ICAB and CCS Visit

Where have we been? Well, parenthood came like a freight train and finding time to sit and have the energy to write is few and far between! Being a mother is such a rewarding job--I watch her every move and just love to see her learning and doing new things. Things she's learned so far? Sign language for "more," how to take off and put on her shoes, the hand movement for the itsy bitsy spider, how to jump, she points to her nose when I say, "nose--and eyes, ears, and mouth," in her favorite book, she has learned how to tickle the baby's stomach...Today was the first day she uttered "muh-muh-muh to me" it was so cool. Most amazing--how to take off and put the cap back onto a water bottle. She worked on that one for a long time. She is proud when she is able to manuever her hands to do it...

Today, Ramon drove us to ICAB (Inter Country Adoption Board) Gemma, our social worker was there to meet us. We received all of Katrina's paperwork, her passport/Visa. We got a tour of the place as well. Katrina received a Filipina Doll, a book about her homeland, and a flag. She will cherish these wonderful gifts I know. Next, on to CCS (Concordia Children's Services), a beautiful home for children in Quezon City. We met Beth, the director--what a wonderful woman--very devoted to those children I could tell--very loving and caring of her to give us a tour of her home. This orphanage now has 20 children ranging from infant to school age. Not only does she care for the children within the orphanage, she also provides for street children who come to get meals or schooling in the day. Very different from Hospicio, much smaller and more like a home environment for the children. It was very interesting, hearing the stories of some of the children within her home...We are very thankful to both Beth and Gemma for all of their work. Gemma spoke on our behalf for Katrina--she was our "lawyer" in a way--putting up a case of why we were to be matched with Katrina. She was also responsible for preparing all of Katrina's paperwork, bringing her to her medical and visa interviews...much, much, more...Dustin and I wish we would have known about how much Gemma has done--we had no clue that she was responsible for this match...Thank you so very much Gemma.

After CCS, we went on to purchase some keepsakes for Katrina. Ramon took us to a special handicrafts store where we dropped over 500 US dollars for our little one( a special thank you to Ramon for being Lolo and keeping Katrina occupied while mommy and daddy shopped). We purchased a pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings...we also purchased a beautiful dress--wait until you see it! A purse made out of banana fabric, a shell jewelry box, some dolls, and some other wooden carved crafts.

We went to stop for lunch--I tried chicken adobo for the very first time and loved it--I will need to get the recipe and try it. Katrina could not sit still--so Lolo Ramone, once again came to the rescue. We found out she loves rice with mushroom soup in it. After lunch, we came out to see Ramon and Kat-Kat jamming in the car to top 40 music! The day was wonderful--now to pack and bring our little one home--we'll see how this plane ride goes. We will be up around 3 to get to the airport in time for our 7am flight...We arrive back in Milwaukee on Friday night, around 4:00pm! See you there if you will be greeting us--just wait until you meet this little one, she will steal your heart time and time again! Alicia Rae