What Chaltu does not know is how good sweets are! We bought cupcakes yesterday, got her a lemon one as she loves Lemon Meringue from Strawberry Shortcake collection! She took the smallest bite and then made a face like we just asked her to eat a spoonful of dirt!
Her eating has been interesting, not horrible except for bananas, those became her comfort food ummm don't let you child have 2-3 bananas a day :) yeah not so good for the intestines! But what else was I going to do her first week her?? Bad mom? nah...but now we are on official banana watch. The way we have explained this to her is simple hysterical, although I am not sure that anyone really wants to read about her "caca"!
But the good news is she was allowed a half of banana yesterday and probably a whole one today- this is more exciting than Santa was!
She is a pretty picky eater, and she does the smell test first, we told her she was like Babs (our dog!) she smells it and then puts such a small amount in her mouth and either nods that it is ok, or her face convulsions! But in the end most of the things she tries she then sweetly says "no thank you" in a sing song voice and has now added sweetie to the end. While I know she is mocking us I absolutely love every second of it!
We are finally eating ground beef! last night she ate more of that than her rice! YIPPEEE!!!
Corn on the cob is the next best thing after bananas- she was excited as we had that last night, she did not leave one kernel and I had to pry the cob out of her hands!!
I am feeling more confident in her eating and she is trying more things, but it is a slow process, she is a very cautious little girl.
We did finally by a shaker for the berbere, and yes we did travel with it the other day! We went to a friends house for a play date, they were kind enough to make her the pasta that she likes (fuscili only) and then we went out to dinner got her some rice and yep dad had to run to the car to get the berbere! Although yesterday she put WAY to much on her grits for breakfast and then she could not eat them! She learned to not go to crazy!
She is beginning to use utensils as well, everything was with her hands but now she is starting to use her spoon and fork (or pork as she calls it, she learned park and fork in english the same day...not easy!). I could write about 20 more pages (not on food!) but I will stick to 1 blog a day for now!
Well off to go wake them up! We have our social worker coming for our first visit!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Home
It has been 12 days since we arrived home! I have barely replied to emails, phone calls and so far behind on not only posting on my blog but reading anyone elses! But this morning as I woke up and the house was very quiet I debated, ok do I fall back asleep or get up, have a cup of coffee, start laundry and have some "me computer time" and here I am!
It has been a wonderful, tiresome and a learned 12 days! Chaltu has been amazing! As most of you know she is a 7 year old (ish) girl. Those that met her at HH know that she is sweet, kind and has a smile that lights the world up! These dimples that don't stop! She loves her daddy so much (yes I am a bit jealous but love it!) she and I are adjusting well too, but you know daddy plays kinnect and mommy makes her try new food!! Overall the 3 of us are settling in great!
Chaltus personality is VERY big! She can be quiet, shy and full of poise. She has this goof ball side that is hysterical she is already doing impressions of Duane and I, they are spot on and make us laugh so hard we cry. Then there is her 7 yr old side, "mommy please" she has done this since day 3 home, batting her eyelashes and saying it over and over or "mommy I love you" to either try and get something or get out of something. Seriously how does she know to do this? I figure it was part of their "orientation to America" they got or this is an instinctual quality all children have!
I think so far my favorite 2 things I have experienced with Chaltu have been watching her play with her dolls, it seriously is beyond adorable, yesterday she even put a make shift "mat" out to feed her babies their morning tea. She changes them, she coo's over them, kisses them, she does it all! (of course last night when daddy came into the picture they started karate chopping her babies!) My 2nd favorite thing is when we are watching a movie and she gets scared (not to worry they are all G rated, but you know Tarzan has it's scary moments!) she gets so animated and dives into Duanes lap, squeezes his arm....she loves it! As do I!
This girl is just awesome! I could write for days about what a tough, scrappy little thing she is or how in the middle of the night when she rolls over and opens her eyes for a second she will throw her arm around my neck and then fall back asleep. I know you all know there are a 1000 of these moments that I could write about, but thought I would start with those above!
I leave you all with a few pictures, unfortunately most are from ET as since we have been home she has been very camera shy and we are not pushing it right now! But here is our Chaltu Chloe (CC)!
It has been a wonderful, tiresome and a learned 12 days! Chaltu has been amazing! As most of you know she is a 7 year old (ish) girl. Those that met her at HH know that she is sweet, kind and has a smile that lights the world up! These dimples that don't stop! She loves her daddy so much (yes I am a bit jealous but love it!) she and I are adjusting well too, but you know daddy plays kinnect and mommy makes her try new food!! Overall the 3 of us are settling in great!
Chaltus personality is VERY big! She can be quiet, shy and full of poise. She has this goof ball side that is hysterical she is already doing impressions of Duane and I, they are spot on and make us laugh so hard we cry. Then there is her 7 yr old side, "mommy please" she has done this since day 3 home, batting her eyelashes and saying it over and over or "mommy I love you" to either try and get something or get out of something. Seriously how does she know to do this? I figure it was part of their "orientation to America" they got or this is an instinctual quality all children have!
I think so far my favorite 2 things I have experienced with Chaltu have been watching her play with her dolls, it seriously is beyond adorable, yesterday she even put a make shift "mat" out to feed her babies their morning tea. She changes them, she coo's over them, kisses them, she does it all! (of course last night when daddy came into the picture they started karate chopping her babies!) My 2nd favorite thing is when we are watching a movie and she gets scared (not to worry they are all G rated, but you know Tarzan has it's scary moments!) she gets so animated and dives into Duanes lap, squeezes his arm....she loves it! As do I!
This girl is just awesome! I could write for days about what a tough, scrappy little thing she is or how in the middle of the night when she rolls over and opens her eyes for a second she will throw her arm around my neck and then fall back asleep. I know you all know there are a 1000 of these moments that I could write about, but thought I would start with those above!
I leave you all with a few pictures, unfortunately most are from ET as since we have been home she has been very camera shy and we are not pushing it right now! But here is our Chaltu Chloe (CC)!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Dear Birth Mother...
Only 4 days left until we board the plane to see our daughter again, to hug her, hold her and kiss her sweet little face. Only 4 days left until the wait is finally over. 4 days is a very short amount of time, we could actually fly there and back twice in 4 days, although I definitely do not plan to do that!
also in 4 (well more like 6-8) days we will meet CC's birth mother, we will possibly meet her other family members. We will ask them as many questions as they will let us and hopefully learn a lot about CC's first 5 years. We might learn more about the blindness in her left eye, or the long scar along the right side of her face. We hope to learn if she has any nicknames or what her favorite things to do were. We will see where she was raised, possibly even where she was born. We will maybe hear about the choice in detail on how her mother had to make the decision to relinquish her. There is also the possibility we will get it all on video for CC to see one day, for her when she needs to know and understand, when she has a longing for a brief moment with her birth mother. As I just wrote birth mother, I realized it is not fitting, she is more than her birth mother, she raised CC for 5 years, she is her first mother and always will be.
Now we could also learn nothing, she could want to tell us nothing, she could feel embarrassed, shamed or many other things. They may not want us to take pictures or video, we could have nothing to provide to CC when those questions arise. But, tonight I am not going to worry about all of that, as I need to write a letter to CC's first mother. I need to tell her how we are going to raise CC, what type of family we are, provide her with vague details of what we think CC's life will look like. I need to imagine what questions she might ask and provide her with answers, she will not have a video to remember us by or our "story". It will all be from her memory of this day and this letter. How in the world do I put what I am feeling in a letter? How do I provide her the reassurance of the love we will always have for her daughter, how do I let her know that CC will always be protected by us.
