I haven't written in what seems like forever. Things continue to go extremely well with Mebrate. She still surprises and amazes me at every turn and is such a sweet baby. We ended up getting tubes in her ears yesterday due to 4 ear infections in the 4 months we have been home. I am hoping this helps her stay healthy this winter. She was such a brave little girl once again.
We continue to adjust and bond with each other. I often wonder what I did with all of my time and what my life was before Mebrate. The smile that greets me every morning when I walk into her room makes my day. She is a talker and often a screamer and is trying very hard to crawl. I really think she will be movin and shakin on her birthday next month. She has also started talking in syllables like mama, dada and baba. Although she doesn't attach meaning yet to any of them.
Its funny how much attention Mebrate brings to herself because of her outgoing personality and adorable little face. People are always commenting that they want to take her home. Nurses have passed her around 2 offices and she just smiles and talks to everyone. I can't wait to have our first Christmas together!
Thursday, October 14 2010
Today was OUR day, we spent some time with friend during lunch and then came home and played. I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce Mebrate to an Indiana fall. The leaves are falling fast due to all of the temperature fluctuation and drought, so today we played in the leaves for about an hour. She had a good time when she wasn't trying to eat them.
Sunday, October 10 2010
My little girl is growing like a weed. She turned 9 months on Wednesday and is doing really well. Everyone keeps teasing her about her growing "thunder thighs"... I must admit, she is really healthy now.
Mebrate has come a long way in the two months we have been home. She is now sitting on her own, starting to finally stand with support, and as of yesterday is holding her own bottle. She is very social and loves to scream! Jason calls it her pterodactyl voice. My goal is to hopefully work with Mebrate and have her crawling by her 1st birthday!
So on a sad Kelly note, tomorrow Mebrate goes to daycare for her first 1/2 day. She is going Monday and Wednesday of this week to start getting acclimated then starts full time next week. Man did this 12 week leave go fast, I am really not ready to go back to work, and am definitely not ready to leave her.
Mebrate has come a long way in the two months we have been home. She is now sitting on her own, starting to finally stand with support, and as of yesterday is holding her own bottle. She is very social and loves to scream! Jason calls it her pterodactyl voice. My goal is to hopefully work with Mebrate and have her crawling by her 1st birthday!
So on a sad Kelly note, tomorrow Mebrate goes to daycare for her first 1/2 day. She is going Monday and Wednesday of this week to start getting acclimated then starts full time next week. Man did this 12 week leave go fast, I am really not ready to go back to work, and am definitely not ready to leave her.
Tuesday, September 14 2010
My new journey with Mebrate has been amazing! In the short time we have been home she has grown in leaps and bounds. All of her tests from the international doctors came back fine! Which was a huge relief.
The little girl who was barely holding up her head and didn't know she had legs is so much stronger. She loves her feet and was finally bouncing in her bouncer just this morning. She loves bath time and to watch her dogs wrestle. This first month has been so much easier than I ever expected it to be, all because of this beautiful little girl who seems to always have a smile on her face. And what a smile it is!
Now we just need to get the sleeping schedule down. That is the only area we struggle in right now! 4 more weeks before I go back to work!
The little girl who was barely holding up her head and didn't know she had legs is so much stronger. She loves her feet and was finally bouncing in her bouncer just this morning. She loves bath time and to watch her dogs wrestle. This first month has been so much easier than I ever expected it to be, all because of this beautiful little girl who seems to always have a smile on her face. And what a smile it is!
Now we just need to get the sleeping schedule down. That is the only area we struggle in right now! 4 more weeks before I go back to work!
Tuesday, August 31 2010
I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. I have been a busy new Mommy!
It's funny how time flies... one month ago Thursday this little punkin was placed in my arms at Shalom. I didn't realize at the time how much my life changed at that moment. I went from stressing every second of every day about getting my referral or travel call, living on blogs or for an email from FTIA. Some how it all just vanished when I brought her home. I magically just don't care about all of that anymore... Mebrate is such an amazing blessings to my life and worth the wait!
