Take 5 shots and Call me in 3-5 days

Well, my assigned court appointment has come and gone! I made it until almost 1:00 this afternoon before emailing my agency to see if they had heard anything...knowing they likely hadn't. The girls at my agency are so patient with me :) She reminded me that they usually don't hear for 3-5 days, waiting to get the court report in writing before telling adoptive families. So, because of the New Year holiday, I don't really expect to hear anything before next week. The days leading up to court were easier than waiting to hear the results. I promise to post as soon as I hear back from them. Until then, I'll continue to wait and pray. (If you will, pray, too, that birth family gets home safely and that their grief becomes less, little by little- Thanks!)

More adoption fun.....To quote my friend Theresa, "I've been shot....5 times!" I made my way to the local health department today to get my travel vaccines: Diphtheria/Tetanus, Polio, Meningitis, Hepatitis A, and Yellow Fever. I also got a goodybag full of the oral Typhoid vaccine and a prescription for anti-malaria medication. And my silly mom thought all the vaccines at the health department were free- WRONG! BIG WRONG!! Thank you to sweet Pam at the Health Department who was so kind...even when I nearly passed out! Even as a seasoned health care worker, I still hate needles. So, I'm dosing the Tylenol and going to bed early. The girls at work said I can whine for 5 days since I got 5 shots...they may be sorry!!!

Court is coming....and bringing Unexpected Grief

***This post is potentially still a work in progress...it's kind of my emotional 'throw up'. I apogolize if it doesn't make much sense...sometimes that's the way my heart works...

I can't believe that my scheduled court date is 36 hours away...time has flown by. I am excited about the possibility of passing court and having my daughter home very soon. And yet as December 29th approaches, I am grieved for the birth family that will have to, once again, make the most difficult decision of their lives.

I had not anticipated the grief I am feeling for this family- folks I've never even met, folks I'm connected to by a tiny 6 pound baby girl.

I would imagine that when this family took their tiny baby girl to the care center in July, that it was the hardest thing they have ever done. I would imagine that they have missed their daughter every day since then. Have they wondered what would happen to her? Was she being taken care of? Did she miss them? Where would she end up? I would imagine there were days they even wanted to go back and get her.

Did they know when they placed her for adoption that they would have to show up for a court hearing? That they would have to travel almost 8 hours to the capital city? I know that my agency helps them get there, and I am very thankful for that, but then what? Where will they stay? What will they eat? Have they ever been to the big city before...it would imagine it's pretty scary when all you have known is small town life. Will they lose a day's wages because of this trip? What will the trip home be like?

I don't know exactly what happens during these court proceedings. Maybe my imagination is running away with its self. But I wonder if they will feel the grief of that first day all over again. I wonder what the judge will ask them. I wonder if they will have to sign more papers...Maybe papers they can't read or don't understand. I wonder if they will regret their decision. I wonder if they will get to see and hold their child one more time and have the opportunity to tell her good bye. I wish I could be there for that. I wish I could tell them that I will love their daughter forever and always remind her what a tremendous gift her birth family has given both of us.

Because of the time difference, my court case will be heard while we are all sleeping early Tuesday morning. In fact, it will likely be done by the time I go to work on Tuesday. So until then, I will be filled with mixed emotion- hoping everything is in place and that we pass, excited that she may be legally mine but grieving for the loss of another. I'll be praying for my daughter's birth family- for extraordinary provision and safety for their trip, for comfort for their broken hearts, and for peace and assurance that their daughter will be well loved and provided for. I pray someone will be there to hug her family tight.

I'm thankful that at Christmas time, we are reminded of the awesome gift our God gave us, the gift of Emanuel, God with us. I'm thankful that the Prince of Peace came to this earth in the form of a tiny baby. I pray that my child's birth family will know in a new and powerful way that God IS with them and that the Prince of Peace with shower them with unexplainable comfort. I am thankful that He is a God that knows personally, the loss that they are feeling...He's been there, He's given up His only child, too.

It could be a REALLY HAPPY New Year!

