Howdy!
Long time with out posting I know. The busted up arm makes for pretty exciting one handed typing skills, on top of the fact that we haven't been home much. P.S. Running a marathon relay in the 100% humidity of south Texas in the middle of summer is another impossible task with a cast, but for some reason I attempted as well. We do have one concern and prayer request. After much communication and struggles we are waiting on additional documentation from the boys region of origin to reach the capital before a court date can be assigned. Once the documents arrive a preliminary court will be held with existing biological family members and then we will be assigned a court date. The courts close mid Aug for the holidays in Ethiopia. We get 2-3 weeks notice before court. So basically we need to have the documentation and the prelim both within less than a month in order to meet the deadline. We know God's timing will prevail and in the meantime are praying for a court date and for our boys to continue growing in Addis! We will update with future news just wanted to let you all know how much we appreciate your support, prayers, notes, gifts and just true love! Our boys will be thrilled to fall in love with each of you, just how we have done!
Background
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11th, 2010
Howdy!
A few pictures by request. The stroller Memaw, Pepaw and Tyler bought the boys. Yes it is an Internet picture...my arm won't allow me to open the one in the garage. Then a picture of my arm post surgery, then a picture of my casted arm. Tyler called and explained to the doc that it wasn't feasible for me to travel alone in an airplane with that huge contraption, so now we are casted. Just hoping it doesn't heal too fast, because we cant get the stitches and staple out until we return from out of state. Yikes! We printed picture enlargements for the boys to make their photo album for trip #1. We printed labels with names and relationship of each person and then orphanage nannies will read and explain the pictures daily. Now they are off to be laminated and bound with precious rattle/teether toys. Can't wait to be able to give them the pictures. Still on he hunt for the perfect stuffed creature to leave with the boys as well. Maybe TX will have some adorable toy we cant pass up?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8th, 2010
Howdy!
This past weekend we, along with 1500 Tucsonians ran a night 5k called the TMC Meet me downtown 5k night run/walk. The temperature was 105 degrees at the start of the race so we are thankful to be able to be successful given the heat. How does this tie into our boys you ask? Well there were several families there with our exact stroller. Yes between Pepaw, Memaw and us purchased the Hummer of all strollers. We like to think of the outrageous expense as a price per use purchase. We are thrilled and even test drove about 20 others all across AZ before deciding and biting the bullet! Who would have guessed a double stroller really means triple price. We are excited to run with the boys and support their athletic adventures. We hope to be an example to them of the value we hold for health and exercise.
I just today had surgery on my arm for the joint cyst to be removed. I had no idea I would be lugging around a giant contraption until I can get the stitches and staples out and have a regular cast at that point. Yucky time to travel! Just thankful we could get the surgery performed and have it casted by the time we travel to Ethiopia. Can't imagine holding our boys for the first time with the beat up arm.
Yesterday we had an appointment to complete embassy paperwork and discuss travel. We are thrilled to be onto the next step. Our director said just Friday another agency started to get dates for court hearings. So we are super hopeful to have one super soon. Our attorney said that we all need to chill because it is just now June and he is very optimistic that we will be done by August!
This past weekend we, along with 1500 Tucsonians ran a night 5k called the TMC Meet me downtown 5k night run/walk. The temperature was 105 degrees at the start of the race so we are thankful to be able to be successful given the heat. How does this tie into our boys you ask? Well there were several families there with our exact stroller. Yes between Pepaw, Memaw and us purchased the Hummer of all strollers. We like to think of the outrageous expense as a price per use purchase. We are thrilled and even test drove about 20 others all across AZ before deciding and biting the bullet! Who would have guessed a double stroller really means triple price. We are excited to run with the boys and support their athletic adventures. We hope to be an example to them of the value we hold for health and exercise.
I just today had surgery on my arm for the joint cyst to be removed. I had no idea I would be lugging around a giant contraption until I can get the stitches and staples out and have a regular cast at that point. Yucky time to travel! Just thankful we could get the surgery performed and have it casted by the time we travel to Ethiopia. Can't imagine holding our boys for the first time with the beat up arm.
Yesterday we had an appointment to complete embassy paperwork and discuss travel. We are thrilled to be onto the next step. Our director said just Friday another agency started to get dates for court hearings. So we are super hopeful to have one super soon. Our attorney said that we all need to chill because it is just now June and he is very optimistic that we will be done by August!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2nd, 2010
Howdy!