We are settling in and getting to know each other. Mebrate is such a great baby, calm and happy! She has the most amazing smile that she flashes at me and melts my heart! She definitely knows my voice and chooses me over anyone to help settle her! Which of course I love!
We have been to the international specialists and so far so good. They were really surprised at how healthy Mebrate actually is for being so small. We are waiting to hear the results and I will keep you all posted.
Take a look at just a few Ethiopia photos, I am working to put all 350 photos on Sutterfly and will let you all know soon when they are ready.
Thursday, July 22 2010
Well after an exhausting yet exciting day, I am finally sitting down to tell my exciting news! My travel call came in today at 11:18am! Kim, Lu and I will leave Tuesday to finally bring my little girl home! I am thrilled to say the least and just can't wait to finally hold her in my arms!
We obviously have tons to do in the 4 short days we have to prepare for the 16ish hour flight, but I really think it will become a blur! Tomorrow is my last day of work for 12 weeks... yes 12 whole weeks I get to spend with Mebrate bonding, learning and developing! My fabulous Aunt Judy is coming into town from Florida to help Mom take care of Grayson and Marin for the 12 days we will be traveling. Can't thank her enough, I know Mom will need the support and shoulder. She is having a hard time with all three of us traveling!
So overall should be an interesting trip... 3 Meinken daughters, 2 of which have never left their only children for more than a weekend and have never been out of the United States... and the third picking up her child and the only one with experience in Africa! For those of you who know us... good luck Ethiopia!!!
We obviously have tons to do in the 4 short days we have to prepare for the 16ish hour flight, but I really think it will become a blur! Tomorrow is my last day of work for 12 weeks... yes 12 whole weeks I get to spend with Mebrate bonding, learning and developing! My fabulous Aunt Judy is coming into town from Florida to help Mom take care of Grayson and Marin for the 12 days we will be traveling. Can't thank her enough, I know Mom will need the support and shoulder. She is having a hard time with all three of us traveling!
So overall should be an interesting trip... 3 Meinken daughters, 2 of which have never left their only children for more than a weekend and have never been out of the United States... and the third picking up her child and the only one with experience in Africa! For those of you who know us... good luck Ethiopia!!!
Tuesday, July 6 2010
My little girl is 6 months old today! Wow how time flies! I just can't believe how quickly she is growing.
I was so hoping that today would have been our Embassy Date and that we would be home by this weekend, but am staying positive for the August 3rd date. I am soooo ready to bring her home!
A friend of mine, who happens to be a nurse is currently in Ethiopia picking up her second adopted daughter. She has promised to take a second care package for Mebrate, to take photos and to give her a quick exam/ physical before coming back home. Thank you so much Jill!
I was so hoping that today would have been our Embassy Date and that we would be home by this weekend, but am staying positive for the August 3rd date. I am soooo ready to bring her home!
A friend of mine, who happens to be a nurse is currently in Ethiopia picking up her second adopted daughter. She has promised to take a second care package for Mebrate, to take photos and to give her a quick exam/ physical before coming back home. Thank you so much Jill!
Friday June 25, 2010
Well, I have been very quiet lately really just waiting and hoping. Mebrate spent some time in the hospital in early June, right after passing court due to pneumonia, vomiting and a high temperature. She is back at the waiting home and healthy again, but it was a very scary week.
I was hoping to receive travel dates for next week but found out yesterday that I will not be traveling before August. I was of course extremely upset, but am trying to stay positive and know that the universe has a plan.
On a fabulous note, I received an updated assessment of Mebrate yesterday. She is doing very well, still very tiny, but at least gaining wait and developing. She is now 10.2 pounds and 22.83 inches long. Little punkin doesn't know it, but needs to prepare for her first photo shoot soon. Jason got me the best birthday gift... a professional photo shoot for Mommy and daughter when she finally comes home. Can't wait!!!
