Well, we've made it to the DC airport...we're just about to go find some dinner and maybe a cocktail or two! Turns out, I'm a really crappy flyer and I'm hoping that if I pass out, the 17 hour flight will just fly by!
We just checked email and got some great news, we will in fact be able to meet someone from Emma's birthfamily while we are there! This has been up in the air for the past few months so Jud and I are both sooooo relieved and excited! Really just beyond excited, I just can't think of a better word right now!
We've also learned in the past few days that I sweat perfusely when I'm nervous and stressed! Really, how did I not know this before now?
Alright, that's all for now...we've only got three hours before take off and I have no idea where to find that drink!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
T-2 days
Holy Crap things are crazy here!
I can't believe we leave in two days!
This past week has flown by. We had my dear friend Jodie's kids staying with us, and even though at times it was a bit chaotic having 7 kids in the house, for the most part it was great. I'm sure that sounds odd, but really it proves my theory that once you have three, it really doesn't matter how many you have!
The kids were really awesome all week. Having their buds here was really a blessing for the kids and for me! They kept each other busy and entertained, giving me lots of time to organize and prepare for the trip!
As far as the packing goes, we're pretty much set. I still have some juggling to do to get all of the donations for AHOPE to fit! So many people have given so much, it's incredible. Friends from Sam's class gave us everything from Tylenol, diapers and clothes to toys and books...My sisters gave me some money to make sure we had enough stuff to fill those bags up! My cousin Joey owns an awesome soccer store and donated a bunch of balls and a pump! And thanks to my friend
Rebekah, (you know, the marathon runner, who just signed up for another marathon, who broke her toe on the bags she had gotten out of her attic for us to use..screwing up her marathon training, yeah her) we have some great, very stylish bags to pack all our gear in! (can you tell I feel a little guilty about her damn toe?)
anyway, packing is pretty much done.
I've been feeling really nauseous for the past few days, I'm not sure if it's the Malaria meds I had to start taking for the trip or that the complexity of everything going on, everything I've been trying to avoid thinking too much about, is finding a way to get to me...
Obviously, I'm anxious and excited and maybe a tad bit nervous about meeting our son. I know that this trip will be life changing. In so many ways. This is something that I've been preparing myself for, throughout this whole wait. But there are a few other things that I did not prepare for that are really weighing on me too.
We just found out that Caroline has some health issues...she'll be ok but it came as a total shock. We can't get in with a specialist until the end of March, so we were left researching Dr. Google for information. They wanted to put her on medication right away and we were still trying to figure out just what was going on. Basically, very stressful.
We also found out last week that my dad will be having heart surgery while we're gone.
The girls and I went to Green Bay this Saturday to wish him a happy birthday, and give him one last big squeeze before the trip. It was hard to let go.
Caroline had a rough goodbye too...with her puppies! They're staying with my sister Kristin until we get back. It broke my heart to see her so sad...
phew. There's a lot going on. Luckily though, I haven't had time to stress out about the flight! I'm guessing that will come as soon as we board the plane...
I can't believe we leave in two days!
This past week has flown by. We had my dear friend Jodie's kids staying with us, and even though at times it was a bit chaotic having 7 kids in the house, for the most part it was great. I'm sure that sounds odd, but really it proves my theory that once you have three, it really doesn't matter how many you have!
The kids were really awesome all week. Having their buds here was really a blessing for the kids and for me! They kept each other busy and entertained, giving me lots of time to organize and prepare for the trip!
As far as the packing goes, we're pretty much set. I still have some juggling to do to get all of the donations for AHOPE to fit! So many people have given so much, it's incredible. Friends from Sam's class gave us everything from Tylenol, diapers and clothes to toys and books...My sisters gave me some money to make sure we had enough stuff to fill those bags up! My cousin Joey owns an awesome soccer store and donated a bunch of balls and a pump! And thanks to my friend
Rebekah, (you know, the marathon runner, who just signed up for another marathon, who broke her toe on the bags she had gotten out of her attic for us to use..screwing up her marathon training, yeah her) we have some great, very stylish bags to pack all our gear in! (can you tell I feel a little guilty about her damn toe?)
anyway, packing is pretty much done.
I've been feeling really nauseous for the past few days, I'm not sure if it's the Malaria meds I had to start taking for the trip or that the complexity of everything going on, everything I've been trying to avoid thinking too much about, is finding a way to get to me...
