I have worked on this a long time and the quality is good on my computer but, when I try to upload it the quality is really bad, sorry! This is a shortened version but, it may be a little better.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Finally HOME!!!
We left ET Thursday night for a 16 hour flight home with a baby in our arms!
Nathaniel did pretty well though! He actually slept most of the time. He had a couple spells where he got cranky but he started having a bad cough and runny nose when we got on the plane, so I think that contributed to his crankiness a lot! The last 2 hours he was a little restless but, we survived and he did a lot better than some of the other kids on the plane!
We had a layover in Washington for a few hours before we flew to Cincinnatti, where my mom, sister, neice and nephew were waiting for our arrival (or Nathaniel's arrival..I should say!)
We stopped and ate at the Golden Corral where mom decided Nathaniel needed to try mashed potatoes and some ice cream! Needless to say on the way home he threw up everywhere! So we had to pull over on the interstate to clean him up. We had a 3 hour drive home and we were totally exhausted but after stopping to see his Mimmy and Pappy for the first time, we finally (after about 30 hours of traveling) made it safely HOME!! Now the fun begins!
Nathaniel did pretty well though! He actually slept most of the time. He had a couple spells where he got cranky but he started having a bad cough and runny nose when we got on the plane, so I think that contributed to his crankiness a lot! The last 2 hours he was a little restless but, we survived and he did a lot better than some of the other kids on the plane!
We had a layover in Washington for a few hours before we flew to Cincinnatti, where my mom, sister, neice and nephew were waiting for our arrival (or Nathaniel's arrival..I should say!)
We stopped and ate at the Golden Corral where mom decided Nathaniel needed to try mashed potatoes and some ice cream! Needless to say on the way home he threw up everywhere! So we had to pull over on the interstate to clean him up. We had a 3 hour drive home and we were totally exhausted but after stopping to see his Mimmy and Pappy for the first time, we finally (after about 30 hours of traveling) made it safely HOME!! Now the fun begins!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
We arrived in Ethiopia for the second time!
We arrived in ET early this morning and headed to the guest house where we were staying. After settling in, we went to go pick up Nathaniel at the T-House for the last time! It all seemed sureal...he was finally ours forever!
We were greeted by all the other children outside and we gave them minature candy canes, that they just loved! Then we went in to get Nathaniel.
His nanny Betello (?) was dressing him and when she saw us she started sobbing. I felt so sorry for her because I knew she loved him and had taken care of him in the months that he was there. I couldn't thank her enough for caring so much for him! I hated to see her cry but we were overjoyed to finally have him in our arms again....forever this time!
We were greeted by all the other children outside and we gave them minature candy canes, that they just loved! Then we went in to get Nathaniel.
His nanny Betello (?) was dressing him and when she saw us she started sobbing. I felt so sorry for her because I knew she loved him and had taken care of him in the months that he was there. I couldn't thank her enough for caring so much for him! I hated to see her cry but we were overjoyed to finally have him in our arms again....forever this time!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The moment we've been waiting for...
We will be bringing our baby boy home next week!! I can't believe this moment is finally here!
I know that a lot of you would like to see him soon but we need these first couple weeks to ourselves until he adjusts to us and all the other changes he will be experiencing...like being in a different country, different time zone, etc..
We will need this time to bond and try to establish a routine etc..
Praying for a safe trip and easy transitions!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Submitted to Embassy!
We just received an email that our case has been submitted to the US Embassy in Ethiopia!!
We are praying that our case passes soon and we can bring our baby home soon!
We miss him SO much!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Oct. 25, 2012- Going Home ...
Today is our last day in Ethiopia. Our flight leaves tonight! We pretty much spent the entire day just holding and playing with Nathaniel. I couldn't stand to think of leaving him here so I tried to keep that thought far from my mind and just enjoy the day.
We made it to the airport and had a safe trip home! Now we are waiting to get the call that we can go pick up our baby boy and bring him home!
