Any 2 trip familes??? Yep US!!!!

We got word today of a tentative court date!!! I am 95% thrilled and 5% terrified. I just hope it all goes well. There is a MOWA date before court, from what I understand. We do not know that date at this time. I hope that all the paperwork is in order and that everything/everyone that is needed is able to be there.

If that goes well we should meet our boy in a few weeks!!! My heart races as I think about it.

I did pretty well until I called my dear friend, Ahdra. She didn't answer so I attempted to leave a message. It was probably pointless because I was crying so hard she probably had no idea who the lunatic was on the other end of the phone. OH HAPPY DAY!!!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

We returned Saturday night from a week at the beach. With 3 children under the age of 6 it was always busy. We splashed in the ocean, played putt putt, went to the aquarium and watched a ball game. It was great to have that time with our nieces and youngest nephew. Of course we enjoyed seeing Joels parents, his sister and brother in law too. Its just that, for now, we are adored. The kids wait to pounce on us in the morning. Next to silly bands we are probably the coolest thing ever! I know this is limited. Our nephews (on my side of the family) no longer jump when we come to the door. They are all teens and while they love us we rank somewhere behind girls and friends.

The one thing that strikes me most when I spend time with Joels family (especially for a week) is the similarities. Joel drives like his dad (God help us). He has a mark on his chest that his sister and mother also have. I watch Kendyl (6) who is ....assertive lead Andre (3) around. And I know this is exactly what Kristen & Joel were like as kids. It brings me joy and helps me understand my husband that much more. But this time it also made me a little sad.

There are dots that I will never be able to connect for T. There are some questions you just don't know to or have time to ask. I wonder if he will drive like Joel? Will he have my love of ketchup? Will he be artsy? How much of his personality will be nurture/nature? Will he love sports? Be good at math or science? Will his personality be similar to his Ethiopian mommy?

I hope to meet him soon and start to figure all of these things out.

I need YOUR help.

I NEED YOUR HELP! I am helping the beautiful and talented Paige get donations for an EOR (Ethiopian Orphan Relief) event we are planning. I need art, crafts, soaps & lotions, flowers, cakes, massages whatever your talent. ANYONE who is interested in donating items please let me know. Amesegënallô!

Grandma & Baby

This is Joels 98 year old grandmother holding a photo of our boy.

I'm pretty sure she will see her 100th b-day but just in case I wanted a photo of them together.

When she saw his photo her eyes got so big and she got a huge smile on her face.

I'm glad we got to see her reaction.

She said the other day that 'she is really beginning to love that little boy'.

21 Months

Its been 21 months today that we have been officially waiting to become parents. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to be able to look at his beautiful face. I can't wait to share his photo with you.

I am too scared to let myself love him just yet. Please don't get me wrong I adore him. I think about him all the time and long for the day when I can Officially say that we are his and he is ours. Until them I am just a wee bit guarded.

Now I am focused on getting a court date before the rainy season court closures. I have no control over that either but that doesn't stop me from obsessing.

Rediet

So we have a little girl. She isn't really ours. We aren't really hers, but seeing her face makes me smile just the same. About 1 1/2 years ago I decided we should sponsor a little girl. I think it was shortly after watching a video by girleffect.org. I contacted COEEF.org and got some info on a little girl attending The Phase Academy in Ethiopia. I/we started sending a small monthly check (really small $20ish).

A few months ago I read a blog post about how important it is to send cards/photos to your sponsored child. So I finally sent her a card, stickers and a photo of Joel and I. I had tried to do this several times before. I just couldn't figure out what to say.

I told her that we were proud of her (and we are). Today I got an email with photos of her receiving the card and photo. Then I went and checked the mail. I got more photos of her and two pictures she had made for me. I cried.

I know it's not much. I truly wish we could do more. But I hope for her it does make a difference.

Any 2 trip families out there???

Does anyone have a court date that is required to do the 2 trips. My friend Emily and I were obsessing over this a little today. Anyone???

Scared

Someone asked me recently if I was scared. YEP! About so many things.

I am scared about the flight. I am not a great flier.

I am especially scared about the flight home without our boy.

I am scared about being a guinea pig in the world of two trips.

I just don't want any big glitches.

I am scared about the birthparent meeting.

I want to say the "right" thing but I'm not sure what that is.

I am scared about being a parent (and thrilled).

I have never done that before. I think anyone who is about to become a parent for the first time should be scared-at least a little.

I am scared about court!

I've never been to court here let alone in Ethiopia.

I hope that the judge will rule in our favor. Because the scariest thing is that he isn't officially ours until the judge says so. Please judge say so (and soon if possible).