Obviously, I'm anxious and excited and maybe a tad bit nervous about meeting our son. I know that this trip will be life changing. In so many ways. This is something that I've been preparing myself for, throughout this whole wait. But there are a few other things that I did not prepare for that are really weighing on me too.
We just found out that Caroline has some health issues...she'll be ok but it came as a total shock. We can't get in with a specialist until the end of March, so we were left researching Dr. Google for information. They wanted to put her on medication right away and we were still trying to figure out just what was going on. Basically, very stressful.
We also found out last week that my dad will be having heart surgery while we're gone.
The girls and I went to Green Bay this Saturday to wish him a happy birthday, and give him one last big squeeze before the trip. It was hard to let go.
Caroline had a rough goodbye too...with her puppies! They're staying with my sister Kristin until we get back. It broke my heart to see her so sad...
phew. There's a lot going on. Luckily though, I haven't had time to stress out about the flight! I'm guessing that will come as soon as we board the plane...
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Slight Change In Plans
We found out this week that we are able to travel a little earlier to pick up our son!!!!!
Like, we leave in TEN DAYS!!!!
So much to do, so much to plan, so much to pack!
Like, we leave in TEN DAYS!!!!
So much to do, so much to plan, so much to pack!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Love
Happy Valentine's day!
I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with the loves of my life, minus one...
We took a little family trip to Chicago! Other than a few meltdowns, from Jud and I, it was a really fun trip!
We went to the Shedd Aquarium
The kids favorite part by far seemed to be the penguin play area! Yeah, never mind the thousands of gigantic fish tanks, the dolphin and whale show, give them a plastic egg and a costume and they are all set!
Then we decided to visit the Lego store! That was a HUGE hit! The boys where in heaven, running from one thing to next! The girls were content building!
Jack loved the magic scanner that showed the finished product when you held up the box!
A few bags full of new legos later, we were onto the next stop!
Caroline decided that rather than stopping at the American Girl store, we should head right to the Field Museum! Have I told you how much I Love this Girl?
Emma explaining things to the boys!
The little photographer! I think she took about 500 pictures on the trip!
Love.
Sam kept us all smiling the entire time! I'm thinking it's time to sign this kid up for some acting lessons!
I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with the loves of my life, minus one...
We took a little family trip to Chicago! Other than a few meltdowns, from Jud and I, it was a really fun trip!
We went to the Shedd Aquarium
The kids favorite part by far seemed to be the penguin play area! Yeah, never mind the thousands of gigantic fish tanks, the dolphin and whale show, give them a plastic egg and a costume and they are all set!
Then we decided to visit the Lego store! That was a HUGE hit! The boys where in heaven, running from one thing to next! The girls were content building!
Jack loved the magic scanner that showed the finished product when you held up the box!
A few bags full of new legos later, we were onto the next stop!
Caroline decided that rather than stopping at the American Girl store, we should head right to the Field Museum! Have I told you how much I Love this Girl?
Emma explaining things to the boys!
The little photographer! I think she took about 500 pictures on the trip!
Love.
Sam kept us all smiling the entire time! I'm thinking it's time to sign this kid up for some acting lessons!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I never could have imagined.
I had always imagined that when we traveled to Ethiopia, we would pack as lightly as we could, so that we would have room in our baggage allowance to bring over donations for AHOPE.
This means something to me.
I think about the children at AHOPE everyday.
I know that AHOPE relies heavily on donations, and traveling families to deliver those donations. It made me happy to think that we are doing something, maybe not as much as I wish we could do, but something.
This week I sent an email out to the families in Sam's class, telling them about our upcoming trip. I told them that we were hoping to bring two large bags of supplies over to AHOPE and I asked if anyone would be interested in helping us fill these two bags.
These moms, most of whom I barely know, who have no idea about who AHOPE is or what they do, responded quickly and passionately...
Almost immediately after I pressed send on that email (an email I debated for a long time about even sending) I started getting emails back with questions about the donation list. What was most needed? What would be easiest for us to pack to bring over?
I feel overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude towards these women, these families.
I never imagined this response.
I thought maybe a FEW families would donate a FEW things...but I never imagined this.
I almost didn't send the email because I thought, we only have two bags to fill, we can do that. I would be happy to do that.