We took Nathaniel back around 5pm which I assume is pretty much "rush hour" like it is here! Traffic was horrible! It took about and hour to get there and it usually just takes about 25 minutes.
When we got to the transistion house we walked inside with Nathaniel and his bag of clothes and stuff. One of the nannies came right up to me and just took Nathaniel from my arms. That was when it hit me!.........my heart dropped, I've got to tell him goodbye....I've got to leave him.....
I followed the nanny into his room and snatched him back from her.....and I cried like a baby! I just held him and loved on him......then....I had to leave him! But, I kept telling myself that we would be back to get him soon!
It was hard, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do... leaving him there. I know that he is in good hands and they will love him and take good care of him there.
On the way back, we totally got stuck in traffic! Our driver was very upset and stressed out to say the least! They were working on the road and traffice was backed up and moving slowly! We went through places that you wouldn't think that people would drive vehicles through. We barely made it back to the guest house on time to get our bags and pick up the other family to go to the airport.
We made it to the airport and had a safe trip home! Now we are waiting to get the call that we can go pick up our baby boy and bring him home!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Wednesday
Oh by the way! There were two other families there at our guest house from our agency! One couple was there for Embassy and were bringing their daughter home and the other couple was also there for court which was the same day as ours! They were adopting twins and this made their 9th and 10th children! They were both amazing couples and they offered a lot of information that was very helpful to us as they had been through this before! It was very helpful to have someone there that helped us know what to exect because, we had no idea about anything!
Nathaniel slept pretty good through the night but, when we picked him up Monday he sounded a little congested and yesterday his nose started running. He will hardly let us lay him down, so we have had to hold him and pack him a lot! Which doesn't bother us but, I hate that he is feeling bad. When we try to lay him down he cries and screams! Joey says we have already spoiled him but, I think he is feeling bad too! Sometimes he will just smile and laugh and he does this gurgling thing that just cracks me up! When he lays down he holds his hand up and twists it back and forth just staring at it for minutes at a time - it is so sweet and funny!
We got brave today and decided to go out into the city. We wanted to go out and eat but it was already about 5pm and we were supposed to go out with all the other families for pizza at 7pm. We went shopping instead! I bought a couple scarves and some hand made giraffes, toys and an outfit for Nathaniel. We were starving so we stopped by the Kaldi's Coffee shop, which is pretty much identical to Starbucks here. Then we went back to the guest house and got ready to go out for pizza.
We ate at Antica Pizza which was a nice brick oven pizza place. There were several other families there although we didn't really get to associate with any of them because Nathaniel was tired and sleepy. Then we went out to change his diaper and boy...did he get mad! He cried and cried! So we were outside walking him around tryin to console him. It was getting late for him, I think the nannies usually put them to bed early and it was about 9:30 before we left. Then, when we got back to the guest house he was awake and happy, of course! So I put him in his crib (well acutally playpen that was provided) with just his onesie on.
In the middle of the night I woke up and he was awake, just laying there gooing and doing that gurgling thing that he does...then he started to cry. I got up and bent down to pick him up only to realize that his diaper was half way on and he had peed everywhere! LOL I had to laugh! I changed him, found a dry blanket and put him in the bed between us. We slept for a couple more hours until the morning.
Nathaniel slept pretty good through the night but, when we picked him up Monday he sounded a little congested and yesterday his nose started running. He will hardly let us lay him down, so we have had to hold him and pack him a lot! Which doesn't bother us but, I hate that he is feeling bad. When we try to lay him down he cries and screams! Joey says we have already spoiled him but, I think he is feeling bad too! Sometimes he will just smile and laugh and he does this gurgling thing that just cracks me up! When he lays down he holds his hand up and twists it back and forth just staring at it for minutes at a time - it is so sweet and funny!
We got brave today and decided to go out into the city. We wanted to go out and eat but it was already about 5pm and we were supposed to go out with all the other families for pizza at 7pm. We went shopping instead! I bought a couple scarves and some hand made giraffes, toys and an outfit for Nathaniel. We were starving so we stopped by the Kaldi's Coffee shop, which is pretty much identical to Starbucks here. Then we went back to the guest house and got ready to go out for pizza.
