Starting Forever

We are home! We are home! We are home!

After 25 hours of travel, three airports and one good night's rest, the Livingston clan is up and moving.

Grace was amazing on both flights; she shocked us and surprised all the skeptics on both flights by being quiet and a great source of entertainment. Dallan and I couldn't believe our luck as she traveled the friendly skies like a consummate pro.

We're so grateful for every one's love and support and we can't wait to see you all!

Ways We Know Grace was Prepared For Our Family...

1. She snores like Daddy.
2. She sleeps with her right leg up at an angle like Mommy.
3. She's stubborn like...well, like everyone on both sides.
4. She has Grandma Livingston's smile.
5. She is a leech when she sleeps like Auntie Morgan.
6. She loves music like Auntie Kaitlan.
7. She loves her dye dye like Auntie Chelsea.
8. She has a peg leg crawl like cousin Kenna.
9. Her laugh is deep like Grandpa D's.
10. To relax, she plays with Daddy's ears, just like mommy does.
11. She mimics all of daddy's noises.
12. She likes to sing like Auntie Janielle.
13. She likes anything technical like Daddy and Grandpa Livingston and Uncle Kenyon.

I'm sure there are many others but we can't think of anymore! Gracie kept us up last night with a night terror and then restless sleep so while she is happy as a clam today, Dallan and I are dragging our feet and dreaming of home!

We went to the embassy this morning to actually pick up the visa/passport for Grace. They gave us an 8am appointment for which we were on time. Too bad they didn't see us until 11!!! Thankfully Grace is AMAZING in public and she waits patiently (one thing she definitely didn't get from me!). Dallan got her to fall asleep which was even better.

There is nothing standing in our way to boarding that plane and coming home. This process is finally wrapping itself up and we couldn't be happier. We'll see you all when we get home!

Visiting Grace's humble beginning

I swore to myself I wouldn't be one of those all important, I'm going to rescue this baby kind of mothers. Well, yesterday after seeing the orphanage where Grace has spent the last six months had me saying, without skipping a beat, "we really are saving her and giving her a better life."

First, to get there we drove through the "dump" which was doubling as a football field for the local kids. We then drove through a series of stall's that Dallan said reminded him of the scenes from the slums in Slumdog Millionaire. It was hot and dirty. We wanted to make a donation to the orphanage so Percy drove us around to all these separate stalls to buy the necessary stuff; baby food, sugar and rice. When we got back on the road to the orphanage, the paved road quickly turned to a dirt one and Percy kept warning us "not to worry about the bumpy road." As we were creeping along we saw roosters and chickens and crumbled down buildings. We even saw a baby goat that decided the middle of the road is the best place to nap. There were shanty shacks and some clothes blowing from a dryer line. We saw a woman who yelled "Esther" upon seeing the car. When we pulled up, I was floored. There were about eight women sitting in what little shade could be found and a bevy of kids running around. Percy bought some granola bars for these older kids and they scurried to get them and scurried away to eat them. When we got out of the car the women went crazy for Grace. Percy took her to give her to the Reverends (Juliet; the one who cared for Grace)sister and the first woman that we saw when driving in came running over; she was a larger woman with scary drawn on eyebrows and purple lipstick and she scared the crap out of Grace! She just screamed and screamed so I took her back and she nestled up to my chest and fell asleep. We took a tour of the compound and saw the old church, which is a wooden hall of a building, and the church they are trying to build (this one of cement blocks is bigger and will be better built). We also saw where the mothers slept with the babies. After the tour, Dallan carried the rice and stuff to the women and since Grace was sleeping we left. Juliet wasn't there because she was working at her "store" so we went back to where we had bought the supplies and waited for her to return. Grace was still sleeping when she got there but woke up shortly after so they could say goodbye. I cried when Juliet hugged me; thankful for all that she had done and all she continues to do. The last few times we've seen her she has been so supportive and helpful and as a first time parents with no outside help, she's been such a blessing to Dallan and I. Anyways, I'm glad everything went okay with the VISA because I know I wouldn't have been able to leave Grace once I saw that place. I feel even more blessed to be returning home to the life I live; we are so very lucky.