I am finding it all very similar to getting married, when Duane and I wed, we made a solemn commitment to each other and to God for our eternal love. When you have a child ( I imagine) you make a similar commitment to the child, but this is different, We are making this commitment to her first mother, the woman who carried her for 9 months, who gave birth to her and spent 5 year with her. I am feeling so very humbled at this moment. While I have no doubts about my commitment to CC, how do I write this on a "no longer than 2 page double spaced letter". How in the world do I convey this message to CC's first mother? I will do my best, I hope though that when we meet, she will see our hearts and that she will know everything that I want to say, but just was not able to. I hope she will know that I pray for her and that she will always be CC's first mother. I hope for a brief moment every once in awhile she will look at the letter and know that we are going to the ends of the earth and back for CC. That she will find peace in the decision she had to make, even if only for a few minutes.
also in 4 (well more like 6-8) days we will meet CC's birth mother, we will possibly meet her other family members. We will ask them as many questions as they will let us and hopefully learn a lot about CC's first 5 years. We might learn more about the blindness in her left eye, or the long scar along the right side of her face. We hope to learn if she has any nicknames or what her favorite things to do were. We will see where she was raised, possibly even where she was born. We will maybe hear about the choice in detail on how her mother had to make the decision to relinquish her. There is also the possibility we will get it all on video for CC to see one day, for her when she needs to know and understand, when she has a longing for a brief moment with her birth mother. As I just wrote birth mother, I realized it is not fitting, she is more than her birth mother, she raised CC for 5 years, she is her first mother and always will be.
Now we could also learn nothing, she could want to tell us nothing, she could feel embarrassed, shamed or many other things. They may not want us to take pictures or video, we could have nothing to provide to CC when those questions arise. But, tonight I am not going to worry about all of that, as I need to write a letter to CC's first mother. I need to tell her how we are going to raise CC, what type of family we are, provide her with vague details of what we think CC's life will look like. I need to imagine what questions she might ask and provide her with answers, she will not have a video to remember us by or our "story". It will all be from her memory of this day and this letter. How in the world do I put what I am feeling in a letter? How do I provide her the reassurance of the love we will always have for her daughter, how do I let her know that CC will always be protected by us.
I am finding it all very similar to getting married, when Duane and I wed, we made a solemn commitment to each other and to God for our eternal love. When you have a child ( I imagine) you make a similar commitment to the child, but this is different, We are making this commitment to her first mother, the woman who carried her for 9 months, who gave birth to her and spent 5 year with her. I am feeling so very humbled at this moment. While I have no doubts about my commitment to CC, how do I write this on a "no longer than 2 page double spaced letter". How in the world do I convey this message to CC's first mother? I will do my best, I hope though that when we meet, she will see our hearts and that she will know everything that I want to say, but just was not able to. I hope she will know that I pray for her and that she will always be CC's first mother. I hope for a brief moment every once in awhile she will look at the letter and know that we are going to the ends of the earth and back for CC. That she will find peace in the decision she had to make, even if only for a few minutes.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
5 weeks and a picture
Tomorrow marks 5 weeks since we passed court! The Embassy has kept up posted (they do not do this for everyone) on our status, yesterday was suppose to be the birth mother interview, we found out at 1:45 this morning our time, that the interview did not happen and was rescheduled for next week. While this may not be a HUGE deal, it crushed us. We know that after that so many things can happen, we could get clearance or they could want to investigate more, we were semi prepared for whatever they told us, but to have all that delayed for another week we were not prepared for. I am not sleeping well, I just miss her so bad. But, we wait as there is nothing else we can do.
Boy I cannot to get her in my arms again!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
A blessing
Three weeks ago Duane and I walked through a gate and our lives changed forever. In no time we were being greeted with a hug and kiss from our daughter, as well as being surrounded by about 20 other children. What a day and what a place. Our lives changed because of a few different things, the biggest of course was meeting our daughter for the first time. We had so many expectations that we really had none! She is just perfect, her sweet smile, adorable dimple, the cutest walk and a giggle that warms my heart. She showered us throughout the week with as much love as we had for her. God had truly blessed our family. I have been praying since we began this process to God to put a peace upon our child/children hearts that they had a forever family, when we were matched with CC, my prayer was the same just specific to her! He did this indeed, there was no hesitation with any of us towards each other.
The other impacts that week that we had were all of these children. Each day we would walk through the gates twice and both times we were not only greeted by our CC, but by all the children and they were all so lovely. They craved attention and affection but in such a sweet way, that while we would spend time with them, I would forget where we were, at a transition house in Ethiopia located in a very impoverished area, a place where broken bottles are used as "barbed wire" around the tops of buildings, where electricity would come and go as well as phone lines. But none of that would cross my mind when I was being surrounded by 20 sweet souls. But, it was not just that I would forget where we were, but I would at times forget why these children are there, these loving, funny, energetic, HAPPY children. There are not a lot of toys there but they did not need a lot, the space is like a school yard where they get to play, but they never get to leave the school yard, there rooms are nice, the walls are decorated, but they sleep in these rooms with other kids, some even sharing a twin bed, but they are happy loving children, These children are there due to some tragedy whether losing their birth parents or having to be relinquished is such a tragedy. They have possibly lived in a few "homes" along the way, they have seen more loss that I have as an adult. But, I would forget all of this as I played with them, laughed with them and watched them! These children taught me a lot, one is enjoy the moment, that is what they did, they would enjoy the moments they were having. I will never forget these kids (thankfully I have met some of the forever families so CC will never forget them either!) but mostly I will not forget what they showed me, how happy THEY made me.
I cannot wait to go back, to see my CC, to bring her home, I also cannot wait to go back and see those kids and not only shower them with love they are craving but let them shower me with their love.
The other impacts that week that we had were all of these children. Each day we would walk through the gates twice and both times we were not only greeted by our CC, but by all the children and they were all so lovely. They craved attention and affection but in such a sweet way, that while we would spend time with them, I would forget where we were, at a transition house in Ethiopia located in a very impoverished area, a place where broken bottles are used as "barbed wire" around the tops of buildings, where electricity would come and go as well as phone lines. But none of that would cross my mind when I was being surrounded by 20 sweet souls. But, it was not just that I would forget where we were, but I would at times forget why these children are there, these loving, funny, energetic, HAPPY children. There are not a lot of toys there but they did not need a lot, the space is like a school yard where they get to play, but they never get to leave the school yard, there rooms are nice, the walls are decorated, but they sleep in these rooms with other kids, some even sharing a twin bed, but they are happy loving children, These children are there due to some tragedy whether losing their birth parents or having to be relinquished is such a tragedy. They have possibly lived in a few "homes" along the way, they have seen more loss that I have as an adult. But, I would forget all of this as I played with them, laughed with them and watched them! These children taught me a lot, one is enjoy the moment, that is what they did, they would enjoy the moments they were having. I will never forget these kids (thankfully I have met some of the forever families so CC will never forget them either!) but mostly I will not forget what they showed me, how happy THEY made me.
I cannot wait to go back, to see my CC, to bring her home, I also cannot wait to go back and see those kids and not only shower them with love they are craving but let them shower me with their love.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
a lot of random stuff!
While we have been waiting ( a whole week and a half!) I realized a lot of the frustration is in the ambiguity of it all. Where is our paperwork is it with the US Embassy or still with ET government? I have decided that is what is driving me crazy!
But, on to fun stuff! So another blogger (Kristin) asked me a few weeks ago right before we met our daughter what would I tell someone who has been referred but not met there children yet...here is what I would say- be true to yourself during this waiting process. As an example, as soon as we were matched with CC, in our minds/hearts she was our daughter, we began to do things to indicate this, looked at schools, decorated her room, called her our daughter...we fell in love with this girl. Other people once referred still keep their guard up and do nothing, that is OK- I think if you are true to yourself it will help you get through the wait, if I were to have kept that guard up I would have been crazy, just I am sure if someone who does that were to let it down and go hog wild they would be very anxious!
A shower...dear friends of mine through me (CC) a shower this weekend, WOW- my sister, sister-in-law, niece and friend all came in town for it and about 35 people came! It was an overwhelming blessing! My little CC has no idea the impact she has made on people. She is a true angel! We received so many wonderful gifts and fun things I cannot wait to get her home to enjoy them!
These are my very random chaotic thoughts this morning ( I blame the delicious Ethiopian coffee I am drinking!)! I am just missing my girl so much- she is all I can think about and I am hoping by writing some of this it will help to ease some of that longing. It will be soon that she comes home I know this, but I want it to be NOW!
But, on to fun stuff! So another blogger (Kristin) asked me a few weeks ago right before we met our daughter what would I tell someone who has been referred but not met there children yet...here is what I would say- be true to yourself during this waiting process. As an example, as soon as we were matched with CC, in our minds/hearts she was our daughter, we began to do things to indicate this, looked at schools, decorated her room, called her our daughter...we fell in love with this girl. Other people once referred still keep their guard up and do nothing, that is OK- I think if you are true to yourself it will help you get through the wait, if I were to have kept that guard up I would have been crazy, just I am sure if someone who does that were to let it down and go hog wild they would be very anxious!
