Gratitude

I spent my first full day in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, today. Our baby is not due for nearly 2 weeks, but we decided I would come here to wait. C has so very graciously decided to allow me in the delivery room with her---an opportunity I do not want to miss! Since her labor is always very quick, there would be no way for us to make it to Ft. Wayne in time if we waited in Salt Lake for her to call us when she is in labor. So I have hunkered down at the Candlewood Suites and am familiarizing myself with Ft. Wayne.

It's funny how God works. Since I work half time and am a mom of three, I rarely am by myself for more than a few hours. Now I find myself in a city where I don't know anyone, by myself, with who knows how much time on my hands before Asher is born. In trying to think of ways to be productive while away from home (I am my mother's daughter, after all), I decided that I'd get my hair cut today. Not sure what anyone did before the internet! I was able to find a great salon on line about 5 minutes from my hotel. Since I'm not pressed for time (weird feeling), I just drove to the salon and walked in, assuming I'd need to schedule for later in the week. As it turned out, the salon had just finished up a staff meeting early, so about 5 of them were just waiting for their first appointments to arrive! A stylist named Sandra took me right back and gave me a glorious haircut with sassy bangs that I just love :-) More than that, however, we had a great conversation. Sandra is African American and, admittedly, I was a little nervous on what her opinion might be on us adopting an African American child. As always seems the case, a hair appointment turns into therapy. She was wonderful, encouraging, affirming, and gave great tips on caring for AA hair! (I did confess to her that I was a little relieved when I found out we're having a boy as keeping up with AA girl hair seems a lot harder!) Sandra was yet another great person placed in my path to let us know that we are doing the right thing. As I left, she made me promise to return to the salon after Asher is born so she can meet him. I will definitely take her up on that!