We ate at Antica Pizza which was a nice brick oven pizza place. There were several other families there although we didn't really get to associate with any of them because Nathaniel was tired and sleepy. Then we went out to change his diaper and boy...did he get mad! He cried and cried! So we were outside walking him around tryin to console him. It was getting late for him, I think the nannies usually put them to bed early and it was about 9:30 before we left. Then, when we got back to the guest house he was awake and happy, of course! So I put him in his crib (well acutally playpen that was provided) with just his onesie on.
In the middle of the night I woke up and he was awake, just laying there gooing and doing that gurgling thing that he does...then he started to cry. I got up and bent down to pick him up only to realize that his diaper was half way on and he had peed everywhere! LOL I had to laugh! I changed him, found a dry blanket and put him in the bed between us. We slept for a couple more hours until the morning.
This was taken before the little incident we had! lol
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Court date!
So today was our court date! We were supposed to meet with our attorney last night but, I guess we missed him because we kept Nathaniel in our room all to ourselves all day! So, we had no idea what time we would be going to court...either morning or afternoon. So we got ready before 8am and went down stiars to find out if anyone knew when we were going. It ended up being in the afternoon which, was fine because that gave us a few more hours to spend with Nathaniel before we had to go.
When we left for court, we had to leave Nathaniel at the guest house with the nannies. They took good care of him but, I still hated to leave him.
I had heard from some other families that usually the wait at court is very long. So we were expectin to be there a while. We were in this waiting room with like 30 chairs and people just kept coming in. A young girl came out of the door beside me and called a name.....no one answered....then she called another name....no one answered and she closed the door. After a couple minutes she opened the door and called us (and another family that was with us) into the room with the judge. We were first....I couldn't believe it and I had no idea what to exect!
It was short and simple! She just asked us all a few questions, we answered "yes" or "no", then she said that we would pass court when Nathaniel's birth mother came (so because she hadn't came yet, we didn't actually pass court this day!)
We went back to the guest house and spent the evening with our baby boy.
When we left for court, we had to leave Nathaniel at the guest house with the nannies. They took good care of him but, I still hated to leave him.
I had heard from some other families that usually the wait at court is very long. So we were expectin to be there a while. We were in this waiting room with like 30 chairs and people just kept coming in. A young girl came out of the door beside me and called a name.....no one answered....then she called another name....no one answered and she closed the door. After a couple minutes she opened the door and called us (and another family that was with us) into the room with the judge. We were first....I couldn't believe it and I had no idea what to exect!
It was short and simple! She just asked us all a few questions, we answered "yes" or "no", then she said that we would pass court when Nathaniel's birth mother came (so because she hadn't came yet, we didn't actually pass court this day!)
We went back to the guest house and spent the evening with our baby boy.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Meetcha Day! Oct. 22, 2012
Today, we arrived in Addis Ababa! We were picked up at the airport by our driver and taken to the guest house where we were staying. We dropped off our bags and were ready to go meet our little Natnael.
Okay, I was SO not expecting the driving in the city to be like it was!!!! OMG! I thought I was going to get sick! It was crazy! There were cars coming at you from every direction.... bumper to bumper....inches away from your door! I was not prepared for this! The city wasn't as bad as I had expected... there were homeless people and people begging and it just breaks your heart!
I was really getting nauseous and about to panic....then we pulled up to the Transition House where Nathnael was... my heart started racing and all I could think about was seeing that sweet little face and FINALLY getting to hold him in my arms!
We got out of the car and there were kids outside playing. They were all so beautiful and sweet!
Then we made our way inside the house. We went to the room where Nathnael was and he was sleeping. He was laying there in his crib with a blanket draped under his chin holding his empty bottle in his mouth....sticking straight up in the air and still sucking away on it! The nanny (I didn't get her name) came and tried to wake him up but....he wasn't even flinching! lol He was in a deep sleep! It took her a few minutes to get him to wake up, then she picked him up and loved on him and handed him over to me!!! It was the best moment ever....there he was right in front of me and I am finally holding him! He was so sweet and he didn't even cry!
