Multi Tasking Post - Need Your Help

1. Thank You #1: A huge shout out to those of you who have shared pictures and even video (thank you Rebecca!) of our kids! They are priceless. It is a huge encouragement to me to do the same for other families when we get back. I really want to re-read all of our comments and send individual thank-you through comments on each of your blogs. I hope I find the time to do it because we really do thank you for taking a few moments to comment.

2. Travel Advice: Any travel advice from you seasoned adoptive parents? What did you forget to take with you to ET that you really wished you had? I have a pretty good packing list, but I know that in the excitement of the next few weeks I will miss something that seems little but could be of huge help on the trip. How did you survive the grueling trip home with your children? It looks like we are staying at the New Flower Guesthouse. Has anyone stayed there?

3. Thank You #2: I entered the blog world wanting to keep our extended family up to date on our adoption and journal a little bit for Yeabsira, Meserat and Haileb. I intended to stay rather anonymous out on the web, never really intending to become a blog stalker, to network with other families or even create amazing friendships with people I may never meet face to face. And yet is has happened, and more! I had read other's blog about their thankfulness about the adoption blog community and thought, "Oh, that's nice." Wow! I get it now! You guys are amazing! Jesus has taught me sweet little lessons through you all and I am so thankful! And as I said before 'Thank You' doesn't seem to express our appreciate and thankfulness for the support we have received. I never thought we would feel such love and caring as we watched our inbox fill up with post comments and emails as well as sweet comments from FB'ers. We are so thankful to share this road with so many others. It makes the tasks ahead feel so much less daunting. While we have read some really great adoption books, the blog community is such a source of support and encouragement. Sometimes it is hard to ask for help, but for the emotional health of our family, I will certainly look to many of you AP's who have experience and not attempt to go it alone.

4. Family Bonding: Last question... we've been encouraged by many to "hibernate" for a period of time upon our return home. While I know children and situations vary greatly (in our case - older child adoption of three kids), how long did it take for you to begin going in public and having visitors into your home?

We Passed!

In God's perfect timing, we became a family of seven today.

It is with great joy and honor that we introduce to you to the newest members of our family...

Ellyn Yeabsira (left)

Corinne Meserat (right)

Haileb Turner (center)

This was the first picture we saw of our children.

And here's more...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thank you doesn't seem to fully express how we feel for the love and support we have received from the adoption blog world, family and friends.

Now off to check on other's blogs and make a fresh to-do list for travel plans!

Not Today... Tomorrow?

Mary called to say that Gladney supplied the requested document to the judge today. However, Gladney supplied a copy and the judge requested the original. And if you are thinking the same as we did, "Why didn't they supply the original!!" Mary said it is common that they supply copies, so it was a little unusual for the judge to ask for the original.

So...

The judge will re-open the case tomorrow. And we pray that there are no more delays.

Dustin and I are thankful for all the encouragement. Patience is not a strength of mine, so I am choosing to use this time as an opportunity to grow.

God's timing is perfect!

Tomorrow?

We're all wondering if tomorrow will be the day we pass court.  

Madison and I walked this evening after dinner.  While we were walking and talking she asked me if I would wake her up at 2:00 a.m. so that we could pray together for court.  Our sweet Madison.  God is good.

Tomorrow is Sage's 10th birthday and we'll start the day off with serving him breakfast in bed.  Dustin started it years ago for one of my birthdays and the kids look forward to it every year.

Hoping we get to share three new beautiful faces tomorrow.  

Not Today

Sweet Mary called with the unwanted news that we did not pass court today. However, it is o.k. The judge is requesting an additional piece of information. My heart feels good knowing that the Ethiopian courts take the future of their children seriously.

Today's news really isn't what we hoped for, but we do go forward trusting that God is at work and His ways are not always our ways.

We are all four bummed. But it really is o.k. How many times have I read in other blogs that international adoption is not for the faint of heart?!? So true.

Our new court date is June 16th. That is Sage's 10th birthday!

A Family of 4 to a Family of 7 Tomorrow?