A shower...dear friends of mine through me (CC) a shower this weekend, WOW- my sister, sister-in-law, niece and friend all came in town for it and about 35 people came! It was an overwhelming blessing! My little CC has no idea the impact she has made on people. She is a true angel! We received so many wonderful gifts and fun things I cannot wait to get her home to enjoy them!
These are my very random chaotic thoughts this morning ( I blame the delicious Ethiopian coffee I am drinking!)! I am just missing my girl so much- she is all I can think about and I am hoping by writing some of this it will help to ease some of that longing. It will be soon that she comes home I know this, but I want it to be NOW!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
How precious
We said goodbye to our girl 3 days ago. I miss her so much- her adorable gait, how when she would see us walk through the gate each day- the smile on her face would expand and she would run and jump in our arms and hug and kiss us!
Saying goodbye was even harder that I thought. We had one of the nannies translating and I was doing ok- a bit teary but not to bad, then I asked the nanny to ask CC if she wanted to ask us anything before we left or tell us anything...she did, she said tell them I love them and will miss them...I LOST it, I mean did exactly what I should not have done...even the nanny started to cry, we were all a mess. But, I was able to pull it together for about two minutes to walk back to the room.
But on a GREAT note, she is being so well taken care of, I have not one single worry of the love, care and nurturing she is receiving, they are absolutely amazing there.
We do have a lot to do to prep for her arrival, so this time will probably go by very fast!
In the interim we will look at her pictures, videos and continue to daydream about our little princess!! We are sending her cards and packages as much as possible! There are so many wonderful families willing to help! Thank you all in advance! This is such an amazing community!!
Saying goodbye was even harder that I thought. We had one of the nannies translating and I was doing ok- a bit teary but not to bad, then I asked the nanny to ask CC if she wanted to ask us anything before we left or tell us anything...she did, she said tell them I love them and will miss them...I LOST it, I mean did exactly what I should not have done...even the nanny started to cry, we were all a mess. But, I was able to pull it together for about two minutes to walk back to the room.
But on a GREAT note, she is being so well taken care of, I have not one single worry of the love, care and nurturing she is receiving, they are absolutely amazing there.
We do have a lot to do to prep for her arrival, so this time will probably go by very fast!
In the interim we will look at her pictures, videos and continue to daydream about our little princess!! We are sending her cards and packages as much as possible! There are so many wonderful families willing to help! Thank you all in advance! This is such an amazing community!!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Saying Goodbye
We have been at Horizon House now for 4 days, while there is so much to tell and I will at some point, right now I cannot sleep. I am exhausted, after playing with 20 kids today and the altitude I am beat, but here I am awake. Tomorrow we say goodbye to our girl. Every time I think about this I begin to cry. Getting to know her has been such a delight. The first 2 days she came to us readily, lovingly, even running into our arms, she hung around us all day, was quiet, but happy. Day 3 she opened up a bit more around us with her friends here, we also were able to spend one on one time with her and played some games we brought and she had a lot of fun. But today, she was completely herself ( I like to think), she was very happy to see us,was not afraid to be a little grumpy with us, talked a lot with her friends, did not get jealous when we played with other kids, when we played our games again, she was very comfortable completely cheating so she could win. In other words she was relaxed, she was bonding, she knew that if we played with another child we would still love and hug on her. That she could mimic english words and if she messed them up we would not make fun of her. Now tomorrow we have to tell her goodbye, she already knows what is happening we sorta had this conversation yesterday with one of the nannies translating. But tomorrow is reality on Sunday Mommy and Daddy will not walk through the gate to greet her in the morning. This just sucks can I say, I mean seriously sucks. I know there are a lot of you who have been through this and you understand and even those that haven't been through it well we knew it would suck before doing it. It just bugs me, she is old enough to understand but how does she know we will really come back, I know we will but does she? I just want to call the US Embassy and tell them off, tell them to quit making this so damn difficult on the children, the parents...it is stupid (yes I know why and all the blah blah crap) today I don't care about any of that, because tomorrow I have to convince my little girl without upsetting her, letting her see me upset or anything else that will traumatize her that I will be back to get her, that she is coming home to live with us soon. So tonight I lay awake and listen to the sounds of her life the dogs barking, the horns honking, the loud music and know that this is the last night that she is just a block away from me and that this time tomorrow I will be boarding a plane.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
10 days...
We will be getting on a plane in 10 days! I am so emotional it is crazy! My co-workers said I am just as hormonal as a pregnant woman in her last month! I am crying about everything (seriously, during the X-Factor last week I kept crying- yes Duane is laughing at me) I am forgetting everything else, I cannot sleep....I am a wreck! BUT I am super happy so I am a happy wreck.
We are trying to figure out what else do we need to do...I keep checking that all of our paperwork is ready(ready for what you ask? I guess that it is ready to travel!), I am going to start packing tomorrow. I am celebrating every day at this point...two weeks until we fly, two weeks until we meet her, two weeks until we go to court....not looking forward to this Saturday that will be two weeks until we leave here...UGH that I am dreading.
My sister is coming up here the week after we get back to help with whatever else we need done on the house (she is a organizational nut!) then a friend is throwing me a shower which will be a blast!
It is really happening I am actually going to be a mom...OMG!
Well back to making friendship bracelets, I am taking these with us, there are special ones for CC, Duane and myself (that have our names) but thought I would make a bunch to give to the kids as well!
10 days and then the blogging will take on a whole new wait, worry, freak out...
We are trying to figure out what else do we need to do...I keep checking that all of our paperwork is ready(ready for what you ask? I guess that it is ready to travel!), I am going to start packing tomorrow. I am celebrating every day at this point...two weeks until we fly, two weeks until we meet her, two weeks until we go to court....not looking forward to this Saturday that will be two weeks until we leave here...UGH that I am dreading.
My sister is coming up here the week after we get back to help with whatever else we need done on the house (she is a organizational nut!) then a friend is throwing me a shower which will be a blast!
It is really happening I am actually going to be a mom...OMG!
Well back to making friendship bracelets, I am taking these with us, there are special ones for CC, Duane and myself (that have our names) but thought I would make a bunch to give to the kids as well!
10 days and then the blogging will take on a whole new wait, worry, freak out...
Monday, September 26, 2011
3 weeks
In 3 weeks we will be on a plane bound for ET, we will finally get to meet her!! I would be lying if I said that I was not feeling a bit anxious! I have started having dreams about the flight, being in Africa and meeting CC. They have been pretty vivid dreams (this is normal for me when I am anxious) everything from missing our Court date to bright pink and blue bugs that are poisonous! That dream came the day we got vaccinated!
When I look back at some of my first blogs, I realized I have come full circle I went from being nervous about being a mom,cooking, hair, schools...to it being all about the process. I am now back to thinking about those mom things again and getting nervous! Excited of course but nervous nonetheless, nervous to meet her. She is 7, she has an idea what is happening, this meeting will be part of her memory of her forever family. As I think about this I think (overthink) all the details, the soap we use, that smell will be something she is aware of forever, the clothes if not plain we wear could be something she remembers, if my nails are painted that could stand out for her (good or bad) it is all these tiny little things that make memory's and while they seem insignificant alone, together what they create can be very powerful. Does this mean that I am debating nail polish color and spending hours at bath & body works, nope, not at all just thinking about it all! Although if I don't get a skirt or dress that is long the judge may throw me out!!!
In 3 weeks my world will be rocked and boy I can't wait! Now I just need to get packing and shopping!!
When I look back at some of my first blogs, I realized I have come full circle I went from being nervous about being a mom,cooking, hair, schools...to it being all about the process. I am now back to thinking about those mom things again and getting nervous! Excited of course but nervous nonetheless, nervous to meet her. She is 7, she has an idea what is happening, this meeting will be part of her memory of her forever family. As I think about this I think (overthink) all the details, the soap we use, that smell will be something she is aware of forever, the clothes if not plain we wear could be something she remembers, if my nails are painted that could stand out for her (good or bad) it is all these tiny little things that make memory's and while they seem insignificant alone, together what they create can be very powerful. Does this mean that I am debating nail polish color and spending hours at bath & body works, nope, not at all just thinking about it all! Although if I don't get a skirt or dress that is long the judge may throw me out!!!
