A reunion for Great-Grandma, and "The Call"

Ummm, I bet you are wondering why Bug looks like a baglady?! Well this was just something to keep her occupied for a good 10 minutes while visiting with Great-Grandma Polly, Grandma and Grandpa, and all her great-uncles and aunts. The ribbons are saved (of course) by Grandma Polly (probably from the Christmas of 78') and she is just waiting for the perfect package to use them on. In the meantime, it served as a toy for a few minutes (and of course a funny picture, too!).

We had a great time visiting with family. Bug got to meet two of her Great-Aunts for the first time. We actually pulled off the surprise without a hitch (I can't believe it worked, with as chatty as my family it)!! Everyone managed to keep the secret for about two months. Anyway, Grandma had no idea that all six of her kids would be together this weekend at her house. The first suprise happened on Friday night--we went out for dinner, and the "waitresses" that came to take our drink order were actually two of my aunts, that my grandma hadn't seen in about four years. One came on each side of her. One asked her for her order, the other one started tucking a napkin in her shirt (like a bib)...the look on Grandma's face was priceless. I caught it on video--as soon as I figure out how to put it on here, I will do so. Saturday afternoon was the next surprise--We were all sitting in the living room at Grandma's house, and Uncle John is walking up the driveway. Grandma is actually standing at the front window, so I get her attention so that she will look away from the window (so she doesn't see him walking up the driveway!). He comes in the door, and someone says "Mom, there is someone at your door!!" She turns around and her son is there. It was so cute--Grandma just said "Oh, John, I love you!!" The night before, she has commented that she wished that John could have made it to the visit...we said "yeah, that is too bad". She was so happy that all her six children were together--and we are so glad we could make it happen for her. It was a great weekend of fun, laughs, sharing pictures, and catching up.

Also while we were visiting, Uncle Shane and Aunt Erin moved into their new house. It is perfect for their family, and is a pretty nice house. We are excited for them, and can't wait to spend the night sometime! We also went to brunch as the new hotel/casino in town (never in my life have I been in two different casinos in two different states, two weekends in a row!!!). That was a nice place, and a very yummy brunch. It was free too (I got a players card, and when you do that, you get a free brunch)!! Nothin' wrong with a free brunch!

So, the only downfall to the weekend, was it wasn't long enough. With all the family in town, I didn't get to visit with my friends at all. I had plans for a playdate with a friend and her son, and also plans to chat with my best friend and her family--neither of which happened. If you both are reading this, I am so sorry Shel and Cari!!! I promise soon we will meet up. It was just so busy with family, going here, going there, meeting here for dinner, etc.

So, after my long night on Monday night (Bug decided to get sick and throw up-for the first time--all over the inside of her pack and play at 1am!), Bug and I headed home. Normally, this trip would take 4 hrs, but Tuesday, it took us a little over 5hrs. Both of us were overtired from our bad night, so I made lots of stops (for caffeine and my sanity). Anyway, we finally made it home, and I was unpacking the van. The phone rings, and it is our social worker. We small talked, and finally, I asked..."so, what's up?" The words we have been waiting to hear.."A birthmom wants to meet you--will Monday at 7pm work??" WHAT?!?! Of course it works, and if it doesn't work, we will MAKE it work!! We are just praying for clarity for this birthmom, that she can find the right family for her baby--even if it doesn't turn out to be us. We just want the best for this little baby.

Anyway, we are getting nervous, but also am so excited to meet this young woman. I will post an update probably on Tuesday on how it went. In the meantime, here are some pictures from our weekend visiting with family:

Cousin Killian--Bug just calls him "baby"--he is 13 months old.
Grandpa Mick and Grandma Kris with Bug and Killian

Dad and Mom's anniversary was that weekend too!
Bug loves her Uncle John Bug and Grandma Kris playing Peek-a-boo with Uncle John!
Here is the infamous lineup--From left: Aunt Sue, Uncle John, Aunt Cathy, My Mom, Uncle Denny, and Aunt Mel. They have been doing this lineup since my Grandma (and late Grandpa) moved to this house in the 60's. It is always fun to look back at all the different lineup pictures through the years. Believe it or not, they didn't coordinate, and happened to wear blue shades...except Uncle John. :-)
Grandma and her six children
Usually there is more craziness (because someone is always cracking a joke--Ahem, Cathy and Denny-- during the picture taking session!) when the six get together, but to their credit, wasn't nearly as tough to get a good picture as it has been in past years...
Uncle Shane and Aunt Erin standing in front of their new house--I was amazed at how much unpacking they accomplished in one weekend. I think by Sunday, they were pretty much finished!
Bug and Great-Aunt Sue
Great-Grandma and Bug sitting on the porch on a beautiful sunny day... Kisses for Great-Grandma Polly
Walking with her Great-Grandma...I love this picture.
That's all for now...I will post an update sometime after our meeting with the birthmom on Monday night. Please...just pray for God to bless our meeting and expecially for clarity and strength for this young woman and her selfless decision to choose adoption for her baby.