It is so hard to believe that our court date is tomorrow! In some ways this last year has been so very long. In other ways, it seems like just yesterday we were nervously beginning this process hoping to adopt a child from Ethiopia. Hmmm, we love it that God had other plans for our family.

So as we sleep (or not sleep) tonight, our children's future will be discussed by some individuals that we likely will never meet this side of heaven. Our prayer is for God's beautiful and perfect will and timing. However, I keep reminding God that we really would love to pass court tomorrow.

We received a quick update on the kids today. They looked as if maybe it were morning and were just getting up and around. They had those sweet sleepy eyes. Moms, you know the ones I am talking about!

Thinking of all the other families with court dates this week!

Many, O Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.
-Psalm 40:5

A Week in Pictures

Less than two weeks until our May 20th court date!

Here's a little of life at our house recently. In no particular order:

New window treatment's for the girls' room! My mom and grandmother made them and we love them! They really help to put the finishing touches on the room.

Madison recently got out all of her American Girl stuff. She set up the doll bed, washed and ironed the doll bed sheets and organized all of her outfits and accessories to share with her new sisters. We ordered new AG dolls for Y and M. We hope they like them!

Now all we need are two sweet little girls to make the room complete!

For a last little trip as a family of four, we went to the Gladney Skittle Event at Six Flags last weekend. Sage has always wanted to try lobster and he got his chance during lunch at one of our favorite restaurants Papadeaux's.

We enjoyed a Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox game during the weekend. We arrived at the field early to watch batting practice. (That's why the stadium seats are empty!)

Cole, Riley, Evyn, Madison, Anaka and Sage

We spent the evening at Six Flags with cousins and new friends. We loved that there were no waiting lines for the rides. The kids thought it was pretty cool to get to ride over and over without getting out of their seat.

Sage, Madison, Marta and Yordee

The highlight of our evening at Six Flags was meeting Ryan and Abby Brown, their daughter Marta and Ryan's sister Yordee. Ryan has sent the updates on our kids and Marta helped to translate our letters to the kids in Ethiopia. We were able to ask questions about our kids as well as hear Ryan and Abby's stories of God working in their lives. Truly a blessing.

Dustin grew up riding motorcycles and has always talked of buying a dirt bike ever since we were married. His 40th birthday is coming up and he purchased his birthday gift for himself... a 2006 Suzuki RM250. The bike was previously owned by Cody Elkins, a professional FMX rider.

This picture was taken just before he popped a wheelie. I really don't think I'll be riding his motorcycle again anytime soon. (I was kind and didn't post Dustin's injury pictures. He's had a couple of pretty good crashes along with some very sore ribs. Yes, he always wears a helmet... just not in this photo.)

Our soon to be 10 year old son getting ready for his first peewee baseball game. To say that Sage is passionate about baseball is an understatement.

Bedrooms, Easter and Amharic

Here's a few pictures of some of the improvements we've made around the house. Y and M's room is chocolate and pink. The window treatments will look so cute when they are installed. After 2 1/2 months of waiting, Sage and H's bunk bed finally arrived. Madison's loft bedroom is painted in an adorable combination of guacamole/lime green and chocolate brown. We still have pictures to hang on the wall and odd and ends to finish, but these are a few 'in progress' pics.

Even though it is hard to see in the photo, we extended our kitchen bar to make an "L" shape and added new formica and a tiled backsplash.

Easter was fun but the rain limited our egg hunt to the indoors. We all thought out loud about how much fun Easter would be next year with all the kids together!


Sage took hunting very seriously and borrowed an extra bucket to hold his prizes.

Cousins Sage, Jack, Madison and Grayson

We were excited to find a book and cd titled Amharic for Adoptive Families. Some of you AP's may already have this great little resource. The author, Amy Kendall (an adoptive mom herself), has done a fantastic job of putting together basic phrases and key words in a small spiral book. The audio cd has been so helpful to get the emphasis just right on many of the words and phrases. Amy has books in other languages, too. A portion of the proceeds go to help children who are waiting for forever families.

