A Solid Year

Time does fly... the babies are ONE!!

We had a little birthday party here at the hotel, inviting a few of the friends that we have made here, including a small posse of buddies for Finn.

I baked a cake. Out of a box (give me a break, please) and found some betty crocker icing in a jar. That shopping trip -- manna from heaven.

Believe it or not, I also came across a Melissa & Doug worker man puzzle!! Of course, a birthday in our house just wouldn't be quite right without tools.

It was a bittersweet day, as the day also marked my Mom's departure from Accra. We were unusually emotional - I think the biggest part was the incredible disappointment we all felt that I was not on the plane with all three boys, right along with her. We had really primed ourselves for departing together and so it was a fairly sizeable disappointment. But we have now re-grouped, and I figured it was about time. Back home I do this on my own, so why not start getting used to things while I'm here?

Prior to my Mom leaving, Finn had a "Great Idea": maybe Grandma should stay in Accra with the babies, and we could fly home to Daddy!!

Nice idea kid. I like the way he considers his options.

Today is Saturday, I'm combating a wicked cold and two cases of impetago (babies) that just does not seem to want to go away, despite the medication. Finn has headed out for a play date with 'the other' Viggo. The hotel room is quiet - sort of.

Definitely weird.

But things are looking a bit better on the immigration front as we received confirmation from the High Commission that our PR applications are being reviewed. It is just a matter of time. Seems they've already had a lot of time, and I still have no idea how long things could possibly take for immigration to ensure that these two babies have never been trafficked (this is the cause behind the interrogation...er, investigation here). Fortunately for us, we know the full story, have met remaining family members and receive regular visits from their 26 year old brother. No risk of trafficking. Just a story of loss and poverty. Nothing new here. So, once Canadian HQ goes through every stick of paper, we are surely going to receive those coveted PR cards, or at least facilitation visas, and be winging out way home. It may still be in January, but nevertheless, I don't have any fear about being turned away from Canada any longer (did I mention this was a huge reality about two weeks ago? Or so we feared??? Anyway....)

So here are some pics. Not much else to say. We are feeling a bit lonely, missing Grandma for sure, and Daddy quite desperately. Finn is now really expressing how he feels, and we have the most sincere heart to hearts at bedtime. So we are getting through. Charlie is crawling and pulling himself up on the the furniture, William (?? Danaa) is trying to catch up and spends his time squirming on his belly after both brothers. They eat. They love to eat (finally!!).

All our love to Canada.