We had our first parent moment of terror. We got another update of the boys requested by the director in Oregon. The boys, specifically Zeke, are changing so much that the pictures are hard so see what used to be his frail body, now fluffed up and healthy. We oped the pictures and one was clearly our Zeke and the other some mystery baby, but it was labeled with our names and his name as well. We called the next day and it was just a saving an attachment error issue, and not a baby switcheroo. Thankfully! Now we have 2 new pics of each boy..our boys! Our case manager said everyone gathered around the new pic of Taft and giggled at how adorable he is. We have fallen madly in love with these 2 precious men of God! If you are curious and would like photo set #3 lets us know at tylerandnikki@cox.net since it will still be a while until we can legally share..too bad...you don't know what your missing!
We had our first parent moment of terror. We got another update of the boys requested by the director in Oregon. The boys, specifically Zeke, are changing so much that the pictures are hard so see what used to be his frail body, now fluffed up and healthy. We oped the pictures and one was clearly our Zeke and the other some mystery baby, but it was labeled with our names and his name as well. We called the next day and it was just a saving an attachment error issue, and not a baby switcheroo. Thankfully! Now we have 2 new pics of each boy..our boys! Our case manager said everyone gathered around the new pic of Taft and giggled at how adorable he is. We have fallen madly in love with these 2 precious men of God! If you are curious and would like photo set #3 lets us know at tylerandnikki@cox.net since it will still be a while until we can legally share..too bad...you don't know what your missing!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May 29th, 2009
Howdy!
Big news...our boys have names! We can not share full names but we will all know them for now on as Taft and Ezekiel "Zeke"!
Big news #2...On my last day at school I thought we were having a big staff lunch and it ended up a surprise shower. How amazingly generous! I have at what seems like an eternities worth of diapers to get us going as well as tons of cute stuff.
Also, the boys Nene, my mother-in-law, quilted the boys blankets, the neatest part of which we found was the lining..i don't think the inside could be more snuggly!
Big News #3...we got our May 2010 update which included 4 new pictures..the boys have grown so much and their features have changed dramatically. If you would like to see our new photos email us at tylerandnikki@cox.net. Don't hesitate we love to show off our little men!
Not so "good" news...we got word from another foundation that we were not awarded their grant either..we were hopeful but know God is blessing a family in a greater need.
Prayers...that our court date is scheduled soon. We are the first with the court in which we attend and it seems the old standards and timeline might not exist anymore. We need to be in an out before August when the entire court system of all of Ethiopia shuts down completely for the holidays. Please specifically list up in prayer God's timing and the process. Now that we have children we are more anxious to have them out of the orphanage and fear the court closing and only prolonging their time there. We have faith and are forever thankful for each of you lifting up the journey of Taft and Zeke!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26th, 2010
Howdy!
We officially "registered" at target for little stuff. We feel adopting is different than pregnancy so we have purchased all the big ticket items, twice over wink wink. But several of you have asked if there is any little thing we need. NO! We will take care of everything, but for you hard headed giving types we did make a short list.
The past few days I have had detailed dreams of the boys and Ethiopia...even one where the boys are older and we adopt a little sister....
We officially "registered" at target for little stuff. We feel adopting is different than pregnancy so we have purchased all the big ticket items, twice over wink wink. But several of you have asked if there is any little thing we need. NO! We will take care of everything, but for you hard headed giving types we did make a short list.
The past few days I have had detailed dreams of the boys and Ethiopia...even one where the boys are older and we adopt a little sister....
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 23, 2010
Howdy!
We met with the director for Dove, our national agency this past week. We were super excited to get the details, but surprisingly we got a bunch of "I don't knows?". We will be the first group of families traveling to Ethiopia twice after all the laws changed. Normally our attorney would represent us and when everything was over in court we would be notified when to meet at the US Embassy and be able to petition for adoption and take them home. Now we must appear at these court hearings. She said normally they are scheduled 2-3 weeks in advance. We are for sure not going to court in May since those spots are booked. So as soon as they can get our paperwork completed, dossiers for the boys and a court date set in stone we will be notified. Then we will have 2-3 weeks to be in Ethiopia to go to court with our attorney. We don't really like being the guinea pigs since no one has gone before us with the new laws, but fortunate to be able to. Now we are simply waiting to get court scheduled and paperwork done so we can book our first trip. Hard to plan our lives around a trip that we have no idea when will take place. They are still estimating it will be 4-6 weeks from our referral,but since we are first we just are not sure. he court system closes for annual holidays basically the whole month of August, so we are praying that we are in and out of court by August, so our boys don't hit a delay in their travel home because of business closures.
Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers.....obviously they are working and our God is great!