But somewhere inside of me this voice was telling me that my obligation was to do more than fill bags, it was to raise awareness, to whisper AHOPE into a few ears.
And I am so glad that I did. I only wish we had a larger bag allowance!
This means something to me.
I think about the children at AHOPE everyday.
I know that AHOPE relies heavily on donations, and traveling families to deliver those donations. It made me happy to think that we are doing something, maybe not as much as I wish we could do, but something.
This week I sent an email out to the families in Sam's class, telling them about our upcoming trip. I told them that we were hoping to bring two large bags of supplies over to AHOPE and I asked if anyone would be interested in helping us fill these two bags.
These moms, most of whom I barely know, who have no idea about who AHOPE is or what they do, responded quickly and passionately...
Almost immediately after I pressed send on that email (an email I debated for a long time about even sending) I started getting emails back with questions about the donation list. What was most needed? What would be easiest for us to pack to bring over?
I feel overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude towards these women, these families.
I never imagined this response.
I thought maybe a FEW families would donate a FEW things...but I never imagined this.
I almost didn't send the email because I thought, we only have two bags to fill, we can do that. I would be happy to do that.
But somewhere inside of me this voice was telling me that my obligation was to do more than fill bags, it was to raise awareness, to whisper AHOPE into a few ears.
And I am so glad that I did. I only wish we had a larger bag allowance!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
so many thoughts
Well a lot has been happening in our house...
First Sam's birthday and then 5 days later Caroline's birthday. I brought my computer in for repairs and everything seems to be okay now, so as soon as I have a few minutes I'll get some pictures of Caroline up and give her an actual proper birthday post.
For tonight though, just the usual spewing of random thoughts...
This weekend Caroline had her first official slumber party...She's had sleepovers before but never an actual slumber party. yes, there is a difference, or so I've been told!
I thought everything went pretty well, lots of nail polish, blue eye shadow and hair glitter, can't go wrong with that combination right? Everyone seemed to be having fun, lots of music, giggles, and running through the house...but the next day, when Caroline and I were cleaning up the after shocks of the party, she broke down. Like completely lost it. She was so upset. She felt let down by the party...I think she had such high expectations of what this BIG party was going to be like, and when it didn't all go according to her plan she felt disappointed...I can relate! Even though it sucks to see her sad, it's times like this that we get to have some great chats. Just the two of us. And I'm thankful for those.
I'm also thankful for my amazing sister Kristin, who drove down for the slumber party. Although we weren't allowed to enter the basement where the party was held...They were carding, and well, we are just way too old!
So Kristin and I spent most of the night watching Jack, Sam and Emma play the new wii game that she (and Mel) got for Sam's birthday. Now that's love. She had a free night and decided to drive two hours to eat Jimmy John's, watch kids play wii, and then once the kids were down- listen to her sister babble! Yup, she's just that great!
And about the trip to Ethiopia,
We've been thinking and talking and talking and thinking...and talking to many friends who have travelled and then thinking about what they've had to say, and we have decided that both Jud and I will travel!
I'm still nervous.
But I FEEL like we're making the right decision.
Hopefully as the travel date gets closer my mind will be able to focus on the end result rather than the trip itself!
Day to day I've been focusing more on the once we're home aspect...probably because that feels more within my control. Even though I know, from experience that those first days, weeks, months, feel like anything but controlled.
I've been reading a ton and I know that there are definitely things we can improve on this time around with transitions and bonding-things I wish I had known when Emma first came home. I really look forward to having baby Will home so we can start loving him up.
I'm also a bit nervous still about the day to day with a new baby. I've been talking to several friends who have new babies/children at home. I remember how crazy life gets for awhile. What it's like to not have two minutes to myself. How every time I try to talk on the phone, all hell breaks loose...What it's like to have a baby in the shower with me---that's if I get in the shower at all! I remember how my brain turns to mush, and it's a struggle to accomplish anything around the house---laundry piles up and bathrooms get disgusting. I know how some days, the goal will be just to get through the day. Some days are just about survival! I know we'll get through it, I just worry about balancing life with all of the other kids at the same time! I mean 5 kids! Yowza!