I've got a court date.....YEAH!!! My case is scheduled to be heard on December 29, 2009- that is only 3 weeks away....SERIOUSLY!!! My agency always reminds us that the date is Tentative- it could very easily be rescheduled or need to be heard again or any number of other things. In fact, many cases are not passed on the first attempt. However, once I pass court, my sweet little girl will legally be mine....SERIOUSLY!!! I will then travel to get her about 6-8 weeks later! It really could be a Serioulsy Happy New Year!

******

And now, I'm a little freaked out....I have a TON to do. The nursery is still a laundry room. The clothes that I've been given still haven't been washed. I haven't picked a pediatrician. I still don't know how to use my camera very well. My house is a mess. I have no idea what I need to register for. DEEP BREATH OK, better now....how amazing that I'm going to be a mom?!

1st Snow and 3rd Birthday

Suprise! I woke up this morning to about 2 inches of SNOW!! I love snow. I love how pretty it is and how peacful the world looks. I love to bundle up in a blanket and just watch. You must understand that we never get snow this early. They may call for it in the weather report, but it never happens....until today. My early Christmas present from God!! This was the view out my back door....beautiful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday to my nephew, Jonathan! He had a super fun birthday party tonight at the Little Gym. He and his buddies played hard and then enjoyed cake. I couldn't help but think that his new cousin will join him for his next birthday! Enjoy the fun of 3 year olds....
Jonathan and his big sister, Reese, ready for more fun!Listening ears, check!Shhh..HidingReady for cake! This boy loves his icing! Isn't that the sweetest face ever?! Jonathan, hope you had a great time! Happy Birthday, I love you bunches!!

Some of my Christmas Favorites....

I can't wait to share them with my baby girl! Whatch out Christmas 2010!!

It's Not Supposed to Happen Like This

Forgive me for being the Debbie Downer today, but I'm a little sad and I need to tell someone. It's not supposed to happen like this....parents are not supposed to have to say goodbye to their children.

Within the past week, two sweet families I know have each had to say goodbye to one of their precious children. Whether expected or unexpected, the result of a medical diagnosis or an accident, it doesn't really matter....it always feels awful and seems terribly wrong. I grieve for my friends, for what they have lost, for the graduations and weddings and grandchildren that won't happen. Yet, there are a few moments when my brain kicks in and I remember that these loved ones are now sitting at the feet of Jesus. They are seeing "face to face" the God who made them, loved them and knew the day that He would bring them home. I am thankful that they have been relived of all on this earth that bound them and are now the complete fullness of who God made them to be. And I'm sure it's magnificent.

Still another parent has said goodbye to her child....not because they were taken, but because they were given. That parent is my child's birth mother....that child is my little girl. It's not supposed to happen like this. The world shouldn't be this unbalanced. Poverty and oppression don't have to exist. People don't have to die of treatable illnessess. It doesn't have to be this way.

So what will I do with all this? I will tell my friends and family that I love them- because I do. I'll give more hugs. I may snuggle the babies at work a little bit longer. I will do what I can to work toward ending poverty and oppression. I will be thankful for what I have. I will praise God that He is good, His love is never ending and this world is not all there is. That's what I will do.

DTE day and a Great Suprise!

Just got word that my dossier is now in Ethiopia (DTE= dossier to Ethiopia)!! Next it has to be translated and reviewed by MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs). Then a court date gets scheduled; it could take up to 3 months to get to court. Anyway, I'm one step closer to bringing home my little girl!!!!

And then later today, I got the sweetest suprise...new pictures. My little one is growing! Her cheeks have filled out and she has the sweetest smile with dimples in her cheeks- I can hardly stand the cuteness!

Cure for PMS!

Chocolate. Potato Chips. Enough said.

Another Sneak Peak

In honor of such a great craft night...and just because I'm so smitten with her, I give you another peak at my perfect girl....drum roll..... Perfect long fingers to match those long toes....I love those little hands!