Pictures: me holding grace as we drive (there are no child seats here), Julliett, me, Grace and Dalla, the sign marking the orphanage, the road to the orphanage and the church at the orphanage

We're Coming Home as a Threesome

We're just returning from the embassy and THE dreaded chance that we could be leaving without Grace....and we're not! WOO FREAKIN' HOO!!!! They approved her VISA with no problems and told us we could pick it up on Friday and board our flight home on Saturday evening. I think the gentleman that was helping us was so charmed by little Gracie that he wanted to do anything he could to make us happy! Thank goodness she is such a doll! After all this time, waiting and praying, hoping and begging, crying and laughing we will be united in our home in less than a week. Thanks for all your prayers; we felt them strongly.

In addition to the appointment there was the stress of meeting Linda, Grace's birth mother. It's hard to explain these emotions; we weren't so worried about her wanting Grace back or anything (and legally she'd have no ground to stand on even if she did) we just didn't want to rub it in her face. I imagined it would be devastating to see another woman loving on your daughter. Linda was very quiet and kept her distance. All she said to us was "she looks like you guys. She's very happy." I guess I couldn't ask for anything more. Linda asked to take a picture and we snapped some too and then she handed Grace back. I hugged her and said thank you and then she left. It was over before it even started.

Here are some pictures of Grace with her birth mother Linda and the three of us with Linda.

A Day of Rest

Last Sunday we were still too confused about where we were and what was going on to wander out and try to find church services. Plus, I was feeling pretty yucky and slept a major part of the day. This week was different though. We feel like we know Grace's schedule pretty well and felt she would do fine with the three hour block of church. Plus the girl loves people so we figured it would be great. We tracked down the ward and called a cab. There are four wards in the Accra area; we picked the one with the time that most suited us (and is the most similar to our home ward...) and luckily, we ended up in the chapel on temple grounds. The Accra temple is a smaller one but the whole complex is quite large. There is the two story, two chapel building, the temple and a housing unit much like a small apartment complex. It was beautiful. We wish we would've brought our camera but we didn't think of it but that's okay; we're gonna go back and take some pictures. These Saints were amazing and I feel like I could go on forever about it but I won't because we have an early morning with the Embassy for THE visit. As if we aren't worried enough about that, Grace's birth mother will be coming with us. I'm hoping I can sleep, even just a little bit. I'll update when we get back and hopefully it's all good news. Send us your prayers, we are definitely going to need them tomorrow!

Lazy Friday

Well after running around all week, we decided it was time to take up the suggestion to venture over to the Golden Tulip and lounge around by the pool. We called up Percy and he said he'd be down around 11. We ran out of formula so we started by going to the Koala market to buy some more and we needed two more pictures of Grace for her VISA so we did this too. After our errands were run we headed into Accra to find the pool. It was nice to see something different than we've been seeing for the last week. The Golden Tulip is a much nicer (and therefore much more expensive) hotel. We made our way through the lobby, down the bar area and out to the pool. We found two lounge chairs in the shade and set up shop. We were a little worried that Grace wouldn't like the pool because bath time isn't always great, but she LOVED it. Even after she got all prune-y she wouldn't let us take her out. She eventually needed a bottle and a nap. While Grace slept poolside Dallan and I ate (a good ol' cheeseburger!!!) and chatted about the week we'd had and the one to come. When Grace woke up, she wanted right back into the pool so we swam some more. I'm so glad she likes the water cause we are going to live in the pool this summer. All in all we were poolside about 6 1/2 hours.

Out and About in Osu

Thursday. Seven days in. Nine more to go....