I was hoping to receive travel dates for next week but found out yesterday that I will not be traveling before August. I was of course extremely upset, but am trying to stay positive and know that the universe has a plan.
On a fabulous note, I received an updated assessment of Mebrate yesterday. She is doing very well, still very tiny, but at least gaining wait and developing. She is now 10.2 pounds and 22.83 inches long. Little punkin doesn't know it, but needs to prepare for her first photo shoot soon. Jason got me the best birthday gift... a professional photo shoot for Mommy and daughter when she finally comes home. Can't wait!!!
Friday June 4, 2010
I am thrilled to finally be able to share photos of Mebrate. I am biased, but she is absolutely beautiful!
Thursday June 3, 2010
We PASSED!!! Today I am officially and legally Mebrate's Mommy!!! Such a great day, thanks everyone for your support. Third times a charm I guess!
Thursday May 20, 2010
Well yesterday was Court Date #2,unfortunately we didn't pass. MOWA didn't show up AGAIN. I found out late this afternoon that our third court date will be in two weeks- June 3rd.
I have to admit that adoption teaches you many things- the first and most important being patience! I am trying hard not to stay positive and not melt down. Each time I receive new photos of Mebrate, my emotions get the best of me! She is so beautiful, happy and healthy. I wish I could post the photos for all of you to see.
Thank you to Jill who just happens to be my court date buddy... we are struggling through all of this together. It is nice to have someone who completely and 100% understands what I am going through right now.
Keep us in your thoughts over the next couple of weeks. We would very much appreciate it.
I have to admit that adoption teaches you many things- the first and most important being patience! I am trying hard not to stay positive and not melt down. Each time I receive new photos of Mebrate, my emotions get the best of me! She is so beautiful, happy and healthy. I wish I could post the photos for all of you to see.
Thank you to Jill who just happens to be my court date buddy... we are struggling through all of this together. It is nice to have someone who completely and 100% understands what I am going through right now.
Keep us in your thoughts over the next couple of weeks. We would very much appreciate it.
Monday May 10, 2010
Well today was our first court date, and unfortunately MOWA (Ministry of Woman's Affairs) didn't show up. They claim to have been at a workshop all day Friday and today. For an organization that has so many training sessions and workshops, you would think they would have their "stuff" together!
So, we are looking at Wednesday, May 19th for our second court date. Please keep us in your thoughts!
On another really great note, I had my first baby shower today at work! My co-workers and friends went above and beyond. Again, I am so blessed to work at ESC! A big huge thank you to Stephanie for putting so much work into the lunch. Especially after just getting back from vacation on Saturday! You are an amazing friend!!!
I will keep everyone posted on our second court date! Thanks again for all of your support!
So, we are looking at Wednesday, May 19th for our second court date. Please keep us in your thoughts!
On another really great note, I had my first baby shower today at work! My co-workers and friends went above and beyond. Again, I am so blessed to work at ESC! A big huge thank you to Stephanie for putting so much work into the lunch. Especially after just getting back from vacation on Saturday! You are an amazing friend!!!
I will keep everyone posted on our second court date! Thanks again for all of your support!
Sunday May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day! Today my family went to brunch to celebrate, it's funny how I never used to think about not being a mom on days like this. I focused on my mom and sisters and played with Marin and Grayson.
Now, I just miss Mebrate and want her home! My sisters were great and gave me my first Mothers Day cards. We then met up with Jason's family for lunch. It's been a good day.
Tomorrow is our court date. I feel really good about everything right now. No reason to feel otherwise, like everything throughout this process, it's really out of my control. I just hope to hear something tomorrow, and would like to celebrate tomorrow night with Julie and Brian eating sushi! :)
Now, I just miss Mebrate and want her home! My sisters were great and gave me my first Mothers Day cards. We then met up with Jason's family for lunch. It's been a good day.
