My Little One

A quick update- we continue to wait. We have been submitted to Embassy (July 20th). They have reviewed our file and have requested some additional information. Our agency provided that to them yesterday and so now we wait to see what we hear next. The wait is hard...but well worth it. We have been blessed with these pictures from traveling families. She is really growing and we can't wait to see her again. I heard this song for the first time today- what beautiful words to our 'littlest' one- reminding me that no need to fear- He is there. Check it out on youtube- Jon Thurlow "Little One"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXV6TY-YWe4&feature=related

Peaceful Words

We got an update from a family traveling to Ethiopia for court. It is amazing how great it made me feel to read the update and see the pictures. The wait continues (we hope to be submitted to the US embassy this Wednesday, but are learning to not have high expectations). As we continue to ride the highs and lows of this adoption process these words and pictures gave us peace to sustain us for a few more days (weeks) of waiting....

Oh my goodness, she is just so adorable. Definitely not crawling, but thinking about it. She lays on her tummy and looks at the toy she wants, lifts her arms and legs and just kicks and kicks like superman! I am pretty sure I got a video of it. She sits up, but not very stable yet. I would set her against my leg and she did well. Does not fall side to side, just back. She loves to be a part of what everyone else is doing and lets out this little shout and cries when she wants something. She is just so much fun! So much personality too! Also, don't know if she was doing this when you were there, but she is eating cereal 3 times a day and seems to love it

Family Photo

A dear friend got this great picture of us on the last day of school at CASTLE. Love it...now just to add one more in there and it will be perfect!

The Beach!!!!

Here are some photos of our week at the beach! It was a GREAT time! Davis was full on in the water as much as possible and SB was quite scared the first three days. Luckily she likes to make friends with older children and she was motivated to do what her new friend was doing and into the water she went!

5 Year's Old!!!!!

Ok- I am the worst blogger ever- this is two months late for Davis and one month for SB- but I can't believe they are 5 years old!!!
They had a great birthday- they had a "2 in 1" party. The boys had a 'golf party' playing putt putt at the neighbors (yes, he does have a few putt putt holes in his back yard!) and the girls had a 'spa party' with nail polish galore! Then we all joined together to decorate cookies!
I am so proud to be the parents of these five year olds. They amaze me everyday.

We Passed!

Praise God...we passed court today! The rest of our group had passed Tuesday and Yesterday so Jimmy and I were really hoping today was the day! We are so thrilled to be the parents of this beautiful girl!
We now wait on the documents needed to submit for Embassy. Once we clear embassy, we can make our appointment to go back. The estimate from passsing court to Embassy date is 6-8 weeks...we do know some families that have been more like 4 to 5 so we are hoping for that! We will keep you posted!
Thanks so much for all the prayers. We have felt them.

Waiting

Waiting- yes, several folks have been waiting for me to actually post again! (sorry)I know that some folks wondered why we went from posting Day 1 in Addis to...nothing. After that first post, we were never able to get back onto the blog. I have no idea why it worked so well, and then nothing.
My goal was to post as soon as we got home about the remainder of the trip, but I have been processing it all and honestly not feeling like writing about it. I'm still not sure how to put into words all the emotions of the trip and so...I waited. Most of it will probably never will be written.
I will say that our baby is a beautiful and sweet soul. Holding her brought amazing joy. I also will say that I will be forever changed by my days spent at the Care Center. My heart breaks for all orphans and spending time with so many made that even more of a reality. I pray that God gives our family direction in how to help orphans around the world.
Waiting on MOWA...As most of you now know, we did not pass court while we were there. This does not mean we have to go back for another court appointment, but it does mean we have to wait for a letter from MOWA before we can pass. While still in country, we were told 'no problem' and 'very soon'. I think the real answer is...they don't know. We have now been waiting a week and a half (I'm sure to many that seems not long, to other adoptive parents waiting, they know oh how long that is). We will have to complete this step before we even begin our next step of waiting...to be submitted to the US Embassy.
So here we are...waiting. I knew this would be tough. I knew I would be sad, but I had no idea that in almost every moment of every day I would be thinking of her and hoping to hear good news. That I would dream of her, that I would dream of Ethiopia and the people there.
Don't get me wrong- life here has been in full swing with wonderful moments. I think I am appreciatied even more time spent with Jimmy, Sarah Bess and Davis- I am SO SO blessed to have this awesome family. Just this weekend, we have been in Blowing Rock having a wonderful time with Jimmy's family. We went to Tweetsie yesterday, Sarah Bess and I had a great 'girl' time at Art in the Park with Gaga and Aunt Christy this morning and then Jimmy, Sarah Bess, Davis and I drove the Blue Ridge Parkway to Linville Falls- breathtaking.
And yet- we wait.
I read something yesterday that is giving me comfort today. We are all HIS children. He loves and cares for us more than any earthly parent could ever do. While I can't hold our infant daughter, He is.
This song (Waiting for You by Christy Nockels) continues to give me peace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55DXPoIhFHs

...I'll try not to be so long in posting next time.