In 3 weeks my world will be rocked and boy I can't wait! Now I just need to get packing and shopping!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
30 Days...
30 days until we meet her, hug her, kiss her. In 30 days our life will change forever, not that it has not already begun, but then it will all be real. It is hard to believe we started this journey a year and 4 months ago and now it is coming. I asked Duane today if there was anything left he wanted to do before we became parents, neither of us could think of 1 thing!
I need to make a list of all that we do NEED to accomplish before she comes home. While it is "just" the court date and she will not yet come home with us, time is getting away and there are things to be done.
We are still learning Amharic and I never managed to learn to cook Ethiopian food, going to rely on restaurants at this point. I can't stress about it!
Her room is done, but we are still deciding on her school, we have it narrowed down and are almost positive but still need to meet the teacher and do an observation.
There are small things around the house that need to be done, some functional, some "safety" even though she is not a toddler there is so much she won't know.
Then there is preparing to go on leave at work, while I am very excited about this, it could be right at Holiday season and I am in retail, so again I am THRILLED at this thought (it has been years since I have not worked a holiday) the stress of what I will come back to scares me a bit.
But most of all I am frantic about the first trip stuff, the paperwork (new updated stuff to do), plus bringing all the right paperwork, donations, clothes, cameras...do we have the right luggage? How much is too much? too little?
In 30 days none of this will matter, I will be holding her (if she will let me!) and life will be perfect! I just have to get through the next 30 days!
I need to make a list of all that we do NEED to accomplish before she comes home. While it is "just" the court date and she will not yet come home with us, time is getting away and there are things to be done.
We are still learning Amharic and I never managed to learn to cook Ethiopian food, going to rely on restaurants at this point. I can't stress about it!
Her room is done, but we are still deciding on her school, we have it narrowed down and are almost positive but still need to meet the teacher and do an observation.
There are small things around the house that need to be done, some functional, some "safety" even though she is not a toddler there is so much she won't know.
Then there is preparing to go on leave at work, while I am very excited about this, it could be right at Holiday season and I am in retail, so again I am THRILLED at this thought (it has been years since I have not worked a holiday) the stress of what I will come back to scares me a bit.
But most of all I am frantic about the first trip stuff, the paperwork (new updated stuff to do), plus bringing all the right paperwork, donations, clothes, cameras...do we have the right luggage? How much is too much? too little?
In 30 days none of this will matter, I will be holding her (if she will let me!) and life will be perfect! I just have to get through the next 30 days!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Potential Court Date
This was the subject line of an email I received last Thursday from my caseworker. The email went on to say, we have exciting news, you have a potential court date of xx-xx-xxxx, however due to that day being a Saturday we think it might be an error, so we are checking and as soon as we know we will get back to you....
today is Tuesday...I am sure you will all be shocked (HUGE amount of sarcasm) when I say we have not heard back from them...why have we not heard back...not sure, but could it be because it was ET New Year yesterday and I am sure they were not working Friday, yesterday or today (probably that is why they don't see cases).
I started thinking about a year ago (and a few months) when we started this process and all the roadblocks we hit along the way.
1. Homestudy agency did not tell us they were only homestudy and that we would have to contact WH ourselves (not a huge deal but...)
2. Homestudy agency said you can have your social work visit without your Dr. appts- oh wait (3 weeks later, no you can't)
3. then there was the every famous slicing of Duane's finger 2 days before our fingerprints were to be taken
4. or how about the Friday following the Thursday we sent in our FINAL paperwork to officially be waiting and everyone (not WH) announced hey all adoptions are going to take a billion years longer than we thought!
I am sure I am leaving some stuff out...but you all get the point. Here is the coolest thing ever though, it took God to allow ALL that to get us matched with our girl (as most of you know we started out on the sibling route). It was all part of the process, I cried, I screamed, I panicked and now it all seems so insignificant because we are matched with our little girl and we will meet her so soon. So am I frustrated because I have a potential court date and we are in a holding pattern on flights, asking off for work and a number of other things, sure I am. But am I freaking out, crying, saying why me...not at all. There is no telling what cool thing is happening right now due to this! We are meeting our CC soon and that is all that matters to me!
We are coming baby girl- He is bringing us all together!!
today is Tuesday...I am sure you will all be shocked (HUGE amount of sarcasm) when I say we have not heard back from them...why have we not heard back...not sure, but could it be because it was ET New Year yesterday and I am sure they were not working Friday, yesterday or today (probably that is why they don't see cases).
I started thinking about a year ago (and a few months) when we started this process and all the roadblocks we hit along the way.
1. Homestudy agency did not tell us they were only homestudy and that we would have to contact WH ourselves (not a huge deal but...)
2. Homestudy agency said you can have your social work visit without your Dr. appts- oh wait (3 weeks later, no you can't)
3. then there was the every famous slicing of Duane's finger 2 days before our fingerprints were to be taken
4. or how about the Friday following the Thursday we sent in our FINAL paperwork to officially be waiting and everyone (not WH) announced hey all adoptions are going to take a billion years longer than we thought!
I am sure I am leaving some stuff out...but you all get the point. Here is the coolest thing ever though, it took God to allow ALL that to get us matched with our girl (as most of you know we started out on the sibling route). It was all part of the process, I cried, I screamed, I panicked and now it all seems so insignificant because we are matched with our little girl and we will meet her so soon. So am I frustrated because I have a potential court date and we are in a holding pattern on flights, asking off for work and a number of other things, sure I am. But am I freaking out, crying, saying why me...not at all. There is no telling what cool thing is happening right now due to this! We are meeting our CC soon and that is all that matters to me!
We are coming baby girl- He is bringing us all together!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Lighter shade of blue
Well, I do feel a bit better today, not because WH called but just pulling up my boot straps and moving forward. Thanks all for the comments! Our caseworker and I were exchanging emails and I did let her know she could call me anythime now with that court date, day or night, that I was having a tough week and we needed to go ahead and get that lined up!! She asked if I wanted to set up a check in call, I said no thanks, because if you call my number and it is to tell me you know nothing more...I will not be happy!!! I appreciate her willingness to talk to me but I think I get all I need with you all!!!
I ordered an Amharic CD/workbook for learning the language and got it today. it is by Simple Language for adoptive families- figured that my hourish commute every day could be better spent by learning the language! I have friends at work that speak Amharic so I can practice with them and then husband and I will start speaking it to each other aswell!! Should be fun to see what this old brain can absorb!
I ordered an Amharic CD/workbook for learning the language and got it today. it is by Simple Language for adoptive families- figured that my hourish commute every day could be better spent by learning the language! I have friends at work that speak Amharic so I can practice with them and then husband and I will start speaking it to each other aswell!! Should be fun to see what this old brain can absorb!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Feeling Blue
I feel blue tonight, I look at her picture and wonder what she did today, what are options to do there? I have absolutely no clue, did she play? does she get read to, learn songs? I am not sure, I don't know her daily routine. I call her my daughter but I have no idea if she laughs out loud or quietly. Does she have a natural artistic ability or is she a problem solver. Will she like her hair up, down, braided...is she loud or soft spoken. I want her here, I want to know her, I am tired of being in love with my thoughts of her. Waiting sucks, it is gut wrenching and I hate it. My husband was blue this weekend his thoughts were, yeah it sucks for us, but we know we are going to be with her, she has no idea she has a mommy and daddy waiting, does she lay awake at night thinking no one ever comes to take me, does she worry no one wants her, talk about gut wrenching, my girl could be crying tonight thinking that all her friends leave and they get celebrations but she never gets to...that SUCKS. I HATE waiting but more so I HATE her not knowing. Please WH call me tomorrow with a court date, call me...but more important tell her, give her hope, let her know she will be the one celebrated soon.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Distractions!
Well, we had an earthquake today and now a hurricane coming...so this week is going to fly by and I have begun to stalk my phone a lot less and trying to move forward as we wait for the court call!!