Tomorrow is our court date. I feel really good about everything right now. No reason to feel otherwise, like everything throughout this process, it's really out of my control. I just hope to hear something tomorrow, and would like to celebrate tomorrow night with Julie and Brian eating sushi! :)
Sunday May 2, 2010
So I felt motivated today to be even more prepared for our pick up trip to Ethiopia. With our court date on May 10th, only one week away, I am trying to be proactive and finish up house projects. Today I finally finished cleaning the basement, updated my travel list (which is now a full 3 pages- typed!!!) and began picking up items from that travel list.
Who knew I would be going back to Africa again so soon, and now with my sisters! For those of you who REALLY know the Meinken sisters--- you know this is going to be interesting! My goal is to have each sister have a responsibility, it should cut down on silliness! :)
I feel very protective and want to make sure they have the trip of a life time, stay safe and of course healthy! So many things to think of and we have a maximum of 6 suitcases for up to 10 days of travel. Almost everyone I have talked to has lost at least 1 or 2 of their suitcases. So we will be mixing up everyone's stuff. Packing for an infant that I don't know her sizes or how much she eats, on top of visiting a country that is very unfamiliar to me!
I am thrilled, scared and so excited! Kim got her passport earlier this week, we all have our vaccines... now we just have to pass court! I know many of you are putting positive thoughts out in the Universe that we pass and I very much appreciate it! I will keep you posted!
Who knew I would be going back to Africa again so soon, and now with my sisters! For those of you who REALLY know the Meinken sisters--- you know this is going to be interesting! My goal is to have each sister have a responsibility, it should cut down on silliness! :)
I feel very protective and want to make sure they have the trip of a life time, stay safe and of course healthy! So many things to think of and we have a maximum of 6 suitcases for up to 10 days of travel. Almost everyone I have talked to has lost at least 1 or 2 of their suitcases. So we will be mixing up everyone's stuff. Packing for an infant that I don't know her sizes or how much she eats, on top of visiting a country that is very unfamiliar to me!
I am thrilled, scared and so excited! Kim got her passport earlier this week, we all have our vaccines... now we just have to pass court! I know many of you are putting positive thoughts out in the Universe that we pass and I very much appreciate it! I will keep you posted!
Tuesday, April 20 2010
A friend of mine shared this with me today! It really hit home and wanted to share. Thanks Lee!
"Pay attention to episodes in nature that kindle an inner spark of awe and admiration. You don't have to discuss it with another being. If it has meaning to you, it's valid. Listen to the wind, the critters, the rain, and the ocean. Listen to it all."
- Dr. Wayne Dyer
"Pay attention to episodes in nature that kindle an inner spark of awe and admiration. You don't have to discuss it with another being. If it has meaning to you, it's valid. Listen to the wind, the critters, the rain, and the ocean. Listen to it all."
- Dr. Wayne Dyer
Thursday, April 15 2010
Great news tonight!!! Mebrate and I officially have a court date of May 10th- three weeks away! What a great day that will be when we pass court and I have my first baby shower at work! I am so excited and nervous, please send positive thoughts our way for passing on the first round!
On another great note, it appears that I will also be getting an updated assessment and photos sometime in the next two weeks. When Mebrate is moved from Awassa to Addis, the social worker will do a complete new assessment and send it my direction. After getting some concerning news of Mebrate spending the night in the hospital last weekend due to a stomach flu, I am ready to get more information, see new photos and see how she is doing.
On another great note, it appears that I will also be getting an updated assessment and photos sometime in the next two weeks. When Mebrate is moved from Awassa to Addis, the social worker will do a complete new assessment and send it my direction. After getting some concerning news of Mebrate spending the night in the hospital last weekend due to a stomach flu, I am ready to get more information, see new photos and see how she is doing.
Tuesday, April 13 2010
It has been almost 5 weeks since I received my referral information for Mebrate. I am trying to stay busy with house work, but continue to hope for more information. I am planning on purchasing Mebrate's crib in the next few weeks, but hesitate because it makes me a bit sad not having her home to sleep in it.
