I appreciate the responses concerning the timing of that "first call". I hope I didn't come across as someone who was not making time to be here for it because of work and weekend errands. Actually, quite the opposite is true! We live in the GMT +1 time zone and I now know that I have to be home by 2 pm and may have to stay up very late. I can still pick up my husband from the airport, take my younger child to and from work, do my errands and be home here by 2 pm our time.
We were also in Europe for DD's 1st phone call. She had trouble getting through at first. We ended up getting the call at around 1 a.m. Have pen and paper handy to take down their request lists. Also, have planned out what you need to ask them. The time goes very quickly. I hope you enjoy the call!
I'm not sure where anyone was bashing the Facebook parents. I read it as just a reminder that there is some wisdom to be had from those who have been through this before and who post here. Not all of us are joining the Facebook groups, especially since each year has their own group. I will continue to check in here from time to time. You may not always like what you hear on this forum, but it is still a great information source. I know for me, I sometimes needed to hear exactly what I didn't like hearing. I also know that my own attitudes changed quite a bit over the course of 4 years. Your mileage may vary.