Turns out CC was at the Horizon House at the end of July for a coffee ceremony and a parent sent me a blurry picture of her sweet face!! I cannot tell you how thrilled we were to get it, once I opened it tears would not stop- it was my sweet girl- she looked happy (yeah blurry pic and all) she is being so loved on and I am glad! My latest thoughts...her transition to HH should be pretty good, she goes there for these ceremony's probably knows Mulat and some of the Nannies. She gets to be part of a HAPPY celebration of goodbyes to her friends to "new parents" she is old enough to understand and soon it will be her that is being celebrated! I think all of this will help in her transition, not that it will be easy, but I think all of this makes it EASIER!
I am hopeful for a court date soon as it opens, I am trying to be realistic, but I just want what I want!!
Well we have her roomed almost finished! See below- spoiled already!! I am having fun!!!
Turns out CC was at the Horizon House at the end of July for a coffee ceremony and a parent sent me a blurry picture of her sweet face!! I cannot tell you how thrilled we were to get it, once I opened it tears would not stop- it was my sweet girl- she looked happy (yeah blurry pic and all) she is being so loved on and I am glad! My latest thoughts...her transition to HH should be pretty good, she goes there for these ceremony's probably knows Mulat and some of the Nannies. She gets to be part of a HAPPY celebration of goodbyes to her friends to "new parents" she is old enough to understand and soon it will be her that is being celebrated! I think all of this will help in her transition, not that it will be easy, but I think all of this makes it EASIER!
I am hopeful for a court date soon as it opens, I am trying to be realistic, but I just want what I want!!
Well we have her roomed almost finished! See below- spoiled already!! I am having fun!!!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
To stalk or not...
Friday is the official closing date of the courts in Ethiopia, so we wait....but here is my question, since not everything shuts down everyday, does that mean I could still get a call for a court date in October? I think it has to mean that because if they feel confident that we will see some Oct court dates and the courts do not reopen until October 11th and they see cases on October 12th...they have to call me between now and then. While this news is GREAT, I was creating a silver lining around the cloud of closing time frame of not having to stalk my phone...but I guess I still should! Did anyone last year get called when the courts were closed? I have reached out to our caseworker but cannot seem to get a straight answer...yes I know it could be November, December...blah blah blah, I know it could be forever, I know you have to tell me the worst possibility, but just for once just for today can you tell me the best possibility, or at least all possibilities! So do I stalk or not???
We were glad to have received an update on our Little CC (we asked some medical questions) she got glasses! I am hoping for a new picture (yeah right!) she is still in the orphanage so we were a bit shocked that they gave her glasses, but very glad! As most of you may know she is blind in one of her eyes, so the glasses are protective for the "good" eye.
well for tonight I can quit stalking email and my phone! I will rest until tomorrow!
We were glad to have received an update on our Little CC (we asked some medical questions) she got glasses! I am hoping for a new picture (yeah right!) she is still in the orphanage so we were a bit shocked that they gave her glasses, but very glad! As most of you may know she is blind in one of her eyes, so the glasses are protective for the "good" eye.
well for tonight I can quit stalking email and my phone! I will rest until tomorrow!
Friday, July 15, 2011
What my niece taught me..
This past week we had our niece for 5 days. She is almost 8- just a year younger than our Little CC!
We had such a great time, we painted our nails, did a scrapbook, played games, went to the zoo, on a picnic and to the pool!
What I realized is that I do have pretty good mom instincts, but other things I was a bit slow at! Sleeping, so my niece Vivien wanted me to sleep with her, not a problem, so we slept in the queen bed, as we have not set up CC's bed (which is a trundle), the first night I got zero sleep, as I continued to wake up to a foot in my back, an elbow in my side...now seeing how GREAT of a decision the trundle will be! I can still be there, but hopefully not get beat up! TV, ok so Duane and I watch TV, but not a whole lot Vivien lives for it...ugh...this will not be allowed for CC- there will be much outdoor time and activities, however if I turned off the TV and played games or colored with Vivien she was just as happy! So I did that a lot! Eating, yes I did feed her she is 8 so she knows what she likes, but what we did notice on day 3...was that she needed a mid-morning snack, her blood sugar would drop and she became very moody- unfortunately we did not realize this in time to have fun at the zoo...oh well! our picnic was great!
"I am good"- after she had crept upstairs...that meant I am feeding the cat MORE treats so he will like me! Putting a kids movie on did NOT make her wind down and fall asleep...it made her giggle and be silly!
Scrap booking- I had started this a year ago ( I am not crafty- I tried!) but had never finished it...that became our project- what a great time we had- on one page she would put all different stickers and flowers and stuff, the next would have 2! But she was happy so I said nothing!!
All in all we had a great time! It gave me some reality- meals need to be scheduled, as does bedtime, there is no "me" time...while I definitely know this stuff already- it was real life! I LOVED every part of it!! I cannot wait to get CC home!
We had such a great time, we painted our nails, did a scrapbook, played games, went to the zoo, on a picnic and to the pool!
What I realized is that I do have pretty good mom instincts, but other things I was a bit slow at! Sleeping, so my niece Vivien wanted me to sleep with her, not a problem, so we slept in the queen bed, as we have not set up CC's bed (which is a trundle), the first night I got zero sleep, as I continued to wake up to a foot in my back, an elbow in my side...now seeing how GREAT of a decision the trundle will be! I can still be there, but hopefully not get beat up! TV, ok so Duane and I watch TV, but not a whole lot Vivien lives for it...ugh...this will not be allowed for CC- there will be much outdoor time and activities, however if I turned off the TV and played games or colored with Vivien she was just as happy! So I did that a lot! Eating, yes I did feed her she is 8 so she knows what she likes, but what we did notice on day 3...was that she needed a mid-morning snack, her blood sugar would drop and she became very moody- unfortunately we did not realize this in time to have fun at the zoo...oh well! our picnic was great!
"I am good"- after she had crept upstairs...that meant I am feeding the cat MORE treats so he will like me! Putting a kids movie on did NOT make her wind down and fall asleep...it made her giggle and be silly!
Scrap booking- I had started this a year ago ( I am not crafty- I tried!) but had never finished it...that became our project- what a great time we had- on one page she would put all different stickers and flowers and stuff, the next would have 2! But she was happy so I said nothing!!
All in all we had a great time! It gave me some reality- meals need to be scheduled, as does bedtime, there is no "me" time...while I definitely know this stuff already- it was real life! I LOVED every part of it!! I cannot wait to get CC home!
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| Vivien and I |
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| Having fun with her Uncle Duane and the animals! |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
sheets, band aids and cups!
These are a few things on my mind! People have began to ask me what we need as we anticipate the arrival of our Little C. I don't know seems to be the answer from me. There are a few obvious things I am aware of, her bed (we ordered yesterday!)- sheets, comforter and pillows, pretty rugs and drapes that match. OK that will be easy, but what else? Clothes? I am not sure what size she is (I am trying to guess based on the "measurements" we got) but who knows now! How about toys...well we don't know what she will like and she is 6.5 so while she won't even know what she likes the first few months, I don't want her overstimulated or with a lot stuff she does not even like..books- OK yeah books are good- but what books- she needs to learn english what will stimulate her? initially- I am thinking preschool books (pinkalicious, knufflebunny...type books??) maybe some DVD's fun movies for kids?
But on my commute (at least an hour a day each way) I start thinking about other things like band aids, we rarely have these in the house, we will need these for sure, then the other day I was unloading the dishwasher and thought my little girl cannot drink out of these big glasses she will need her own cups and plates. What else do I need? I feel like there must be more but I don't know what! Any suggestions from those who brought home older children?
I will continue the search of what else I need- I walked through Target the other day to see if I saw other things that seemed appropriate but I got overwhelmed bought myself some lip gloss and left!!
But on my commute (at least an hour a day each way) I start thinking about other things like band aids, we rarely have these in the house, we will need these for sure, then the other day I was unloading the dishwasher and thought my little girl cannot drink out of these big glasses she will need her own cups and plates. What else do I need? I feel like there must be more but I don't know what! Any suggestions from those who brought home older children?
I will continue the search of what else I need- I walked through Target the other day to see if I saw other things that seemed appropriate but I got overwhelmed bought myself some lip gloss and left!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Referral!!