Today we ran around all morning with Edward as Percy was in court for another family. He was supposed to be here at 8 but didn't show until almost 9. This late thing is driving Dallan and I crazy!!! Anyways, the point of our errands was twofold. One, we had to get head shots for Grace's visa. This had to be done before the second part; the medical exam. We were told that we should ask for a medical waiver from the remaining immunizations. Edward said we may have to fight for this but if we were insistent they would accommodate us. So, we arrived and climbed 5 flights of stairs (thank you fit 2 the core; this would've been impossible not that long ago...) to sit and wait. Then they called us over and sent us down two flights to the clinic. There we sat and waited and were sent one flight up to see the Doctor. He checked Grace's lungs, heart, belly and hip placement. He said she looked great and was such a good girl. Then he sent us back up to the top floor. There we waited and they sent us across the hall. After that we were all done. No problems and with the medical waiver signed, sealed and ready for delivery to the consulate. Through it all, Grace was AMAZING! She played and laughed and caused not a single problem. We're really lucky to have this little girl!

What's A Dye Dye?

A couple people have asked so here you go....

When I was a little girl my younger sister Chelsea always had with her an old cloth diaper. It was her security blanket. She'd hold it and rub it against her cheek as she sucked one of her fingers. For whatever reason, we always called it her dye dye. Gracie has picked up the same thing, using the burp rags we've brought (these look just like Chelsea's old cloth diaper but they are surgical rags that we were given and they are AWESOME!!!). It's funny how Grace would mimic her auntie chelsea....

Answered Prayers

Yesterday was our appointment at the Embassy so we could file our I600 form. Basically this form informs allows us to claim an orphan as a relative. That's fancy for "hello governments of Ghana and the United States, Dallan and Kirsten Livingston want to make Grace ours forever." When we got to the appointment there was some confusion as to the forms but it was resolved quickly. Dallan and I had to wait in this shoebox size room for a woman to ask us questions we didn't expect. At the end of it, I asked how long the process takes. (The department conducts a search of all documents submitted to make sure they are valid and legal). The woman informed us it would take no longer than 30 days. This morning we got a call saying Percy was at the front desk. We had expected him later in the day so we could go the the Golden Tulip, another hotel here with a pool. Dallan went down to meet him and see what was going on. Percy said the embassy had called him requesting that Dallan return the phone call at his earliest convenience. Dallan called back and what did they have to say? Everything had been approved! Thirty days turned into about 12 hours! They told Dallan they had a packet of paperwork for him to come pick up. So, instead of spending the afternoon lounging in the Tulip's pool we were back at the embassy waiting for our names to be called. Grace was once again, AMAZING at the embassy. Easy and charming. When we were finally called to the window, the lady said "Livingston Family"; finally Dallan and I have a family!

The packet is to obtain Grace's visa/passport. We also have to have an interview with one of the consular officers. This only happens on Mondays and Tuesdays. So, instead of leaving Accra on Saturday the 16th, we've extended the trip a week to do this interview and, if God willing, come home on the 23rd WITH GRACE IN TOW. That's right, no more second trips, no more waiting. The Livingston's will all be united under the same roof by months end!

So, do us a favor and keep us in your prayers. There is always a chance something could go wrong with the Visa and/or the interview. Just send us some good thoughts for a speedy trip home!

Pictured: Snuggling with Daddy in bed, sleeping with my best friend, with mommy on our way to the embassy, after the embassy playing with my dye dye.

Monday, Monday

This is long, so if you just want the two second recap, read right above the pics.


Dallan and I were so tired of being cooped up in our hotel room. I think Gracie was too. We were all just stir crazy after being there from Saturday afternoon on. Granted there was some great bonding time so I can't complain one bit...

So anyways, we woke up on Monday morning and got everything going. We wanted to take a walk into town but the woman at the front desk said that sometimes people move much slower on Mondays so we should maybe wait. So we did. We played, got Grace fed (we brought along some rice cereal to introduce her to it and she had this. It was pretty funny. Any time Dallan would try to wipe the stuff off her chin/cheek/lips she'd just keep trying to eat and it would get everywhere!) and put her down. Then Dallan and I played some cards and packed up and got ready to go. We left about 11:45 when she was up and had eaten. We used our Moby wrap and got her tied to me while Dallan carried the backpack with wipes/food/diapers/toy etc, etc, etc. (you know all the crap you never use but can't live without!).

