'1' Is A Very Large Number

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step

Yesterday marked 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day of our second adoption journey.

'One' is defined by Merriam-Webster as 'the number denoting unity'. These 'ones' have definitely been significant in bringing us closer to being united as a family.
In the spirit of the number 1:

• Devika's Bengali middle name (derived from her orphanage-given name), Sata, means 'one' hundred.
• This past week marked 'one' missed birthday celebration, as Devika turned 6 months old. We celebrated by each eating 'one' big pink cupcake!
• We have watched Devika's video clip at least 'one' hundred times! Maya loves to watch it. Last night she asked to watch it, and while it was playing she said 'That's our baby!'.

In other news.. there isn't much other news. On the adoption front, we are still awaiting NOC. Trying not to obsess about this wait, so we are planning some little trips and projects to keep us busy. Maya and I are trying to schedule a weekend to visit her grandparents in Indiana. We're also hoping to find a time to visit or fly in her other set of grandparents from NY.

My sister and I are planning a girl's trip to Vegas with our mom - she has never been. She's not a gambler, but she MUST see the amazing hotels and take in the 'O' show at the Bellagio. I saw that show a few years ago and it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. She's been hinting at another girls trip (we took one to CA several years ago).. so the time has come! I lucked into snagging 2 1-br suites in the Hilton (timeshare trades - whoot!), so we will be nice and comfortable. Hoping and praying that her cancer stays in semi-remission through that time so that she feels good and has some strength. To help her make it through the craziness of Vegas, we've already decided to rent a limo for at least a few hours to shuttle us around.. she should enjoy that! {I know that I will!!}

I personally have undertaken some big projects lately. I have gone into marketing mode with my business. I have a magazine ad coming out next month for the first time, and am getting started working with a marketing company that promotes woman-owned businesses in my state. I've changed my biz a bit in order to allow for some flexibility in managing my time after Devika arrives - so my focus is turning to the documentary-making service that I provide. I'm quite excited actually, as I love to do this and finally see my biz moving in a profitable direction. Lots of networking and opportunities coming up.

My other big project? Nursery design! Yes, it is that time again. I've decided on an 'under-the-sea' theme. I'm getting estimates right now from muralists and faux-wall-treatment pros. We have come up with some great ideas - I can't wait to see where this ends up!

Only other news right now is that we are in full-force potty-training mode with Miss Maya. Yikes.. I really did not realize how much work this phase is! Most of my friends tell me that their girls were 'sooo easy' and just 'decided to go one day and that was it'. I thought that she, too, might just decide to go .. and go. Not. Obviously I was wrong. She's doing ok.. seemingly better for her nanny than for ME.. but.. sigh.. whatever works! So for now we are in floor-cleanup mode and stocked with mini m&ms and stickers. Wish us luck!
Happy Wednesday!