We met with the director for Dove, our national agency this past week. We were super excited to get the details, but surprisingly we got a bunch of "I don't knows?". We will be the first group of families traveling to Ethiopia twice after all the laws changed. Normally our attorney would represent us and when everything was over in court we would be notified when to meet at the US Embassy and be able to petition for adoption and take them home. Now we must appear at these court hearings. She said normally they are scheduled 2-3 weeks in advance. We are for sure not going to court in May since those spots are booked. So as soon as they can get our paperwork completed, dossiers for the boys and a court date set in stone we will be notified. Then we will have 2-3 weeks to be in Ethiopia to go to court with our attorney. We don't really like being the guinea pigs since no one has gone before us with the new laws, but fortunate to be able to. Now we are simply waiting to get court scheduled and paperwork done so we can book our first trip. Hard to plan our lives around a trip that we have no idea when will take place. They are still estimating it will be 4-6 weeks from our referral,but since we are first we just are not sure. he court system closes for annual holidays basically the whole month of August, so we are praying that we are in and out of court by August, so our boys don't hit a delay in their travel home because of business closures.
Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers.....obviously they are working and our God is great!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 16th,2010
Howdy!
We are the proud parents of two amazing Ethiopian boys!!!
Before we have taken legal custody of them we can not share specific details or photos via public sources, like our blog. Sorry! We will share what little we can.
On May 13th we were called while I was teaching and so Tyler ended up getting the referral call. Then he called my classroom to share information. I had students in the room and normally my phone doesn't ring in from the outside. He told me we had gotten our referral and my legs were shaking so hard I had to sit on a desk. I burst into tears and can only remember little parts of what Tyler said. We are now soon to be parents of 2 young "twins". They are not biologically related, but were born on the exact same day, in the same village. They will soon be 4 months old and healthy and growing fast in the orphanage. One was relinquished at a farmers market because his mother passed away in childbirth and his father who is a farmer could not feed or care for him. The other was abandoned in a public area and found by a police officer. They are the most beautiful and amazing people I have ever seen and we are already deeply in love, even though we have not held them or looked into their face.
We have another meeting tomorrow to go over travel, etc. WE assume we will travel to Ethiopia in 4-6 weeks to attend court and then 6-8 weeks after that to go to the embassy an bring them home forever. We should know more tomorrow. Once we attend court in just over a month we can share more info, pictures, and more.
We cant bottle up our excitement and can share pictures individually with friends and family, so if you are dying to fall in love with our sons email us at tylerandnikki@cox.net and we might give you a glimpse...
Pray for our sons health, safety and growth while we prepare and rejoice in our great God!
We are the proud parents of two amazing Ethiopian boys!!!
Before we have taken legal custody of them we can not share specific details or photos via public sources, like our blog. Sorry! We will share what little we can.
On May 13th we were called while I was teaching and so Tyler ended up getting the referral call. Then he called my classroom to share information. I had students in the room and normally my phone doesn't ring in from the outside. He told me we had gotten our referral and my legs were shaking so hard I had to sit on a desk. I burst into tears and can only remember little parts of what Tyler said. We are now soon to be parents of 2 young "twins". They are not biologically related, but were born on the exact same day, in the same village. They will soon be 4 months old and healthy and growing fast in the orphanage. One was relinquished at a farmers market because his mother passed away in childbirth and his father who is a farmer could not feed or care for him. The other was abandoned in a public area and found by a police officer. They are the most beautiful and amazing people I have ever seen and we are already deeply in love, even though we have not held them or looked into their face.
We have another meeting tomorrow to go over travel, etc. WE assume we will travel to Ethiopia in 4-6 weeks to attend court and then 6-8 weeks after that to go to the embassy an bring them home forever. We should know more tomorrow. Once we attend court in just over a month we can share more info, pictures, and more.
We cant bottle up our excitement and can share pictures individually with friends and family, so if you are dying to fall in love with our sons email us at tylerandnikki@cox.net and we might give you a glimpse...
Pray for our sons health, safety and growth while we prepare and rejoice in our great God!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13th, 2010
We will remember May 13th, 2010 as the BEST DAY IN OUR ENTIRE LIVES, afer Salvation of course!!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 9th, 2010
We are set on at least keeping the boys given names as their middle name, but depending might make their first name more western. We would love for their given names to stay their first name, but as adopted kiddos we don't want them to also have a hard time with names that US kiddos would tease them over. So after a long hunt we have fallen in love with these names:
Ethan
*Graham
Brice
*Taft
*Cameron
Abraham
*Eli
*Ezekiel(Zeke)
Cade
Lincoln
Parker
*Reed
Whit
Tate
Luke
*Caleb
***Our current favorites(which change weekly)
Ethan
*Graham
Brice
*Taft
*Cameron
Abraham
*Eli
*Ezekiel(Zeke)
Cade
Lincoln
Parker
*Reed
Whit
Tate
Luke
*Caleb
***Our current favorites(which change weekly)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
May 5th, 2010
Howdy!