We only stayed a few minutes and we took him back to the guest house with us!....Our first day with our baby boy!
Okay, I was SO not expecting the driving in the city to be like it was!!!! OMG! I thought I was going to get sick! It was crazy! There were cars coming at you from every direction.... bumper to bumper....inches away from your door! I was not prepared for this! The city wasn't as bad as I had expected... there were homeless people and people begging and it just breaks your heart!
I was really getting nauseous and about to panic....then we pulled up to the Transition House where Nathnael was... my heart started racing and all I could think about was seeing that sweet little face and FINALLY getting to hold him in my arms!
We got out of the car and there were kids outside playing. They were all so beautiful and sweet!
Then we made our way inside the house. We went to the room where Nathnael was and he was sleeping. He was laying there in his crib with a blanket draped under his chin holding his empty bottle in his mouth....sticking straight up in the air and still sucking away on it! The nanny (I didn't get her name) came and tried to wake him up but....he wasn't even flinching! lol He was in a deep sleep! It took her a few minutes to get him to wake up, then she picked him up and loved on him and handed him over to me!!! It was the best moment ever....there he was right in front of me and I am finally holding him! He was so sweet and he didn't even cry!
We only stayed a few minutes and we took him back to the guest house with us!....Our first day with our baby boy!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
October 20, 2012 - October 21, 2012
Oct. 20, 2012, Saturday
Today we packed our bags and headed to Cincinnati to board a flight to Washington, D.C.
I figured thatwe I would be nervous...which I was a little bit but, I have to say I did not freak out like I thought I would! We made it to the airport fine, got checked in and got to our gate fine! Everything went good......but, then our flight was delayed.....15 minutes.....then 2 hours! So adding to the fact that we were there about 4 hours before our flight was supposed to leave....it seemed like we waited there a l l d a y l o n g! So by the time the plane did get there we were pretty much ready to go and there wasn't any nervousness by now....the tiredness overcame the nervousness and we were so just ready to get to Washington! We finally arrived in DC around 9pm, found our shuttle and went to our motel, had dinner, showered and went to bed!
Oct. 21, 2012, Sunday
I woke up around 5:30 am and started getting ready while Joey slept, of course! We left the motel around 7 am and went to the airport. The airport in Washington was HUGE compared to the one in Cincinnati but, we managed to get where we needed to be and again we were early! So we waited and waited.....got something to eat.....and waited........and waited..... (Oh yeah, we did stand in line for about an hour for no reason because we didn't know what we were doing....the guy was checking people in from other flights or something and we stood there in line like dummies! Oh well....first time flyers.....we didn't know! Hahaha!)
Anyway, we finally boarded the plane for our 13 1/2 hour flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia around 11:30 am. This was the new Dreamliner and it was pretty nice, especially for your first/second time flying! There were games and movies but nothing is really entertaining for 13 hours!
So to make a long story short....we arrived in Addis Ababa around 6:45 am on Monday, October 22.
Today we packed our bags and headed to Cincinnati to board a flight to Washington, D.C.
I figured that
Oct. 21, 2012, Sunday
I woke up around 5:30 am and started getting ready while Joey slept, of course! We left the motel around 7 am and went to the airport. The airport in Washington was HUGE compared to the one in Cincinnati but, we managed to get where we needed to be and again we were early! So we waited and waited.....got something to eat.....and waited........and waited..... (Oh yeah, we did stand in line for about an hour for no reason because we didn't know what we were doing....the guy was checking people in from other flights or something and we stood there in line like dummies! Oh well....first time flyers.....we didn't know! Hahaha!)
Anyway, we finally boarded the plane for our 13 1/2 hour flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia around 11:30 am. This was the new Dreamliner and it was pretty nice, especially for your first/second time flying! There were games and movies but nothing is really entertaining for 13 hours!
