A GREAT visit! Part I

(To protect the family’s privacy - I will use A for the mother, B for the father, and * for their son. ) Flights and everything went smoothly on the way there. The family had the wonderful idea to meet at The Thinkery museum (and they even bought my ticket!). This worked out perfectly because it was super interactive with a lot of exhibits and I got to see * in his element. * was a bit standoffish - as most toddlers are with strangers - but I snapped a bunch of pics of him playing happily in the water or building forts. The joy and excitement he had - coupled with his desire to share everything with his parents - was a blessing to watch. He is curious and inquisitive and silly - all signs that he is well adjusted and smart - which is a large compliment for his parents. A&B took turns interacting in the various exhibits with him - the other one chatting with me while we watched them play. I struggled to easily understand his toddler speech - especially at first, but his parents translated and I began to catch on. Unfortunately- after a couple hours the early morning flights and the time change were taking their toll - and I was getting hungry. We ventured out into the sunshine and found an eatery nearby with something for everyone. * is potty training - and there was great excitement over his successful use of the bathroom. - I didn’t get one of *’s high fives - but I did share one with his dad - so - I was still included in the celebration. After lunch it was nearing nap time, so they headed home to tackle that while I explored Austin. I located Malin’s Fountain in Pease Park - checking an item off my bucket list - since I love the Troll Trail exhibits of Thomas Dambo. I checked into the hotel and took a quick shower to cool off - and then headed back to meet them at their home as arranged. I have been writing them letters for three years, at two different addresses actually - but it was exciting to punch it into the GPS and actually see the neighborhood and their home. (It’s GORGEOUS by the way) *’s maternal grandparents were there too. Apparently they normally do dinner together on Saturdays - and A&B had asked me previously if I was comfortable sharing the evening with them. I obviously agreed as it was an opportunity to see * interact with his extended family. * was very much the star of the show - happily climbing around furniture and interacting with the dog and his family. I got to see his favorite stuffed animal - a hedgehog (which is A’s (his mom’s) favorite too)! And at B’s request, * took me on a tour of the upstairs - including a playroom and his bedroom. He was animated and energetic and so happy. He even climbed onto the couch next to me - showing that he was totally in his element and comfortable in his surroundings. He loved being the center of attention and demanding that his Pop Pop read him several books - (and later B as well) - and instructed his dad to play catch with him and carry him on his back. We had a lovely dinner - they treated me to Tex-Mex at one of the local places they frequent. As we walked back to the car afterwards, I snapped a pic of their family silhouettes in their shadows. B asked if I wanted a picture with them - and I admitted I didn’t know. I sort of jokingly said “this is my first adoption - so - I don’t know what to do” and we both reassured each other that we want to do whatever is most comfortable for everyone involved - without forcing anything. I also realized that this visit was the pinnacle of the adoption dream for me. I haven’t really thought of any milestone after this! I just wanted to see the whole family together once * had a personality of his own and they had fallen into a groove - past the infant stage. I left them around 715pm to head to the Congress Ave Bridge to see the bats. We made plans to meet up the next morning - when I dropped the rental car - so we could have a few hours together before nap time again.