Craft Night

It seems I have so many thoughts to blog about- I don't sit down often enough to do it. So, I'll likely keep playing catch up....the story of my life :)

This past Friday night I hosted 'Craft Cause you Care' night and it was SOOO fun! About 16 of my friend came together for 5 hours of crafting: scrapbooking, crochet, stamping, beading....what ever they had to work on. Rachel even organized her bills- ha!ha!ha! The purpose of the event was to raise money to benefit international adoptions. I am so thankful to my mom who did a fabulous job with the food...she is the most fantastic hostess and as always far exceeded my expectation. Thank you, too, to James and Denice who donated their fabulous space- it was perfect. And thanks to all of you who came and crafted- you were such fun to hang out with; yall are great and I love your support of orphans!
These gals are catching up on their 2nd and 3rd child's baby books. I hear it's easy to get backed up. Alicia at the end was crocheting a blanket- one row took an hour. She's got more patience than me! I'm so glad she brought her son- the only rooster in the hen house... These are my Ethiopia mommy friends...Theresa, so glad I found your eyeball!
Pam and Rachel check out the fantastic snacks. We had to teach our Yankee friend about ham biscuts...seriously! My mom and my sister-in-law, Tina, can't wait for my baby girl to come home!These are my work girl!! Deidra and Ashley were completing their first scrapbooks- way to go girls. Ashley was also the Cricut master for the night. Lots of fun! And sweet Carrie came, too. Baby Bud is due in about 10 days- soo soon! Her new found nesting energy (and a McDonalds sweet tea) helped her get through the night!
And finally, my dear friends, Traci and Julie G- you guys are the best a girl could ask for!!
So, once again, thank you sooo much to all of you who came and or donated to the Cause. Yall are fantastic. The night was a blessing in more ways than you will ever know-- God showed up, and He is good!

I LOVE these feet!

Many of you know how much I love feet! Not in a crazy, Tanner on the Bachlorette, kind of way. More in an "amazed at the cool construction and adaptability" way. So, drum roll please........ Check out my tiny girls gigantic beautiful..... Aren't they perfect and beautiful?! Won't she look super cute in sandals next summer?! So there you have it, your first peak at my amazing little girl....couldn't you just eat up those toes?

Welcome Home!

After nearly 2 years of waiting to bring their daughter home from India, my friend Lucy and her husband, Walt, arrived home yesterday with Maliha! What an honor to be at the airport to welcome them home. Maliha, welcome to your forever home! A quick smile from Maliha, with her mom, Lucy. Lucy's mom and step dad were there to welcome home their grand daughter. One happy family, glad to have their beautiful daughter home!
See more pictures and read the Burnette family's story.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes.....and more

There is not a lot better than shopping for cute baby girl clothes....except baby girl clothes a friend wants to GIVE you!! My sweet little girl will be well dressed for the first year she is home thanks to my friend Theresa. She emailed me that she had "bins" of clothes for my baby girl-yes BINSSS! So on Tuesday night I made my way over to her house to find a mountain of baby clothes- I think I made yummy baby clothes noises at each one. So to Theresa: Thank you a million for all the baby clothes. Your generosity is so appreciated. My girl will be in style for a long time. Thank you, too for answering a year's worth of questions about adoption...you helped me get here!
Yes, there were 3+ bins of clothes and shoes....WOW!
Theresa reminisced!
I'm loving all the clothes!!

Theresa and her husband will be travelling to Ethiopia in about a month to bring home their daughter- I can't wait to meet Miss Macy! It's always so exciting to see another child come home!

All my paperwork is now complete! It arrived at the Holt office on Tuesday and I got word today that everything looks good and my dossier is on it's way to Washington DC- it will go to the State Department and then to the Ethiopian Embassy before heading to Ethiopia. Once it gets in country, I will be assigned a court date. After I pass court (crossed fingers it will be on the first try), all that's left is travelling to bring my little girl home! God has been so good and so faithful!

4 Months Old Today!!

My little girl is 4 months old today! Happy Birthday little one! I hate that time is passing while I am here and she is there, but I am confident she is being well taken care of. I hope my tiny girl is up to 4 pounds for her 4 month birthday.

I have tried hard to keep from buying too many clothes for my little girl. However, I made a poor choice and stopped by the Carter's outlet last week... the big outlet with the amazing 70% off everything upstairs! They have the cutest things. I tried to use restraint, but got a few small things that are so super cute and this little Halloween treat for my gal:

Is that not one of the most fun bibs you've ever seen?! Yes, I know white is a bad choice, but that's what they make Clorox for! So Happy Birthday to you little girl...you'll be wearing this cute accessory this time next year!!

There is A LOT to do before my tiny angel comes home- this is just what is currently on the radar...
*finish up a stack of paperwork
(because I had been waiting for so long, most of it had expired and had to be redone)
*get dossier to Holt in Oregon (due to the agency change)
*pick out bedding for the nursery
*host Craft 'Cause you Care- a benefit for international adoption
*run a half marathon (see the St. Jude logo at the top right of the page and donate to help find a cure for childhood cancer)
*paint a nursery
*get a court date and PASS COURT!

That may get me through the end of the year....then the fun REALLY starts!!

In the S L O W lane

I am still so thrilled over the referral of my little angel. Some days it still doesn't seem real. Looking at baby bedding just feels really strange. I'm sure it will become reality soon enough (probably at 3am when she is hungry!) Anyway, because my dossier was submitted in January to my old agency, all the paper work needed to be update- most of it was over a year old. So, I have spent this week trying to get it all updated. Hopefully, things will be sent to Nashville on Friday for state authentication and then onto Oregon and the Holt office by next Wednesday. Then the wait for a court date begins. It seems that a lot of this process is hurry up and then wait. But, I am confident that I will get to Ethiopia to get my tiny girl.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE EASTS!
The Easts passed court today and will soon be travelling to pick up their daughter in Ethiopia!! WhoooHoooo! This lucky little girl is coming home to a fantastic family. I can't wait to meet her and watch this family grow.

Amazing Incredible...Referral MegaPost

What a crazy ride the last 4 days have been. I am so greatful for everyones excitement and congratulations on my referral. You all have made this part of the journey extra special! So here's a little more of the story......

THE CALL:I had spent Thurday working home health, travelling some of the very back roads of East Tennessee. I knew the waiting child committee was meeting at 1pm EST and was told they hoped to be done by 3pm. I was thankful to get to spend much of the morning in prayer while I was driving- praying for God's best for me and for this tiny angel- and had come to a restful place, knowing He was in control. The same God that rode with and comforted me, was in that meeting room in Oregon, and in Ethiopia with His little one- wow! Anyway, as I was driving back to the office from my last visit, the clock struck 3pm...would I be in an area with cell reception? Unfortunately, NO! I heard my voice mail beep. After quickly pulling to the side of the road and checking my message, I immediately called her back....she was gone to lunch! So, I took a deep breath and finished my travels. At 4:10, I was sitting in my boss's office, teaching her some stretches for her bad back and my cell phone rang. So, sitting on the curb, outside the home health office, I leared that I was going to be a mommie! Once I got off the phone, the celebrating began!!!

THE CLEBRATION:I am so thankful for my friends at work who hugged and celebrated and tolerated my hollering. After quickly finishing up my paperwork, I darted to my friend Lisa's; we had made plans to meet on October 1 about a month before (long before this little angel was even on the radar). More excitement and hugs, tears, and joy- I was thrilled to get to celebrate with her- Thanks, Lisa, for all of your support, encouragment, and prayers; I wouldn't have gotten this far without you. Amazing how God arranged all these things to fall on the same day. I also ran into my dear friend, Traci- again not my plan, but God's gift. TH, You are awesome and can absoultely come with me. So, another deep breath. Even as I rewrite the event so the day, my heartrate jumps up about 50 beats! Now, onto the next event. A group of mom's with kids from Ethiopia gets together every once in a while at Panera to talk about all things adoption and enjoy some delicious dessert. Several weeks ago, I had suggested a get together as I had really needed some cheering up, some connection....this adoption journey had gotten really hard. Someone had picked October 1- God again! As it would happend, everyone arrived one at a time, so I got to flash my pictures and annouce, "Look what I got...a little girl!" 5 times! We had a great visit- we all shared pictures of our little ones- 3 home, 3 waiting to come home. Thanks girls for an awesome night! After a quick trip to visit my parents, I came home to find pink balloons tied to the mailbox...my sweet mom's work. Thanks momma...little angel will love her SueSue!


THE PREPARATION:There is a lot to get done before my litte one comes home. Because I didn't know if I would have a boy or a girl or what age he or she might be, I couldn't start a nursery. So, here is what will be the baby roon:

Currently, it's were the laundry waits to be folded and the occassional guest stays.

I have picked up a few small things and been given a few things. These are some of my favorites:

Of course, my daughter will have a UT cheerleader outfit (from her SueSue)! The 'bee' toy is one that we have at work and I love it! The small angel ornament on the left is from the St. Jude catalog- so sweet. I also received a super soft 'taggy' blanket and a darling outfit from my friends at church- Thanks Carrie and Andi...I love them!

Check out my little Angel's first doll....they have the same name!! She was a Christmas present last year..


Finally, my friend Pam, at work, made this for my special girl. We will cherish it and snuggle with it forever. Every stitch is appreciated!


I still have periods of manic excitement...and occassional bouts of overwhelmed anxiety (other moms tell me this is normal, right?) In general, I am so grateful to our amazing God. I am humbled and honored that I would be chosen to be parent. I am sad for those who weren't, but know that their day will come soon. I am grieved for this little one's birth mother who, because she loved her daughther so much, gave her the opportunity for a different life- one that, through no fault of her own, she was not able to provide. She will always hold a very special place in my heart.

So, thank you all for celebrating with me. Thank you for loving me and my daughter. I can't wait to bring her home!

Praise God from whom All Blessings Flow!

At 4:15 today, I received the most amazing phone call....the one that made me a mommie!! I have a 3 1/2 month old daughter waiting for me in Ethiopia!!! I am once again amazed at how good our God is and so thankful that she and I are now FAMILY. More to come in the next few days.....

1 Adoption....2 Huge days

In 2 days, I will have been waiting 8 months for a referral....It's been a long wait. But God is moving and things are starting to happen.

Thurday, October 1:I have applied to adopt a waiting child- a beautiful little girl. Next Thursday, there will be a meeting and it will be determined if I get to be her mommy. Three other families also would like to adopt this tiny angel, so the waiting child committee will decide which family will be best for her. The process is tough on a prospective parent but, wow!, how great for this little one. She has 4 families who what her to join them; 4 families that could be hers; 4 homes that want to be hers forever. I will absolutely be disappointed if I don't get to love her forever but trust that God will direct this committee to determine the very best for His child. Would you pray for them? This meeting begins at 1pm EST on Thurs. October 1. Additionally, would you pray for tiny angel's health. She needs to get to the states as fast as she can. I am so very thankful for those who walk with me on this adoption journey....you all are a blessing to me.

Friday, Noveber 6:Second thing.....FUN.GIRLS.NIGHT! I am hosting a 'crop till you drop'-start your Christmas crafts-bead-knit-stamp-wine and chocolate-whatever, craft night. For a small donation that will benefit international adoption, you can join us. So mark you calander on Friday, November 6, 7pm to midnight.....stay tuned, more info to come.

Have a super weekend.... I'm headed to settle in for the Grey's Anatomy season premier! Can't wait!!

Unrelated Trauma

I wouldn't normally post about such things, but I need to 'dump' it somewhere. I have two very sweet and very gentle greyhounds- sweet May can pick up a grape without breaking the skin. Both were once racers and when they are outside, they will chase anything that moves...it's just how they were raised. So tonight when I let them out for the last time, Boo came back in in a reasonable amount of time; May seemed to linger as she sometimes does. I went out to hurry her along and she comes running up to me with something in her mouth...not a ball or a chew toy or a stick, something with fur. My first reaction- a mouse. Very gross, thank you May for your service to this house! Once she dropped it, very proudly, near my feet, I realized it was not a mouse, but a very tiny baby bunny. He had perfectly shaped little ears and legs and nose with brown fur. I sat and watched him take his last few breaths. Poor baby bunny. I felt so very sad for him. I gently picked him up (in a gloved hand), put him in a small box, and wrapped him a paper towel. Now, I'm very sad. I apologized to May for being upset with her; she was only doing what she was trained to do- she caught the rabbit. Still I feel bad. Now, what does one do with a deceased baby rabbit in a card board box? I think tomorrow I will put the baby bunny to rest in the woods behind my house. Rest well baby bunny. Sigh.

(Not our baby bunny...but, he looked just like this one.)
**PSA: If you find an injured baby bunny, you can take it to UT vet school. There will be no charge.