Madison's Second Hospital Visit

This time it was for an outpatient surgery to remove her kidney stone.  We prayed it would pass on its own, but the urologist said the stone was just too big.  

She was a champ and sailed through surgery and recovery.  We had an excellent nurse, which made the procedure so much better.  Madison is really bummed because she will miss a few track meets until she is released for sports.

Hair Day

We received a picture of our girls this morning. (What a great way to start the week!) It brought a huge smile to our faces. Mary T. explained that the picture was taken on hair day, a day when the kids get their hair washed and styled. Just had to share a bit of the photo. This picture is of Y and M along with one of their friends. Less than two months until the court date!

Star Struck in Fort Worth

Yep, that's me.  Star struck.  By Gladney folk, of course!

We were so glad to travel to Fort Worth last night for an Ethiopian meal at the Gladney Center.  There are so many heroes and stars in the adoption community and it was so wonderful to get to meet a few of them.  Stars like Rebecca, Jana, Lori and Jami.  And also to see Eli and Rebecca again!  Eli is fast tracking to rock star status himself as the "cover model" on a new Gladney video of Ethiopia.

And then there were the stars and heroes that we met like Belay Tafesse and his family, along with Travis and Joanna Norwood.  We introduced ourselves to Belay and he knew right away who our kids were without us saying their names.  This is a man who works with hundreds of people in Ethiopia and he knew the connection between our children and us.  He sure knows how to make a person feel special!

And last, but not least, was the wonderful Mary T.  Mary has been so completely professional, prompt, helpful and honest with every step of our adoption process.  However, last night we saw her love and passion for Ethiopia's children in living color.  She is the real deal.  We researched agencies and all of our studies and reading led us to Gladney.  We initially thought we wanted to work with more of a faith based agency, but are so glad that we get to share this adoption experience with the people of Gladney.  To see Gladney staff tear up over the Ethiopian video really touched Dustin and me.  These people work in adoptions every day and yet it doesn't feel like it is just a job to them.  Sure, it's work and work isn't always fun but we saw hearts passionate for children to become loved by forever families.

So yes, we were star struck by those people with whom we share a common bond and heart for Ethiopia and for adoption.

Posting from the Hospital

Crazy day today.  Madison is in the hospital with a kidney stone.  All of her symptoms led doctors to believe she had appendicitis.  After a CT tonight, it's a kidney stone.  We're waiting on pain meds and hoping she passes the stone tonight.

We were all prepared for surgery and even though a kidney stone is no walk in the park, we're thankful that Mad doesn't have to have surgery.  We would be so thankful for any prayers offered on her behalf.

Thank you, God, for your love and peace in all things.

Gladney Update and Corrected Court Date

Gladney sent an update on the kids today:

"Y, M and H are all doing well.  They love attention and run up to visitors.  They are also always excited to have their picture taken.  They love to pose and smile for the camera.  The girls make sure that their brother gets into the picture and is seen.  They are all doing well in school."

We love hearing that the girls look after their brother.  It warms our hearts.

Also, our actual court date is May 20th rather than May 19th.  There was a little mistake in converting the dates from the Ethiopian calendar to ours.

Not sure exactly what this scripture has in common with this post, but I it comes to mind:

"Though the cherry trees don't blossom

and the strawberries don't ripen,

Though the apples are worm-eaten

and the wheat fields stunted,

Though the sheep pens are sheepless

and the cattle barns empty,

I'm singing joyful praise to God.

I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.

Counting on God's Rule to prevail,

I take heart and gain strength.

I run like a deer.

I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

                                                 --Habakkuk 3:17-19 (MSG)

We Have a Court Date

May 19th is the day.

If we pass, we travel three weeks later. Possibly around the week of June 8th, which happens to be Dustin's 40th birthday. Hopefully we are celebrating in Ethiopia!

Praising God for His perfect timing in all things.

One Month of Waiting for Our Court Date Includes...

One month of re-arranging bedrooms.

