A Natural Family

WE FINALLY RECEIVED WORD THAT OUR I600A MADE IT TO ETHIOPIA!
So, that has totally made my Monday morning. A huge weight off my shoulders. Now, I can really just focus on getting ready to go without having to have that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I may have to be in Ethiopia for several weeks waiting for U.S. government offices to communicate with each other (Aaargghh.)
Second on the 'interesting emails I received this morning' list is an email letting us know about the dates/times of our birth family visit. Right now it is scheduled for Sunday to Monday. (I am not sure how this will work b/c I thought our Embassy appointment was Monday afternoon... but whatever...) So, that 'Dear Birthmother' Letter needs to get a-rolling.
In the world of 'packing for an international flight where you'll have a baby on the return trip,' I am trying to pack everything for our family (of three :)) in carry-ons and all the donations in checked luggage. Maybe I am crazy, but the last minute travel backpack from Auntie Jenn just might make it all possible. We have two large large large suitcases filled with shoes, diapers, wipes, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to take to Horizon House. (Which means, we'll have two large large large suitcases to fill with goodies on the return trip...)
In closing: We had our medical update (that we received for the month of June) assessed by Dr. Aronson (as this is included in the initial fee we paid for her review of the referral information) and she said that, although Adu is not on the chart for weight and height, he does look like he is doing a good job at his job... growing! And, that his head circumference is on the chart at a whopping 3%. I had asked her whether or not we should schedule an appointment to see her when we return or if she thought our primary care physician could handle Emmett Adu's stuff. And, this was her reply... and THIS is why we'll pay the big bucks, schlep a baby into NYC, just to see her and get her feedback...
"I would definitely suggest that you see me for the initial evaluation. Being laid back is admirable, but the complexity of medical and developmental issues for kids adopted from Ethiopia requires a kind of vigilance that isn't consistent with being laid back. Your GP will live longer than I will, but we all make choices....I love my work and I am committed to a kind of service that I had a destiny for since I was very young. I am privileged to be able to specialize in the care of children adopted from abroad and I enjoy it because watching kids go from barely making it to thriving is a kick!"