I realized I did not make an official blog of this!! I have been so caught up in the awe, the next steps and that pesky thing called a job!
It is official though, we have a referral for a 6.5 year old girl! We are thrilled!
We have sent our paperwork in and now we wait for our court date- I have my timeline expectations set low- probably November- but I did have a dream the other night that we got a date in before our the court closures! So doubtful!!
Now begins the lists- what do I need to do! I have started everything from thinking about her room to calling schools! I need to get organized this week about it all though and make sure I don't miss anything! If anyone has any advice please comment!!!
Well off to peruse the Pottery Barn Kids website!!
It is official though, we have a referral for a 6.5 year old girl! We are thrilled!
We have sent our paperwork in and now we wait for our court date- I have my timeline expectations set low- probably November- but I did have a dream the other night that we got a date in before our the court closures! So doubtful!!
Now begins the lists- what do I need to do! I have started everything from thinking about her room to calling schools! I need to get organized this week about it all though and make sure I don't miss anything! If anyone has any advice please comment!!!
Well off to peruse the Pottery Barn Kids website!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Help!
Seems I cannot comment on anyone's post- it keeps kicking me back to enter my email address...
I am so happy for so many of you out there!!!
Great things are happening!! Congrats to those going to get their babies, those that are only awaiting Embassy dates, those who are awaiting "due dates"!!
I am so HAPPY for you all and when I can figure out what the problem is I will post on your blogs!!!!
I am so happy for so many of you out there!!!
Great things are happening!! Congrats to those going to get their babies, those that are only awaiting Embassy dates, those who are awaiting "due dates"!!
I am so HAPPY for you all and when I can figure out what the problem is I will post on your blogs!!!!
Monday, June 13, 2011
I am in love...
How does this happen, one minute you think you have a plan and are on course for how you life will "be", next thing you know that plan has completely changed and your happier than you could imagine!
Ok- so we do not have a referral YET, but great things are happening! Let me tell you how Duane and I ended up crying in a Denny's restaurant on Friday!!
Friday is always our day together, we both are off work and we usually just hang out and enjoy each others company, this Friday was no different, we went to Denny's for brunch (yep I said Denny's it is a fave- they know us!) we were catching up on our week when I was alerted by my phone that I had an email (time 12:48 yes that is important) It was from our caseworker and the subject line said Ethiopian Dr response...I started freaking out, our waitress had just set our food down, so I was trying to pull up the attachment...it seemed like it took FOREVER to load...(first of all our CW said it could take up to 3 weeks to receive a response- we got it in 4 days!!) so it loaded, we had asked 2 questions, only 1 of them could have possibly thrown a wrench in our decision (but doubtful) but both were answered...she is fine, she is perfect!! I looked at Duane and both of us started crying, we were laughing, crying...all in the middle of Denny's...it may seem silly, it is not the referral yet, no court date to make it really real, but it was "our" answer, and it made it all real to us! I had to respond though...to tell her ok- next steps, let's go, give us paperwork, homework something...let's keep moving! I sent a reply and what did I get- yep the good ol' auto reply- we are sorry on Friday's our offices are closed at 1pm...ARE YOU SERIOUS...we now have to wait ALL weekend to see what is next. UGH. Well we bailed on our food and got out of there so we could cry some more and let our families know that we have conquered another step.
Of course because prior to that I had already made a phone appt with our CW for tomorrow, I did not get to talk to her today. So tomorrow I find out what's next, I am hopeful that it is referral paperwork, because all I can think about is this precious little girl and I want her here NOW!
We are in absolute love with her, I feel like my whole life has already changed and I could not be happier. The road ahead for us is not going to be easy, but I know it is the right road, God has made our path very clear and this little girl is going to teach me more than I can imagine and I cannot wait!
Ok- so we do not have a referral YET, but great things are happening! Let me tell you how Duane and I ended up crying in a Denny's restaurant on Friday!!
Friday is always our day together, we both are off work and we usually just hang out and enjoy each others company, this Friday was no different, we went to Denny's for brunch (yep I said Denny's it is a fave- they know us!) we were catching up on our week when I was alerted by my phone that I had an email (time 12:48 yes that is important) It was from our caseworker and the subject line said Ethiopian Dr response...I started freaking out, our waitress had just set our food down, so I was trying to pull up the attachment...it seemed like it took FOREVER to load...(first of all our CW said it could take up to 3 weeks to receive a response- we got it in 4 days!!) so it loaded, we had asked 2 questions, only 1 of them could have possibly thrown a wrench in our decision (but doubtful) but both were answered...she is fine, she is perfect!! I looked at Duane and both of us started crying, we were laughing, crying...all in the middle of Denny's...it may seem silly, it is not the referral yet, no court date to make it really real, but it was "our" answer, and it made it all real to us! I had to respond though...to tell her ok- next steps, let's go, give us paperwork, homework something...let's keep moving! I sent a reply and what did I get- yep the good ol' auto reply- we are sorry on Friday's our offices are closed at 1pm...ARE YOU SERIOUS...we now have to wait ALL weekend to see what is next. UGH. Well we bailed on our food and got out of there so we could cry some more and let our families know that we have conquered another step.
Of course because prior to that I had already made a phone appt with our CW for tomorrow, I did not get to talk to her today. So tomorrow I find out what's next, I am hopeful that it is referral paperwork, because all I can think about is this precious little girl and I want her here NOW!
We are in absolute love with her, I feel like my whole life has already changed and I could not be happier. The road ahead for us is not going to be easy, but I know it is the right road, God has made our path very clear and this little girl is going to teach me more than I can imagine and I cannot wait!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Major Changes for Month 3!
Well I am a few days late for our "official" 3 month waiting blog!
A lot has happened in the last few weeks. Duane and I watched again as no sibling referrals came through, knowing that there are a few families in their 16th month we felt frustrated so we set up an appointment to speak with our caseworker at WHFC, while we waited for that day- we attended the conference call for children waiting in Russia, China and Horizon kids. As we listened to the call, we did not feel the same draw to Russia (while they really need families, we feel connected to ET) as she spoke about Horizon kids that interested us a bit, but with the age piece we were not sure... after the call came the weekly update, so we decided to look more indepth at the Horizon Kids, WOW- we felt a strong connection to two different pictures, how does this happen, I mean it is just a picture and a blurb...but we felt it.
So the next day was our call with caseworker...we initially spoke to her about the wait- why is it so long- she told us due to all the families waiting, I pushed a bit on this...letting her know that the frustration is not on how many people are ahead of us but NO referrals! She explained that there are so many agencies and that orphanages do not work with single agencies therefore- the list of waiting parents is endless! She told us for referral through bringing home it could be a total of a 2 year wait...while of course that could change, she did not seem optimistic.
As we began to explore with her about the Horizon Kids we started to think that we could open up our parameters a bit. We began to research on a few different pieces and try and decide what direction we wanted to head into.
We have made a decision and are now in the process of finding out more about a horizon child! We are trying to be cautious- as there are a few more steps we go through and things to find out before we move forward to a referral match. But we are pretty excited!! I should know more in the next couple of weeks!
March-AprilApril- MayMay- June
A lot has happened in the last few weeks. Duane and I watched again as no sibling referrals came through, knowing that there are a few families in their 16th month we felt frustrated so we set up an appointment to speak with our caseworker at WHFC, while we waited for that day- we attended the conference call for children waiting in Russia, China and Horizon kids. As we listened to the call, we did not feel the same draw to Russia (while they really need families, we feel connected to ET) as she spoke about Horizon kids that interested us a bit, but with the age piece we were not sure... after the call came the weekly update, so we decided to look more indepth at the Horizon Kids, WOW- we felt a strong connection to two different pictures, how does this happen, I mean it is just a picture and a blurb...but we felt it.
So the next day was our call with caseworker...we initially spoke to her about the wait- why is it so long- she told us due to all the families waiting, I pushed a bit on this...letting her know that the frustration is not on how many people are ahead of us but NO referrals! She explained that there are so many agencies and that orphanages do not work with single agencies therefore- the list of waiting parents is endless! She told us for referral through bringing home it could be a total of a 2 year wait...while of course that could change, she did not seem optimistic.
