get one more doctor's visit, to make sure he is healthy to travel. His travel visa is getting processed by Korea. Then they will find him an available escort, and get them both arranged on a flight to the US. When all that is nailed down, our social worker from our agency will give us "the call".

(We were concerned that escorts would not be available, because of fear of anthrax. As it turns out, this is only a problem for NYC or Washington, DC, and those Moms and Dads are scrambling to travel to Korea to pick up their children. Escorts to our area of the US are not a problem.

"The call" - is when the social worker calls you and says "get to the airport tomorrow (yep, that's right, you get about 24 hour's notice) and meet our greeter at XYZ area, to pick up your son on flight #456 on XYZ airlines."

Then we laugh, cry, worry, party, call all the family and pack the diaper bag. Then I look at a Korean growth chart to figure out what size diaper to buy that day (buying 2 sizes in the smallest quantity and will return the too-small size) and tuck away the soy and milk based formula in the diaper bag, just in case he comes with a note that says "lactose intolerant". These (his size, diet, etc.) are all mysteries at the moment.

Then we don't sleep at all, giving his room 483 "last checks" to make sure we have everything. (I'm positive we won't - we'll be okay though :) ) We'll look at each other, and bid this type of life goodbye, and wish each other well as our life is changed forever the next day.

So folks....when we "get the call" -- and I post "we got the call" - you'll know exactly what it means.

It could happen anywhere from tomorrow morning, to December 31. Please join me in hoping he's home by my birthday (next week), or Thanksgiving, but at the very latest Christmas!!! :santa: :angel:

[PsyQuestor]

Praying that it will be soon Pam :)

Things you have probably forgotten to pick up: finger nail scissors / clippers, infant motrin, decongestant, cough syrup & tylenol, oragel and an aspirator ( snot sucker :p ).

There will always be something you'll need to run out and buy in the middle of the night. Can't wait to hear all of the stories about baby Blizz :D

Tammy

[Kena]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

I often wonder about your very special addition, but I don't ever want to pry. I appreciate the update so much!

Don't worry, your motherly instincts will kick in immediately and you'll know just what you need and just what to do. Of course, if there is any question you know you can turn to all of us here who would love nothing more than to support you. You have done so much for everyone here and I hope you know how we would love to be able to give back, so PLEASE don't hesitate to ask! :)

I will add to my prayers for your precious little one to be with you VERY VERY soon.

Lots of love to you!
Kena

[woobeesmom]

I'm so excited for you and your family. My children are grown (waiting for grandchildren) but I cherish every moment I have with them. Theres nothing like the smell of a baby, their laughs, they make life so wonderful. God Bless!! Praying for quick delivery!!

[JBannister]

Pam,
I've been wanting to ask, but felt sure you have been besieged
with the same question over and over. So, THANKS for the update.
What a birthday present that would be!
And don't worry about any last minute forgotten supplies. Any
thing like that can be picked up at a local store. You will have the most wonderful thing in the world, right in your arms. A child, who
yes, will forever change your life as you know it. In wonderful, wild, mysterious ways. Forever.
Julie

[Pam]

Thank you all :)
Yes, I will admit, it becomes difficult when you're sort of trying to get it off your mind, and you're asked about it. That's one of the reasons that I posted this here, because I know that some are remembering, and hoping and happy for us :) for which I am truly greatful. I had a feeling too, that if I had any questions, I could ask here and get some great advice from caring, compassionate people!

[RSLancastr]

Pam, congrats! Please keep us posted, so we aren't tempted to keep asking!


snot suckerThanks for THAT image, Tammy...

Way back when I was single, I sat between two young mothers at work. Often, I was treated to loving descriptions of bowel movements, spitting up and the like. Once, they spent the better part of an afternoon discussing the wonderful uses of the "snot sucker", in great, glorious, colorful detail.

It's a wonder I ever had kids after that...

-Bob

[naomi]

Pam, count me as one of the wonderers. Just yesterday I was thinking about asking. But, like those above, I was afraid to pry into something that must be nerve-wracking enough.

The day I brought Wendy (my first) home I remember standing looking out the window with tears streaming down my face, scared to death. I thought "I'll never be just me anymore; I'll always be somebody's mother." At that moment I felt that I was losing something of myself. But, you know what? I couldn't have even imagined then how much I got in return. Motherhood is the single best thing that ever happened to me.

I can't wait to hear all the stories you'll have tell about Zak and your lives together.

[VTFlowerGirl]

I feel so privileged to be a part of this process even though it's just cheerleading from the sidelines. I have been thinking of you daily (and Zach) and I swear that was one question I was thinking about, how the travel arrangements work. Praying for a safe trip and may his journey to your arms be uneventful.

You may want to stockup on cassaroles and other frozen dinner type things, because cooking is going to be the last thing you're going to have time for, especially if baby is cranky, especially if your hubby's like mine and considers toast a staple of his diet. One other thing is have you signed up for a baby doctor yet? It may be worthwhile to scout out the situation now, sometimes it's taken for granted that they're accepting new patients.

Hmmmm - scanning the memory banks now trying to remember those first few months. Every day will be an adventure once he's here - and I know this is going to be the most wonderful time for you. Best wishes!

[Pam]

Thanks again everyone!

I belong to a local over seas adoption group, and am asking Moms & Dads that we know through that group, about pediatricians who are familiar with Korean kids, and their special issues.