I keep thinking about the time when Sam was a baby. One particular day, I was feeling ambitious. I felt like I was getting the hang of 3 kids, so I got everyone dressed looking cute, put a little bow in Caroline's hair, then got everyone bundled up because it was freezing, packed up the stroller and diaper bag and headed downtown to meet Jud for lunch. I remember driving, sweating, but thinking, alright, that wasn't so bad. I did it! I was feeling all proud of myself, maybe after lunch we'll walk around the mall for awhile, get ice cream...we pulled into the parking garage I took a deep breath and got out of the truck to retrieve the big old double stroller, when I realized I wasn't wearing any shoes! Yup. Huge white fluffy slippers! Nope, no leisurely walk through the mall that day. No ice cream.
First Sam's birthday and then 5 days later Caroline's birthday. I brought my computer in for repairs and everything seems to be okay now, so as soon as I have a few minutes I'll get some pictures of Caroline up and give her an actual proper birthday post.
For tonight though, just the usual spewing of random thoughts...
This weekend Caroline had her first official slumber party...She's had sleepovers before but never an actual slumber party. yes, there is a difference, or so I've been told!
I thought everything went pretty well, lots of nail polish, blue eye shadow and hair glitter, can't go wrong with that combination right? Everyone seemed to be having fun, lots of music, giggles, and running through the house...but the next day, when Caroline and I were cleaning up the after shocks of the party, she broke down. Like completely lost it. She was so upset. She felt let down by the party...I think she had such high expectations of what this BIG party was going to be like, and when it didn't all go according to her plan she felt disappointed...I can relate! Even though it sucks to see her sad, it's times like this that we get to have some great chats. Just the two of us. And I'm thankful for those.
I'm also thankful for my amazing sister Kristin, who drove down for the slumber party. Although we weren't allowed to enter the basement where the party was held...They were carding, and well, we are just way too old!
So Kristin and I spent most of the night watching Jack, Sam and Emma play the new wii game that she (and Mel) got for Sam's birthday. Now that's love. She had a free night and decided to drive two hours to eat Jimmy John's, watch kids play wii, and then once the kids were down- listen to her sister babble! Yup, she's just that great!
And about the trip to Ethiopia,
We've been thinking and talking and talking and thinking...and talking to many friends who have travelled and then thinking about what they've had to say, and we have decided that both Jud and I will travel!
I'm still nervous.
But I FEEL like we're making the right decision.
Hopefully as the travel date gets closer my mind will be able to focus on the end result rather than the trip itself!
Day to day I've been focusing more on the once we're home aspect...probably because that feels more within my control. Even though I know, from experience that those first days, weeks, months, feel like anything but controlled.
I've been reading a ton and I know that there are definitely things we can improve on this time around with transitions and bonding-things I wish I had known when Emma first came home. I really look forward to having baby Will home so we can start loving him up.
I'm also a bit nervous still about the day to day with a new baby. I've been talking to several friends who have new babies/children at home. I remember how crazy life gets for awhile. What it's like to not have two minutes to myself. How every time I try to talk on the phone, all hell breaks loose...What it's like to have a baby in the shower with me---that's if I get in the shower at all! I remember how my brain turns to mush, and it's a struggle to accomplish anything around the house---laundry piles up and bathrooms get disgusting. I know how some days, the goal will be just to get through the day. Some days are just about survival! I know we'll get through it, I just worry about balancing life with all of the other kids at the same time! I mean 5 kids! Yowza!
I keep thinking about the time when Sam was a baby. One particular day, I was feeling ambitious. I felt like I was getting the hang of 3 kids, so I got everyone dressed looking cute, put a little bow in Caroline's hair, then got everyone bundled up because it was freezing, packed up the stroller and diaper bag and headed downtown to meet Jud for lunch. I remember driving, sweating, but thinking, alright, that wasn't so bad. I did it! I was feeling all proud of myself, maybe after lunch we'll walk around the mall for awhile, get ice cream...we pulled into the parking garage I took a deep breath and got out of the truck to retrieve the big old double stroller, when I realized I wasn't wearing any shoes! Yup. Huge white fluffy slippers! Nope, no leisurely walk through the mall that day. No ice cream.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Not forgotten
Yesterday was Caroline's 9th birthday!
For whatever reason, nine seems like a big number to me. I can't believe it's been nine years since I became a mother. Nine years of watching this beautiful baby girl grow, learn, explore, and transform into the spectacular person she is today. I have so much to say about Caroline, so many memories I want to get down before my mommy-brain turns to mush, but of course it must wait for another day...I'm short on time...story of my life I know!
Also, I'm afraid my computer is in the midst of a breakdown, so I've moved all of my photos...and you can't have a post about Caroline without photos!
I'll write more soon, and hopefully get some photos to go with it, just didn't want her or anyone else to think that she was forgotten.
For whatever reason, nine seems like a big number to me. I can't believe it's been nine years since I became a mother. Nine years of watching this beautiful baby girl grow, learn, explore, and transform into the spectacular person she is today. I have so much to say about Caroline, so many memories I want to get down before my mommy-brain turns to mush, but of course it must wait for another day...I'm short on time...story of my life I know!
Also, I'm afraid my computer is in the midst of a breakdown, so I've moved all of my photos...and you can't have a post about Caroline without photos!
I'll write more soon, and hopefully get some photos to go with it, just didn't want her or anyone else to think that she was forgotten.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Worries.
I was talking to my sister Kristin the other day about our travel date.
For a brief time we thought our date changed, and I was busy struggling trying to juggle schedules, making sure all of the details with the kids and the dogs would be covered while we were gone...on a different date than we had previously planned.
then, we heard that our travel date is back to the date we were originally given...March 11th.
Anyway, when I was talking to Kristin, she asked me, "are you worried?"
OF COURSE I'M WORRIED!!!
There are so many things I'm worried about. All of which I've been meaning to blog about...it just usually turns out that once I get my thoughts together enough to type them down, I don't have the time...
I guess tonight is the night.
The kids are all down, and I've spent the majority of the day painting which seems to be my code word for thinking.
So. My Worries.
-It's been a long time since we've had a baby in the house, will it all kick back in?
-How will I juggle all of the drop offs and pick ups with nap times?
-How will I make sure to get one on one time with each of the kids?
-How am I going to keep up on laundry with a baby?
-Will I hear him when he gets up in the night?
-Will he want to co sleep?
-What if he doesn't bond to us right away?
-What if we don't bond with him right away?
-What if I buy the wrong size diapers?
-What if he doesn't like the formula I've brought?
-What do we pack? For us? For baby Will? What size does he wear?
-Every time we add to our family, there is a period of adjustment. I kick into mommy mode for awhile, and life is all about the kids. Not just for the new one but for the kids already at home, I try to make sure that all of the kids are getting what they need. Everything else gets put on the back burner... Which means that even the strong relationship that Jud and I have, things get strained. Honestly, after Emma came home, it took a good year or so before things where back to status quo for us. I worry about the strength of our marriage, our strength in each other, can we support one another again and get through the tough times ahead?
-Will we be stronger after all of this?
-Will I ever get a good nights sleep again?
-How do I baby proof a house full of Lego's and Polly pockets?
This is just the beginning of the list of questions that are constantly running through my head. All of these, I know we'll figure out. We'll get there. I know that. But I still worry. That's me.
What I've been worried about most is our trip to Ethiopia.
As most of you know, when Emma came home we chose to have an escort bring her from Ethiopia to us. At the time, we didn't have much of a choice. Everything happened so quickly, and we had three very young kids at home and no local help...no family close by that could help...there really was no way we could travel...
But I've always felt badly about that. guilty maybe?
maybe regretted?
I guess so. There are always regrets right?
Since the time that Emma came home, our agency has started to offer birth family meetings. While in Ethiopia we will actually have the chance to meet Will's birth family. And possibly Emma's too. There is no way we can't travel. We can't miss that incredible opportunity.
But oh my God. Both Jud and I traveling, on a plane, out of the country, with everything that is happening in the world? It terrifies me! What if something happens? What about our four kids at home? Is it selfish for both us to go? But we both want so badly to be there...together. Should just one of us go? Which one? Could I really handle a trip to Ethiopia alone? Not just the logistics of airports and paperwork but emotionally. seeing the country two of my children were born in. meeting our son. meeting his family. meeting Emma's family. Could I really do that alone?
I don't know what to do.
We keep going back and forth. One minute we think we've made a decision, but then we think, oh no, now I'm not so sure.
All along we had planned on making the trip together. That's how we've envisioned it. In an ideal scenario that's what we'd do. But as time gets closer, with every plane crash or security threat we read about, I just don't know. It seems too risky for both of us to go.
oh, adoption friends. what do we do? we need to buy our tickets, like yesterday! how have all of you made this decision? if you were traveling now, would your decision change?
are my fears totally irrational?
