What a difference five years can make in a life. On 1-9-05 I was a single girl. I’d been single a long time. On this cold and unusually snowy Seattle Sunday, my first date with Big Papa was on the calendar. We’d arranged for me to pick him up and drive to the Bainbridge Island Ferry terminal where we’d take the ferry over to the island, do a bit of wine tasting at the Bainbridge Island Winery and see if there was any chemistry between us.
There was and five years later, his home is now our home. It is an amazing irony that our home number is 1905, the same numbers as the date we first met. I’d like to think we were meant to be.
In this short period of time, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve enjoyed many wonderful, amazing experiences together along with our share of trials and tribulations. Becoming a twosome past forty-something (though first marriages for us both) brings a different set of adjustments in making a life together than getting hitched in one’s twenties.
Big Papa now sports a beard. My hair is longer. We’ve both got more lines in our faces.
We moved my father from Florida to Seattle and he lives in nearby in an assisted living facility (having him here has brought its own set of challenges); two beloved cats have passed away (Joel’s Cleo and my Madison). We’re on the path to adopt a child.
Our tiny, old (circa 1898) house, lovingly known as ‘The Urban Cabin,’ has undergone some changes recently too. We added 150 square feet to the back of the house, moved the laundry upstairs (it used to be in our dirt floor basement), refaced the kitchen cabinets and fir floors, put on a new deck and opened up the back with lots of windows and light. It’s the same house, but with its face lift, it sure feels different.
This afternoon the Urban Cabin will fill with friends to celebrate two occasions, our five years together and our “new and improved” digs. As I look around, my world has changed in so many remarkable ways, both literally and figuratively.
No matter how tough times have gotten in the past five years, I count my blessings to be where I am, in the Urban Cabin with Big Papa by my side. Being together makes this house a home and adds riches beyond words to both our lives.
Sherry Doctorian says
Just happened onto your blog and enjoyed reading about your adoption journey to Armenia. My hubby and I became first time parents one year ago this month when we adopted a darling little princess from an orphanage in Yerevan. I’m in my late 40s so could really relate to your journey. I read your post about taking a foot impression and understood you didn’t accept that little boy. Does that mean you’re moving forward with another child or that you’ve decided to not adopt afteral? Probably if I read more of your posts, I could figure this out but now I must head home where darling little Josie is waiting for her mommy. All my best as you continue down whichever path you’ve chosen. sld
pamperspakhlava says
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for reading my blog. We are still moving forward, just waiting for a referral. He was a SN boy so we stepped out of line for a bit and are now back “in line.” I’ll email you to chat a bit more. Congratulations on your one year anniversary of being adoptive parents yourselves! How cool is that!
Zarouhi says
What a nice looking couple!
Hey you might want to consider a little older child, say 24 months to 4 years, it might be easier than a healthy newborn, that has yet to be born.
You were honest about the SN boy, it isn’t for everyone.
Happy waiting!
Zarouhi says
from http://www.armtown.com statistics of armenian birth rate/death rathe
many of the adoptions are now going to the armenian citizens who are financed by the government of Armenia and Diaspora.
Published on January 15, 2010
BIRTHRATE INCREASE REGISTERED IN ARMENIA
According to RA Justice Ministry –provided data, 44999 children were born in Armenia in 2009. 18.765 marriages and 3.013 divorces, 13.257 cases of paternity acknowledgement, 131 adoptions were registered. Death rate comprised 27.268 people. In 2008, 40.406 children were
statistics in armenia from http://www.armtown.com, majority of adoptions
going to the Armenian citizens, financed by the Armenian government and the diaspora.
born, 18.236 marriages, 3.192 divorces, 14.165 cases of paternity acknowledgement and 131 adoptions were registered. Death rate comprised 27.281 people. In 2007, 40.844 children were born, 18.144 marriages, 3.083 divorces, 13.158 cases of paternity acknowledgement and 187 adoptions were registered. Death rate comprised 26.827 people. Thus an increase in birth rate was registered in Armenia, along with the decrease in death rate.
pamperspakhlava says
Thanks for the compliment 🙂 We actually have a somewhat open age range, though most of the kids older than 24 months have more significant physical or cognitive health issues.
pamperspakhlava says
I appreciate the stats…good to know there are more adoptions by Armenian citizens. One always hopes that kids will find homes in their birth countries, but if not, then a loving home wherever that might be.