My family has been amazing through this process, I know I couldn't have done this without their support, but I need to reach out and thank someone today who has literally been my rock, has listened to me when I am scared, has been excited with me when I get good news (as much as he gets excited) and has basically just stood by this crazy journey since it began. Jason... thank you! You have no idea how much it means to me to have your support and love.
My family has been amazing through this process, I know I couldn't have done this without their support, but I need to reach out and thank someone today who has literally been my rock, has listened to me when I am scared, has been excited with me when I get good news (as much as he gets excited) and has basically just stood by this crazy journey since it began. Jason... thank you! You have no idea how much it means to me to have your support and love.
Monday, April 5 2010
Once again we seem to have the universe on our side. I received notice from Amanda today that my paperwork was submitted to the Ethiopian Courts on Friday. That means I will only need to travel once and I am one step closer to bringing Mebrate home.
Although it would have been amazing to meet Mebrate early, I would have hated every minute of handing her back for 6-8 weeks. So for now, we are hoping for May for a court date and early July for travel... for those of you not familiar with the adoption process, court is the step where a representative for me and a representative for Mebrate go before a judge. Any living relatives are contacted and required to attend. When we officially "pass" court, Mebrate will legally become my daughter! After that, we wait about 6-8 weeks for her birth certificate to make it to the U.S. Embassy for Mebrate's visa interview.
We are getting so close!
Although it would have been amazing to meet Mebrate early, I would have hated every minute of handing her back for 6-8 weeks. So for now, we are hoping for May for a court date and early July for travel... for those of you not familiar with the adoption process, court is the step where a representative for me and a representative for Mebrate go before a judge. Any living relatives are contacted and required to attend. When we officially "pass" court, Mebrate will legally become my daughter! After that, we wait about 6-8 weeks for her birth certificate to make it to the U.S. Embassy for Mebrate's visa interview.
We are getting so close!
Wednesday, March 31 2010
I finally found the meaning of Mebrate's name!
Mebrate means "A Light" and Simret means "Accomplished".
In Amharic Mebrate is written as መብራቴ. Beautiful!
On another great note, today the Ethiopian government pushed back the double travel requirement for families adopting from Ethiopia to May 9th. This is great news for my journey, my paperwork was sent to Ethiopia on Friday, so I am hopeful it is there and already being put into the process.
Mebrate means "A Light" and Simret means "Accomplished".
In Amharic Mebrate is written as መብራቴ. Beautiful!
On another great note, today the Ethiopian government pushed back the double travel requirement for families adopting from Ethiopia to May 9th. This is great news for my journey, my paperwork was sent to Ethiopia on Friday, so I am hopeful it is there and already being put into the process.
Thursday, March 25 2010
So my paperwork has been submitted and all I do now again is wait! I am now waiting to hear whether or not I will travel twice before bringing Mebrate home! The Ethiopian government is now requiring all families to represent themselves at the official court hearing. We have been told, they are doing so because families have decided on their final pick up visit that the child they have been matched up with or are adopting, are not what they want. How you say??? I really have no idea!!!
So many of the US agencies are asking the Ethiopian government to hold off until their summer holiday. Let the current referrals through on one round of travel and then switch. We shall see, I have come to the realization that I really don't care as long as it brings me closer to meeting my daughter! The part that will kill me, is handing her back to the Nannies and returning to the US without her!
I keep telling myself how lucky I have been so far during my journey... that this is just one more step!
Mebrate was 12 weeks old on Wednesday! I am already impatient for updated photos and information, but I know I have to wait!
So many of the US agencies are asking the Ethiopian government to hold off until their summer holiday. Let the current referrals through on one round of travel and then switch. We shall see, I have come to the realization that I really don't care as long as it brings me closer to meeting my daughter! The part that will kill me, is handing her back to the Nannies and returning to the US without her!
