Sunday, December 28, 2008

Living in the moment...

is something we haven't done much of over the past several years. Driving home from work on Christmas Eve, I got to thinking about how great next Christmas will be once we have Lauren home. Then I started thinking about all the times I've had that same thought. It seems that since we filed our adoption paperwork back on August 8, 2005, our time has been spent looking forward at what's ahead instead of living in the moment. This crazy long wait kind of robs you of the present and puts your thoughts to the future.

It dawned on me during my ride home, that starting on January 8th when we take off for our journey we will need to switch gears and learn to live in the moment again. I'm thinking that changing gears after all this time may be a little easier said than done. I'm pretty sure though, that once we meet Lauren and can hold her and love her we will be planted firmly in the moment from that point forward. This is what I am hoping for.

On another note, we have just about everything we need for our trip. Everything is in bins and bags and scatttered all over the nursery and playroom right now. We are both home on New Years day, so we are going to organize everything and start packing. My last day at work for a while is this coming Friday. I hope to have everything packed and ready to go by Monday so we can relax for a few days before we leave.

16 comments:

Kim said...

I have been thinking about you..
I am sooo happy for you..
Once she is in your arms..life is going to be soooo BEAUTIFUL..
Hope you had a WONDERFUL Christmas..
Next year will be AMAZING..
Hugs..
I am sooo ready to watch you go to China..

Kim said...

Sorry... meant to say ...
HURRY UP 10 sleeps...

Shauna and MacLean said...

What a wonderful time this is and we all can't wait to see your sweet Lauren in your arms. What a wonderful gift it will be.

Take care and enjoy every minute especially drinking coffee and reading the paper!

Shauna and MacLean xoxo

Ladybugsmom said...

Donna,
This is so true and if you aren't careful you will rush life away...everyday someone will say can't you just want until...and I say yeah that will be great but I am living now...not for when she walks or takes ballet or whatever...enjoying every little tidbit of now and you are so right it is hard because for years we lived anticipating what next. Can't wait to follow you to China...
Emily

Unknown said...

Im not sure I can be one more excited for you

OziMum said...

I just love seeing your "# sleeps til China" pic! Gives me goosebumps!

Did I tell you 2 babies from our batch are in Lauren's SWI?!

I'm sure you'll have everything packed and ready to go... not quite so sure on how relaxed you'll be?!!!

the mommy said...

Donna what you say is so true the wait does rob you of the present. I speak from experience that once you board that plan to China things start to slow down and then once you have that little girl with you all you want is for time to stand still. We are so happy and excited for you and Joe. Just 10 more sleeps and counting..We can't wait

Jacquie said...

Yep, the wait can do that to ya. I made a conscious decision when we left for China to live in the moment and I swear, it made all the difference. We had a few days in Beijing before we left to meet Lily and I treasure our trip over to China and our time in Beijing. Kind of our last hurrah as a twosome so to speak. And I remember the bus ride to go meet Lily like it was yesterday, just taking in the sights and sounds of China. You are totally on the right track here!

Anonymous said...

Sorry we couldn't see you when we were in town - next time!

My life completely changed once Tess and I became a family. It really is wonderful and each moment is hectic, but wonderful. My life is very different now and for that I am so thankful.

I know you and Joe and Lauren will have a wonderful life.

frogglet said...

Wow, you are so close. Try to sleep during those few sleeps left but I bet it is hard.
Great message about living in the moment that is something so hard to do during the wait.
Take Care,
Cora

Stephe said...

Holy Cannoli!!! We leave NEXT Week!! You post officially just put me in panic mode!

Sending you big hugs and I can't wait to see you and Joe in Beijing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lindsay said...

So happy for you all that your family is finally close to being united!

I became a first time Mama 5 days before Christmas last year, and I can promise you that your daughter will absolutely make sure that you will be joyously living in the moment in the weeks and months ahead. Watching her discover the world and experiencing everything right along with her will just be the most amazing journey for you as parents.

Godspeed to Lauren.

Joannah said...

I'm so excited for you, Donna. You're going to be a wonderful mother.

Natalie said...

I am so excited for you too. Your little Lauren is beautiful. I can't wait for you to experience life as parents. You will have joy untold.
I posted on your blog once before, but follow you faithfully. Remember I am a grandma with 5 bio kids and 3 adopted ones. It is a wonderful journey.
Enjoy your life and your darling daughter! It will be great.

Alyson and Ford said...

"I'm thinking that changing gears after all this time may be a little easier said than done."

You have already begun the change... And a wonderful change it is!
Looking forward to following your journey in China.
peace
fm

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

We are in China NOW -- don't worry about the STUFF - you can always get that over here. You are so right, this wait does "rob" you of the present. Wishing you the best... Lucy