So to make a long story short....we arrived in Addis Ababa around 6:45 am on Monday, October 22.
Friday, October 19, 2012
...Leaving on a Jet Plane....
Well, we found out yesterday that we DO get to keep our court date....which is next week (Tuesday!) WooHoo!!! I have never been SO excited and SO nervous all at the same time!!
Thinking about flying----> Me = nervous!!! and Sick!!!
Getting to see Nathaniel ------> Me = Soooooooo EXCITED and Happy!!
(Joey seems fine with everyting which is good, because I'm a mess and we both can't be a mess! LOL) I love him so much!
Hopefully, we will have tons of pictures when we get back and once we pass court, I can finally show his face (and he has the cutest little face...just saying!) I can't wait to hold him and it will be hard not to just s-q-u-e-e-z-e him!
We ask that you will continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel and pray that we pass court!!! We probably won't find out until we get home though, because the birth mother won't be there until later next week.
Thinking about flying----> Me = nervous!!! and Sick!!!
Getting to see Nathaniel ------> Me = Soooooooo EXCITED and Happy!!
(Joey seems fine with everyting which is good, because I'm a mess and we both can't be a mess! LOL) I love him so much!
Hopefully, we will have tons of pictures when we get back and once we pass court, I can finally show his face (and he has the cutest little face...just saying!) I can't wait to hold him and it will be hard not to just s-q-u-e-e-z-e him!
We ask that you will continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel and pray that we pass court!!! We probably won't find out until we get home though, because the birth mother won't be there until later next week.
Friday, October 12, 2012
sometimes you have to weather the storm to get to the sunshine
We received the news this week that we may not get to keep our court date! It broke my heart, we were suppose to be there in 13 days!
So now we are praying that everything works out and that we will 1) get to keep our original court date OR 2) get another court date asap!
Please keep us in your prayers!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Anxiously waiting...
We leave in about 2 weeks to Ethiopia for our court date! Prayers are appreciated for safe travels and a good court trip and getting to see Natanael!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Update!
We received a few new pictures and video of Natinael ( I have no idea exactly how to spell his name because it is spelled different every time I see it!) He weighs 14.5 lbs and is 24 inches long now! He is 4 months old! He is getting so big!!! We have been getting to Skype with him every Saturday for the past few weeks, which is GREAT! Sometimes the connection isn't all that good and it freezes up a little but it is wonderful to be able to see him, watch him and just talk to him!
We leave for Ethiopia in about 6 weeks! I think! Yeah, 6 weeks from Saturday!
Excited= Yes, Very!
Anxious= Yes
Nervous= Yes!!! * Never flown before. Never been to an airport. Never been to another country. But getting to see our baby for the first time makes it all worth it!
We can't wait! It is going to be an experience for sure!
We leave for Ethiopia in about 6 weeks! I think! Yeah, 6 weeks from Saturday!
Excited= Yes, Very!
Anxious= Yes
Nervous= Yes!!! * Never flown before. Never been to an airport. Never been to another country. But getting to see our baby for the first time makes it all worth it!
We can't wait! It is going to be an experience for sure!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
We received our court date!!
Hooray! We got our court date today!
October 23rd!
We are excited to get there and see our baby in person! However, neither of us have flew on an airplane before....so this is going to be an adventure but, one that we are blessed to be taking to adopt our baby! God is good! Keep us in your prayers!
October 23rd!
We are excited to get there and see our baby in person! However, neither of us have flew on an airplane before....so this is going to be an adventure but, one that we are blessed to be taking to adopt our baby! God is good! Keep us in your prayers!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
WE HAVE A BABY BOY!
Obviously I'm not a very good blogger......
Friday, August 10th, 2012, we got the call we had been waiting for for a month... the tests came back good and we have a baby boy!!! And we finally got pictures!!! I was overwhelmed with happiness, excitement, and so thankful that everything turned out good.
It truely was love at first sight!
