Today when I got home from work I set the hound free ASAP, (Al's in NY, Chauncey was alone and shut inside all day). I realized it was TOTALLY freezing outside and that the two or so days of 40 degree weather were a fluke, so we ran into the warm and welcoming house of Chauncey's gal pal, Sammy. We visited with Sammy's owner, one of my favorite older gentlemen who, coincidentally, wrote one of our recommendation letters for the adoption. We had some tea and cookies, then headed home.
Light on the answering machine. Three messages. Telemarketer, our Social Worker, and Alex. Social Worker? Says she has "good news." I know what this means. Or do I? Maybe she got the paperwork from the CIS before we did (that's what happened the first time). But she added -- "I don't think you'll want to wait the weekend to hear the news, so here's my cell phone number."
By now I am all fluttery inside, and cursing the fact that Alex is NOT HOME. I write her cell phone number down twice, once on a small and flimsy receipt. I realize that I would need to write many things down so I found a bigger piece of paper for the event. This was going to be an event. I probably wouldn't reach her -- Mercury is retrograde, after all.
Despite the threat of Mercury, I call after I sit myself down with a pen and paper. She answers on the second ring with a knowing, "Hellooo?!"
"It's Erin, what's the news?"
"You have a referral for two brothers. The oldest is 3 years and 3 months, the younger is 2 years and 4 months."
TWO BOYS!!!
I needed to call Alex before anyone else, of course. I called the cell. One ring, then nothing. I did this about 10 times, no exaggeration. "Here is where Mercury will have its way with me," I thought. I'm not going to stop until I get a ring and an answer of some sort. Finally, I get one ring, long silence, then the message telling me to leave a message. "Papa C, call me as soon as you get this."
Meanwhile I try to eat supper and play with the dog without jumping out of my skin. Chauncey realizes something is up and takes every toy out of his toy bowl, realizing I finally have as much energy as he has.
Phone rings, it's Alex. "What's up?"
He obviously didn't notice the "Papa C" prelude to my message, so I have to think fast.
"You're a Daddy!"
Strange, primeval sounds are emitted -- half-way between a shout and a shriek. Alex is not much of a shrieker, so I am little alarmed. But I soldier on and tell him all about the boys, as much as I know. Meanwhile, he tries to cross the street without getting hit by a bus, the method by which he is sure he will meet his end, as he has told me on numerous occasions.
We say how much we love one another, how we can't wait until tomorrow when we can see one another. He says how relieved he is that the boys have one another. Finally, I cry.
Mom and Dad, of couse, are not home, nor are they answering their cell phone. Eventually I reach one of my friends, and I can further exhale the breath that is expanding within me. More friends are called, I reach Mom and Dad, and I am totally exhausted.
That is where you find me now. I find the whole thing too large to fully comprehend, not to mention to describe. Below are some pictures I took at sunset before I had tea with my neighbor, before I got the news. When I was driving home, the tips of all of the bare trees were tinged with the most ethereal pink I had ever seen. I grabbed the camera for my "walk" with Chauncey and snapped a bunch of pictures from my neighbor's field. They will never capture the aching beauty I saw -- pictures of skies seldom do. The painful beauty I saw seems to match the way I feel inside about the boys. The colors of that late February sunset describe better than I can the simultaneous joy and sadness of this whole experience.
I too, am crying, my friend. Such outstanding news! You're a Mommy!!!!!!!
If you need to exhale a little more, you can call me too. What an honor it has been to "walk" (ok, blog) alongside you, as you and "Papa C" have traveled this path to parenthood. I so look forward to the day I see the first picture of you holding your babies. I am imagining it right now. Beautiful!!
Posted by: Blaine | February 23, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Congratulations! This is the real beginning to a wonderful adventure, for both you and your boys!
Posted by: Julie | February 24, 2007 at 03:28 AM
OH my goodness! I had to read this two times just to get it all in! I am so happy for you and your boys -- can't wait to read the next chapter in your lives!
Posted by: Dawn | February 24, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Oh my gosh, that is SO exciting! Warmest congratulations to you both! Two boys! Wow!!!!
Posted by: Mrs Figby | February 24, 2007 at 10:04 AM
I have to congratulate you here, as well. I'm looking forward to reading about your experience/thoughts over these next weeks and months.
On a different note, you inspired me with all the artwork you post. I stopped at the library today after a wonderful writer's conference (which was also inspiring) and searched for beautiful art books. I wanted books from African artists and/or of African art. I couldn't find any. Can you suggest some?
Posted by: MEMF | February 24, 2007 at 05:01 PM
Wow!! Congratulations! What absolutely wonderful, joyous news!!!!
Posted by: Anne | February 24, 2007 at 08:03 PM
Erin, what fabulous news. I am so thrilled to read it, and teary as well. You're going to have your hands full, in the best possible way!
What a joy for you and YOUR BOYS!
Posted by: abebech | February 25, 2007 at 07:34 AM
Hooray, hooray!! Congratulations! What a happy day!
"The boys"-- sounds great! (And boys are SO much fun!)
Posted by: Amanda/MayhemMama | February 25, 2007 at 08:21 PM
Congratulations on the news of Habtamu and Lire!!! How wonderful!
Posted by: erinberry | February 25, 2007 at 09:18 PM
awwww! Super congrats!
Posted by: Meg | February 25, 2007 at 09:40 PM
Oh Erin, how very very exciting! How amazing for you both--I can't wait to hear more about your boys!
Posted by: Erin | February 26, 2007 at 06:37 AM
Congratulations. Can't wait to see pictures. You're referral came on almost the same day as us (one year later). And I had the same "can't get a hold of my spouse" problem as you. The story is on my blog (last Wed) if you want to read it.
Posted by: Brian (dad to 3) | February 26, 2007 at 09:34 AM
WOW!!! Congrats, that's wonderful! So very happy for you.
Posted by: ines | February 26, 2007 at 11:40 AM
I'm late to the party, but how very very exciting. I can't wait to see pictures and hear about your travels.
Posted by: art-sweet | February 27, 2007 at 11:14 PM
OMG I haven't been on the computer for ages and I can't believe something so big has happened while I have been away. Congratulations to both of you!!!!Leisa
Posted by: leisa | February 27, 2007 at 11:32 PM