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Today I had to say goodbye to my sweet little love bugs. I really hate this part of the process. It is always so hard to leave my little ones behind, knowing that all that stands between us is a bunch of red tape (and about 3000 miles)! Of course, most of it is necessary red tape and I do appreciate the opportunity that I have to really prepare for the boys to come home, so I am keeping my eye on the prize and marching forward knowing that someday soon I will have the boys in my arms again and this time it will be forever! I visited with the boys individually again this morning. Thomas wasn't quite as active during our visit and was content to sit on my lap for most of the time. This hasn't happened much with Thomas because he is always a ball of energy so I really enjoyed the opportunity to just sit quietly and snuggle with him. Benjamin was so excited to see me this morning and crawled right up into my lap, gave me the biggest smile and threw his little arms around me. He was...

Chestita Baba Marta (Happy Grandmother March)! Today Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta. Baba Marta is a celebration of Spring. On Baba Marta friends and family give and receive Martinitsa (which are usually in the form of red and white bracelets) and wish each other good health and happiness. At the first signs of Spring (generally when the first blossoms appear on the trees), the martinitsa are tied to the branches of trees/bushes to symbolize new life. This is one of my favorite Bulgarian traditions (one that we continue to celebrate in our home), and the second time that I have had the privilege to be here on March 1st. During the morning visit the orphanage had a Baba Marta celebration. Baba Marta, of course, made an appearance and the children sang and recited poems. Martinitsa were handed out and traditional Bulgarian bread, dipped in honey, was enjoyed by all. There were also several groups (including a group of school children) who visited the orphanage and brought donations an...