As we began to explore with her about the Horizon Kids we started to think that we could open up our parameters a bit. We began to research on a few different pieces and try and decide what direction we wanted to head into.
We have made a decision and are now in the process of finding out more about a horizon child! We are trying to be cautious- as there are a few more steps we go through and things to find out before we move forward to a referral match. But we are pretty excited!! I should know more in the next couple of weeks!
June- July
July-August
August-September
September-October
October-November
November-December
December-January
January-February
February-March
March-April
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Month 2
May- June
June- July
July-August
August-September
September-October
October-November
November-December
December-January
January-February
February-March
March-April
Well we have made it through month number 2. This month was a bit different than last...the first week or so was OK, the last 3...not so good. Not sure why but I had a very tough couple of weeks, very emotional- about the adoption, work...life in general I suppose. The weather was pretty crappy and I am sure that had some to do with it as well. This week has been better, I have my run on Saturday for which I am ready for about 3/4 of!! My running stunk the last few weeks too, but I am sure it will be fine. My mom has started making more stuff for the kids rooms- she is making some very cool wall blocks with the alphabet and pictures on them, I will post some pictures soon. She also started making quilts. While we have no idea of sex or age of our little ones, we are all starting to do things that make it feel real, not forever away. When people ask me for updates I let them know I am either getting the call today or next year! It is the best way to frame it. I have not been reading the blogs lately, Duane fears that was making me a bit depressed as well, so I hope you are all doing well out there! I start training for my Trek across Maine next week (should have started in January!) so that should give me something else to occupy my time as we wait. I am anxious for tomorrows update- hoping to see some referrals for siblings out there!!!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
One Month Down
Well today marks one month since we became officially waiting! Here is how I am tracking it!
March-April
With everything going on the past two months with ET adoptions I had been pretty emotional about everything, but I feel very confident as of now. I do say "as of now" I am sure things could change, but I am trying to stay positive on this! We had so may difficulties in just getting our paperwork completed, that I refuse to take on more stress. This needs to be a fun time in our lives! So that is what we am making it!
I have my half-marathon in a month! Yeah! this is my 2nd one and I am trying to improve my time by 36 minutes! Plus I signed up to do the Trek Across Maine- that is 3 days on a bike!! It is for the Lung Cancer Association.
Duane and I have a vacation in 2 months! Beach here we come!!!
My mom has started making things for the kids rooms! I am really excited about this!!! I have not bought anything in awhile...hmmm I need to get on this!!
Here is to another great month!!!
April- May
May- June
June- July
July-August
August-September
September-October
October-November
November-December
December-January
January-February
February-March
March-April
It was a quick month being the first month!With everything going on the past two months with ET adoptions I had been pretty emotional about everything, but I feel very confident as of now. I do say "as of now" I am sure things could change, but I am trying to stay positive on this! We had so may difficulties in just getting our paperwork completed, that I refuse to take on more stress. This needs to be a fun time in our lives! So that is what we am making it!
I have my half-marathon in a month! Yeah! this is my 2nd one and I am trying to improve my time by 36 minutes! Plus I signed up to do the Trek Across Maine- that is 3 days on a bike!! It is for the Lung Cancer Association.
Duane and I have a vacation in 2 months! Beach here we come!!!
My mom has started making things for the kids rooms! I am really excited about this!!! I have not bought anything in awhile...hmmm I need to get on this!!
Here is to another great month!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Been a long week!
With all the news coming out on ET and the changes they anticipate they need to make it has been a long week. A lot of emotions have happened here in our house. Unsure of what to do, we have talked to our caseworker twice- she has been GREAT!!
We have decided to wait it out! ET was our country of choice from the beginning, we did not even research any other country. Our children are there and it make take 1 year or 3 to get them home, but we are going to wait. I imagine over the next year or so I am going to have a range of emotions but I know this is the right decision for us. The only other piece we would consider down the road will be to increase the age range or WH children. We will see on that and keep those options open. But for now we wait- oh yeah by the way still have not received our official wait document for our dossier- so we are still not waiting!!
I know there are a lot of folks like us out there in limbo...go with your heart- wherever it takes you is the right place!
We have decided to wait it out! ET was our country of choice from the beginning, we did not even research any other country. Our children are there and it make take 1 year or 3 to get them home, but we are going to wait. I imagine over the next year or so I am going to have a range of emotions but I know this is the right decision for us. The only other piece we would consider down the road will be to increase the age range or WH children. We will see on that and keep those options open. But for now we wait- oh yeah by the way still have not received our official wait document for our dossier- so we are still not waiting!!
I know there are a lot of folks like us out there in limbo...go with your heart- wherever it takes you is the right place!
Monday, February 28, 2011
every little step counts!
So I was going to rename the blog to paperwork mess up!! But through all the ups and downs with our paperwork we are getting it back from authentication tomorrow!! Yep- that is right, meaning that we will be sending the paperwork to WHFC tomorrow afternoon!! OMG!! We are about to be waiting- we will actually be waiting in a few weeks (not sure how long it takes from them receiving to us officially waiting).
A bit of fun we are going to have for Easter though....Duane and I are light on celebrating holidays we don't live close to family and well some of the holidays we just do not go crazy on so I decided we needed to practice being better at this so when our little ones come home to us we are ready to go!! So I decided I am going to put in a hat- papers that are labeled girl or boy with ages 1 to 4- we are each going to draw one and then create Easter baskets for them!!! I am very excited about this! I know kinda cheesy but should be a lot of fun to see what we each come up with!!!
A bit of fun we are going to have for Easter though....Duane and I are light on celebrating holidays we don't live close to family and well some of the holidays we just do not go crazy on so I decided we needed to practice being better at this so when our little ones come home to us we are ready to go!! So I decided I am going to put in a hat- papers that are labeled girl or boy with ages 1 to 4- we are each going to draw one and then create Easter baskets for them!!! I am very excited about this! I know kinda cheesy but should be a lot of fun to see what we each come up with!!!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Adopting from where we were called...
When my husband and I decided to adopt (almost a year ago) there was very little discussion of where we were going to adopt from. There was discussion but we knew we were called to Ethiopia, everything pointed to that Country. As we have been telling people throughout the past 8 months we have had some surprises, some people were concerned with the interracial piece, but nothing that I did not expect. Overall people were very supportive. Then it came this weekend, I got myself into a conversation that wanted to make me explode...
I was at work and talking with one of my subordinates ( I specify this to that you all understand why I did not blow a gasket!) and he was unaware that I was adopting, so as I was telling me he said "Please tell me you are adopting in the US" and I said no we are adopting from Ethiopia. He then went on to tell me that -I was wrong for doing that, that we should take care of our "own kind" first- I replied that ALL children that are orphans need a home and that human beings are "our kind", but he kept going...stating that all these people who adopt internationally are WRONG that we do not need to worry about other Countries children. I just stood there in awe, I could not believe what I was hearing, he wasn't irate or heated, but just so matter of fact about it. Being this was occurring at work and I am his boss, I turned and walked away.
I just don't understand how people can be so closed minded. Everyone has a calling when it comes to children, some people don't want children, some want 10, some will adopt, some will only birth and some will do both. When it comes to adoption you do choose, you choose country, health, age, siblings or not...it is so hard to make those choices it is not as easy as when you get pregnant. So for people to judge where your going to adopt your children...
I am still fired up about this and need to move on, it is his issue not mine but...I don't do well with stupidity!
I was at work and talking with one of my subordinates ( I specify this to that you all understand why I did not blow a gasket!) and he was unaware that I was adopting, so as I was telling me he said "Please tell me you are adopting in the US" and I said no we are adopting from Ethiopia. He then went on to tell me that -I was wrong for doing that, that we should take care of our "own kind" first- I replied that ALL children that are orphans need a home and that human beings are "our kind", but he kept going...stating that all these people who adopt internationally are WRONG that we do not need to worry about other Countries children. I just stood there in awe, I could not believe what I was hearing, he wasn't irate or heated, but just so matter of fact about it. Being this was occurring at work and I am his boss, I turned and walked away.
I just don't understand how people can be so closed minded. Everyone has a calling when it comes to children, some people don't want children, some want 10, some will adopt, some will only birth and some will do both. When it comes to adoption you do choose, you choose country, health, age, siblings or not...it is so hard to make those choices it is not as easy as when you get pregnant. So for people to judge where your going to adopt your children...
