Processing the News

Ok, so we're #21, and that's exciting. The news that we're processing now is that we learned that all families adopting from Ethiopia will need to travel twice. We will have to travel the first time to go before the Ethiopian court. The good news is that we'll be able to see our little guy and spend time with him in the orphanage, but we will not be able to take him out of the orphanage. Then, we'll have to get on a plane to return home without him, but then get on a plane to Ethiopia to bring him home.

I'm trying to see this as a positive thing. I guess you get prepared for this one journey, and then it changes along the way. I know God is in control. His ways are so much better than our own. Honestly, I'm contemplating if it would be a good idea to stay in Ethiopia during those few weeks. I don't know if this is even do-able financially for us. I'm asking for your prayers. Pray not only for us, but the many other families who are learning of the news. Also, please pray for TJ's safe arrival home and for his health.

Thanks so much for all of your love and support.

I know, I know...it's been so long since I posted anything, but time has flown by so quickly! We are currently #24 on the waitlist; yeah, baby! I can't tell you how excited we all are. We're eyeing stuff for TJ's registry and ready for a referral ASAP!

Our prayer request is that we receive TJ's referral before June. The Ethiopian courts close every year for the months of August and September, and our trip would be delayed for those few months.

We are just so in love with this little boy and can't wait to hold and love him. We are praying for his birth mother and all those who are involved in this process with us. It's been amazing and absolutely life changing; wait until he gets here!!!

Have I told you yet...?

We received our first draft of our home study yesterday; I can't tell you how excited we are! Later in the evening, I was overcome with thoughts about what a wonderful summer I've had, especially with Alex. We haven't done any traveling or vacationing; we simply have been hanging out at the house, going to the pool, and hanging with friends. It's been awesome.
My beautiful, crazy, head strong daughter is growing into this young lady who has pensive conversations with me, negotiates whether she's going to dance through situations or charge like a bull; she is learning sensitivity and how to nurture. I love her so much. I have loved making her bologna and salami sandwiches (her new favorite), listening to her read books with inflection, nagging her to clean up her messes, and see her glow with pride as she rides her two wheel bike. I am so blessed to have this time to hang out with her. I am appreciating it more than I ever have in year's past.
Alex and I usually go to bed at the same time, so we've recently grown into the habit of reading together in my bed and then falling asleep together. It's probably not the greatest idea, but I don't care! She will fall asleep next to me, while I'm devouring a book. Within a half an hour of her dozing, she's more than likely to be pressed up against me like a panini with her harms draped across me. Then, she will begin talking in her sleep; this is my favorite part. Sometimes she's yelling at someone (more like bossing them around) or trying to convince someone of something, but it is absolutely hysterical. I'm usually giggling in bed. Then, as I hear Steve coming up (he's a night owl), I'll coax her out of our bed. She likes to think that you're going to pick her up, but I think she has inherently realized that she's too tall for me. So, she'll put her hands on my shoulders, stand up, and let me guide her to her room and tuck her in bed. I love this routine. I don't know why. I just do.
So, I just wanted to take the time to let you all know how awesome our Alex is. She's beautiful, witty (like her daddy), and courageous. Thank you, God for this amazing little girl. Thank you for the challenges and the celebrations. Thank you for the moments.

Reality

Thanks to our awesome neighbors, Jamie and Robert, we now have a crib and a dresser/changing table in the baby's room and ready to go! This morning as I lay in bed, again I was overcome with emotion for what our baby's birth mom may be feeling at this very moment. I prayed again that the Holy Spirit would bring her peace and comfort, because there is a family right here that is going to love him/her like crazy. We're here, we're preparing, we'll be ready.

Steve and I had an interesting thought the other night: what if first time parents went through the preparation and education that adoptive parents experienced? I don't know if that could ever be a possibility, but the truth is that if all parents prepared the way adoptive parents did, they would definitely have a glimpse of what true parenthood is about. It's about unconditional love, communication, commitment, sacrifice, and the unknown.

Thinking back to how we prepared for Alex, I see the similarities and differences that exist between the two experiences. I just feel so honored and blessed to have this unique experience. I love this child already; this I know for sure. This is reality.

Home Study

Today our social worker visited our house to conduct our home study. It just feels so much more real. It was awesome to talk about what kind of an adult we hope to raise in our kiddos as well as our relationship as a family.

Currently, we're knee deep in dossier/home study paperwork. I'm not gonna lie, it's intimidating. I fear that I'm not going to do something right; everything has to be done so precisely. I'm not much of a detail person. But, I'm forging ahead!

Along with this, I'm finishing up two concentrated courses for my Principal License Program. I have to admit, I can't wait to finish these two classes. I want to give my full attention to getting our paperwork in order!!!! My goal is to get it all done before school starts. I have no idea if I'm being a little too courageous in that thought.

Steve and I got the guest room set up, which allowed us to clear out the baby's room. Soon, we will start filling it with items and furniture for our new baby. This is amazing, exciting, and beautiful all at that the same time. I can't wait to hold my baby. Keep us in your prayers.

One step closer

We are officially one step closer!  Our application was approved today, and although it took awhile to come this far, we know that it's all going to be worth it in the end.  God's timing is perfect!  

Yesterday was Easter.  I spent some time during service praying for the birth mother of our new baby.  I thought of what her journey may be like now and within the next year or so.  I know Jesus is preparing our hearts for our end of the journey, and I just don't want to forget about her.

Alex is still as thrilled as ever.  She's prepared for a boy or girl, as long as she doesn't have to change diapers (the girl is consistent; ya gotta give her that!).  Steve and I discuss names, dreams, and plans for our growing family.  We are truly celebrating this day.  

Please continue to keep us and our future baby in your prayers.  Thanks for all of your love!

The journey begins...

This week was momentous for our family.  We have made the decision to adopt a baby.  Seven years ago, Steve and I found ourselves surprisingly pregnant with Alex, our little girl.  Although she took us by surprise, it is evident that she is nothing short of meant to be.  She's a force to be reckoned with, and we love every bit of the strong-willed, crazy little girl that she is.  When Alex turned three, Steve and I began to try for our second child to no avail.  After a year of not being able to get pregnant, we tried fertility treatments for a short while, but it was emotionally and financially exhausting.  It just didn't seem to be God's plan for us to conceive at this time.  All along, we wanted to use the experience to love and appreciate our little girl even more, grow closer to one another, and most importantly, grow closer to God.

During this time, we considered adoption, but had the intuition that we could be moving in the near future, and wasn't sure it was the right time for us.  God did move us to Indianapolis, and here we are ready to take this step to expand our family.

I must say, that we are so excited to take this journey.  We have decided to pursue intercountry adoption in Ethiopia.  We've shared this with Alex, and she's thrilled, although she has layed down the law, saying that she's, "not changing the baby's diapers, but will feed and dress the baby."  One thing is for sure, Alex will tell you exactly what she feels.  We love her for that.  Steve and I are early in the process, but we ask that you keep our family in your prayers (including our future little one).  We are also asking that you pray as we find our way through this financially.  We have heard so many stories of families who have made this decision, and God provided.  We are certain God will work through us too.  In closing, we want our family to grow closer to God through this journey.  We are in awe of His wonders!