Sasha?

Translation DONE!
Today we received an email from our coordinator letting us know that our translations are done and we are off to the embassy late next week. WooHoo! I am happy to be moving forward.

Something to think about
She also wrote that since we have requested a girl, it will be "months, yet" before we receive a referral. If we were open to a boy, however, the referral would be almost immediate. What to do . . .

Well, you know how I like to analyze!

I love having a son. When I was pregnant, I thought Luca was a girl. I wasn't really sure what I would do with a boy. I didn't even think it was possible for me to have a boy. Then there he was in all of his boy glory. I have never wanted anything to be different.

We requested a girl because we have a boy. Having one of each seems like - well - nature, I guess. I also thought that having one of each gender would curtail the competition.

But, if adopting is simply about having another child to love and care for, what does gender matter? What do you think?

The first trip to the land of Kaz

Translation
Our adoption coordinator emailed on Monday to say that the dossier passed inspection and will be sent for translation by the end of the week. I have to say that I didn't even think of it not being okay. That may have sent me over the edge . . . "I need to get another WHAT?" But, alas, everything was good. It will take 1-2 months for translation.

Errands?
On Monday I picked Luca up from school and we went to Schnucks (a grocery store based in St. Louis that I identify for effect - it usually makes people laugh or furrow their brow at the very least) for a few things to tide us over until I have time to go for a "real" trip. Bananas are key in Luca's life. I really do think his daily banana consumption is one of the reasons why he is so darned healthy. Anyway, from the back seat comes the question, "Will Saskia go on errands with us?" As usual, I am dumbstruck by what is going on in his head. And, again I think "Where did that come from?" It was kind of sweet though . . . him sitting back there thinking of life with Saskia.

Twiddling my thumbs
Okay. Not really, but here comes the question that so many have asked. What to do NOW? I am over the post-dossier-submission glow and am wondering what we should be doing over the next 6 months or so. Can you help me make a list? This is what I have so far: