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!