I'm Back.....with BIG choices

Sorry for the long absence from the blogosphere.....8 weeks of bronchitis, 5 doctor visits, 4 antibiotics, 5 days of steroids that made me crazy and now 2 inhalers later, I'm back! I have a ton to say and could make a mega post but we'll save the ramblings for another day. Let's stick to the important stuff!

I need your help! I am considering an agency change (my heart rate just jumped about 40 beats higher). I have been a bit dis-satisfied with my current agency for sometime. And, as you can see by my little ticker up top, I've been waiting a while. Now in adoption time, that's really not that long; but according to current information, I'm not even half way to a referral. Most agencies have closed to single parents adopting from Ethiopia, however, I have found one that is still taking single moms. And they are able to make child referrals really really quickly. All the research I've done about this new agency is positive.

So what's the question? "Move", you say? I don't want to jump ship just to decrease my wait time. I don't want my impatience or lack of satisfaction with some things that may or may not be important to lead me out of where God wants me to be. So, would you pray for discernment...do I stay or do I move. If I move, would you pray that I would be prepared for my family to grow much faster than originally anticipated. Thanks folks!

Lastly..... 12 weeks until St Jude 1/2 marathon!!!! I am back on the training wagon. Would you consider donating to help the children of St. Jude....85% of ever dollar goes directly to these most amazingly brave kids. Click here to donate now.

Thanks Sarah!

My cousin Sarah was the first to donate to St. Jude and my cousin, Rob was right behind her! Thanks, Sarah and Rob....Way to go DC Higdon's....Yall are awesome!!
You can be a Hero, too....
Click here to donate now!

Be a St. Jude Hero!

Many of you are familiar with the amazing work done at St. Jude Children's Hospital to fight childhood cancer. Since their founding, St. Jude has had a significant impact on the treatment and survival of childhood cancer and blood disorders. They treat all patients regardless of their ability to pay! Click here to see what St. Jude is doing to help kids around the world!

Each December, the St. Jude Marathon is held in Memphis to benefit the hospital. I have participated the past 2 years and it has become my favorite 1/2 marathon of the year. I love it for the amazing courageous kids it benefits- kids who bravely press on much further than the 13.1 miles I will complete. These precious children is why I need your help.

I have signed up to compete as a St. Jude Hero with the goal of raising $1500 to benefit the hospital. $.85 of every dollar donated goes directly toward research and patient care. So, will you consider joining me in this fight for life? Click here to donate now! 16 weeks until race day....it time to start training....stay tuned for training updates.

Ethiopia on my Mind

Even in Florida on vacation, I thought daily about my baby in Ethiopia. I can't count the number of times it was said, "Next year, if your baby is here..." I love it and I love even more the thought that he or she (or they!) might be home by this time next year. I had a great few days with my family in Destin. I'm not a super hot weather, bake in the sun girl- more of a great breeze sit under the umbrella and read a book gal. (Yet another sign I'm getting old!) Anyway, we had super weather and I loved watching my niece and nephew play...and my parents play with them. I'm so pleased to be able to post a few pictures that I took on vacation (do you sense the pride in my voice?) So, meet my family.....


Mom and dad are so fantastic to take us all on vacation...THANKS!

Beautiful girl!

Mister wasn't so happy during his modeling debut...but isn't he super cute?

Still thankful!

Today, I am so greatful to be headed to the B-E-A-C-H!! It has been several years since I took a real vacation! My last week off from work was in February when I had my gall bladder removed- that doesn't count as vacation, does it? I'll be trying out my video camera and hope to have lots to post when I get back. Yall have a super week.....

Thankful: Day 3

Lots of random thankful thoughts today.....I am always thrilled when another family begins the adoption journey. Check out this blog- another Tennessee family on their way to Ethiopia! One more baby will get a forever home- that always makes for a good day.

I had a fantastic yoga class tonight...WhooHoo! It had been a long time since I had a good class. Although my balance was off due to my cold, I could have held down dog all night long. Yoga is fabulous!!

Curb side recycling- has saved a ton of clutter in my garage.

Upcoming vacation.....can't wait! The dogs are going to a new kennel that I am so excited about. I know they will get great care and have lots of attention and play time. I'll probably be singing their praises in an upcoming post- stay tuned fellow dog owners.