As soon as the door to the hotel was open we were smacked in the face by the heat. I knew at that second this was going to be a very bad idea instead! Hahahaha. Had I not been so stir crazy I would have turned right back around.

We set off for the market that we'd gone to on Saturday, thinking it wasn't very far of a walk but we were so wrong. It was that the distance was long (maybe 1.5 miles in each way) but that it was so hot and I had Gracie strapped to me. She's not that heavy at all but the extra material on my chest/back made me sweat even more. People definitely stared at us but I was surprised by the lack of comments. I guess I'd just prepared myself for many questions but there was only one in our entire walk, "Is that how you carry babies in your country?" I said yes and she said "cool". Lots of people commented on how beautiful Grace is and how cute her little pierced ears are. They loved her hat and her little socks. One lady told us what a cute family we were.

So anyways, we kept walking and walking and walking and finally we were there. We needed to get some dish soap. Random I know but necessary none the less. I was overwhelmed by the smells as we walked. It's something I can quite explain. The heat of course doesn't help in any way. People were out and about, selling their wares and chatting with anyone that would stop.

While were walking taxis would honk at us to see if we wanted a ride. If I used the burp cloth to wipe my face they took it as a sign to pull over so we'd have to explain when we got to the car. On the way back a car pulled over and stopped but it didn't look like a taxi and when we got there we saw that it was Juliet, Grace's caretaker at the orphanage. She was out with her husband and daughter. She wanted to kiss Grace so we did and we chatted for a bit. She said we must be good "mummy and daddies" since Grace seemed so perfectly content with us. It made my heart sing.

On the way back I was exhausted and so dirty! I couldn't wait to get back to the hotel and strip everything off, which is exactly what we did as soon as the door was closed. Every piece of my clothing was dripping. So were Dallan's. And Grace? Not a single thing wet other than her diaper!

We took it easy for the remainder of the afternoon and met with Percy at about 6 to go over all the documents for our embassy appointment today. All in all, it was a good day!

So basically here it is: What you can walk at home is IMPOSSIBLE in this heat. People think our daughter is the most beautiful. I sweat a lot, but Grace didn't get one bead of sweat! Dresses are actually easier and let a breeze in.

In the pictures: Gracie with Jeffery the Giraffe, eating rice cereal for the first time, trying to stand up herself, lounging in hat after walk with daddy's glasses.

Day by Day

Dallan and I weren't sure quite what to expect from our daughter or her home country. Everything has been very fog-like and now here we are, settling into our own little routine, talking about how natural it feels. We've been amazed by the shift...

Grace is a joy. ABSOLUTELY the EASIEST we could've hoped for. The first night she went down about 10:30 (Juliet said that she is usually down by 10 but with their late arrival and the hand off and of course us needing some snuggle time; we got a little behind...) and got up at 7:30. I thought to myself, "she's probably just exhausted from everything. Tonight will be different." It was, but she still slept like crazy and let Dallan and I get in the sleep we needed. She was down about quarter to ten and got up at 5. She's taking two, 3 hour naps a day and eating about every 4 hours. She is very, very VERY active. We were worried about her not attaching to us or vice versa but it has been so instinctual; there's not a doubt in our minds that all of this was pre-ordained.

Here are the things we've learned about her so far:

1. She will not have anything to do with a pacifier instead she sucks on her own tongue?!
2. Even though she can't stand on her own, she lets go every time to try it. She's Miss Independent already.
3. She has already adopted a favorite toy; her rattle/stuff animal that Dallan named Jeffrey. He's a Giraffe.
4. Instead of laughing she squeals. High pitched and perfect. We say she is flexing the golden pipes.
5. She is very ticklish on her back.
6. She hates water on her face but otherwise is a little fish!
7. She is a tummy sleeper and a wiggle worm too. She moves more during the night than anyone I've ever known!
8. She has the cutest dimples. The right one is slightly larger then the left one.
9. She LOVES all the noises Dallan makes.
10. She likes anything with a texture. Dallan says she is going to love getting into all my fabric...
11. She likes to play peek-a-boo.
12. When she is done with something, she's done. No ifs, ands or buts. She's got a little stubborn in her....
13. She likes when Daddy makes her fly in the air.
14. When she tries to get up, she uses her head to brace herself.
15. She is totally fascinated by Dallan's arm hair.
16. So far, her favorite thing to suck on is my knee (?!?)
17. She has baby beads.... (So the story behind this: That first night we had her I went to change her diaper before putting her pajamas on. When we got the diaper off we saw that she has two rows of beads around her lower belly (they are completely hidden by her diaper). We asked Percy about this because obviously we had no idea what they were...He said that back in the day the Ghanian people didn't have a way to weigh the babies so they would put these beads around them. If they got too tight it was time to limit the diet and if they were too lose it was time to up the feedings. I asked him how long one wears these beads and he said "indefinitely"; apparently his wife still has her beads on albeit more have been added as she grew (she even wore them through her pregnancy!). I don't know how long we'll have Grace wear them, but she is completely unfazed by them so for now it's one of those beautiful cultural experiences.)


Here's some pictures from the last few days of the first bath, bottle time, those baby beads (you have to look close for them) and a bad picture of her favorite toy.

We're All Together

So much since the last post....

When we were dropped off at 10:30ish we were told by Percy that he was going to bring Grace to us between 4 and 5. We noticed however in our brief tour of the area that people seem to move at their own pace and clocks are seriously non existent. So, we prepared ourselves for Grace and Percy to be late and arrive closer to 6ish. At 6:45 Dallan went down to the front desk to ask them to call Percy since we hadn't heard anything. After a call, we learned that Percy had gotten stuck in some traffic and would be about 40 minutes more. Again we added and hour for local pace. At 8:30 we wandered down to the restaurant to order some dinner and ask again about Percy. They said he was close. At 9:45 we still hadn't heard or seen anything so Dallan once again went down to the front desk to be connected to Percy but there was a new man working the desk and he had no idea what or whom we were talking about! By this point I was pacing and freaking out. We didn't know what else to do so I whipped out the laptop and was in the process of sending Jen (the Director at the Agency and our social worker) an email about the whole thing. I seriously was beginning to wander if we'd ever see this little girl! No sooner had I typed the address in the line we heard a car pull up and Dallan went to the window. Sure enough it was Percy and a woman from the orphanage with Grace. Dallan waved, Percy waved back and we headed down to the lobby to meet them both.

Juliet has been Grace's main caretaker thus far. She was a beautiful woman and completely dedicated to our little one. It made me happy to know she was being so well taken care of and that so many people loved her. After a few minutes of talking shop with Percy about today and Juliet about feeding/sleeping routines we were sent on our way.

Climbing those stairs with Grace and her gear was so surreal. Here she finally was in Daddy's arms. She took to Dallan right away and giggled at all the noises he makes. They danced a little and played airplane while I fixed her bottle. Then I got some snuggle time and fed her her bottle and changed her diaper. She has these ponytails all over her head that I have wanted to remove from the first picture so I started on that but the things are in tight and on the second one she had had enough! She can definitely scream when she wants! Luckily it was just sleepiness that had washed over her and after a couple minutes of gentle bouncing she was calm enough to change her into pajamas and rock her to sleep. Dallan snuggled her on the bed while I prepped the 4am bottle feeding (which, yay for us she hasn't needed yet!) and then we put her to bed. We have no other option but co-sleeping right now, which we are against; but laying there with her in between us was something I was unprepared for. I watched her all night through every peep and movement (and seriously this girl is a worm; all over the place all night!). She is still asleep as its 5:30 here but we're as awake as can be. More later....

AKWABA

WELCOME! We are finally here! We got in this am after the longest, most uncomfortable flight ever! We are waiting for our daughter to arrive from the orphanage and then we'll be set for the next week. More posts later...