I keep telling myself how lucky I have been so far during my journey... that this is just one more step!
Mebrate was 12 weeks old on Wednesday! I am already impatient for updated photos and information, but I know I have to wait!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Today I sent in my acceptance paperwork for adopting Mebrate. I am so excited! I hope that my agency will be able to get a quick court date and hope to travel by the end of June.
The photo above is the only photo I am allowed by the Ethiopian government to post of Mebrate. They are very strict about posting photos of Ethiopian children that have not passed court.
This photo has an interesting story. Gretchen, another adopting parent from my FTIA group traveled to Ethiopia almost a month ago to pick up her daughter Yohanna. She didn't know at the time that Mebrate would soon become my daughter, but Gretchen took two photos of her. This one I am sharing. She is my little angel.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
So I need to explain in more detail how our referral call effected my emotions and the remainder of my Expo West (Natural Foods Trade Show) experience.
I received the call from Amanda at 5:45 pm on Thursday, March 11th 2010. The call would change my life! I took in eventually everything that Amanda said to me that day. Mebrate was a tiny but healthy looking baby girl, that she was 5.5 pounds and 18.5 inches long as well as many other details that over the past few days I have lost.
I was standing in the Anaheim Convention Center- booth 4052 setting up my companies booth, as I hung up the phone I looked at Patty and Stephanie and said "I just got my call, that was my call." Just then my other co-workers, Wayne, Curt and Troy walked up. They all just stopped because I stood there frozen just looking at them. And I said again, "That was my call!" Everyone just looked at me like I was crazy... "My call, for my little girl, I have a little girl!"
Everyone started to run and hug me all at once, they screamed and I started to get emotional. I was dying to run back to my hotel room, I wanted privacy! I wanted to see my baby girls face and read all about her, but I couldn't. I had to put my emotions aside and finish my work... but all I could think of was running!
The past two days have been a blur. Steph and Patty have been very supportive with my emotional up and down highs. Thank you!
I really just want to be home- with Jason and his calm support. With my family who have been so amazing through all of this. My sisters who are dealing with my constant phone calls since my referral.
To a certain extent, I feel like my referral call was passed over because I haven't been able to focus on it. On the other hand I will always have the memories and support of my friends.
Be well and strong baby girl! Your biological mother is looking down on you and will forever be your guardian angle. I will never be able to fill that void, but I will be the best mommy I know how and promise to love you forever!
I received the call from Amanda at 5:45 pm on Thursday, March 11th 2010. The call would change my life! I took in eventually everything that Amanda said to me that day. Mebrate was a tiny but healthy looking baby girl, that she was 5.5 pounds and 18.5 inches long as well as many other details that over the past few days I have lost.
I was standing in the Anaheim Convention Center- booth 4052 setting up my companies booth, as I hung up the phone I looked at Patty and Stephanie and said "I just got my call, that was my call." Just then my other co-workers, Wayne, Curt and Troy walked up. They all just stopped because I stood there frozen just looking at them. And I said again, "That was my call!" Everyone just looked at me like I was crazy... "My call, for my little girl, I have a little girl!"
Everyone started to run and hug me all at once, they screamed and I started to get emotional. I was dying to run back to my hotel room, I wanted privacy! I wanted to see my baby girls face and read all about her, but I couldn't. I had to put my emotions aside and finish my work... but all I could think of was running!
The past two days have been a blur. Steph and Patty have been very supportive with my emotional up and down highs. Thank you!
I really just want to be home- with Jason and his calm support. With my family who have been so amazing through all of this. My sisters who are dealing with my constant phone calls since my referral.
To a certain extent, I feel like my referral call was passed over because I haven't been able to focus on it. On the other hand I will always have the memories and support of my friends.