Last one...I love Sunday afternoon naps! Can I get an Amen?! Can I specify in my homestudy that I require a child that takes Sunday naps?

Quick addition: If you don't follow Katie's blog about her work in Uganda, please consider checking it out. She is being used by the Lord in big ways to love the kids in there. Her story is incredible.... How can you not love that?!

Hope yall have a fantastic Tuesday!

Thankful: Day 2

Still on the wagon.....I love when my friends get their referrals! I love hearing their stories and seeing their pictures. It helps to get me through.

On Thursdays, I do home health, treating kids who are to medically fragile to come to the clinic. On these days I am very thankful for a clean restroom! I LOVE the Pilot- clean store, crushed ice and Caffine Free Diet Coke in the fountain! I consume a LOT of fluids during an 8 hour day in the car! I also appreciate good radio personalities and great music. I'm thankful for speaker phone and built in cup holders. And most of all, the thing I'm miserable without- cruise control!

This is so much better than sulking, huh? What are the things you have enjoyed today? Happy Thursday!!

A New Leaf

To help pull myself out of the blahs, I'm going to be thankful. I'm going to appreciate all of the good things in my life and enjoy some of my favorite things. Today's favorite thing: getting to come home for lunch! I love that I work so close to home- only 2 1/2 miles! As a result, I get to sleep later, save gas, and come home for lunch! Speaking of lunch, on of my other favorite things- summer fruit and Lean Cuisine. Yum! Gotta get back to work. Theresa, thanks for your sweet comment....hey that's another thing I love comments on my blog!

And another thing....I am so thankful for the local Ethiopia adoption community. They are such fantastic people. And I love watching them get referrals and bring home their kiddos. Congratulations to the Easts! They got their referral earlier today. Can't wait to see your little girl!

I knew I shouldn't have looked

I am totally bummed. Often times I think I have this waiting thing figured out....just put it in the back of my brain and go on with life as usual. Other times, I really want to be a mommy TODAY! Our agency doesn't keep an official "list" of those waiting for referrals (or match with their child). When you leave 350+ waiting and anxious mommies and daddies (well, mostly mommies!) they will go to all means for any shred of information on when their turn might come. So my forum friends have developed an unoffical list- it's voluntary and likely only about 25-30% of the families actually waiting are on it, but it's something to track. On this unofficial list, I'm 74. Not too bad. Managable. Reasonable.

Just to make things more fun, another forum mom- with a math brain much smarter than mine, has come up with an estimator of where you might actually be given a whole bunch of factors. I knew I should have never punched my numbers in. I know it's only an estimate. Want to guess.....280! Two hundred and eighty! Seriously! 2.8.0! So, I'm bummed.

OK, enough whinning....time to pull it together. Tell myself the truth: Yes, I will get my turn. Yes, it will be in God's perfect time. Yes, my child just isn't ready to come home yet. So, I need suggestions on how to spend what may be a longer than expected wait. Suggestions? Thoughts? Comments? .....and sorry for the self pity party.......

A Very Bad Day

Meet my 2 1/2 year old super cute nephew, Jonathan. He has had a horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day! Yesterday, Jonathan fell off a swing and broke both bones in his right forarm. Several hours in the ER, a morphine drip and cast later, he went home to sleep it off. Today he goes to his pediatrician only to add step throat and a yeast infection to the mix! Needless to say, he's not feeling so great. Mister, I hope you're back to your old self really soon....hang in there!


Update: Don't know what happened to the picture- didn't he look pitiful? After 24hours of antibioitics, Jonathan was back to his old self. He gets a new cast tomorrow- one he can swim in!

Who will she pick?

OK folks, we are down to the last episode! On Monday, Jillian will give the final rose to someone...who will she pick? Cast your vote to the right. Voting closes 15 minutes before show time. I'm getting so excited!!!