One month of painting shades of pink, chocolate and avocado green in various rooms in the house (not all in the same room!)

One month of remodeling a bathroom to make more room.

One month of extending our kitchen bar so we can add more stools.

One month of waiting for bunk beds to arrive.

One month of staring at three little Ethiopian faces many times a day.

One month of sharing their photograph with anyone and everyone.

One month of guessing when we will be assigned a court date.

One month of massive closet/cabinet/drawer clean-out.

One month of shopping for undies, socks, toothbrushes and guessing clothes sizes.

One month closer to becoming a family of seven!

H Turns Five Today

Happy 5th Birthday H!  We woke up this morning celebrating this day for you.  Aunt Shelley sent an email early this morning and was the first to wish you a happy birthday.

Our hearts have fallen head over heals in love for you Sweet One.  We talk of you and your sisters often.  We are busy painting bedrooms and getting the house ready.  We ordered bunk beds for you and Sage to share a room.  He is super excited.

We are thankful for you.  We are thankful for the day you were born.  We are thankful for the day when we can meet and become family.  Happy Birthday!

We Pray to the Same God

Long Post Warning!

I have a to-do list a mile long, school is canceled tomorrow because of today's ice storm, the dog needs to be fed, but all I really want to do is put into writing what happened this morning.

For a little background: When we started the adoption process last June we saw a little boy on Gladney's Bright Futures page. Even though Gladney is changing some things about older child adoptions, previously they posted several pictures of older Ethiopian children on their site. During one of initial phone calls with Gladney, we were even given a little bit of this boy's information. He was/is a doll! The funny thing was, I was not drawn to him like I expected to be. I think we even pictured ourselves adopting a son, but something in my heart paused, not allowing my feelings to grow for this sweet thing. It really puzzled me, because this was totally out of character for me. We knew it would be several months before we were approved, so we chose to keep this little guy in mind and just see what happened.

Fast-forward to November. We were nearing wait list status and still had this eight year old boy on our minds. Not knowing if we were to pursue his adoption or not, we decided to call our caseworker and see if he was still available. If he wasn't, then that would answer our question. I sent Mary an email inquiring on a Thursday afternoon. I got an email from her on Friday and she asked if we could visit by phone the following Tuesday. Ugh! I would have to wait a whole weekend to find our answer!

Mary called on Tuesday and I proceeded to ask her about the sweet boy. She said she had a little something different she wanted to discuss. Because older children are harder to place she had an unusual circumstance. She continued by saying that three siblings were available and would we be interested? I was stunned. My immediate, down deep reaction was, "Yes!" But of course, I had to call Dustin. I thought I knew what his response would be, but I certainly had to ask him first. She was only able to share the gender and ages and other than that we would have to wait the normal time frame to be offered an official referral. Our homestudy only approved us for one or two children, so we would have to re-do some of our paperwork if we wanted to pursue the three siblings. If we were not interested in adopting three children, then we could continue as planned.

Dustin's immediate "yes" response confirmed what I felt in my heart. Our paperwork was updated for three children and then we had to just wait. We were officially on the waitlist on January 7th. On January 21st, Dustin and I were getting in bed and were talking how long we thought the wait would be before we could find out more information about the siblings. I told Dustin I would give it until the middle of March before I would start "harassing" Mary for information!

To our total surprise, Mary called the next day with the referral and we finally got to see three beautiful faces, Y, M and H. We knew immediately that these were the children God had planned for us. I realized why I had the pause in my heart for the 8 year old boy. While I pray a family scoops him up, I knew the siblings were the reason God had not allowed my heart to fall for him.

Our last post announced our referral and we have been overwhelmed by comments on the blog, on facebook, by email and phone calls. The adoption blog community is truly amazing! One of the first comments came from coffeemom. She thought she may have met the twins when she was in Ethiopia last May adopting her sweet Gabriel. I sent her our referral picture to see if she recognized them. Yep, she had fallen for the twins and shared several photos with us! What a blessing. And since I hate filing through a mass of photos, I thought she was such an angel to offer to do this for us. Coffeemom sent the pictures in a few separate emails, but it looked as if I didn't receive all that she sent. I was happy nonetheless and didn't dare want to be presumptuous and ask, "Was that all?" So I didn't. At least not for two days.

