What can I say?

The United States of America loves me. And has called me back. To become part of the country. A citizen. A REAL american. Legal papers and all! So one must do what one must do… and… muster the strength to ….

fly back to the country of starbucks, chipoltle, and Target.

Excuse me while I go scream….

Ok Back.

Still a little bit in shock that this is all happening SO FAST!

It is such an answer to prayer! Being an American Citizen will allow me oddly to stay in Brazil full time. Without it I would either have to forego my green card making it difficult for me to re enter the country with my family in the future, or I would have to fly back to the USA once a year for 30 days in order to keep my resident status. But that plan would only work for 10 years, and then I would be outta luck AND out of a green card. Sure I would love to travel to see my favorite people every year, but as it stands the bank is broke my friends, and probrobly always be!

The most amazing part is the Timing of the ceremony. It’s on June 3rd. Any later and I would be restricted to fly. Darn those airlines! I then would have to hope that they would allow me to post pone the ceremony until AFTER baby bean arrives. And of course I wouldn’t dream of leaving my sweet baby here in Brazil, and she would need her documents, and we all know what a hassle those are to obtain… leaving us at the mercy of the goverment. How long they would wait for us we had no idea… BUT PHEW… God knew… God answered…

and I am about to go on a vacation I mean a “buisness trip!”  I am so relieved to know that all the Dugans will finally belong to the same country!

Of course there will be essential parts of this trip. Things that will HAVE to be done, such as long conversations with good friends, trips to starbucks, and guacamole binges at Chipoltle. I will HAVE take a few window shopping trips to Target and Old Navy. And I can’t forget a morning with some of my most missed and favorite moms. There is a little girl, my little peice of happiness, that will blow out THREE candles, and I MUST be present. Did I mention that one of my best friends will also be celebrating a birthday? Oh how fun this is all going to be!

Don’t let that sweet face fool you , Bella is a bit sad that i am leaving, in her words she states,” I aint too happy about this mama!” Please pray for her tender heart.  I want to be able to bring her, but even if we had the money to take her, both Michael and I think it would do her more harm then good. Over the past week or so she has taken some baby steps, inititiating conversation with others, and even speaking a full sentence in portuguese today: “Meu nome e Gabriella” .  She is trying! Go to my mother in law’s blog: to see Rock star Bella in all her glory!

My worry is that she would have an even harder time re- entering, and would have to start all over again. Poor thing.  I do want to stress that I think she is doing a fabulous job. I know first hand how difficult this transition is, and she is handling it with courage. It’s going to be a long two weeks for her.

Let’s not forget Caleb , who on his own today, corrected a little baby for putting a sandle in it’s mouth , saying over and over again,  ”sujo”  Which means, Dirty. I am so proud! I know that soon words will be flowing out of his cute little mouth He will miss his Mama too. I’ve only ever spent a few nights away from my little man and little woman, so we will see how even I handle this trip…

I guess if it gets too difficult I can dry my tears with a nice , warm, relaxing bath…glorious…

Michael is sad I am going, his face has had a quiet pouty look to it whenever I bring up the topic, which makes me want to continue to talk about it again and again , because those lips, and those sad eyes are irresistable! I did manage however to book my return ticket to make it home just in time for our 6th Wedding Anniversary!

Oh and don’t feel sorry for me , because I won’t be without ALL of my family. Baby bean will be going, and she is more present these days than ever before! I am not sure how flying with her in my tummy will be… but it’s all for the cause my friends. I am willing to endure 18 or so hours of discomfort for two weeks of friends, starbucks, bathtubs, target, chipoltle, sleeping in my american citizenship!

Wahoo. Still can’t believe I am going ! If you all want to come and see me being sworn in, exciting stuff! Email me and I will give you the details!

See you in MN in oh 15 days.