Can't sleep

Well, it's after 1 am and I can't sleep. I really have nothing to blog about so you'll likely get some random thoughts.....I got a new video camera for my birthday and it takes picutres, too- hey, mabye the instruction book would help me fall asleep- anyway, I hope to be able to post pictures soon. I have LOVED the East Tennessee weather the past few days. Normally this time of year we are in a 90+ degree heat with humidity thick enough you have to swim through- we have had 3 beautiful low 80 degree days with no humidity.......my favorite!!! I'm beginning to think about preparing for (did you catch the procrastination?) my next 1/2 marathon that will be in December. I got an email that said the race is only 20 weeks away.......can you believe that?? Did I just hear Christmas music? Did you catch "The Men Tell All" tonight? Dave has 'restraining order' written all over him! Yikes! Sweet Mike Stagliano- wasn't he so sweet to Jillian? Did you hear Chris say Reid had a 'pior engagement'? Wonder if he shows up next week....hmmm. Glad to hear Jillian is still happy and can't wait to see how things end up next week. I'm headed to Destin with the family in a few weeks- anybody have a suggestion for a good book? I've realized I've gotten old when I look forward to sitting in the shade at the beach and reading a book. Sigh. I listen to the waves every night on the sound machine next to my bed. Sigh. Waves. Bed......going to give sleep another try......yawn....

Favorable Determination!

Yes, you can! I received my I-171 H: Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advanced Processing of Orphan Petition! So glad to have this paper in hand- a must have before you travel. It means the US government has said, "It has been determined that you are able to furnish proper care to an orphan or orphans." Fantastic!!

Getting Through

The adoption wait gets very long and often discouraging. Thankfully, there are other families who travel and bring home their beautiful children. Watching their journeys, looking at their pictures, even hugging their new family member helps me to keep my eye on the ball. I am so thankful when others share parts of their journey and I look forward to the day when I will share mine. In the meantime, while I wait, videos like this one, remind me of why I filled out all the papers and why I continue to wait, however hard it may get. My friends, the Harpers, were on this same trip to pick up their son Will- it was a treat to see them in some of the pictures. Warning, have your tissues handy!

My friends, the Hamiltons, are in Ethiopia right now picking up their children. They will meet their children for the first time early Monday morning. Would you pray for them as they travel and for their new children as they begin a new journey.

Vogue Mama!!

Check out this article written by a fellow adoptive mom- her daughter is from Ethiopia, too. I love it!!

http://www.style.com/vogue/feature/2009/06/madonna-and-child/?mbid=rss_feature

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Happy 4th of July! (yes, I'm a day late...if you know me, it's no big suprise!) On this day that we celebrate the Independence of our country, I am thankful for the freedoms that I enjoy every day. Prior to beginning this adoption process, I often took those opportunities for granted. As I recently waited to have my gall bladder taken out, I became very thankful that my child will grow up in a country where he or she will have access to quality health care. My baby won't die of a communicable disease or some illness that we get a cheap antibiotic for. My child will not die from a mosquito bite. My child, whether a boy or a girl, will receive a good education all the way through college. My child will never have to wonder if they will ever have a pair of shoes or question if the water they drink will make them sick. They will always have a bed to sleep on, plenty of food to eat, and clothes that fit. My child will be able to vote or pray or go to church without fear. My child can grow up to be the President of the United States, if he or she wants to! For children growing up in Africa, none of these things: medicine, doctors, school, shoes, clean water...are certain. Many people have asked me, "Why Africa?" This is part of the answer. Praise God for the freedom we enjoy; for the opportunities we have.

I've also been thinking about how much courage it takes to fully take hold of the freedoms and opportunities placed before us. It's easy to stay where we are. It's easy to stick to our routines. It's easy to hang out with folks who talk and eat and look like us. It's easy to turn our head to the injustices around us. It takes courage to step out of our 'box'. It takes courage to share what we enjoy with those who don't know such things exist. It takes courage to look across the street, or across town, or across the world to see what someone else's life is like. It takes courage to try to make a difference. It takes courage to be the home of the brave. "I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." - Elie Wiesel

So, on this July 4th, I'm am so excited for the day I'll bring my child home to America. I'm excited for him or her to catch the vision of free America and then be brave enough to share it. We have the opportunity to make a difference, both here and abroad...the question remains, will we have the courage to do it?

What??!!

Are you kidding me? Is Jillian smokin crack? Seriously??!! Is she? He's not even nice to her.....Seriously??!! If they share a room next week, I really might puke.......Seriously??!!

Check out this blog...http://mostintenseroseceremonyever.blogspot.com/