Be well and strong baby girl! Your biological mother is looking down on you and will forever be your guardian angle. I will never be able to fill that void, but I will be the best mommy I know how and promise to love you forever!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Today is a day that I will never forget!!! I received my referral! A beautiful tiny little 5.5 pound/ 18.5 inches long little girl named Mebrate. She was born on January 6th. I am so excited and exhausted all at the same time! Of course, I am out of town at a Natural Foods Expo in California for my company, and will try hard to focus on business for the next 4 days.
I received my referral call at 5:25 pm and I believe it took Amanda 3 times to explain to me that she was calling with information about my referral. I kept asking her to repeat herself. In fact the conversation started a bit like this.
Amanda- "Hi Kelly, how are you? I am calling with a referral for you."
Kelly- "I'm sorry?"
Amanda- "I am calling with information about your little girl."
Kelly- "I'm sorry Amanda, but can you say that one more time?"
Amanda- "Your little baby girl, your referral... I have information."
Kelly- "Really....... blah, blah, blah"
Can't remember a thing after that! My little one has the most amazing big brown eyes, I can't stop looking at her photo. I love them already and can't wait to share photos soon!
I received my referral call at 5:25 pm and I believe it took Amanda 3 times to explain to me that she was calling with information about my referral. I kept asking her to repeat herself. In fact the conversation started a bit like this.
Amanda- "Hi Kelly, how are you? I am calling with a referral for you."
Kelly- "I'm sorry?"
Amanda- "I am calling with information about your little girl."
Kelly- "I'm sorry Amanda, but can you say that one more time?"
Amanda- "Your little baby girl, your referral... I have information."
Kelly- "Really....... blah, blah, blah"
Can't remember a thing after that! My little one has the most amazing big brown eyes, I can't stop looking at her photo. I love them already and can't wait to share photos soon!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
So I managed to get a lot done in February! Number one item...I have decided on a name!!! If my daughters given Ethiopian name isn't easily pronounced, I will use it as her middle name and call her Simret! I love it and am happy I made that decision.
I also registered for most of the baby items/ stuff I will need when I bring my daughter home, still need to finish. Man was that a project! Thanks to both my sisters and mom for being very patient through that process.
I also got a great start on the nursery. Jason and I finally painted, I love the color! I also re-organized the closet... man have I got to stop shopping! Stephanie (a great friend) is making all of the bedding for me, and that is progressing nicely. It's going to be a beautiful room that my daughter can grow up in--- now I just need to get her crib.
Friday, February 5, 2010
I can't believe it's already February! Time is passing so quickly, I thought this past weekend of everything I need to do before I bring my daughter home. Money is tight right now because of adoption costs, but I really have two major projects I need to finish. The nursery and my hall bathroom remodel. I also need to register and find day care.
Wow!!!
Wow!!!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I officially finished our paperwork this month. I was so excited to ship everything off to FTIA. It was then sent to Ethiopia and translated. I also found out that singles are officially no longer accepted into our program. The Ethiopian government has shut the doors and will now only allow married couples to adopt. I literally am the last single to be allowed to adopt through my program and this only happened because my paperwork was already in Ethiopia. I truly feel the universe pushing/ allowing me to do this. I feel so blessed and think of the other singles in my program who now have to start over.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I have been on an emotional high this week! Work has been extremely hard but on Monday, I received news that made me giddy all afternoon!
Since December and the extension of referral times, I honestly and emotionally was prepared for a referral and travel in early 2011 because I thought I was at least 10th on the list.
On Monday, I found out that I was #3 on the referral list for little girls and that the wait times went back to normal.
I was shocked, nervous, emotional and excited all at the same time. Adoption is such a roller coaster and ever changing. But this means there is a chance that I will hold my daughter in my arms by this summer.
Since December and the extension of referral times, I honestly and emotionally was prepared for a referral and travel in early 2011 because I thought I was at least 10th on the list.
On Monday, I found out that I was #3 on the referral list for little girls and that the wait times went back to normal.