For example, did you know that Asian babies will develop blue-purple-yellow marks on their bodies that look like a bruise? It's called a "Mongolian birthmark" and usually appear on the back and around the hips. They usually go away as the child grows up.

But, if a regular doctor didn't know this, s/he might think that we were abusing our beloved baby!!!

[Gail]

Pam, I am thrilled for you!:D A baby will really change your lifestyle and for the better. My daughter was seriously thinking of adoption after 3 miss carriages(sp?) and fertility treatments.
Before she started gathering adoption information, she found out she was pregnant. He arrived at 27 weeks, 3 months and one week premature. He is now a very healthy and extremely active two year old. Say good-bye to all the time you have now to handle this site.:D I know all of your helpers on here will step in and you will have more time to spend with Zach.
:daisy: Gail

[PsyQuestor]

Originally posted by Widow
Say good-bye to all the time you have now to handle this site.:D I know all of your helpers on here will step in and you will have more time to spend with Zach.
I know I will help as much as possible. I have suggested we set up a "Pam Cam" so we can check in on her from time to time; but I'm thinking that's a big NO with Jeff :lwink: ( It would be really interesting though! ) We'd be able to experience the first time Zack pee's on Jeff/Pam...the first spit up on the nice outfit...the first "MINE!!"...

All kinds of good stuff we'll be missing :( <-- pout! But that's ok Pam and Jeff; you can feed us second hand stories forever! And I promise never ever to bore of them!

God's gift ~ precious babies to snuggle :angel:

Tammy

[paige]

Hey Pam,

If you are ever in need of a babysitter, just yell! :lwink: I would be honored to care for the Zachman, if you and Jeff ever want to go out! (and believe me, you two will definitely want to go out!)

May I ask what Zach's middle name is? I wish I would have known you about a year ago! I would have given you enough baby "stuff" to keep you set for the next five years of Zach's life!!
Oh well! I have just two words for you, new mom:
GARAGE SALES!!!!:jumper: Especially here in b/n!


I can't wait for your little angel to arrive!!! :angel:


God's speed!
p:thumbsup:

[Pam]

Zachary JOSEPH after Jeff's dad's middle name and Jeff and his brother share the same middle name :)

Thank you Paige, what a sweet offer! I am sure we'll take you up on it!!!!!

[Irishrose]

How sweet of you to share your Zach with us. The anticipation must be over whelming some times. But before you know it your lives will be filled with some of the most amazing things you can imagine. It is so much fun to watch these wonderful little souls come to life. I think the hardest thing for me was when our children could not tell us what was on their minds. But otherwise they survived inspite of us!!!

Holler if you need us, we are only a message away.

Irishrose

[Don]

Originally posted by PsyQuestor
Things you have probably forgotten to pick up: finger nail scissors / clippers, infant motrin, decongestant, cough syrup & tylenol, oragel and an aspirator ( snot sucker :p ).Good suggestions Tammy and don't forget a healthy supply of "baby butt sauce" - AKA "baby powder" (ala Tigger).

[MistyRose49]

Mommy,
Don't know if any one mentioned it, but law mandates a car seat...just a reminder. My cousin came to pick up his son with out a car seat; the hospital wouldn't let him take his wife and baby home....now, wouldn't that be a fi ne kettle of fish!

Hurry home, blessed Zach!

[kimk]

Here's hoping for a speedy journey for baby Zach. I know from experience that no matter how ready you *think* you are, you're not!! :eek:

I was also thinking that when I had my daughter, I was up at all hours and I wished that I had someone I could call to ask for advice. You, on the other hand, have all of us, virtually 24/7! How great is that??:p

Now when Zach makes a weird noise or hiccups funny, all you have to do is log on and ask and somebody will be there to answer...that is really cool. We could even become the JEF/baby advice sight!! :wink:


Kim

[amfie]

One thing you are not without ........ lots of LOVE!

Can't wait to hear the good news!

amfie <-----Zach's cyber auntie!

[RSLancastr]

For example, did you know that Asian babies will develop blue-purple-yellow marks on their bodies that look like a bruise?Interesting! Hispanic babies have something similar, something like a very dark spot right at the base of the spine.

-Bob

[jetcb59]

Hi Pam,

Thank you for the update on Zach. Here's hoping that he is in your arms very soon. You and Jeff are very blessed. :angel:

Jill
:elvis: TCB with C.A.V.

[robnelle]

Wow Pam!I am sooo happy and excited for you and Jeff and Zach!Oh and don't worry about being prepared..I know you'll do just fine :) and from my observation of you on this board I think you'll be a fantastic mother. You have that natural 'mother wisdom',good organizational skills,you have no problem saying no and holding your ground when necessary and you're very loving and unselfish.I will however say prayers for you for that last 24 hours after you get "the call". That last night is going to ccrrraaaaaaaaaaawwwwllllllll by. Oh yes, I will pray for your sanity on THAT night! :wink:

[Francine555]

Congrats Pam, to you & your hubby! The both of you must be so thrilled! :)

I want to wish the both of you the best and may you treasure little Zach like the precious gift that he is!

We're all so happy for you Pam...and we're anxiously awaiting Zach's arrival too :)

Definitely post when you get "The Call".... :)

You & Jeff will be great parents! :)

Love, Fran

[GaGoldie]

Oh, Pam, what a joyous Christmas you three will have! May all of your days be as sweet and full of God's great Love for you, Jeff and Zach!! Love, Marcia

[Daughtie]

{{{{{Pam}}}}}
I'm very excited for you & I hope you get that call very soon!

Valerie