I can't wait to hold him and kiss him and love him! But, we are still waiting....waiting for a court date which probably isn't going to be until October or November because they are closing for the rainy season. I think this week...right now....is the last week they have court! We were submitted to court August 3rd. We would leave tonight if we could but, we are still here and he is there and we are waiting........................................................... we love you already Natanel and can't wait to see you, hold you and love you!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Waiting.......and waiting...the story of my life!
I am not necessarily complaining....just my impatience getting the nest of me I guess! We are still waiting on some test on the baby boy...praying for good news!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Moving on up...
On June 27th we were #7 on the waiting list. On July 5th we were told that there may be a baby boy for us!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! But.... that is ALL we know! The rainy season is starting soon so, we probably won't be able to do anything until October! =(
Our case worker first said that things may move quickly but then she said it could be several months. Talk about the ups and downs of adoption, this is it!
Still trying to patiently wait for more news! God bless!
Our case worker first said that things may move quickly but then she said it could be several months. Talk about the ups and downs of adoption, this is it!
Still trying to patiently wait for more news! God bless!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Praying for Patience!
I am
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
We are officially waiting for a referral.
Just heard from our case worker, we are # 13 waiting for a rerral! !!! I am beyond excited! Praise the Lord.!
Friday, May 11, 2012
OUR ADOPTION BUG STORE
We are trying to raise money through Adoption Bug by selling t-shirts.
Please visit our store below and spread the word. Help us bring our baby home!
http://www.adoptionbug.com/turnerfamily/
Well It has been a long day!
Since about 8:30am this morning I have been working on our Dossier.
Little did I know that I could be sending it for approval while we wait for USCIS. I guess that comes with being new to the whole process of adopting and it hasn't been an easy process, the paperwork is unbelievable! I didn't realize we had that much until I actually got it all together! "WOW!"
Are we paper pregnant yet? .....well, I don't know, but it feels like we should be! Haha!
I guess that since I'm mainly the one handling all the paperwork, Joey is mainly just waiting...and waiting....and I think he's beginning to lose some of his patience! (And he thought I
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Okay, this morning we received our USCIS appointments to have our biometrics (aka "fingerprints") done. Even though it is a 4 hour drive, I find it kind of exciting! Anytime we get any little thing in the mail for the adoption I get excited!
I know I haven't been keeping up with my blog as well as I should (Tammy! haha) but hopefully I will get more time since my classes are almost over. See, like right now...I should be studying for my final next week but instead I'm blogging because I'm excited about fingerprints! LOL
Oh well, I promise I'll try to keep everyone updated from now on! Thanks.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Well we have submitted our I600a and it says that it is taking about 2.5 months to process them. So now I guess we will wait until we hear back from the USCIS.
So in the meantime, my classes are over next week and I get a break for summer! So now I can concentrate on this adoption stuff and I have plenty of reading to do!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A brief update...
I've been slacking on my blogging....I know! I have been super busy though.
Our adoption application was approved, our homestudy was approved and I just sent in our I 600A!
We are trying to do fundraisers to raise money and hopefully we will apply for grants soon! I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of those who have supported us and donated for our adoption!
Our adoption application was approved, our homestudy was approved and I just sent in our I 600A!
We are trying to do fundraisers to raise money and hopefully we will apply for grants soon! I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of those who have supported us and donated for our adoption!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Our Apllication is Approved!!!
Yay! We are SO excited! Anxiously waiting!
Check out my Etsy store to raise money for our adoption!
Check out my Etsy store to raise money for our adoption!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Another Sunday evening...
Well, Spring is just around the corner and we sure have enjoyed this beautiful, warm weather!
Anyways, I've been trying to come up with some ideas for fundraisers for our adoption. (Any suggestions?)
I have been making hair bows and wreaths. My mom is making hair bows, bibs and diaper covers. But...so far, we've not had as much progress as I would like to see. So, I was thinking of having a yard sale type thing and selling the bows, wreaths, etc. because I don't have time to go place to place and try to sell them, which I believe to be part of the problem! I was wanting to do t-shirts but, from looking online, that can be kind of expensive. Sometime soon, probably a dinner at the church.