I was shocked, nervous, emotional and excited all at the same time. Adoption is such a roller coaster and ever changing. But this means there is a chance that I will hold my daughter in my arms by this summer.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Waiting time- 4 and 1/2 months
Today was a weird day, another in a long rough week. I felt very overwhelmed with the adoption, house refinance, kitchen remodel and waiting. I then came home to two more referrals for other families. On an interesting note, had I been adopting a little boy, one of the referrals that come today would have been my child.
The new struck me as sad and relieved at the same time- does that make sense? It took me a bit to unravel my feelings... I know now, they were because I know I am making the right decision waiting.
I missed my daughter today and want her in my life. The waiting is good for me and I know I don't know her yet... but I love you punkin!
Today was a weird day, another in a long rough week. I felt very overwhelmed with the adoption, house refinance, kitchen remodel and waiting. I then came home to two more referrals for other families. On an interesting note, had I been adopting a little boy, one of the referrals that come today would have been my child.
The new struck me as sad and relieved at the same time- does that make sense? It took me a bit to unravel my feelings... I know now, they were because I know I am making the right decision waiting.
I missed my daughter today and want her in my life. The waiting is good for me and I know I don't know her yet... but I love you punkin!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
I received sad news yesterday--- our referral times have slowed down. We are now having 9-12 month waits for little girls. I have the choice to switch to a little boy, but I am torn because I feel like I shouldn't be asking or being so specific. I wonder if I should just let fate take my adoption journey where it needs to, but something is telling me April 2010. Something tells me a little girl.
I am scared, I doubt what I am doing everyday. I can't help but miss you at childrens birthday parties and keep imagining who you will be.
I am scared, I doubt what I am doing everyday. I can't help but miss you at childrens birthday parties and keep imagining who you will be.
Friday, November 20, 2009
I think of my daughter often and envision her face. I imagine how my life is going to change once I meet her and bring her home. I am filled with excitement and fear and love! All of these emotions keep me going! I catch myself buying small outfits in different sized and can see her beautiful face in them. This seems to be the one thing I have that makes everything feel real! I don't have the standard 9 month pregnancy like most Mommies, so this is just one thing I do for us.
All of our paperwork was finished up on September 1st, 2009. The adoption agency said a referral would come in about 6-8 months, so I still have many months before I see my daughters face and hear all about her. Then will have another 4 months before travel to Ethiopia. I hope to travel before the end of summer 2010. Laura and Kim are traveling with me, so we need to travel before Kim goes back to school.
Be well.
All of our paperwork was finished up on September 1st, 2009. The adoption agency said a referral would come in about 6-8 months, so I still have many months before I see my daughters face and hear all about her. Then will have another 4 months before travel to Ethiopia. I hope to travel before the end of summer 2010. Laura and Kim are traveling with me, so we need to travel before Kim goes back to school.
Be well.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
I keep telling myself that I need to track/log my adoption journey, that when I look back I will forget the tiny details that my daughter will want to know and I will want to remember.
Today was a good day! My moms side of the family (The Eiseles) had a family reunion/ birthday party for my moms 60th, Judy's 65th and Alfie's 70th. Everyone brought food and we swam... had a wonderful time. The older second cousins (Maggie, Jake and Hannah) played most of the afternoon with Grayson (19 months) and Marin (18 months).
The news of my choosing adoption slowly spread around the family. Everyone was extremely supportive and excited for me, asking many questions.
I left feeling very blessed and loved by my extended family. Thank you universe for the support!!!
Today was a good day! My moms side of the family (The Eiseles) had a family reunion/ birthday party for my moms 60th, Judy's 65th and Alfie's 70th. Everyone brought food and we swam... had a wonderful time. The older second cousins (Maggie, Jake and Hannah) played most of the afternoon with Grayson (19 months) and Marin (18 months).
The news of my choosing adoption slowly spread around the family. Everyone was extremely supportive and excited for me, asking many questions.
I left feeling very blessed and loved by my extended family. Thank you universe for the support!!!
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