I am still fired up about this and need to move on, it is his issue not mine but...I don't do well with stupidity!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentines Day from UCIS!!
It has been determined that we are able to furnish proper care to an orphan(s)... YIPPEEE-
Just got off the phone with Ray in DC- authentication going out tomorrow
Sent an email to WHFC- looks like we could be "waiting" with NOTHING to do in the next two weeks!!! (barring some crazy paperwork snafu!!- I am prepared for it!!)
How AWESOME!!!
Just got off the phone with Ray in DC- authentication going out tomorrow
Sent an email to WHFC- looks like we could be "waiting" with NOTHING to do in the next two weeks!!! (barring some crazy paperwork snafu!!- I am prepared for it!!)
How AWESOME!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Timing
Ok- so no one told me that adoption time was like football time. You know how a football game would only be about 50 minutes if there were not so many timeouts, commercials....that is how I feel adoption time is...Duane got his fingerprints completed a week ago and the lady at USCIS told us when he got them she would have results in 48 hours...guess what still NO results...ugh we leave town tomorrow for 9 nine days and now no paperwork on the way to authentication...booooooo.
Is there anyway to check my status online???
Is there anyway to check my status online???
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Update
Happy Wednesday!
Fingerprint update- an officer from USIS called Duane on Monday asking why she had my fingerprints but not his! He told her the story and she said call her after we leave so she can expedite and she should have them in 48 hours...does this mean she will have it all done???? Could we be a week (if they can get his print on Friday) away from authentication!!! Can anyone give me a rough timeline after authentication and I send it all to ET about how long it took before you knew you were "waiting"??? Could we possibly be waiting by March? I don't want to get to hopeful as there are still so many things that can go awry but...
As I sit here and watch the snow I have been excitedly looking at all the formula that is coming in! The drive is going very well! Wanted to extend to anyone out there....if you want to send any this way I am going to collect for another 2 weeks and then ship to WHFC!
also for anyone out there who would prefer to do clothing just a GREAT tip- LL Bean is having 30% off their sale items starting tomorrow!! I work there and I am anxiously awaiting so I can gather as much as possible for the kids out there!
Here's to a great day- and maybe being a month away from waiting!
Fingerprint update- an officer from USIS called Duane on Monday asking why she had my fingerprints but not his! He told her the story and she said call her after we leave so she can expedite and she should have them in 48 hours...does this mean she will have it all done???? Could we be a week (if they can get his print on Friday) away from authentication!!! Can anyone give me a rough timeline after authentication and I send it all to ET about how long it took before you knew you were "waiting"??? Could we possibly be waiting by March? I don't want to get to hopeful as there are still so many things that can go awry but...
As I sit here and watch the snow I have been excitedly looking at all the formula that is coming in! The drive is going very well! Wanted to extend to anyone out there....if you want to send any this way I am going to collect for another 2 weeks and then ship to WHFC!
also for anyone out there who would prefer to do clothing just a GREAT tip- LL Bean is having 30% off their sale items starting tomorrow!! I work there and I am anxiously awaiting so I can gather as much as possible for the kids out there!
Here's to a great day- and maybe being a month away from waiting!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Ethiopian Dinner pics!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Update
Well we got our preliminary approval on our dossier from WHFC!!! Yeah so that is set and Duane's finger is healing nicely, going to give it one more week to be sure then off to get his prints!
The formula drive is in full swing!! Getting great response so I am thrilled. If anyone would like to donate or more information contact me at kriswat101@yahoo.com I also have a paypal account at that email if anyone would like to donate $- if you prefer to send formula best prices right now are on amazon and babies r us just think how many only 1 can will feed. Wide Horizons is thrilled about this. I am also gathering clothes- they said they need for infant up to age 10! Anything you guys want to ship is great!! I will cover the cost of shipping it all to WHFC or a traveling family to get it to ET!!
Have a great Friday and praying for some referrals to come today!! (Meg, Kristen, Kala....)
The formula drive is in full swing!! Getting great response so I am thrilled. If anyone would like to donate or more information contact me at kriswat101@yahoo.com I also have a paypal account at that email if anyone would like to donate $- if you prefer to send formula best prices right now are on amazon and babies r us just think how many only 1 can will feed. Wide Horizons is thrilled about this. I am also gathering clothes- they said they need for infant up to age 10! Anything you guys want to ship is great!! I will cover the cost of shipping it all to WHFC or a traveling family to get it to ET!!
Have a great Friday and praying for some referrals to come today!! (Meg, Kristen, Kala....)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Formula Drive
I was on the conference call a few weeks ago that WHFC held and I have not been able to get out of my mind the struggle that Ethiopia has to get formula, not financially but just to have access. I have decided to start a formula drive! I have posted it on my facebook, going to get it started at work and my church! If any of you would like to participate and send a can (or however many!) that would be AWESOME!! I will take care of the shipping to WHFC. A few people have also asked if they can send other items (clothes,shoes, toys...) the answer is YES! If you are interested in sending anything please email me at kriswat101@yahoo.com- put formula drive as the subject line and I will respond with where to send these items! You can order cans online and have them shipped right to me, you would not even have to leave the house!! Remember 1 can makes a HUGE difference!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What I love about reading blogs
So Duane and I have been married for 16 years, we have a pretty great life, both have good jobs, own a house in our city and one on the beach, we have traveled...and now for the past few years have REALLY wanted to start our family, well a lot of our family and friends ask why...you have such a great easy life, kids will change everything...blah blah blah.
but here in blog world I get to see people ENJOYING their kids and families, I love this! (don't get me wrong I read about the chaotic stuff too) but I love to see moms and dads taking so many pics of their kids to share, having so much fun doing different things! It is so encouraging versus to hear from my co-worker- are you sure you really want kids...
I know my life will never be the same and I CAN'T wait!
but here in blog world I get to see people ENJOYING their kids and families, I love this! (don't get me wrong I read about the chaotic stuff too) but I love to see moms and dads taking so many pics of their kids to share, having so much fun doing different things! It is so encouraging versus to hear from my co-worker- are you sure you really want kids...
I know my life will never be the same and I CAN'T wait!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Just a quick update!
Well Daune's finger is healing nicely! We are hoping one more week and then get his prints!
We also sent our dossier to WHFC for preliminary approval! Very excited about this praying all of our ducks are in a row!
We have also officially started our own business!! DKW video and events!! Duane is a 3 time Emmy award winning news videographer (yes I love to brag about him!!!) so we have decided to start our own business on the side! He has his first gig next weekend! I have also started school online for event planning, very exciting! Things are coming along very well! I will also be starting my half-marathon training this week, well really it is "pre-training", going to do a video blog of this!
2011 is going to be an AWESOME year!!!
We also sent our dossier to WHFC for preliminary approval! Very excited about this praying all of our ducks are in a row!
We have also officially started our own business!! DKW video and events!! Duane is a 3 time Emmy award winning news videographer (yes I love to brag about him!!!) so we have decided to start our own business on the side! He has his first gig next weekend! I have also started school online for event planning, very exciting! Things are coming along very well! I will also be starting my half-marathon training this week, well really it is "pre-training", going to do a video blog of this!
2011 is going to be an AWESOME year!!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
fingerprints?
Well we had our finger print appointment on Friday! I was so excited, we even planned to spend the whole day in Baltimore. So we get there no wait, go up to the counter and turn in our form, the lady says to Duane let me see your hands, as he turns them over she asks him to remove his band aid...did I mention that this week when he went to sit down at a restaraunt and pull his chair up that the seat was not attached. the seat proceeded to take a few layers of skin off his finger (ouch!) where else but the tip! the lady at the counter looked at him and said we cant take your prints. She was pretty matter of fact about it. i felt my eyes welling up, but did not want to cry Duane felt so bad and I did not want to make it worse. So now we wait for it to heal...As we left I asked him what he thought the reason that God put yet another obstacle in our way was. He replied that God has our children picked out and he will put all types of road blocks to ensure that our timing is perfect for his plan. I know he is right but...the wait to wait continues! On a good note one of my employees who is Ethiopian is very excited about teaching us Amharic! So now we begin our Culture studies!!
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