If anyone reads this that has adopted, please let me know what fundraisers worked best for you! Thanks.
Anyways, I've been trying to come up with some ideas for fundraisers for our adoption. (Any suggestions?)
I have been making hair bows and wreaths. My mom is making hair bows, bibs and diaper covers. But...so far, we've not had as much progress as I would like to see. So, I was thinking of having a yard sale type thing and selling the bows, wreaths, etc. because I don't have time to go place to place and try to sell them, which I believe to be part of the problem! I was wanting to do t-shirts but, from looking online, that can be kind of expensive. Sometime soon, probably a dinner at the church.
If anyone reads this that has adopted, please let me know what fundraisers worked best for you! Thanks.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Heart to heart
As Joey and I were coming home today, we were discussing our adoption. Of course there has to be references and forms etc. Well one of the questions was something like "How do you think an internationally adopted child would be accepted by family/friends ?"
Well, Joey and I have decided that this is what we are going to do and it doesn't matter to us what anyone else thinks. We feel like this is where God has led us and we are excited! Some people ask "Why adopt over seas?" We say, "Why not?" I'ts our decision. We know there are children here but, I do believe they are better off than some children are overseas. So many children are starving and have lost their parents due to illness/disease. Here are some statistics for Ethiopia:
1/10 children die before one.
1/6 six children die before 5.
44% of the population<15 years old.
60% of kids stunted by malnutrition.
The median age is 17.8 years.
1.5 million people are infected with AIDS.
There are roughly 4.6 million orphans.
Per capita receives less aid than any other country in Africa. 1/2 of the kids will never attend school.
The doctor to child ratio is 1:24,000.
For me, I feel like even as a child, I have always had it in my heart to adopt. I remember when I was a little girl and I saw this woman with a little girl from China or India (I don't remember exactly) but, I always thought that it was such an amazing thing to adopt a child. I've always wanted a little 'chinese baby' ever since then. I guess God knew what He was instilling in my heart even as a child because it has brought me to where I am now. This is how we are going to start our family!
Well, Joey and I have decided that this is what we are going to do and it doesn't matter to us what anyone else thinks. We feel like this is where God has led us and we are excited! Some people ask "Why adopt over seas?" We say, "Why not?" I'ts our decision. We know there are children here but, I do believe they are better off than some children are overseas. So many children are starving and have lost their parents due to illness/disease. Here are some statistics for Ethiopia:
1/10 children die before one.
1/6 six children die before 5.
44% of the population<15 years old.
60% of kids stunted by malnutrition.
The median age is 17.8 years.
1.5 million people are infected with AIDS.
There are roughly 4.6 million orphans.
Per capita receives less aid than any other country in Africa. 1/2 of the kids will never attend school.
The doctor to child ratio is 1:24,000.
For me, I feel like even as a child, I have always had it in my heart to adopt. I remember when I was a little girl and I saw this woman with a little girl from China or India (I don't remember exactly) but, I always thought that it was such an amazing thing to adopt a child. I've always wanted a little 'chinese baby' ever since then. I guess God knew what He was instilling in my heart even as a child because it has brought me to where I am now. This is how we are going to start our family!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Well...... it has been a while...
But.....we have our homestudy finished! Then we will send in our application to the adoption agency. I believe we will be adopting from Ethiopia! I am anxious excited already, shew... I don't know how I will ever make it through this whole process! It seems like everything we have to do takes forever. I guess having patience is the most important thing! (I'll have to work on that!) I'm taking college classes too and combined with working and trying to adopt, it can be a little overwhelming! So I will be needing many PRAYERS! I will try to update more often but, right now it's pretty much just waiting....and... waiting some more!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Almost there...
It seems as if the paper work for the home study is taking forever (and this is just the beginning of it all!) However, I am excited to say that we are almost there...finally! It's been a stressful process but, I am just glad that we are getting some where. If all goes well we should start our home study in a few weeks!