Then I got to thinking. If these are some of the only pictures we will have of the kids before they are adopted, it is o.k. to ask. And coffeemom, being an adoptive mother herself, will surely understand. So I sent an email last night asking if she had originally sent more than the four emails I received last week.

I opened my email this morning, and sure enough, there were three more emails with pictures that she sent, but for some reason didn't get to me. And one of those emails included coffeemom writing about meeting Y, M and H and how she fell for the kids (not realizing they were siblings) and especially fond of Y. In fact, coffeemom was so taken with Y that she inquired about her last June (the same month we started the adoption process) to she if she was available. When she found out that Y had two siblings, coffeemom said she was heartbroken that they could not adopt three more kids. She began praying for the kids, wondering if anyone would ever adopt three older siblings.

Looking back, I believe God was orchestrating details and events that would bring Y, M and H to our family. There was a reason why I didn't become emotionally attached to the first little boy last June. God was preparing our hearts for these sibilings. Coffeemom was praying for them. We were praying for our children that we didn't know yet. We were praying for God to show us if we were to adopt a little boy, or did He have other plans for us? Had I hesitated to ask for the remaining pictures from coffeemom, I don't think I would have ever known this part of the story. And coffeemom would have thought I received the emails and didn't comment. So glad I asked!

I expressed my surprise to someone the other day about how God showed Himself in a situation. My friend told me, "Honey, why are you so surprised? We pray to the same God!"

I was reminded of these words today when this story unfolded. We pray to the same God and He is Wonderful. I thank Him for allowing us to see glimpses of His hand in our lives and in our adoption process.

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

Referral!

We were shocked to receive a phone call from Mary this evening with our referral! We've been on the phone all evening with family sharing information and pictures of three beautiful children that stole our hearts with the first picture. Yes, three. Two sweet twin girls who recently turned seven and their four year old little brother.

Dustin and I have said many times that had we started this journey thinking we would adopt three children, we never would have had the nerve to start. God has given all of this to us in baby steps and we feel His love and care in matching these three children with our family. We are humbled at the thought of becoming their parents.

They have the sweetest smiles and our little guy has big, beautiful brown eyes. They are precious. Simply precious.

The Love of a Sister

Came across this on another blog this evening, and as heart breaking as it is, I wanted to post it here also:

...To Love Them

A quick post about dinner last night at the Queen of Sheba Restaurant.  We had such a great time (so fun that I forgot to take any pictures!)  Adoptive families gathered to welcome home sweet Eli.  He is such a beautiful baby.  There were tons of families that came, many that I only know of through blogs, so it was great to actually meet moms, dads and kids.  The restaurant was so busy that extra help was called in to serve tables.  A young man (H.)  and his wife helped as waiters.  H. easily engaged us in conversation and asked about our family.  We learned that he was adopted from Ethiopia when he was 14.  When we told him we were adopting, we asked if there was one thing he could share with us as an adoptee that would help our kids.  He praised his mom for driving hours to the nearest Ethiopian restaurant, in addition to other things, to help him and his brothers stay connected with their heritage while they were growing up.  He said keeping their culture alive was very important.  The second thing he said was, "To love them."  He assured us that the adoption process and transition is not easy, parents make mistakes, but adoption is good and God is faithful.  H. said that when he tells people he is from Africa, the first things that usually come to a person's mind is desert and starving kids.  He said while there are deserts and there are starving children, there is still so much more to his beautiful country.  He gave Dustin and me good things to think about and discuss as we prepare for the future. (I would love to share more of H.'s story, but I didn't ask his permission and don't want to assume that it is o.k.  He and his wife were absolutely delightful and shined the love of God with genuineness and beautiful transparency.)

Delicious food, wonderful company and lots of new friends.  Thank you God!