Thursday, April 30, 2009

Today's news

Well, today seemed to have started off ok, till I got out of bed!! :)

We received our paperwork back from USCIS today. Since I sent personal checks instead of money orders or cashiers checks, they sent it all back. I should have known better, but I did what my paperwork said I could do. So tomorrow I'll be off to the bank to get that fixed and resent off. That's a minor detail, I guess.

Today I did get a message from our home study lady, so we have 2 of our 3 visits scheduled. I am very happy about that. Cuz I know once the home study is finished, just about everything else will be able to be finished as well.

Then I had my dr appt today. Most of that is done. That was pretty harmless....well, except Caleb. He decided to get loud and crabby while there! That was a bit embarrassing!! Why is it, kids are always the worst at the worst times?!? Why not freak out at home?!?

Anyway, let's hope my night starts looking up. Have one more stop before my day is done (not related to the adoption process). Hopefully that appt will be successful, but I'm not holding my breath.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

More paperwork off....

I can't believe how fast things seem to be going for us right now! It's quite amazing!! I have sent off our 2nd packet to Gladney today and our first packet to Kate at KBS Dossiers. (she will be taking care of authenticating our documents to go to Ethiopia). So as of right now, I don't have much left to do on my own. It's basically the home study and then sending that to all who needs it! Amazing! Just amazing!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I have accomplished a TON!!!

Lots of things done today!! Holy cow, it's like I had a fire lit under me!! :)

So, our fingerprints appt is tomorrow. I was shocked when I called to hear them say there was an opening. I'LL TAKE IT!! Got our dr's appts made. Mine isn't till next week, and Mark's the week after. But we've still got plenty of time and plenty of other things to do in the meantime. Talked to the insurance lady about getting our letter. That's usually a hard thing for me to get, so hopefully that'll go a bit smoother this time! Otherwise, the home study paperwork and Gladney's first packet is ready to be sent off!! This is amazing!!! :)

I'm tellin' ya....it IS so much easier the second time around!!!

One year home

One year ago, at this very moment I am typing (~10am) we were back on American soil. We had landed in D.C. and starting making our way thru everything to get to our next gate to fly home.
Over the past week(s) I have looked back thru so much over the past 1-2 years. From starting our orientation call to flying to Addis and back with our dear sweet daughter. If God isn't absolutely amazing, I really don't know WHAT you would call it!
So as we pursue adoption #2, it brings back lots of memories.....and speaking of memories....here are a few pics of our return home with our 3rd babe.





And a few more pics after Addison home for a week...





Sunday, April 19, 2009

Paperwork has started

So this afternoon I started on all the paperwork that lies ahead of us. I would say, 5-6 hours, doing as much as I can by myself. I'm very happy with what I accomplished today. I can say, so far, it does seem easier the 2nd time around. We know what we're looking for, kinda what we're doing, what to expect and what we'll need. That helps a ton!!!

So I went paperwork crazy today and have the initial stuff done to ship to USCIS tomorrow!! YAY!! Next to have my full attention is the home study info to get that going. Home study is needed for everything, so the sooner that is finished up, the sooner some of the other items on the list will be able to be checked off!! :)

It's now off to relax a little before starting back up tomorrow. I'm going to bed awfully happy tonite though!!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Happy "Gotcha Day"!!






Yes, 1 year ago today Mark and I held our little girl in our arms for the first time. Seems SO crazy!!!

I think back to 1 year ago....she was sitting up, drinking from a bottle, wearing 3-6 month clothes.....today she's RUNNING!, using a sippy cup and wearing 2T!! All I can say is....WHAT a blessing!!!




Saturday, April 11, 2009

Here we go again.....

So yesterday I was surprised to receive the other 2 emails we've been waiting on. ALL the paperwork we will be taking care of in the upcoming months. Got it all sorted thru this afternoon. Ready to get started come next week. Excited to get started, but yet, know what's in store. Lots of writing!! :) But we'll keep that little boy in our thoughts....he is our light at the end of our tunnel!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Paperwork has begun......

It is now official! As of just a few minutes ago, we have received our beginning information and paperwork for adoption #2. It's been a good day and it's gonna end even better!

Please pray this all goes well and smoothly for us. We are SOOOO excited to have another bundle of joy in our home to join our family!!

Monday, April 6, 2009

some pics from the weekend

Well, my oldest, Trevor, has now turned 5. I am still in shock!
Caleb, the middle one, is now 3. And completely onry!!
And, believe it or not, Addison is 20 months already!!
WHERE DOES THE TIME GO!?!??!?!

And, as of today, we are filling out the first of our paperwork. It's still the initial information and orientation stuff. After they receive this back, we'll then get the rest of the info and paperwork to dive in to everything we'll be doing again. The paperwork isn't always exciting, but keeping in mind the gift from God in the end is completely worth it!!




Friday, April 3, 2009

Adopting AGAIN!!!!

Yes, it is true!! We have made the decision we are going to adopt again! We are all so excited about this new venture and journey, once again, to our little child in Ethiopia....

We don't have all the information quite yet....still in the VERY beginning stages of this.....but stay posted.....more info will come as time goes by............