I had to share a funny "MOM Story"...
First of all the kids at school always call me mom, and one kid even said yeah we do that because we see you more often then we do our real mom...sad! However, I love more than anything to be that "mom" figure for all my precious kiddos regardless if they need or want it or not. Then, last Friday I took my kids on a field trip and while we are going 70 miles per hour down the highway the kids start screaming bloody murder. I turn around and a kid has puked in the aisle and it splashed all over multiple kids and then it comes rolling down the grooved aisle as we start to slow down. I never imagined holding a throw up bag, and pouring the absorbency crystals while 50 kids go wild screaming. As I get myself together along with a broom the kids said, "I am never going to be a teacher after seeing you deal with this" while another says "You are going to be a great mom". I never planned on cleaning a mess with 50 little witnesses to prove I can handle motherhood, but it did hit home to hear my kiddos say that. They are so excited and begging us to bring them to school, help name them, pick out clothes, etc. In many ways my students are my first real "kids" and we all find excitement in seeing those worlds collide. Love ya!!!
I had to share a funny "MOM Story"...
First of all the kids at school always call me mom, and one kid even said yeah we do that because we see you more often then we do our real mom...sad! However, I love more than anything to be that "mom" figure for all my precious kiddos regardless if they need or want it or not. Then, last Friday I took my kids on a field trip and while we are going 70 miles per hour down the highway the kids start screaming bloody murder. I turn around and a kid has puked in the aisle and it splashed all over multiple kids and then it comes rolling down the grooved aisle as we start to slow down. I never imagined holding a throw up bag, and pouring the absorbency crystals while 50 kids go wild screaming. As I get myself together along with a broom the kids said, "I am never going to be a teacher after seeing you deal with this" while another says "You are going to be a great mom". I never planned on cleaning a mess with 50 little witnesses to prove I can handle motherhood, but it did hit home to hear my kiddos say that. They are so excited and begging us to bring them to school, help name them, pick out clothes, etc. In many ways my students are my first real "kids" and we all find excitement in seeing those worlds collide. Love ya!!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
April 29th, 2010
Howdy!!!
Wow life seems to be in fast forward these days, so it has been a while since the last post. We have done alot to prepare emotionally, financially and physically. We are working to line up finances and continuing to look for fundraisers, sacrifices and ways to pay for our little men. We have no worries for God is in control! We have loaded up our library card with as many adoption books and books on Ethiopia that our public library had. We believe education is power and are hoping to read up and prepare our hearts and minds. Last weekend we went to Phoenix for a picnic through Building Arizona Families, our agency. We all met at a precious little park where we visited, played and ate together. There were families just applying, matched, adopted kids, adopted adults, parents, etc. We loved visiting, comparing notes and finding prayer partners for each others journey. There is one family who Lisa had paired us up with and we had been emailing back and forth and we were both able to attend the picnic. For some reason seeing and playing with their children made the fantasy of our boys more a reality. They adopted 2 young children from Ethiopia recently and have been a great source of info, support and prayer even though we had never met. But then on Saturday watching their little ones play made us realize soon enough hat will be us. Not planning, and hoping, but parents of 2 blessings from our Lord. While in PHX we took the opportunity to stop at IKEA and purchase crib #2 and high chair #2. Since we made the decision to keep the boys int he same bedroom at first we needed a matching crib and chair. I will attach a pic or 2 of the new arrangement. We are thrilled and anxious, we keep looking in the others eyes quietly and then both say,"I want our referral". So odd to be in a time great peace, fear, hope and anxiety all at once, thankfully we are not in control and our God has a better plan than we can imagine!!!
Wow life seems to be in fast forward these days, so it has been a while since the last post. We have done alot to prepare emotionally, financially and physically. We are working to line up finances and continuing to look for fundraisers, sacrifices and ways to pay for our little men. We have no worries for God is in control! We have loaded up our library card with as many adoption books and books on Ethiopia that our public library had. We believe education is power and are hoping to read up and prepare our hearts and minds. Last weekend we went to Phoenix for a picnic through Building Arizona Families, our agency. We all met at a precious little park where we visited, played and ate together. There were families just applying, matched, adopted kids, adopted adults, parents, etc. We loved visiting, comparing notes and finding prayer partners for each others journey. There is one family who Lisa had paired us up with and we had been emailing back and forth and we were both able to attend the picnic. For some reason seeing and playing with their children made the fantasy of our boys more a reality. They adopted 2 young children from Ethiopia recently and have been a great source of info, support and prayer even though we had never met. But then on Saturday watching their little ones play made us realize soon enough hat will be us. Not planning, and hoping, but parents of 2 blessings from our Lord. While in PHX we took the opportunity to stop at IKEA and purchase crib #2 and high chair #2. Since we made the decision to keep the boys int he same bedroom at first we needed a matching crib and chair. I will attach a pic or 2 of the new arrangement. We are thrilled and anxious, we keep looking in the others eyes quietly and then both say,"I want our referral". So odd to be in a time great peace, fear, hope and anxiety all at once, thankfully we are not in control and our God has a better plan than we can imagine!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
April 19th, 2010
Howdy!!!