For a brief time we thought our date changed, and I was busy struggling trying to juggle schedules, making sure all of the details with the kids and the dogs would be covered while we were gone...on a different date than we had previously planned.
then, we heard that our travel date is back to the date we were originally given...March 11th.
Anyway, when I was talking to Kristin, she asked me, "are you worried?"
OF COURSE I'M WORRIED!!!
There are so many things I'm worried about. All of which I've been meaning to blog about...it just usually turns out that once I get my thoughts together enough to type them down, I don't have the time...
I guess tonight is the night.
The kids are all down, and I've spent the majority of the day painting which seems to be my code word for thinking.
So. My Worries.
-It's been a long time since we've had a baby in the house, will it all kick back in?
-How will I juggle all of the drop offs and pick ups with nap times?
-How will I make sure to get one on one time with each of the kids?
-How am I going to keep up on laundry with a baby?
-Will I hear him when he gets up in the night?
-Will he want to co sleep?
-What if he doesn't bond to us right away?
-What if we don't bond with him right away?
-What if I buy the wrong size diapers?
-What if he doesn't like the formula I've brought?
-What do we pack? For us? For baby Will? What size does he wear?
-Every time we add to our family, there is a period of adjustment. I kick into mommy mode for awhile, and life is all about the kids. Not just for the new one but for the kids already at home, I try to make sure that all of the kids are getting what they need. Everything else gets put on the back burner... Which means that even the strong relationship that Jud and I have, things get strained. Honestly, after Emma came home, it took a good year or so before things where back to status quo for us. I worry about the strength of our marriage, our strength in each other, can we support one another again and get through the tough times ahead?
-Will we be stronger after all of this?
-Will I ever get a good nights sleep again?
-How do I baby proof a house full of Lego's and Polly pockets?
This is just the beginning of the list of questions that are constantly running through my head. All of these, I know we'll figure out. We'll get there. I know that. But I still worry. That's me.
What I've been worried about most is our trip to Ethiopia.
As most of you know, when Emma came home we chose to have an escort bring her from Ethiopia to us. At the time, we didn't have much of a choice. Everything happened so quickly, and we had three very young kids at home and no local help...no family close by that could help...there really was no way we could travel...
But I've always felt badly about that. guilty maybe?
maybe regretted?
I guess so. There are always regrets right?
Since the time that Emma came home, our agency has started to offer birth family meetings. While in Ethiopia we will actually have the chance to meet Will's birth family. And possibly Emma's too. There is no way we can't travel. We can't miss that incredible opportunity.
But oh my God. Both Jud and I traveling, on a plane, out of the country, with everything that is happening in the world? It terrifies me! What if something happens? What about our four kids at home? Is it selfish for both us to go? But we both want so badly to be there...together. Should just one of us go? Which one? Could I really handle a trip to Ethiopia alone? Not just the logistics of airports and paperwork but emotionally. seeing the country two of my children were born in. meeting our son. meeting his family. meeting Emma's family. Could I really do that alone?
I don't know what to do.
We keep going back and forth. One minute we think we've made a decision, but then we think, oh no, now I'm not so sure.
All along we had planned on making the trip together. That's how we've envisioned it. In an ideal scenario that's what we'd do. But as time gets closer, with every plane crash or security threat we read about, I just don't know. It seems too risky for both of us to go.
oh, adoption friends. what do we do? we need to buy our tickets, like yesterday! how have all of you made this decision? if you were traveling now, would your decision change?
are my fears totally irrational?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The birthday boy
Oh Sam.
What can I tell you about this beautiful child?
He's a little character!
Sam love love loves to make people laugh! And is very successful in doing so! He has quite the knack for putting on shows, which he almost always in costume for! Sam is very creative and has an amazing imagination! I mean seriously, how many little boys do you know that can spend a whole afternoon with nothing but markers, paper and a little cardboard???
I just love him! He's silly and goofy, and such sweetheart! I can't wait to see what he does with his life! Well, one day. Not anytime soon though. For now I just love watching his personality flourish...his limitless energy be spent playing and imagining.
I am so so lucky to be his mom!
What can I tell you about this beautiful child?
He's a little character!
