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!!!

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!

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!!!

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.