We are getting super giddy and excited! On Sunday Ben gave a sermon on dedicating our children's lives to the Lord, and how difficult teaching our children about Christ can be, but the biggest role in a parents life. Many families not only dedicated their children, but also dedicated their role as a parent to be Godly. What an impact, as we sat in the audience agreeing that this is the way we plan to lead our sons and thankful to be part of a community that believes the same. I can only imagine the struggles we will face in raising disciples, but know God has entrusted us with them and we will put our life in His hands.
Many a precious people have asked how they can help us to get ready, buy, make, do.....as of now we are doing great, but I might be asking for silly favors int he future, so thanks for offering. We have not registered anywhere or anything, we are building our family in a nontraditional way, and it is hard to perform traditional events like that right now. I believe in the future we will register at Target, just for little fun stuff, but we have taken it upon ourselves to prepare for our children...hence the pics below! We still have the biggies like stroller,car seats, etc to get, but are buying as we see sales, coupons, and slowly but surely will have our "needs" met we think. We actually found bedding that almost matches exactly to what we had done in the nursery already, and bought it last night. We decided to keep the boys together for their own peace at first, therefore trying to double up one room for two men. Next weekend we are going to an event for adopted families in AZ in Phoenix so we plan to pick up another crib and high chair that matches the one we already have. We don't want everything to be matchy matchy, but the furniture for sure must we think. Exciting! I think having a space and goodies prepared for 2 will make it all seem more real!Thank you for your offers and generosity to support and provide for our little guys.
Our grandmother is the cutest little thing alive and just a hoot to be around, we wish we are closer and able to visit more often. She generously and amazingly made our boys blankets and even attached pictures of Tyler with his blanket that she made for him decades ago. Now we will be sure to take pics of our men in the same manner as their dad with their matching blankets..yes all 3 will match, some new, some really old!We long to wrap them up and comfort them with their great-grandmas love!
If anyone knows of any good devotional books for adoptive parents let us know. We would love a devo book specific to our situation, and don't know of any, nor have we seen any for sale.Let us know if you have ideas!
We love you all and wish you the best...hoping time goes fast..we don't want to wish our life away, just want our babies home!
Monday, April 12, 2010
April 12th
Howdy!
One of my kids in class family recently had a baby boy ad they are the kindest things and wanted to share a few of their goodies that the baby has out grown. Boy they were not kidding she showed up with several bags. We washed it all and put it in the closet in chronological order, assuming our boys might be too big for the majority of it, but regardless the orphanage would love it! We also ordered the coolest toy boxes and they arrived!!! Finally getting out little men a bunch of toys and treats for their homecoming. The amount of clothes, shoes, toys, diapers, etc increases what seems like 10 fold, making the costs of everything sky rocket when there will be 2 the same age, rather than 1. Now we are on the hunt to find everything else that matches the previously purchased things if they are going to stay in the same room. Constantly over joyed and anxious to see their precious faces! Wonder how I can blow their referral pics up into huge posters to cover my walls with...that excited!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 11th, 2010
Howdy!
On Friday we were notified we had one more document that needed to be changed in our dossier, but that the staff in Ethiopia was notified of our changes and good to go knowing we had changed to 2...what a relief! Today after church we were interviewed for a piece on international adoption. The journalist was actually a grad student at U of A and super friendly. Hard to explain everything in terms that the average journalist who is not very familiar would understand. However, we love sharing the journey we are on with others! We are continuing to plan and prepare...ordered organic green play cubes, bought a few outfits, purchased a play yard and a toy or 2. After consulting other who have been in our boat, and surfing the web, we believe we are going to let the boys share a room. So now we hope to find matching bedding, crib, chair etc for #2. We got all excited designing nursery #2, but think it is in the best interest of our boys for them to have each other at first at least. Thank you for your continued prayers and support, we feel it daily!