I had a dream last night that we adopted a little girl, her hair was black and in pigtails, she was cute as a button, her birthday was November 17, 2009....she was soon to be 3! As I am obviously anxious and excited about getting farther in the adoption process, I think this is what led me to dream this. It was kinda wierd that I remembered what the birthday was but I remember saying (in my dream) "that is a week after my sister (Jessica's) birthday." (she passed away12 years ago)
Well, that's pretty much all I have to share now. Oh by the way, my new little niece, Jeslyn, weighs 7lbs now, so I think she will be here shortly but she's not due until Feb. 23rd.
I had a dream last night that we adopted a little girl, her hair was black and in pigtails, she was cute as a button, her birthday was November 17, 2009....she was soon to be 3! As I am obviously anxious and excited about getting farther in the adoption process, I think this is what led me to dream this. It was kinda wierd that I remembered what the birthday was but I remember saying (in my dream) "that is a week after my sister (Jessica's) birthday." (she passed away12 years ago)
Well, that's pretty much all I have to share now. Oh by the way, my new little niece, Jeslyn, weighs 7lbs now, so I think she will be here shortly but she's not due until Feb. 23rd.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
.....
Still waiting on some paperwork before we begin our homestudy. It feels like it is taking forever! I guess I'm just being impatient because I want to get it started ASAP.
Well, my class started last night, it wasn't so bad but, the first day usually isn't. I guess it will keep me pre-occupied from waiting for this adotion stuff though. Also, my sister is going to be having her baby soon! Joey wants to go to the supercross race next month. So I guess that will give me something to look forward to along the way!
Well, my class started last night, it wasn't so bad but, the first day usually isn't. I guess it will keep me pre-occupied from waiting for this adotion stuff though. Also, my sister is going to be having her baby soon! Joey wants to go to the supercross race next month. So I guess that will give me something to look forward to along the way!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year, A New Dream...
Well it's the beginning of a new year and we are hoping for great things this year! We hope and pray that we will be blessed with the news of a new little one waiting for us somewhere! For now though, we are still waiting on paperwork and getting ready for the home study. My college classes start back next week, which luckily I only have 2 and one is online, but I'm still dreading it! I should find out sometime near the Spring if I get in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or not! (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!) So, I guess I'm going to be busy for the next few months!
We have officially been in our house for a year! Although it actually seems like it has been longer. We actually just finished the painting this week! LOL Well, it is just the two of us so there was no reason to hurry on getting the extra 2 bedrooms done! Now we just like the flooring, which will hopefully be done sometime this week.
I have already been thinking about how I could decorate one of the rooms; whether it is a boy or a girl. ( I know, I'm thinking way ahead but, it's good to be prepared and besides I don't want to have to paint again!) Actually, I was reading a blog last night and this woman had pictures of her daughters nursery and needless to say, I fell in love! It was gorgeous! She did a lot of the decorating herself, bought some old furniture and painted it,made the curtains and bed set. So I guess that's what got me started! I can't wait and....I know it's going to be a while...I just pray that it all works out! We can't wait to see what this year brings! God bless!
We have officially been in our house for a year! Although it actually seems like it has been longer. We actually just finished the painting this week! LOL Well, it is just the two of us so there was no reason to hurry on getting the extra 2 bedrooms done! Now we just like the flooring, which will hopefully be done sometime this week.
I have already been thinking about how I could decorate one of the rooms; whether it is a boy or a girl. ( I know, I'm thinking way ahead but, it's good to be prepared and besides I don't want to have to paint again!) Actually, I was reading a blog last night and this woman had pictures of her daughters nursery and needless to say, I fell in love! It was gorgeous! She did a lot of the decorating herself, bought some old furniture and painted it,made the curtains and bed set. So I guess that's what got me started! I can't wait and....I know it's going to be a while...I just pray that it all works out! We can't wait to see what this year brings! God bless!
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