How do you protect your heart?

I am still so completely and utterly excited since receiving the call yesterday that our adoption application was approved. I think my heart is soaring. I keep thinking, this is for real. Wow, this is for real. OMG, we're really going to get to adopt a child from China. Wonder what she'll look like? I wonder if she'll be sassy like me or reserved like Al?

Then I sharply remind myself that this is just one step in the entire process. We are by no means guaranteed that we will make it all the way to a referral from China. Or that a child somewhere in China will ultimately be handed into our arms. Which makes me wonder, how do you protect your heart? How do you hope, but not be too hopeful?

I imagine this is what it's like when a couple finds out they are pregnant. They start to dream of a child and wonder what he/she will be like. Of course, there are no guarantees with pregnancy either.

The pictures to the left are to show my favorite book, I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, which is exactly how I already feel about this future child. Also, I think it only fair to start giving the kitties baby practice since a little one will turn their worlds upside down.


Here were their thoughts after the experience:

Pippa, pictured at the top, is showing her usual nonchalant personality: "Hey baby. Wanna nap? Snuggle up." Elakshi, pictured at the bottom, is showing her typical resistance to those who infringe upon her personal space: "What are you doing so close? Look, we can be cool, let's just not sit so close. O.k.?"