On Friday we were notified we had one more document that needed to be changed in our dossier, but that the staff in Ethiopia was notified of our changes and good to go knowing we had changed to 2...what a relief! Today after church we were interviewed for a piece on international adoption. The journalist was actually a grad student at U of A and super friendly. Hard to explain everything in terms that the average journalist who is not very familiar would understand. However, we love sharing the journey we are on with others! We are continuing to plan and prepare...ordered organic green play cubes, bought a few outfits, purchased a play yard and a toy or 2. After consulting other who have been in our boat, and surfing the web, we believe we are going to let the boys share a room. So now we hope to find matching bedding, crib, chair etc for #2. We got all excited designing nursery #2, but think it is in the best interest of our boys for them to have each other at first at least. Thank you for your continued prayers and support, we feel it daily!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April 8th, 2010
Howdy!
Yesterday we had our travel and referral conference. We went over all the medical, paperwork, visas, immigration that goes along with the referral process. Then discussed travel, what countries for layovers, good travel agents, etc. By the end of the 2 hour meeting the director said the next time she talks to us might possibly be the call that our referral has arrived. We are definitely going to have 2 boys 5 months or younger at that time. The average time is between 4 and 6 months, with some being only weeks, and some more than 6 months. For us the 4-6 month window starts June 22 through august 22. We assume we will have 2 sons by then!!! Woo-hoo. Now the excitement of preparing possible room #2, choosing names, toy shopping, etc!
Yesterday we had our travel and referral conference. We went over all the medical, paperwork, visas, immigration that goes along with the referral process. Then discussed travel, what countries for layovers, good travel agents, etc. By the end of the 2 hour meeting the director said the next time she talks to us might possibly be the call that our referral has arrived. We are definitely going to have 2 boys 5 months or younger at that time. The average time is between 4 and 6 months, with some being only weeks, and some more than 6 months. For us the 4-6 month window starts June 22 through august 22. We assume we will have 2 sons by then!!! Woo-hoo. Now the excitement of preparing possible room #2, choosing names, toy shopping, etc!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April 4th, 2010
Howdy!
We couldn't let the most miraculous day in the year pass with out sharing our best Happy Easter Wishes! He is Risen!
Looking forward to finding out if the board accepts our change for 2 little men and anxious to hear the results of the most decent meeting with attorney and authorities on all the new laws....hoping to hear word this week...
We couldn't let the most miraculous day in the year pass with out sharing our best Happy Easter Wishes! He is Risen!
Looking forward to finding out if the board accepts our change for 2 little men and anxious to hear the results of the most decent meeting with attorney and authorities on all the new laws....hoping to hear word this week...
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
March 31st,2010
Howdy!!!
Wow...the news we have to share! We apologize for not posting earlier for our friends and family that check regularly, our life has been turned upside down.
On the health note...we were both finally officially diagnosed with intestinal parasites after many tests, we are on drugs and should be cleared in the next 2 days. What a relief, that is a crazy little kink in the road...we live in the U.S.!Tyler is mortified, so never mention the fact to him that you read this! My heart/lung appointment is the 13th, so prayers are appreciated. Fertility doc...uhh...once you read on the fertility doc might drop out of the picture of our life...
Adoption news....Last week we were informed that all the international adoption laws for Ethiopia are in the process of being recreated. We will no longer be able to go and get our son, but will have to travel twice, aka more $$$$. Then we will leave our son in an orphanage for several months while the US courts finalize, and then return to pick him up. Several things break my heart about the situation....the increased strain on our pocketbook, we have already made major sacrifices to afford out little man from Ethiopia, and more of our savings is a bit scary. Next, as a mother I am going to melt from the inside handing our son over to an orphanage official in a 3rd world country, with the promise that I will return MONTHS later. My heart breaks imagining that moment in our life. The reason is there have been many children put in terrible positions where a little girl was adopted my a man and abused, others who went through the court and then "changed their mind" and left them on the side of the road or at the orphanage and flew home, other with medical conditions parents had not seen for themselves. I understand for the safety of our little goober that precautions must be made, but we hoped to be grandfathered in, which is not going to happen. We were already int he plan of when and how to start adoption #2 from Ethiopia. However with all the changes, finances, time, and new laws we might never be in the position again. Therefore, we know God called us to adopt 2 children from Ethiopia, so why not both at once. Then we will ensure a partner in the adoption process and sibling. We wanted the children to have each other and both be from Ethiopia for multiple reasons: culture, skin color, adoption hardship, etc. Our case manager was very supportive based on the position the US and Ethiopian government has put us in. We changed all our dossier documents that needed to be changed this week and sent them to Lisa to notarize, authenticate and send over to Ethiopia. We are still waiting to hear from the director of the program and the attorney in Ethiopia whether or not they are going to allow changes. However, we are all under the impression that given the tight position we have been put in, that they might give a little flexibility with changes. So our new paperwork is for 2 males in excellent health 5 months or younger. We requested twins primarily, or unrelated secondly. We are hoping the changes are accepted and do not offend the board, as well as hope that our time waiting for a referral does not increase. WE know God is in control and are so excited. After we signed all the document changes we couldn't sleep the other night we were so thrilled.