Sam love love loves to make people laugh! And is very successful in doing so! He has quite the knack for putting on shows, which he almost always in costume for! Sam is very creative and has an amazing imagination! I mean seriously, how many little boys do you know that can spend a whole afternoon with nothing but markers, paper and a little cardboard???
I just love him! He's silly and goofy, and such sweetheart! I can't wait to see what he does with his life! Well, one day. Not anytime soon though. For now I just love watching his personality flourish...his limitless energy be spent playing and imagining.
I am so so lucky to be his mom!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sam
I can barely believe it, Sam turned 6 today!!!!
This was from last year. I'll try to add some more recent pictures of the big boy tomorrow...
This was from last year. I'll try to add some more recent pictures of the big boy tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Update
In nine weeks Jud and I will be in Ethiopia picking up our son!
We heard this week that we have a TENATIVE travel date! We should arrive in Ethiopia March 11th. We were told to find flights, but not book yet...fingers crossed that things become definate soon.
In the meantime, my head is spinning.
So many worries. So many what if's circulating around in my head. And of course thrilled that we are getting closer to finally meeting our son! I am nervous and excited about having a baby in our house again...it's been awhile!
I'm hoping to write more about all of this tomorrow, right now I'm off for the second school drop off of the day and then a quick few errands before pick up times start!
We heard this week that we have a TENATIVE travel date! We should arrive in Ethiopia March 11th. We were told to find flights, but not book yet...fingers crossed that things become definate soon.
In the meantime, my head is spinning.
So many worries. So many what if's circulating around in my head. And of course thrilled that we are getting closer to finally meeting our son! I am nervous and excited about having a baby in our house again...it's been awhile!
I'm hoping to write more about all of this tomorrow, right now I'm off for the second school drop off of the day and then a quick few errands before pick up times start!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
So, I've been working on a post all week, about what we've been up to this winter break...but apparently nothing all that exciting has been happening around here!
We did however wake up to find some great news this morning!
We have a birth certificate!
Now "the next milestone to reach is the passport issuance and completion of the embassy medical exam including TB testing. This has been taking an average of 2-4 weeks minimum. Final travel clearance will be assigned once we have the results of this medical."
Great great news! It finally feels real! He's really coming! Our family is almost complete.
William Feiso (Feiso literally means, “Savior.”) will be home soon.
I know everyone is waiting for photos and details...those in the adoption world know that since we are now legally his parents, we are able to share any photos or information we've received, even on the blog...but I'm just not ready.
At first we had only two photos. Photos that I've memorized every detail of...
A few weeks ago we received an update. It had his daily routine, his schedule, his menu, and what the nannies can do to get him to giggle! It also had lots of new photos...we can see pudgy cheeks starting to emerge on his smiley little face! His once long and twiggy legs are showing rolls! His straight hair is getting curly!
And his eyes, they sparkle...
This is all we have of our son.
These new photos that we have plastered around the house, that I carry in my coat pocket to share with everyone I see, that I have practically stared holes through, I just can't bring myself to post them.
They just feel too personal.
So I apologize but many of you will have to wait until Jud and I travel to Ethiopia to see pictures of our son Will!!!! Hopefully it won't be long!!!!
We did however wake up to find some great news this morning!
We have a birth certificate!
Now "the next milestone to reach is the passport issuance and completion of the embassy medical exam including TB testing. This has been taking an average of 2-4 weeks minimum. Final travel clearance will be assigned once we have the results of this medical."
Great great news! It finally feels real! He's really coming! Our family is almost complete.
William Feiso (Feiso literally means, “Savior.”) will be home soon.
I know everyone is waiting for photos and details...those in the adoption world know that since we are now legally his parents, we are able to share any photos or information we've received, even on the blog...but I'm just not ready.
At first we had only two photos. Photos that I've memorized every detail of...
A few weeks ago we received an update. It had his daily routine, his schedule, his menu, and what the nannies can do to get him to giggle! It also had lots of new photos...we can see pudgy cheeks starting to emerge on his smiley little face! His once long and twiggy legs are showing rolls! His straight hair is getting curly!
And his eyes, they sparkle...
This is all we have of our son.
These new photos that we have plastered around the house, that I carry in my coat pocket to share with everyone I see, that I have practically stared holes through, I just can't bring myself to post them.
They just feel too personal.
So I apologize but many of you will have to wait until Jud and I travel to Ethiopia to see pictures of our son Will!!!! Hopefully it won't be long!!!!
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