Therefore the fertility front has changed dramatically...in Vegas I forgot to take the fertility meds and took hem at wrong times..oopps, so we canceled the IUI this week. We are thrilled with the decision the Lord made about our sons and are leaning toward discontinuing any fertility services at all. The Lord has built our family with out sons from Ethiopia and we feel more at peace and excited than we could ever feel or have felt expecting a natural child. So if there is any other fertility news we will let you know, but as of now, our sons are the only children we desire and have a passion for. If God blesses us we would got nuts, but our more than at peace with our men!
Praying for our little men.....
Wow...the news we have to share! We apologize for not posting earlier for our friends and family that check regularly, our life has been turned upside down.
On the health note...we were both finally officially diagnosed with intestinal parasites after many tests, we are on drugs and should be cleared in the next 2 days. What a relief, that is a crazy little kink in the road...we live in the U.S.!Tyler is mortified, so never mention the fact to him that you read this! My heart/lung appointment is the 13th, so prayers are appreciated. Fertility doc...uhh...once you read on the fertility doc might drop out of the picture of our life...
Adoption news....Last week we were informed that all the international adoption laws for Ethiopia are in the process of being recreated. We will no longer be able to go and get our son, but will have to travel twice, aka more $$$$. Then we will leave our son in an orphanage for several months while the US courts finalize, and then return to pick him up. Several things break my heart about the situation....the increased strain on our pocketbook, we have already made major sacrifices to afford out little man from Ethiopia, and more of our savings is a bit scary. Next, as a mother I am going to melt from the inside handing our son over to an orphanage official in a 3rd world country, with the promise that I will return MONTHS later. My heart breaks imagining that moment in our life. The reason is there have been many children put in terrible positions where a little girl was adopted my a man and abused, others who went through the court and then "changed their mind" and left them on the side of the road or at the orphanage and flew home, other with medical conditions parents had not seen for themselves. I understand for the safety of our little goober that precautions must be made, but we hoped to be grandfathered in, which is not going to happen. We were already int he plan of when and how to start adoption #2 from Ethiopia. However with all the changes, finances, time, and new laws we might never be in the position again. Therefore, we know God called us to adopt 2 children from Ethiopia, so why not both at once. Then we will ensure a partner in the adoption process and sibling. We wanted the children to have each other and both be from Ethiopia for multiple reasons: culture, skin color, adoption hardship, etc. Our case manager was very supportive based on the position the US and Ethiopian government has put us in. We changed all our dossier documents that needed to be changed this week and sent them to Lisa to notarize, authenticate and send over to Ethiopia. We are still waiting to hear from the director of the program and the attorney in Ethiopia whether or not they are going to allow changes. However, we are all under the impression that given the tight position we have been put in, that they might give a little flexibility with changes. So our new paperwork is for 2 males in excellent health 5 months or younger. We requested twins primarily, or unrelated secondly. We are hoping the changes are accepted and do not offend the board, as well as hope that our time waiting for a referral does not increase. WE know God is in control and are so excited. After we signed all the document changes we couldn't sleep the other night we were so thrilled.
Therefore the fertility front has changed dramatically...in Vegas I forgot to take the fertility meds and took hem at wrong times..oopps, so we canceled the IUI this week. We are thrilled with the decision the Lord made about our sons and are leaning toward discontinuing any fertility services at all. The Lord has built our family with out sons from Ethiopia and we feel more at peace and excited than we could ever feel or have felt expecting a natural child. So if there is any other fertility news we will let you know, but as of now, our sons are the only children we desire and have a passion for. If God blesses us we would got nuts, but our more than at peace with our men!
Praying for our little men.....
Monday, March 22, 2010
March 22nd, 2010
Howdy!
We are officially more than 1 month into the "wait", and expecting about 2 more month of prayer and anxiety before we get the big referral. What a great feeling to be so many months into the process knowing in only a few months we will know what our son/sons looks like. Today we received a letter that a grant we diligently applied for was rejected. At first it seemed to be a blow, but then we were praying at dinner of how the grant funding went to a deserving Christian family who must be struggling more than we are. Knowing another family who loves Christ will be able to bring home their son or daughter makes it all worth our loss. The connection we feel to other Christians called to adopt is unreal and we are thrilled that another family was blessed with assistance.
If you are wondering, no we are not pregnant. We left for Vegas thinking the possibility was great, then the typical early nonsense didn't happen, days went by and we were 3 days late....silly as it is we were over the top excited. Then, on the way home from Vegas signs were revealed that we were indeed not pregnant. As hard as that feeling used to seem, we are numb to it now. We know God has our ma-mush planned for us and we are thrilled at the challenge we face. We have already been in the talks of discontinuing fertility to save up for adopted Johnson #2. Ma-mush needs a sibling, blood or not, and we are praying for discernment and direction on baby #2. The other day we saw a little blurb on TV about children waiting to be adopted and I was grading papers and look over at my silent husband with his eyes overflowing with tears. Our heart is in adoption and every ounce of our being yearns and desires what God has called us to do.
Looking forward to our little ma-mush referral...any day now....
We are officially more than 1 month into the "wait", and expecting about 2 more month of prayer and anxiety before we get the big referral. What a great feeling to be so many months into the process knowing in only a few months we will know what our son/sons looks like. Today we received a letter that a grant we diligently applied for was rejected. At first it seemed to be a blow, but then we were praying at dinner of how the grant funding went to a deserving Christian family who must be struggling more than we are. Knowing another family who loves Christ will be able to bring home their son or daughter makes it all worth our loss. The connection we feel to other Christians called to adopt is unreal and we are thrilled that another family was blessed with assistance.
If you are wondering, no we are not pregnant. We left for Vegas thinking the possibility was great, then the typical early nonsense didn't happen, days went by and we were 3 days late....silly as it is we were over the top excited. Then, on the way home from Vegas signs were revealed that we were indeed not pregnant. As hard as that feeling used to seem, we are numb to it now. We know God has our ma-mush planned for us and we are thrilled at the challenge we face. We have already been in the talks of discontinuing fertility to save up for adopted Johnson #2. Ma-mush needs a sibling, blood or not, and we are praying for discernment and direction on baby #2. The other day we saw a little blurb on TV about children waiting to be adopted and I was grading papers and look over at my silent husband with his eyes overflowing with tears. Our heart is in adoption and every ounce of our being yearns and desires what God has called us to do.
Looking forward to our little ma-mush referral...any day now....
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 10th, 2010
Howdy!
We went to the doc yesterday and I am stumbling to even explain why. He did and US and blood and said that it would be too early to know if I was pregnant, but too early to start a new cycle of procedures. We were kind of dumbfounded....why was I there? We are still awaiting the hormone blood test levels to see what is going on next. We were all ready for our schedule of decisions of what we planned to do next and so forth, but wrong timing...we weren't even asked, nor did we need to make a decision because it is too early. A little sigh f relief only to debate and decide for the next appointment. We are now to the point that if we become PG that most likely means Ty traveling to Africa alone. I would be an extreme high risk pregnancy, an not able to travel to 3rd world locations at any stage of the appointment. Therefore, as much as we would love to be blessed with a pregnancy, it would throw a new twist in things for our family. WE both agree that if that was to happen Memaw might be traveling in my place. Take a second to imagine Ty alone in Ethiopia with a tiny baby, and traveling on multiple plane trips across the world alone. That would be a big ordeal for Superman!
Waiting for the next appointment and blood results....praying that the timing was odd because we are pregnant after all. A true miracle that would be, since it was our first month without medical treatment, other than heavenly treatment.
At the mens breakfast this month at church Tyler connected with another father who has internationally adopted 5 children. We look forward to building a relationship with them!
We went to the doc yesterday and I am stumbling to even explain why. He did and US and blood and said that it would be too early to know if I was pregnant, but too early to start a new cycle of procedures. We were kind of dumbfounded....why was I there? We are still awaiting the hormone blood test levels to see what is going on next. We were all ready for our schedule of decisions of what we planned to do next and so forth, but wrong timing...we weren't even asked, nor did we need to make a decision because it is too early. A little sigh f relief only to debate and decide for the next appointment. We are now to the point that if we become PG that most likely means Ty traveling to Africa alone. I would be an extreme high risk pregnancy, an not able to travel to 3rd world locations at any stage of the appointment. Therefore, as much as we would love to be blessed with a pregnancy, it would throw a new twist in things for our family. WE both agree that if that was to happen Memaw might be traveling in my place. Take a second to imagine Ty alone in Ethiopia with a tiny baby, and traveling on multiple plane trips across the world alone. That would be a big ordeal for Superman!
Waiting for the next appointment and blood results....praying that the timing was odd because we are pregnant after all. A true miracle that would be, since it was our first month without medical treatment, other than heavenly treatment.
At the mens breakfast this month at church Tyler connected with another father who has internationally adopted 5 children. We look forward to building a relationship with them!
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